Villa Holidays in Split

Things to do

Beaches in split

The beaches of Split boast clean, calm waters, comfortable temperatures, welcoming cafes and a generally chilled ambience. Ranging from sandy to pebble, many are ideal for families but there is no shortage of choice. Bačvice is, for many, the jewel in the crown with shallow waters and a Blue Flag for cleanliness and amenities that make it a winner with locals and visitors. Meanwhile, at the foot of Marjan hill there are various pebble beaches with smaller crowds. Most beaches are south of Split harbour and offer a blend of picturesque coves (try Brela or the islands of Brac and Solta), pine forest backdrops and good associated facilities. All of our Split villas have stunning sea views, some with direct access to the sea for swimming, others with private sunbathing platforms over the water.

Activities in Split

From set-piece historical buildings to olive oil and wine tastings and museums and galleries to corners away from the city buzz, a villa holiday in Split can be as active (or as relaxing) as you please. The culture vulture will be rewarded with visits to Diocletian’s Palace - widely regarded as one of the most imposing Roman ruins anywhere, and the octagonal-shaped Cathedral of St Dominus; those in search of some gentle “me time” away from your villa will love exploring Split Old Town. Another great way to explore is out on the water; take a sea kayaking tour along the coastline or a day sailing to visit neighbouring islands of Brac or Vis.

Nature in Split

Often referred to as “the lungs of the city”, some time spent in Marjan Forest Park is recommended. With nature trails scattered around dense fragrant pine forests, ancient places of worship and numerous points at which to simply stop and relax, this really is a delightful oasis with plenty of opportunities for hiking tours or shorter, more gentle exploration of gently winding stone paths while, all around, wonderful views of Split and the Adriatic coastline abound.

Eating and Drinking in Split

From the signature dish of manistra na pome (pasta in tomato sauce) to excellent fish, hearty stews including Pasticada (Dalmatian beef stew with prunes and figs) and an abundance of fresh ingredients, good eating is a definite highlight of a villa holiday in Croatia. The Italian influence is evident along the coastline but Eastern European culinary traditions hold strong. Villa Spiza, within the palace walls, is a firm favourite with locals drawn to its menu of lovingly prepared risottos with local freshly caught seafood and stuffed peppers but you’ll find plenty of choice, from small and rustic to stylish and funky. And, with a producing history dating back to Ancient Greek settlers, the wine around these parts is equally as impressive. To try your hand at Croatian cooking from your villa’s kitchen, visits Split’s daily green market (Pazar) - a 1 minute walk from the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, for fresh seasonal produce including fruit and vegetables, to homemade cheese and cured meats; the fish market (Ribarnica) is on the western side of the city walls five minutes away.