February 1, 2021 – A bold declaration of love that first captured hearts in the city of Split has now travelled all across Croatia, as one city resident requested the hand of his beloved in a billboard proposal

Dominating the skyline on the city's northern shores, Poljud is perhaps the best known - and most visually impressive – football stadium in Croatia. Holding near 35, 000 people and boasting sleekly curved roofs on opposite sides, you can't help but admire the relatively modern arena when it is in eyesight.

But, over recent days, the gaze of city residents has drawn by a competing spectacle nearby. In an unabashed declaration of love and intent, one Split resident has placed a billboard proposal within eyesight of the stadium and the local swimming pools. The petition for marriage has captured the hearts of any passing by.

How local media outlet Dalmatinski Portal revealed the romantic request. Their story has since been picked up by national media and captured hearts all across Croatia © Dalmatinski Portal screenshot

Translated, the text of the billboard proposal reads:

"Baby
Here's where we met
Here's where you took my hand
Here's where I ask for your hand"

The billboard proposal was pictured and the romantic request revealed by local media outlet Dalmatinski Portal. Many Split residents had already seen the billboard proposal for themselves – it is prominently positioned near the crossroads where Osmih mediteranskih igara, Put Supavla and Ulica Zrinsko Frankopanska meet, in the area of the city which is also called Poljud. But, the story has since been picked up by national media in Croatia and has now raised hearts and smiles all across the country. And they say romance is dead!

No word has yet arrived as to whether the billboard proposal has been accepted. Perhaps the response might be issued in a more private manner? Or, if the recipient is as bold in expression as the proposer, perhaps keep your eyes peeled on the billboards of Split for a joyous 'yes'.

Recognition for the southern Dalmatian island as Korcula Town finds itself on Conde Nast Traveler's list of the most romantic small towns in Europe.

The association "Let Tijaricu" invites you to the 13th cultural and gastronomic event “Dani komina, pure i bronzina”. The event will be held in Tijarica on July 30, beginning at 19h.

Split’s old city walls exudes so much romance so we have picked out a few cafes where you can take your partner for a quiet moment in the spirit of love. 

Caffe Galerija

(Dominisova 9)

This cute café down a skew passageway in the palace has such a homely ambiance with deep flower-upholstered sofas and busy bookshelves; perhaps slightly inspired by English countryside interiors. The small space has intimate corners, perfect for an afternoon reading session or a private conversation with your love. Although it’s housed right next to a myriad of bustling café bars, Galerija is tucked away enough to keep out all the noise from its neighbors...read more.

Caffe Teak

(Majstora Jurja 11)

Oozing with history and charm, this teak-toned café sits against the original wall of Diocletian's Palace. This cosy café is divided into three parts and reveals many romantic corners…for ultimate privacy; there are hidden treasures below in a Roman basement dug into the wall where you can sneak in a kiss or two...read more

Kavana Luxor

(Kraj Sv. Ivana 11)

Luxor on Peristil might be the most popular café for tourist but it doesn’t make it any less original or romantic. Luxor offers romance all year round; in summer, grab a seat on the ancient steps of the Emperor’s square and listen to acoustic tunes under the stars, or in wintertime, tuck yourself into a love seat in the back room at the very left. Glaze at the ceiling mural and listen to the pianist play his winter tunes...read more about their music nights here.

Wine & Cheese Bar Paradox

(Poljana Tina Ujevica 2)

It may be a cliché but going on a wine and cheese date is definitely one of the most romantic suggestions to come up with and Paradox will serve the best of both. The warm interiors and stone exposed walls provide just the right scene for a romantic play. Grab a spot by the window and glaze at life passing by outside... Read more

Twins Café

(The first café on Riva from the Eastern end)

A spot at a bustling Riva café might not be your idea of romance but you might not know that Twins café has a balcony on the first floor with space for only two. This romantic belvedere provides the perfect spot for privacy as you watch the Adriatic horizon and busy life on Riva. If you want to sweeten your date even more, grab a French brioche in the bakery below...read more

Žbirac Café

(Bačvice Beach)

This no-frill beach café on the sandy Bačvice beach provides a perfect vantage point to leaping Picigin players in the popular sandy bay. Absorb the sunshine with your love on the lower deck in a corner tucked away from the buzz. This cafe is really a local beach lions. Flip flops, legs up, and a coffee in hand defines the laid back vibe in Žbirac... all as you look over the sandy beach below with Picigin games animating the scene. Best is sunset, when the sky turns pink and the beach crowd starts going home.

Figa Food Bar

(Buvinina 1)

During the day, Figa’s steps are perfect for a daytime conversation with your love. Enjoy a cocktail and vegetable focaccia on the ancient steps in this charming narrow alleyway as you people watch or glaze into your lover’s eyes... read more