Balkans (2018): From Dubrovnik To Split, Croatia

From the intact walled city of Dubrovnik, we travelled to Split - the second largest city of Croatia. The journey from Dubrovnik to Split takes approximately 4 hour and 30 minutes via bus, therefore we pre-book the morning bus so we able to reach Split by afternoon in order to have more time to explore the town. Do take note as the bus route passing through Neum Corridor which is Bosnia-Herzegovina territory, make sure to have your passport ready. 

#1: Split - the second largest city of Croatia

REACHING SPLIT BUS TERMINAL

Unlike Dubrovnik whereby its bus terminal is located out of the town, the main bus terminal of Split is just situated within the town center. From here, it takes only less than 10 minutes walk to our hostel. Besides the bus terminal, we even spotted the ferry port and train station are just around the corner making the changing or connecting with other means of transport is so convenient in Split. However if you are wondering why don't we travel from Dubrovnik to Split with train is because there is no train between these routes available so far. 

WHAT TO DO & SEE IN SPLIT

1) Diocletian's Palace - Facing the harbour, this ancient palace is one of the most remarkable and most valuable surviving monuments of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast. Listed as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian's Palace is undeniably the main attraction of the city of Split. Today, these ruins has turns the old town of Split with countless of cafes, restaurants, shops and apartments tucked in the old buildings on the narrow streets of the palace. If you are big fan of Games of Thrones, then you shouldn't miss this place as it was one of the shooting location. 

#2: Peristyle, an open-air pavilion


#3: There's an underground souvenir shops in Diocletian's Palace

2) Cathedral of St Domnius - Located inside Diocletian's Palace, this cathedral is also another most visited and most famous attraction in Split. But my friend and I were more interested with the Bell Tower where we can climb all the way up to the top for the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the whole town and the islands nearby it. But if you are afraid of heights, you better don't go up the bell tower cause it's 57 meters high and the only way to go up is by climbing the stairs. 

#4: Cathedral of St Domnius


#5: Panoramic view of Split from the top of the bell tower 

#6: Getting to the top it's hard but it's really worth it. Too bad it's not suitable for those who phobia of heights

That's all, to be frank. Someone actually asked me whether is Split worth to visit or not but this question is kinda subjective as everyone has his/her own preferences and interests. Split is well-known for a beach vacation and so, if you love hitting the beaches, then you can consider to include Bacvice Beach in your itinerary. Besides that, you can even do island hopping to nearby islands such as Brac or Hvar. Unfortunately for someone who is living and staying in a city filled with numerous of islands like me, I have enough with all these and decided to skip. 

My friend and I just wandered aimlessly around the Split Old Town walking through the cobbled, narrow streets, discovering some hidden alleyways and admiring the stunning architecture of Split landmarks.  

#7: Gregory of Nin statue at the North Gate of Diocletian's Palace. He is a medieval Croatian bishop who fought for the right to use the local Croatian language in church services. It's said that rubbing his left big tow brings good luck.

#8


#9: Green Market that sell all sorts of fruits and vegetables open very early in the morning


#10: Half kg of strawberries for the approx. to €1.50. Not sure consider cheap or not


#11: Not far from the Green Market, there are stalls selling various of souvenirs


#12: Almost everyday gelato-ing to beat the heat in Croatia


#13: Dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls


#14: Strolling along Split seafront promenade (Riva)

#15: We even have the time to get out from the town to have quick shopping at Mall of Split by taking local bus #18.

SLEEPING IN SPLIT

Hostels have sprouted all around Split in the couple of years. There are great collection of hostels within Split Old Town and we settled down in the one by the name of Downtown Hostel. One thing I enjoy about this hostel is that its common room has terrace overlooking the town underneath. However I doubt whether this hostel has 24-hour front desk cause there were group of guests making loud noise in the middle of the night. So inconsiderate! 

#16: 4-bed mixed dormitory room


#17: No breakfast provided. We cooked and prepared by ourselves.

Downtown Hostel of Split

Date Stayed: 20 May to 22 May 2018 (2 nights)

Room Rate: €19 per night for a bunk bed in 4-bed mixed dormitory room without breakfast (Booked via Booking.com)

TOTAL SPENDING IN SPLIT 

PARTICULARS	AMOUNT
	€/KN	RM
Accommodation Downtown Hostel – 2nights Transportation Dubrovnik to Split via bus City Bus to Mall of Split (Return) Admission Fees Bell Tower of St. Domnius Food 1st day lunch 1st night dinner Gelato Groceries Others Magnet Postcard Stamps Souvenirs	€38 125kn 22kn 20kn 29kn 48kn 10kn 43kn 20kn 3kn 43kn 59kn	184 81 15 14 20 33 7 29 14 2 32 40
TOTAL (RM)		507

Exchange Rate: €1.00 (RM4.84) = 7.13 kuna on average

Previous Post on My 2018 Balkans Trip

• 48 Hours in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sarajevo to Mostar By Train and Stari Most
• A Day Trip To Blagaj Tekija, Pocitelj, Kravice Falls & War Tour
• Can't Help Falling In Love With Dubrovnik
• Old City Walls of Dubrovnik