Split Cruise Port Guide
Photos: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Kiara passion, GT GT, Bruno Seabra, Michaela Holecova, Gustava Klimt -kinga- · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Croatia
- Region:
- Adriatic & Croatia
- Coordinates:
- 43.5100° N, 16.4400° E
About Split
Split's cruise season runs from April through October, offering warm Mediterranean weather and long daylight hours perfect for exploring. As the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest on the Croatian coast, Split combines over seventeen centuries of continuous urban history with its role as a leading tourist destination.
The city's heart centres on Diocletian's Palace, a remarkable historical landmark just 0.2 km from the port. Within easy walking distance you'll find Saint Domnius' Cathedral and the Saint Domnius Bell Tower, both highly rated by visitors. The Archaeological Museum and Split City Museum provide deeper insight into the region's rich past, whilst the Split viewpoint offers panoramic vistas across the Adriatic.
Things to see and do
- Diocletian's Palace – the iconic Roman structure at the city's core
- Marjan Forest Park – a scenic green space 1.4 km from port
- Jupiter's Temple – an ancient historical site within the palace complex
- Saint Domnius' Cathedral and Bell Tower – medieval religious architecture
Split serves as a key hub for Adriatic cruises, with nearby ports including Dubrovnik, Kotor, Ravenna and Bari.
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, after the capital Zagreb, situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. As the administrative seat of Split-Dalmatia County and the largest city on the Croatian coast, it serves as a key economic, cultural, and transportation hub for the region. Developed around the historic core of Diocletian's Palace and extending across a central peninsula toward its surrounding suburbs and hinterland, Split combines a continuous urban tradition spanning more than seventeen centuries with a contemporary role as one of Croatia's leading tourist destinations. The city itself has a population of over 160,000, while the metropolitan area encompasses approximately 310,000 inhabitants.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Split on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Miguel Ángel; Díaz Ibáñez · via Google Maps Historical landmark
Diocletian's Palace
4.7 (93,741) 0.2 km from port
This huge, fortress-like palace served as a residence for a Roman emperor & the military garrison.
Near: Saint Domnius’ Cathedral (30 m) · Jupiter Luxury Hotel (44 m)
- Good for children
- 5 · “Diocletian's Palace is an incredible place where history comes to life. Walking through its ancient stone streets, hidden courtyards, and…” — Voyagefox Travel
- 5 · “Perfect visiting all the shops, seeing tg| ru>ns, and some great restaurants here - far better than along the water.…” — Catherine Dodge
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Photo: Praveen Natarajan · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Marjan Forest Park
4.7 (14,027) 1.4 km from port
Forested hillside park featuring jogging trails, lookout points, a botanical garden & more.
Near: IZVIĐAČA MARJAN memorial (44 m) · Viewpoint (61 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Mountain-based Parc - formerly accessible thru road - but entry is restricted for unknown persons (even handicap drivers can’t enter!).…” — Gabrjel
- 5 · “Great park for running, we stayed 3 days in Split and I went for a run every morning 6am as…” — Diana Halili
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Photo: Arpád Balogh · via Google Maps Church
Saint Domnius’ Cathedral
4.6 (7,592) 0.2 km from port
Built in 305 CE, this cathedral dedicated to the city's patron saint has a Romanesque bell tower.
Near: Saint Domnius Bell Tower (18 m) · Diocletian's Palace (30 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “The Cathedral of St. Domnius is one of the most fascinating stops in Split's old town, and its history makes…” — Voyagefox Travel
- 5 · “Beautiful landmark with an amazing view. The climb up the stairs can be a bit challenging, especially on a hot…” — Aggelos P
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Photo: Arheološki muzej u Splitu · via Google Maps Museum
Archaeological Museum in Split
4.3 (1,126) 0.8 km from port
Longtime archeological museum displaying diverse artifacts in an estate-like space with a garden.
Near: TISAK - ST-ARH. MUZEJ-SDT (34 m) · TECHNICAL SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND Mechatronics (78 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 4 · “Overall it was pretty good, although the AC in the main building was insufficient, making us uncomfortablely warm and consequently…” — Jamie B.
- 4 · “We'll presented, but I expected a little bit more for 8 Euros... The cats are cute. And they allowed us…” — H. E.
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Historical landmark
Jupiter's Temple
4.1 (1,096) 0.2 km from port
Built in the 3rd century & dedicated to Jupiter, this Roman temple features an Egyptian sphinx.
Near: Jupiter Luxury Hotel (25 m) · Diocletian's Palace (48 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:15 am – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “Located in the western part of Diocletian's Palace near the Peristyle, the central square of the imperial complex. Built between…” — Vadim Solodukhin
- 4 · “So grateful they have kept these structures in great condition inside the living Diocletian's Palace.” — D C
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Scenic point
Split viewpoint (belvedere)
4.7 (705) 0.8 km from port
Near: Marjan viewpoint (0 m) · Teraca Vidilica (19 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Stunning viewpoint with unbeatable panoramic views over Split and the Adriatic — a perfect spot for photos and relaxing for…” — Ginger
- 5 · “Good view of the whole city from this spot. Not a hard climb up the stairs from sea level.” — Alan Teo
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Tourist attraction
Saint Domnius Bell Tower
4.7 (640) 0.2 km from port
Near: Diocletian's Palace (14 m) · Saint Domnius’ Cathedral (18 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Friday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “A wonderful sight and climbing the tower especially the beginning was very narrow & tight with high step ups. Each…” — Water Rock Garden
- 5 · “The Saint Domnius Bell Tower is the most iconic landmark defining the skyline of Split! Rising 57 meters high from…” — Mark D
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Museum
Split City Museum
4.4 (503) 0.1 km from port
Museum with paintings, sculpture, weapons & armor housed in part of Diocletian's 4th-century palace.
Near: Split Golden Gate (45 m) · Gregory of Nin Statue (72 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- 5 · “This Museum has its own vibe. The fact you get to see the ancient city underneath the modern one gives…” — Rusula Inspiredbylove
- 5 · “Very friendly personnel, and newly built exhibitions. Very well made and presented. Especially the archeological floor (ground floor).” — Joe Farjallah
Map of Split and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Split
Cruises to Adriatic & Croatia mostly sail april to October.
- Jan
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- Apr
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Cruises calling at Split
Deals update daily — see all Adriatic & Croatia cruises.
