🇭🇷 Split, Croatia — Cruise Port Guide
A living Roman palace on the Adriatic — Diocletian's retirement home became a city, with a palm-lined Riva and island ferries at its feet.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Split
Best in May-June or September with warm, dry weather; July-August is hot (30°C+) and crowded, while winters are mild and quieter.
Getting back to the ship on time
Independent ferry trips to Hvar or bus/van trips to Krka Falls run on fixed schedules that can be delayed by traffic or ferry backups, so build in a large safety margin since the ship will sail without you.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Split
Diocletian's Palace
Lose yourself in the Roman cellars, peristyle and lanes.
Bell tower climb
Scale St. Domnius's campanile for harbour panoramas.
Marjan Hill
Pine-forest paths to viewpoints above the old town.
Riva promenade
Espresso and people-watching on the marble waterfront.
Bačvice Beach
Sandy city beach famous for picigin ball games.
Klis Fortress
Clifftop stronghold with sweeping Dalmatian views.
Popular excursions
Krka Waterfalls Day Trip
Boardwalks over cascading travertine falls in Krka National Park.
Blue Lagoon & Trogir Speedboat
Snorkel glassy turquoise shallows, then UNESCO Trogir's stone lanes.
What to eat
- Crni rižot (black risotto)
- Pašticada with gnocchi
- Grilled Adriatic fish
- Soparnik (chard pie)
- Fritule (mini doughnuts)
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Sep (warm, dry)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50° | 37° | 3.1" |
| Feb | 52° | 38° | 2.6" |
| Mar | 57° | 43° | 2.6" |
| Apr | 63° | 49° | 2.8" |
| May | 72° | 57° | 2.4" |
| Jun | 80° | 64° | 1.9" |
| Jul | 86° | 69° | 1" |
| Aug | 86° | 69° | 1.5" |
| Sep | 78° | 62° | 2.8" |
| Oct | 68° | 54° | 3.4" |
| Nov | 58° | 46° | 4.4" |
| Dec | 52° | 40° | 3.8" |
Local phrases
A little history
Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace here in 305 AD — today 3,000 people live inside it.
Klapa, Dalmatia's a cappella singing, is UNESCO-listed; groups perform in the palace vestibule.
Rubbing the big toe of Grgur Ninski's statue is said to bring luck.
Coffee on the Riva is a daily ritual — never rushed, rarely to-go.