Split

If Croatia has an early digital nomad capital, then it has to be Split. Known until relatively recently as the Gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, Split has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade and is now regarded as one of the hottest destinations in Europe.

And no wonder! For this is a city which seemingly has everything, with locals calling it the most beautiful in the world, with the most beautiful women. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian’s Palace, the iconic Riva coffee stop (surely THE lifestyle centre of Croatia) to the lungs of Marjan Park and several idyllic islands a short ferry hop away, Split is a lifestyle destination of note. The vibrant expat community is expanding in quantity and diversity, and if you want a Croatian coastal experience with an international flavour, this is it. Some things to know about Split:

• Diocletian’s Palace is the main tourist attraction and was built as a retirement home for a Roman Emperor, Diocletian, in 325 AD.
• Split is a sporting city, home of tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic, and boasts more Olympic medals per capita than any city in the world.
• Split has its own World Championship – the curious game of Picigin,which you will see played daily at Bacvice beach with grown men throwing themselves in the air to keep a small ball dry.
• Ultra Europe takes over the city in July, the biggest electronic music festival in Europe.
• Split is a city of chocolate. Not only does it boast the largest chocolate square in the world, but also the first chocolate to play music as a vinyl record. Now go and google ‘Nadalina.’
• Looking for an active day with a difference? Rock climb up the sheer cliffs on Marjan and visit the incredible rock churches hewn into the rock.
• Split is fresh market heaven. Do not miss the incredible shopping experiences at both the Fish Market and the Green Market. The freshest and finest Dalmatian quality.

 

Connected by ferry and catamaran to the islands of Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Solta and Vis, Split is also 3.5 hours from Dubrovnik and Zagreb, while a bus ride gets you to idyllic Trogir. And don’t forget the amazing hinterland of inland Dalmatia – culture, nature, mountains and incredible hospitality just 30 minutes away by bus.

The newly expanded Split Airport terminal now hosts flights from more than 100 destinations in the season. Transport is reliable and affordable, with a good local and national bus network, and car-sharing options are on the rise.

Activities to check out: if you can get past the laganini cafe culture Split has an incredible range of things to do in and around the city. Sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, horseriding, rock climbing, skydiving, hiking, cycling, the list goes on. And don’t forget the art and culture – the museum and art gallery selection is outstanding. Did we mention wine? The birthplace of Zinfandel is next to Split Airport.

Festivals worth checking out:

• Feast of St Domnius, the Patron Saint of Split on May 7.
• Ultra Europe Music Festival in July
• The Split Summer Festival from May to October
• Days of Diocletian in August
• Advent in Split in December
• Coworking spaces in Split

There are plenty of supermarkets and fresh markets for your daily needs, and Internet shopping is growing in popularity. Uber, Wolt and Glovo are all firmly established, and credit cards are increasingly accepted.

Useful links:

• How to get from Split to Hvar
• How to get from Split to Dubrovnik
• How to get from Split to Zagreb
• A guide to Split Airport
• Split in a Page

Find your long term stay here: dnastay.com