It's game time!
We are just about 24-hours from kickoff at Poljud Stadium to see the rematch between Hajduk Split and Everton FC. A sold out spectacle at Poljud Stadium awaits, and roughly 1,300 Everton supporters will be making the trek from Liverpool to stand by their Blues in Croatia.
Many Everton supporters will be arriving in the sunny, seaside city of Split today in preparation for tomorrow’s spectacle, and while we can’t prepare them for the heat (consider yourselves lucky that the temperatures have dropped a few degrees), we can prepare them for everything else they need to know about the most beautiful city in the world, our Dalmatian capital of Split.
Here are a few handy tips to help you get through your stay.
Public Transportation:
From the airport, you can take the Split Airport Bus which will cost you 30 HRK. This will take you to the bus station in the center of Split, right by the Split Ferry Port and minutes from the entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. While you can always take a taxi to your destination, you should expect to pay around 300 HRK for the trip. The airport shuttle bus takes around 30 minutes without traffic.
You know that we have Uber here, right? And even better, we also have Uber Boat! For the most painless way to get around during your stay, switch on your trusty Uber application and hire a ride.
If you’re not an Uber user, don’t worry, we have plenty of taxis to get you around as well. Always be sure that your taxi driver puts the meter on before you leave your destination to ensure you don’t get ripped off. A trusted taxi service you can use to avoid this (which also has a mobile application) is Go Green Taxi Split. You can find their Facebook page here.
If you fancy taking the bus, you’ll want to keep the Promet Split website handy. Promet buses will take you most everywhere you need to go in Split, and you can buy tickets either at a kiosk or on the bus. Be sure to keep an eye on their website for travel updates, especially tomorrow surrounding the football match.
If you’re staying outside of Split in Stobreč, at the Hotel Lav, Podstrana, Dugi Rat, or Omiš, the Dalmatinac Bus will be your best friend. You can also take the local bus (number 60) but we promise you’ll be more comfortable on the Dalmatinac. You can also purchase these tickets onboard.
It is important to note that the center of Split is completely walkable. If you’re staying in the center of town or within the Old Town, you won’t need to pay much attention to this part of the piece.
And if you want to head to the islands for a day? You'll need to check out Jadrolinija if you want to head to Hvar, and for ferries to Brač and Šolta look here.
Beaches:
We have plenty of beaches you can enjoy around Split, and here are some of the most popular ones.
- Bačvice Beach: While this is certainly the easiest beach to get to from the center of town (15-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace), it is our public city beach and one of the only sandy beaches we have, therefore, expect crowds. Beach clubs, loud music, and plenty of food options can be found here.
- Žnjan: A 10-minute taxi ride from the center of town will take you to Žnjan. You can find plenty of beach clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even some water sports here to enjoy. You can also reach Žnjan by bus lines 7, 8, and 15.
- Obojena Svjetlost: Roughly 25-minutes walking outside of the city center is Obojena. There is not much beach entertainment here and you won’t find a large selection of catering facilities (loungers are also not available for rent), making this a good spot if you’re looking for the ultimate chill out.
- Kašjuni: Accessible either a taxi boat that runs from Matejuška (every half hour from 9:30-18:00 for 40 HRK) or by bus line number 12, Kašjuni is now home to Joe’s Beach Lounge & Bar. Drinks, meals, loungers, massages, and plenty of entertainment can be found here.
Where to eat:
Now, this is a hard one as Split has a plethora of wonderful food options for you to choose from. If you're looking for classic Dalmatian fare, seafood, burgers, or pizza on a budget, you'll find everything you're looking for - and it will be good.
Here are some of our favorites in the center of town:
- Brasserie on 7 located on our famous waterfront promenade, the Riva
- Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar for an extensive selection of Croatian wines and incredible charcuterie to boot
- Mazzgoon (and cocktails at Noor, their sister bar across the alleyway)
- Terminal F, Fabrique, F Marine, and F de Mar, all part of Split's F Group
- Chops Grill for some of the best steaks you'll ever have (we mean it)
- O'zlata if you feel like dining inside a 15-century courtyard at the Golden Gate
- Para di Šoto, located in the oldest hotel in Split
- Bokkamora for seriously good Napoletana style pizza
- Sexy Cow for wraps (conveniently located along the walk to Poljud Stadium)
- To Je Tako if you're feeling like Mexican
- Konoba Matejuška and Konoba Marjan for the freshest seafood in Split
- Corto Maltese for a seriously quirky and cool foodie experience
Pubs:
We know that Everton issued a statement warning you not to wear your team colors around Split for the match. That said, if you look like a proper tourist, you should be fine frequenting many of our bars around the city center.
While you can choose from hundreds of cafe bars in the Old Town and along the Riva, here are some we think you will enjoy.
- Charlie's Bar
- Leopold's Delicatessen Bar (for an incredible beer selection)
- Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar
- Barbarossa
- Jazzbina
- Ghetto Club
- La Bodega
A few more pointers...
Remember, Croatia is still on the Kuna! As of today, 1 GBP will get you just over 8 HRK. There are loads of cash points around the city center you can use, and while many restaurants take cards, be sure to have enough cash for the pubs!
If you need anymore help, you can always refer to our 10 things Everton fans should know about Hajduk and Split, we have a lot of info in there we think will come in handy during your stay.
And last but not least...
A message from Everton FC to fans attending the match tomorrow in Split.
TICKETS
Please note, there will be no collection facility in Split, nor will duplicate tickets be issued. Fans should not have purchased tickets if they did not plan to travel.
If you have any ticketing enquiries prior to the game, please contact the Fan Centre as you will need a valid match ticket for entry to the stadium.
Contact the Fan Centre on 0151 556 1878 if in the UK, or if you’re calling from overseas, dial 0044 1515 556 1878.
Please be advised: Supporters MUST avoid the North Stand of the stadium. You must only use a valid ticket designated to our official away section, as you will not be repositioned into the Official Everton area.
TRAVEL SAFETY
There will be a designated area in the city for fans to congregate before the match, accessible from 8am.
The gathering place is in Zvoncac Park, near the marina at the end of the coastal Riva promenade. The address is Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica BR3 and the gathering area in the park is adjacent to a bar called ‘Jungle’.
All Everton supporters are advised to congregate in this location.
Any fans travelling by coach, minibus or car into Split on the day of the game should exit the motorway at Junction A1 (signposted SPLIT) and await a police escort into the Fan Zone. The junction will be accessible from 8am.
There will be bus shuttles departing Zvoncac Park at 6pm. There will be a fleet of buses shuttle-running fans to the stadium from the park from 6pm onwards. The bus transfers are free of charge and will be supported by an escort from local police.
ACCESSIBILITY
There are no facilities for disabled fans in the away section. However, behind the South goal that is adjacent to the away area, the stadium does have disabled access. It is a safe area, not linked to any other fan areas.
There is a ramp down to the entrance, where a refreshment kiosk should be available (nothing hot) outside.
HELPFUL TIPS
We would ask all supporters to respect the residential town and surrounding areas of the stadium. We advise all fans to utilise the FanZone area on the day of the match, as well as the free shuttle buses to the stadium prior to the game.
For any foreign travel advice please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia
• Banners and flags are permitted in the stadium and can be set up within the visitor area within the stadium itself.
• Please be advised: Do not display flags outside bars or pubs within the town. This may act as a magnet for locals wishing to engage in violence. Also, we ask that fans do not wear Club colours when in the city, as this could again attract those seeking violence.
• Any anti-social behaviour is likely to be dealt with robustly. Supporters face arrest and on-the-spot fines for offensive behaviour.
• Those displaying signs of drunkenness will not be allowed entry into the stadium and could be arrested.
• The stadium will open two hours prior to kick-off (7pm local time).
• There will be no alcohol served within the stadium, in line with UEFA Europa League rules.
• Announcements will be made in English within the stadium.
• At the conclusion of the match, away fans will be allowed to leave the seated area of the stadium to make their way outside into a holding area where supporters will remain for 30-40 minutes after the final whistle. Supporters will be provided with food, drinks and toilet facilities at this time.
• There will be no coaches from the stadium after the game as there is no centralised drop-off point. Fans are advised to make their own way back into the city and to familiarise themselves with the area using the map below.
TURNSTILES AND STADIUM FACILITIES
Fans will gain access to the stadium either via a concrete ‘bridge’ walkway or a stairwell.
Visiting supporters will enter the away section via gate A. Ticket checks will take place on the left side of the entry by staff with handheld electric scanners. Any fan appearing without a ticket will then be escorted out of the stadium via the exit to the right.
Once tickets have been checked, security will carry out body searches in the caged area, with police monitoring the security operation.
There will be both male and female security staff to carry out these checks.
Toilets are situated at the rear of the visitors’ Section. Both males and females must use the steps which are located on either side of the entrance area.
The stadium will also have small catering outlets near the traveling supporters’ entrance in the exterior area. Supporters will not be allowed to take any type of drink container inside the stadium.
Inside the stadium, fans can purchase soft drinks and popcorn but no hot food is available.
EVERTON SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Everton Football Club does not condone the use of pyrotechnics under any circumstances. Any fan found using them will be subject to action by the Club and the Police. Being convicted of using a pyrotechnic could also result in a jail sentence. As a Club, we will also impose an indefinite ban on anyone caught using pyrotechnics.
As well as the risk of a ban or conviction, the devices have a serious effect on others, particularly those with breathing difficulties and the disabled who cannot easily get away from the smoke.
We have noticed an increase of persistent group “bouncing” and “throwing of items”, including beer and items being thrown into the air. This has happened at both home and away games.
Although it has only involved a small minority of fans, it has resulted in both the Club and the Police receiving complaints from supporters who have become soaked in beer or have been hit by items thrown. This is anti-social behaviour and people should not have to put up with this. As a consequence, both the Club, Merseyside Police and supporters’ groups have discussed how this should be addressed.
Firstly, both the Club and the Police want to make it clear that we want ALL our supporters to enjoy their day and we understand that this may include singing and an element of “bouncing” as a group.
However, a decision has been made that should home or away fans participate in the throwing of alcohol or any other items in any area of the stadium, they will be dealt with by Match Day Stewards with the full support of Merseyside Police Officers. This could culminate with an ejection from the ground or potentially an arrest, dependent on the specific circumstances.
This season, you will see more stewards and Police Officers on concourses, who will provide early advice should a situation look like it is getting out of control.
Please continue to enjoy the match but we ask that you also consider other supporters and how they will be affected by your behaviour and we ask for your support in this.
Welcome to Split! We hope you enjoy your stay.
