As the temperatures are surely beginning to rise on the Croatian coast this summer, giving us 30°+ days with scorching sun and sweat filled clothes, we know we are in for another heater. Luckily for those of us living in or visiting Split, we have many options to cool down when we’re feeling that we’re really in need of a freezer.
Here are some ways you can beat the heat while you’re staying in Split:
Podrum (basement) in Diocletian’s Palace: Because Diocletian must have surely known how hot the Croatian summers get, his underground basement keeps a perfectly cool temperature (the thick cement walls surely have something to do with this as well). Diocletian’s basement is filled with shops and art exhibits, so as to ensure you won't be bored while you’re wandering around underground in an effort to dry your sweat soaked clothes. A great place to learn the history of Split, shop, and keep cool, this is a winner.
Riva Cafes (with misters): Yes, the riva cafes aren’t all suited best to keep you cool, but some of them do boast water misters that surely help! You can find about 5 cafes on the riva that have water misters, and the cafe tables you’ll need sit at to feel them are in the front. The riva cafes are also mostly all in the shade, a factor that indeed helps the heat as well.
Shopping Malls: We’ve mentioned this time and time again but yes, Split has 3 shopping malls. Joker is located about a 15 minute walk from the center, and the Mall of Split and City Center One a short bus ride away on the number 18 bus. Each mall is heavily air conditioned and filled with shops, food courts, and play areas for the kids. Split also boasts the largest shopping malls in Dalmatia, a great tourist destination at that!
Parks: Marjan and Sustipan are two heavily shaded parks in the center of Split. A great place for a picnic or a nap, you can almost entirely escape the sun here! Marjan even has beaches at the foot of the park, and Sustipan is a short walk from various beaches.
Beaches: A no brainer, beaches are always a go-to to break the heat. Although sometimes the temperature of the water may feel too warm to combat the heat of the sun, a good dip in the Adriatic may be all you need. Kašjuni, Obojena, Bačvice, Zenta, and Žnjan name just a few of the beaches we have in the city, all are accessible by foot or by bus.
Restaurants and Bars: Another no brainer, typically all of our bars and restaurants are air conditioned. Drink, eat, bask, and relax as you can kill a lot of time in our Split establishments. Do as the Dalmatians do!
Day Trips: From Split you have plenty of day trips you can take, from National Parks like Krka (you can swim in waterfalls here) or islands such as Šolta, Brač, and Hvar. All destinations are either a quick bus ride, ferry, or catamaran trip away.
