Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
A Roman emperor's retirement palace turned living city — Split's old town is Diocletian's Palace, a 1,700-year-old UNESCO labyrinth where people still live, eat, and drink among ancient columns.
A Roman emperor's retirement palace turned living city — Split's old town is Diocletian's Palace, a 1,700-year-old UNESCO labyrinth where people still live, eat, and drink among ancient columns.
Cruise ships berth at the Split International Passenger Terminal (Gat Sv. Duje), right on the Riva waterfront — the old town and Diocletian's Palace are a 5-minute walk from the gangway.
💡 Pro move: Split has one of the most central cruise piers in the Mediterranean. Almost nothing requires a shuttle or taxi — the entire old town is walkable from the gangway.
All cruise ships dock directly on the Riva waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Diocletian's Palace and the old town — no shuttle required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Gat Sv. Duje (International Passenger Terminal) — Riva waterfront | Docked |
| Small/expedition ships | Adjacent quays along the Riva | Docked |
Split rewards walkers, but the Dalmatian islands just offshore make some of the best half-day trips in the Mediterranean.
The Palace is not a museum you visit — it's the living old town. Wander the Peristyle, descend into the remarkably preserved basement vaults (substructures entry ~€8), climb the Cathedral bell tower for views over the rooftops, and duck into the tiny streets where locals hang laundry between 1,700-year-old walls.
Find Diocletian's Palace tours →A fast catamaran (~1 hr from Split Ferry Terminal, tickets ~€25 each way) reaches Hvar Town — one of Croatia's most photogenic spots, with a medieval fortress, lavender-scented hillsides, and a lively waterfront. Check ferry times to ensure you're back before all-aboard.
Find Hvar day trip tours →Just 27 km from Split, Trogir is a tiny island city whose medieval core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Romanesque portal) and the compact old town make it a superb half-day trip by taxi (~€30–35 one-way) or local bus (line 37, ~€3).
Find Trogir tours →About 85 km north of Split, Krka National Park offers travertine waterfalls and turquoise river pools. Most cruise-line excursions and local tour operators run half-day trips by coach. Swimming in the falls area has been restricted in recent years — verify current rules before booking.
Find Krka National Park tours →Guided sea kayaking tours launch from the Riva and paddle along the sea-facing walls of Diocletian's Palace, then out to the small Sustipan peninsula. A great way to see the city from the water and get active on a port day.
Find kayaking tours Split →Split's Green Market (Pazar), just outside the eastern Palace gate, is one of the best produce markets on the Adriatic. Guided food tours take in the market, local konobas (taverns), peka (slow-cooked lamb or octopus), and Dalmatian wine. Book in advance in summer.
Find food tours Split →Split's old town is perfectly sized for walking — the entire Palace complex, Meštrović Gallery, and Marjan Hill are all reachable on foot from the pier.
Walk east along the Riva from the pier to the Bronze Gate (southern Palace entrance). Step through into the vaulted basement vestibule, then climb the stairs to the Peristyle — the ancient courtyard where emperors received guests, now ringed by café tables. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Jupiter's Temple are right here.
Exit the Palace via the Iron Gate (western side) to the People's Square (Narodni Trg), then head west through the Varoš neighbourhood and up the wooded slopes of Marjan Hill. The terrace at Telegrin viewpoint gives a panorama over Split's rooftops, the Riva, and the Dalmatian islands.
Climate normals for Split, Dalmatia, Croatia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51°F / 11°C | 40°F / 4°C | 12 |
| Feb | 55°F / 13°C | 42°F / 6°C | 11 |
| Mar | 58°F / 14°C | 44°F / 7°C | 9 |
| Apr | 64°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 11 |
| Jun | 81°F / 27°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 4 |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 8 |
| Oct | 70°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 9 |
| Nov | 62°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 14 |
| Dec | 55°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C | 11 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Split, Dalmatia, Croatia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.