The Ultimate Guide to Split's Peak Season: Insider Advice for a Memorable Trip
Croatia has continuously grown in popularity in the past years as a travel destination for the backpacker who wants to get off the beaten path. Unbeknownst to many, it has so much more to offer than some would realize. The coast of Croatia stretches along the Adriatic Sea, offering many sights to see along with crystal clear blue waters.
My week in Croatia was spent in Split and the surrounding islands and parks. Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the beauty of the coastline. As I made my way to my hostel, the sun was already setting, creating a beautiful golden hour in its stead.
As you may or may not have figured out by now, traveling around Croatia and other Balkan countries is a bit different than in other European countries. There is little to no train travel. In fact, the further you go, the less there is. Instead, most backpackers opt for buses. Personally, I use FlexBus for all my tickets as I have found they offer the best options and lowest prices.
The bus stopped at the main bus station just outside of the city center. As it was not yet nightfall, I felt comfortable walking to my hostel which was only two km from the stop. To some, lugging a backpack and yourself after a long journey is not ideal, but for me, it gave a good lay of the land before heading to my hostel.
I ended up staying in a quiet place by the name of Hostel Split Garden. As per usual, I booked this through HostelWorld. Yes, I realize I mention them often, but really they are one of the best places to find affordable hostels along with honest reviews.
As for the Split Garden hostel, I can say that it was okay. In general, it was clean and in a good location. However, if you enjoy hanging out, there is only one very small lounge area. This becomes quite impractical when it rains, as the covering is too torn up to offer any protection.
However, the hostel was right in the middle of the old town, allowing for peaceful strolls in the early morning before the crowds. The unique stone buildings give off a vibe of a small village in Italy. There are also a plethora of restaurants and cafes to visit.
As it is peak season, I can say that the best option is to rise early. I am not a person who stays out late at the club (I need my beauty sleep), so the mornings are always my favorite. One thing I would recommend going early to is the Diocletian Palace. It was built in the fourth century for the Roman emperor Diocletian. What some may find even more interesting is that it was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
With it being right in the heart of Old Town, it is not a far walk if you plan to stay in the city center. I would also suggest it in the early hours as by midmorning, the place is packed with tourists which in my opinion takes away from the magic of these ancient ruins. There is also the option of getting a walking tour through the palace as well as entering various areas that are restricted unless you have a ticket. The cost is around five euros and will take you into extra rooms and the basement of the palace.
If you are up for a little exercise, I would also recommend a hike up Marjan. This hill offers a beautiful view of Split from the top. A fair warning to the unsuspecting traveler: there are many stairs. I was completely oblivious to this as I decided to hike to the top at sunset. With only 20 minutes before the sun went down, I ended up running up the entire hill. Let's just say I definitely got my leg day in.
Still, it was absolutely worth it to watch the sun slowly set behind the Mosor Mountains. A practical tip is to hike this either in the early morning or evening as the sun gets quite intense throughout the day. A plus to this is catching the sunrise or sunset!
Another thing you cannot miss is the plethora of islands and boat tour options around Split. As you walk through the Promenade, which stretches along the oceanfront, you'll find many shops, restaurants, and touring companies. All of them are offering competitive prices. Normally, I book ahead for these things, but I ended up getting a great deal when purchasing from a local tour company for the following day.
As it was peak season, I am not sure if this was normal or just solo traveler luck, as most places always have one seat free. However, if you are much more of a planner, then I would recommend booking in advance if this is something you do not want to miss. The boat tours take you out into crystal clear blue water, usually stopping by several islands and allowing you to take a dip in the gorgeous sea.
As for island hopping, you cannot come to Croatia and not partake in this adventure. There are a plethora of islands around Split, most of them only a 30-minute to 1-hour ferry ride away. Hvar is one of the most popular destinations for island hopping from the port of Split.
However, I also recommend Ragac if you are looking for a place a bit less touristy. This island seems to be less known to tourists and has a peaceful vibe to it. While there, I felt like I was the only tourist, surrounded by locals. I ended up hiking to the small village at the top of the hill and wandering through the ancient stone streets, then heading back down and enjoying a quiet and remote beach with perfectly clear blue water.
If you are looking for a day trip, I would recommend going to Krka Falls. You can catch a bus from the main station; it will take you about an hour to get to the entrance of the park from Split. Once you have your ticket, a boat will take you into the center of the park. There you can take in the stunning landscapes and breathtaking falls.
A few side notes: if you are a student, bring your ID as there is a generous discount for the entrance fee. Also, if you plan to travel to the park during peak season, it will be crowded. In fact, it was almost too crowded. I do wish I would have had a chance to go in the off-season as the number of people takes away from the natural beauty of the park.
Additionally, if you Google this place, you will see many people swimming near the falls. Be aware that they no longer allow this as the government wants to protect this beautiful landscape. It is sad, as I showed up with my bathing suit ready to dive in. Still, I am happy to see the government prioritize the preservation of nature over the attractions of tourism. Regardless of all this, I would still recommend seeing the falls.
Split has so much more to be explored than what I have detailed in this post. In fact, all of Croatia is another Balkan gem that should be searched out by any traveler. With its rich history and culture, this destination will not leave you bored. Rather, it will only leave you wanting more.
~A Fellow Wanderer