February 22, 2020 - Become one with the secrets of springtime and awaken your body and being to a whole new level this April at divota apartment hotel in Split. 

divota apartment hotel, one of the most cherished accommodation offers in Split today, is turning a new leaf to wellness in 2020.

With energy work already at the core of their company culture for years, divota apartment hotel is using the new year to offer unique wellness practices, many of which will be new experiences to the Dalmatian capital.

In an effort to help guests live and lead a more holistic life, divota will promote the powers of springtime and begin their wellness journey with a Silence & Anti-Aging Health Retreat led by Shai Tubali this Easter. 

Shai Tubali has been an international speaker, author, and spiritual teacher for over 18 years, and is considered one of Europe's leading experts and innovators in the field of chakras and the subtle system. Shai Tubali combines psychology, philosophy, Yogic traditions, and Eastern thought and practices into powerful processes of inner transformation.

Thus, this April at divota, Shai Tubali will teach you the secrets of being young and fresh through profound meditation states, unique practices, a deep state of rejuvenating silence, and a thorough knowledge of the body and subtle body system. Shai Tubali combines his experience and deep understanding of health and spirituality to help you create a transformative rejuvenation in your body, mind, and spirit. 

Romulic & Stojcic

Through inspiring talks, guided meditations, special health practices, and supportive, bespoke nutrition, the silence retreat will help you become one with the secrets of springtime and awaken your body and being to a whole new level of vitality and well-being. Participants will also enjoy full accommodation at divota apartment hotel, and vegan, organic, and healthy homemade food.

Participants can even choose to enhance their retreat experience by adding individual treatments like Shiatsu or Kum Nye Tibetan healing massage, to name a few. 

The Silence & Anti-Aging Health Retreat is scheduled from April 11 to 15, 2020. The retreat will be held in English with live translation into German. You can find more information about the program, cost, and accommodation at divota apartment hotel HERE.

But that’s not all guests can look forward to at divota apartment hotel this year.

Stay tuned for the announcement of even more retreats that will take guests well into the summer season, while the opening of the divota yoga garden, meditation center, and healthy corner will delight guests this spring. 

divota apartment hotel is the only holistic city retreat hotel in Croatia and an unmatched boutique hotel located in the heart of Split that has added a spark to the Varos neighborhood since it first opened its doors. 

Formed by 13 stone houses, divota boasts cozy rooms, studio apartments, and an authentic Dalmatian villa, while its breakfast room, spa, and concierge are just some of its perks. 

A pioneer in harmonizing the Mediterranean authenticity of the area with a contemporary and stylish twist, divota operates with high hotel standards, allows guests a full range of services, and promises a powerhouse of professionals to ensure your stay is decorated with all of the right elements. 

To make sure you never miss a divota beat, be sure to follow them on Facebook and check out their rooms, studio apartments, and villa here.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

February 8, 2020 - The Split Half Marathon returns this month to celebrate its 20th edition with new events and a new name - Split Marathon. 

Who says the offseason is boring in Split? February not only boasts Carnival, but just two weeks away, the racing season begins with the Split Marathon. 

Namely, on February 23, 2020, this Split racing event will kick off for its 20th edition with a series of new events, including the full marathon and marathon relay, and the already well-known half-marathon, 5K race, and kids’ races (650 m, 1,250 m and 2,500 m).

The biggest news is certainly the inaugural Split marathon.

The Split Marathon is an AIMS certified trail that tours the peninsula of Split, with a short excursion to Solin and a tour of Vranjic (known as Little Venice). The start and destination are at the Riva, right next to Emperor Diocletian's Palace (which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List). On the course, there are 12 refueling stations and 10 lap times with live tracking of each runner. 

The relay marathon is run in 4 shifts (according to IAAF rules), 3 sections of 10 km and one section of 12,195 km, and can be run as men's relay (4 M), women's relay (4 W) or as mixed (2W + 2M).

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica – Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Solinska ulica – Splitska ulica – Krešimirova ulica – Obala pomoraca – Krešimirova ulica – Splitska ulica – Solinska ulica – Hercegovačka ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – ZrInsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Obala Lazareta – Obala kneza Domagoja – HŽ Bačvice – Plaža Bačvice – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Put Firula – Spinčićeva ulica – Šetalište Kalafata – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – OKRET – Šetalište pape Ivana Pavla II – Šetalište Kalafata – Spinčićeva ulica – Put Firula – Šetalište Petra Preradovića – Hatzeov perivoj – Ulica Matije Gupca – Prilaz braće Kaliterna – Plaža Bačvice – HŽ Bačvice – Obala kneza Domagoja – Obala Lazareta – Hrvojeva ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Marmontova ulica – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

The 20th edition of Split Half Marathon will run on an AIMS certified track that has been modified with fewer ascents. The start and finish are on the Riva, with 6 refreshment stations on the course and 6 lap times with live tracking of each runner. 

Route: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – Marmontova ulica – Ulica kralja Tomislava – Zagrebačka ulica -Manuška poljana – Livanjska – Ulica Domovinskog rata – ulica Zbora narodne garde – Ulica Domovinskog rata – Stinice ulica – Put Supavla – Lora – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Stadion Poljud – Osmih mediteranskih igara – Zrinsko Frankopanska – Ulica 7 Kaštela – Matoševa ulica – Šetalište Marina Tartaglie – Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića – Obala kneza Branimira – Trumbićeva obala – Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda – FINISH

In the starter pack, along with the starting number and a chip, participants will receive a backpack, T-shirt, a towel, accreditation with numerous discounts during the race weekend and sponsor gifts. Every participant who finishes the race will receive a medal, which will be even better than last year.

Last year, the race saw 3,300 participants and 15,000 visitors. This year, numbers should be even larger.

All information about the race can be found here.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

January 30, 2020 - Split City councilors have decided to charge the maximum tourist tax for cruisers moored at the port or anchored in the Split area from May 1st to October 31st. In the offseason, cruises will be charged half that amount.

Thus, Splitski Dnevnik reports that in the heart of the season, Split will charge a maximum of 2000 kuna for ships with a capacity of 50 to 200 passengers, and in the rest of the year, 1000 kuna, while cruisers with a capacity of 1001 to 2000 people will be charged 20,000 kuna during the season, and only 10,000 during the offseason. 

As for the highest categories, from 3001 passengers and more, the maximum 40,000 kuna will be charged from May to October, and in the offseason, 20,000 kuna will be charged.

“The position of the Split City Port in cruise tourism is ideal, as the guest is five to six minutes away from the city center, and that is exactly what they are charged for, for the opportunity we offer them,” said Tonči Blažević of HSLS.

"In addition to the source of funds, utilities are also a management tool, and every entrepreneur working in the season knows that. That is why there should be a difference in tax concerning periods. We keep saying that there is only tourism in the summer, but it has extended for most of the year and by dividing the tax, we can direct this type of tourism towards those months where we have lower attendance and reduce the burden on infrastructure in the peak months. A small step is also a step,” Blažević said, proposing an amendment that charges the maximum price from May to October and the suggested amount in the other months.

A similar amendment was submitted by the councilors of the Pametno party, who suggested that the highest price should be from June to September,  and 50% of the amount for the rest of the year. According to the law, the city or municipality receives 85 percent of this money, and County 15, and by law, the funds raised are earmarked for improving public and tourism infrastructure and for projects and programs for sustainable development. The public consultation was held from December 10 to December 31, to which no objections were received, said Pavo Zaninovic, head of the tourism department of the Department for Economy, Crafts and Tourism of the City of Split.

"This decision takes effect from January 1, 2021, and the city council must adopt the decision by January 31 of the current year for the next one," Zaninovic said.

However, the debate on this topic was very heated.

Recall, Dubrovnik has decided to charge the maximum amount for cruisers from 2021. They expect revenues of HRK 10-14 million per year.

Zadar, for example, decided that for the Gaženica port, which is a large infrastructure project made with state money, they would continue to charge nothing for cruisers in order to increase their competitiveness, but also divert cruisers to a location outside the crowded city center. For this reason, cruisers who want to anchor in the city center, next to the ‘Monument to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, will be charged the maximum because it is an attractive location.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

January 4, 2020 - The Split Tourist Board announces yet another record year. 

Not surprising, Split has ended 2019 with new records. Namely, Splitski Dnevnik reports that in December, Split hosted a record-breaking 17,000 guests, up 19 percent on arrivals and with 37,800 overnights, an incredible 17 percent increase over the previous year. As many as 10,426 foreign tourists (20 percent more than last year) visited Split in the final month of 2019, confirming its attractiveness in all seasons. Among the international visitors to Split in December, most guests came from Asia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, but also Slovenia, Austria, Germany and the United States.

“Advent events, numerous exhibitions, manifestations, entertainment and cultural events and the spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, which has been the most popular in Croatia for a decade, are the reasons for visitors to Split in December, which brought excellent tourist results. We are particularly pleased with the significant increase in the number of foreign guests in Split this year, which was two thousand more than last year. Also, 6,500 Croatians chose to visit Split in the last month of the year, which is a thousand more than last year, and confirms the popularity of Split and its offer among citizens from all parts of Croatia,” said the Split Tourist Board. 

Tourist figures for the whole of 2019 in the city of Split have never been better as tourist traffic reached nearly one million arrivals (943,907) and 2.75 million overnights. With that, Split has registered a 9 percent increase in guest arrivals and overnight stays throughout 2019, which is one of the largest in Croatia at the year-round level.

The largest number of foreign guests in Split in 2019 were US citizens (105,000), followed by Britons (94,000), then the Germans, French, Australians and Italians. In 2019, 75,000 Croatian citizens chose Split as their holiday destination.

“We are particularly pleased by the fact that guests stayed in Split for an average of three days, making Split one of the most successful city-break destinations, since according to UNWTO, cities in Europe have an average stay of 2.4 days, which Split's offer exceeded,” concluded the Split Tourist Board.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 21, 2019 - Why should you visit Split this winter? A closer look. 

When thinking about Split, we’re relatively sure you imagine the summertime, as the word is almost synonymous with a holiday in the hot sun. But those of us who have been lucky enough to experience Split in the wintertime will tell you that this Dalmatian hotspot is worth visiting any time of the year. 

While the sea may be too cold to swim and you shouldn’t count on getting tanned, Split in the winter is magic. And we’re here to tell you why. 

Advent celebrations

One of the more obvious reasons Split lights up in the wintertime is thanks to  Advent, a festive holiday celebration held for all of December that can get any grinch into the Christmas spirit. Split is known as one of the more unique Advent celebrations - or where Christmas meets the coast. The seaside city transforms into a winter wonderland, where locals and visitors can imbibe in warm mulled-wine, steamy sausages, and cultural concerts and events. This year’s Advent will even feature an ice skating rink at Dardin park in the heart of the city, while the party at Perivoj should not be skipped. 

Winter menus

One of the best things about winter is the food - and the fact that you can enjoy it all since no one will see you in a swimsuit anytime soon. One thing Split can boast is a thriving restaurant scene with creative brains behind them who use the changing seasons to craft unique menus for their faithful patrons to taste. This is no different in the winter, where you’ll find hearty winter menus on display at many of the restaurants in the center. Better yet, many restaurants choose to honor the locals in the offseason with promotional menu prices - from 3 courses to 8! 

Winter concert schedule 

While the summer may be known for its party, the winter in Split is when the real fun happens - and that’s mostly thanks to a packed winter concert schedule. Many venues that close for the summer reopen in the winter to give the locals a place to let loose in the offseason. Some of Croatia’s biggest pop stars, singers, and rock groups will take the stage in Split throughout the season in a more intimate setting than you can imagine at a summer festival. From Severina to Pshihomodo Pop, this winter in Split will be anything but dull. 

No crowds

Another apparent reason Split is enjoyable in the winter is the lack of crowds. While the empty alleyways may be eerie to some, for the locals, they are a dream. Tour groups no longer pack into the center like sardines in a can, and we are given a chance to walk peacefully around the city to admire the ancient history around us. You’ll also find that you can breathe visiting museums or many of Split’s famous attractions, which promises even better photos for you to take home in the end. 

The weather

There is one fundamental rule you should follow in Split - and that is never to forget your sunglasses no matter the time or the weather. But whoever coined this golden rule was certainly onto something, and that’s because the weather in Split often calls for the sun. It doesn't matter that it is winter, the forecast in Split could call for sunshine, and the cafes on the Riva could be as packed as a hot summer day. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Split this winter, let Solo Transfers lead you there! Offering professional, reliable, and stress-free services at a friendly price, you won’t want to travel any other way. You can find out more information on their website. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 24, 2019 - The Split Tourist Board is looking at the model of San Sebastian, Spain, to develop 365 tourism in the city. 

Organized by the Split Tourist Board, Dalmatinski Portal reports that representatives of private renters, hoteliers, travel agencies, camps and museums visited tourism representatives in the city of San Sebastian, Spain, where they exchanged their experiences of managing a tourist destination that successfully realized year-round tourism.

The Donostia - San Sebastian Tourism Organization prepared a series of presentations for the Split representatives for them to get acquainted with the products of the city and the wider region. This especially focused on congress tourism they are successfully developing, as well as ways to attract guests all year long. By the size and population, this Spanish city is most similar to Split, with its strategic commitment to year-round tourism based on the offer of culture and gastronomy, and according to Trip Advisor, next to Bilbao, San Sebastian was selected as the best European destination. 

Among the various topics in destination management, the development of musical events was particularly discussed. In addition to investing in destination development, San Sebastian has an average hotel occupancy of 300 days a year. Thus, as part of this visit, Split's tourism representatives had the opportunity to hear and see their experiences in managing the destination that led to such business results.

San Sebastian cooperates with the Tourism and Hospitality School in educational and tourism experiences, which presented an opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills, especially in light of the fact that in the first nine months of this year, the number of overnights by Spanish guests in Split increased by 20 percent compared to last year.

Recall, Alijana Vukšić, director of the Split Tourist Board, revealed that 837,125 guests visited Split in the first nine months of 2019, with almost 2.5 million tourist overnights achieved. Thus, 67,000 more guests chose Split for their holiday than last year. 

American tourists make up the biggest market for Split, followed by the United Kingdom. The U.S. and U.K. tourists are followed by the French, Germans, Australians, Spanish, and Italians.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 10, 2019 - Split has recorded the best nine months in tourist traffic ever. A look at the successful year so far thanks to the Split Tourist Board. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that Alijana Vukšić, director of the Split Tourist Board, revealed that 837,125 guests visited Split during that period, with almost 2.5 million tourist overnights achieved.

Namely, with this result, Split surpassed last year's best tourist year by as much as 8 percent in the number of visits, while the number of overnight stays is up 9 percent from last year.

According to the Split Tourist Board,  in the first nine months of this year, 67,000 more guests chose Split for their holiday than last year. Such a successful result could not be achieved without the contribution of an excellent September, in which 120,584 guests visited the Dalmatian capital and recorded 337,868 overnight stays. Thus, September saw a 4 percent increase in the number of guests and 5 percent more overnight stays.

“The tourist traffic in Split in the first nine months of this year differs from everyone else in Croatia in that Split is the only city where Americans take first place throughout the year in terms of the number of visits,” said the proud Split Tourist Board director.

In September alone, almost 18,000 Americans visited Split, while this year in total, Split hosted just under 100,000 tourists from the United States, who believe Split is a requirement on their Croatian holiday. 

“These are the consumers who, according to the latest research, spend about 160 euros a day traveling here, staying in more expensive accommodation, and staying longer in Split than elsewhere.

It is well known that Americans spend only one night on their travels in Europe, while in Split so far, they have spent 2.4 nights on average,” Vukšić points out.

Guests from the United Kingdom stay in Split for more than three days and are the second biggest market for Split. So far, there have been about 90,000 tourists from the U.K. in Split, who managed about 300,000 overnights. The U.S. and U.K. tourists are followed by the French, Germans, and Australians, as well as the Spaniards and Italians

“At the beginning of October, arrivals and still full flights to the Split Airport from more than 100 European destinations confirm that Split is equally interesting in all seasons, and guests arriving in the coming days will be able to enjoy several entertainment, cultural and sporting events,” adds Vukšić.

Vukšić notes that tourists are especially interested in the Split Gourmet Expo - a gastronomic exhibition of Split restaurants, taverns, and hotels on the Riva, though some other manifestations are being prepared. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 1, 2019 - Need something to do in Split when the sun isn't shining? A closer look at rainy-day activities in the Dalmatian capital. 

If you follow Croatian tourism, chances are, you’re aware that the Croatian National Tourist Board and Ministry of Tourism are moving their focus towards ‘year-round’ tourism, and primarily, tourism that doesn't need the ‘sun and the sea’. 

Split is one of Croatia’s top destinations, the bustling capital of Dalmatia, and is known for its waterfront promenade and accessibility to many of Dalmatia’s islands. Namely, it is the spotlight of a summer holiday. 

However, with autumn in full swing (though this extended summer weather might say otherwise), we thought we’d run through everything possible in Split without the sunshine. 

The Cinema

Let’s start with an easy one - going to the cinema. Known to be a favorite activity for the cozier months, this pastime has never lost its touch. Fortunately, those of you in Split have quite a few cinemas to choose from, like the Cineplexx at City Center One, where you can enjoy 3D and the new MX4D technology, the Cinestar at the Joker Shopping Center, or Mall of Split’s Cinestar 4DX, which was named the best new cinema in Europe in 2018. However, if you’re looking for something central and a bit more modest, you can always visit Kino Karaman, or see what’s playing at Kinoteka Zlatna Vrata. 

Ivanisevic Ivan - ivanisevicivan.com

Shopping Malls

Did you know that Split has three shopping malls, one of which is the largest shopping mall in Dalmatia? If you feel like splurging on some of the world’s leading fashion brands or diving into the food court comfort of McDonald's, Burger King, or Chinese, you won’t find it hard to kill some time outside of the sunshine here. You can choose between Joker, which is the closest shopping centre to the old town (10 mins on foot), the Mall of Split, which is accessible by public transport buses 1, 5, 6, 10, 16, 18, and 22, or City Center One, which can be reached by the 18, 3 or 6. If you’re not up for shopping or eating, you can enjoy the casino, go-karting, and the Museum of Senses. 

Croatian National Theatre

The new season at the Croatian National Theatre in Split begins this month and features two operas and four drama premieres, two ballets, and many reruns and concerts. The opera premieres will include Giuseppe Verdi's opera Rigoletto and Verdi's Lombardi, while the ballet premieres include Piazzolla/Stravinski and Barak Marshall's Monger. Drama fans will be able to enjoy Lepurica by Ana Prolić and Bambina by Ana Tonković Dolenčić which brings Neno Belan’s hits to the big stage. Little Floramye, Splitski Akvarel, Ero s onoga svijeta, Parallel Worlds, The Crucible, The Imaginary Invalid, The Taming of the Shrew, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Death and the Dervish, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem have all been announced this season. You can see the full HNK Split schedule here. 

HNK Split

Museums and Galleries 

If you can’t be at the beach, soaking up Split’s history and art should be a close second. Not only will you find that this rainy-day activity is quite affordable, but you’ll gain a bit of knowledge, too. Perhaps Split’s most favorite museum is the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery, which is housed in a villa steps away from the beach and includes works by the 20th-century Croatian sculptor. The Split City Museum, which is located inside the Gothic-Renaissance Papalic palace, boasts 2,000 years of the city’s history. The Gallery of Fine Arts holds over 5,200 works from the 14th century to present day, while the Ethnographic Museum, located right next to Peristyle, presents extremely valuable ethnographic collections that give us a look into the former life of the inhabitants of Split, the islands and deep into Dalmatia’s hinterland. And that’s just part of it. 

Explore Diocletian's Basement 

Whether you enter from the Riva or Peristyle, you’ll want to check out Diocletian’s basement (or cellar). While tacky souvenir shops take up part of the substructure, buy a ticket and take the ride through the palace's substructure. Known to Game of Thrones fans as the place where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons in the popular TV series, the basement is also the best-preserved remains of the Palace. While it’s empty now, this area was once used as storage during Diocletian’s time - and we’re certain you’ll find the acoustics pretty impressive, too. If you’re lucky, you can visit during one of the many events held there, from art exhibitions and live classical music shows to wine and flower fairs, and many other social and cultural happenings. 

Copyright Romulic & Stojcic

Enjoy Split’s Specialty Coffee 

Coffee culture is synonymous with Split, so much so that you’ll use the phrase ‘meeting for a coffee’ as a cover for just about any type of meeting. Whether its a casual chat with friends or you’re closing a big business deal, chances are, you’ll be at a cafe (but whether you’re actually drinking coffee is debatable). So, why not visit one of Split’s specialty coffee shops to call home during rainy weather? New to the Split coffee scene this year is Kava 2, the second location in the Kava family after Hvar. Not only do they roast their beans, but they’ll offer specialty drinks such as the piccolo, flat white, and cold brew tonic. Their homemade baked goods are the perfect addition to any drink. You can also try D16 or 4coffee soul food if you need a coffee-to-go! 

Kava

Drinking, Eating, Indulging 

This one is a no-brainer. Park yourself in a pub, restaurant, or cafe for hours and enjoy the change in weather. Gossip with friends, grab a book (which you can also rent from Split's City Library), or get out your laptop to get ahead at work (er... realistically, catch up). If you’re at a restaurant, use the time to dig into Dalmatia’s local cuisine and wine. If you’re at a pub, take a drinking tour of Croatia’s craft beer. And if you’re at a cafe, eat the cake. Rainy weather is the ultimate excuse. 

Adventure Time

Did you know that you can still go rafting down the Cetina river even if it rains? Less than an hour away by car from Split, head to Omis to get your adrenaline rush and sign up for a rafting tour! Hiking is another outdoor activity that is better in colder weather, and experienced cyclists might prefer this season, too. Exploring Split’s surroundings, like Trogir, Inland Dalmatia, Klis, Kastela, or Makarska can be reached by a short bus ride - but make sure you have your umbrella in tow! 

Copyright Romulic & Stojcic 

And if all else fails, stay in and order delivery 

Did you know that Split has three online food delivery services now? Whether you choose Croatian delivery pioneer Dobar Tek, Wolt, or Glovo, you’ll be safe inside and still satisfied by some of Split’s best restaurants. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

September 21, 2019 - After Split recorded the highest tourist numbers in August, with more than 193,000 visitors, it looks like September will not disappoint. 

On Friday, the Split streets, Riva and old city center were packed with happy tourists, who are usually visiting for the first time. Better yet, the tourists in town now are among the luckiest, as they get to know Split during its ‘Indian summer’. 

Slobodna Dalmacija caught up with some of the tourists in town to find out what they’ve been enjoying most and why they opted to travel outside of the peak season. 

"We came to Split this moment. We decided on this part of the summer because we only received our holiday now. We found cheap flights to Croatia and came. We will stay for four days, and we are most interested in the beaches, nature and good food. We don't mind that it is cloudy today, we checked the forecast and they say that the other days of our stay in the city will be sunny,” said Toni and Max From Spain.

From Chile came Maria Lena and Angela who soaked up the rays of the sun and watched the boats pass on the Riva. 

“We came yesterday and we really like being in a city with so many different cultures and influences, all those little streets and buildings are very interesting to us. We only have two days left and then we go to Hvar,” said  Maria Lena. The girls were in Italy with family before Croatia, so the two decided to extend their trip across the Adriatic.

“We wanted to get to know Croatia as well, because we have heard from many that it is very beautiful and that it is best to come in late summer when there are not many crowds and tourists, as well as the heat. And they were all right, the weather is gorgeous and not too hot,” Maria Lena said happily, to which Angela added that they have not been to the beach yet, but they will not miss it. The beaches, as expected, are one of the main reasons the two are in Split, and they plan to try local specialties as well.

“We have heard from everyone that the fish is very good, so I think we will find a restaurant where we will try it. First, we will go somewhere for a relaxing massage and then eat some local food,” they said.

Walking the Riva was also a group of German tourists who know very well that this is the best time of the season, which was of particular importance to them because they are traveling with a small baby.

“We are here for seven days and are staying in Marina near Trogir. It is our first time in Split and we want to explore everything in it. I like it very much, it is not very hot, there are no crowds, we can walk with our baby, go swimming and we are great. We are interested in everything - from the old town to beaches, this city really has a lot to offer so we can choose what to do,” said Samson from Germany.

His friend David agreed that the weather and this part of the summer were perfect for enjoying your first visit to the city.

“The weather is perfect, and we can combine the beach and tour the city. It is very nice and we are enjoying every moment in Split,” said David.

Apart from the fact that the locals love and celebrate the famous “Indian summer“, it seems that foreigners have discovered all its charms, too. Warm weather, a still pleasant sea, and less crowded streets are the prime combination many of us here have been eagerly awaiting - and let's hope it’ll last as long as possible!

Check out the post-peak-season summer Saturday in Split in our photos below. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

September 20, 2019 - Just three days away from welcoming a new season, we thought we’d reminisce on another summer gone with some of the new establishments making a buzz in Split this year. 

If you’re a Split local, you’ll most likely find it hard to do much of anything during the summer because a) you work in tourism b) you work in hospitality or c) you only feel safe in the comfort of your air-conditioned apartment away from the crowds. 

However, unless you truly do live in a cave, you’re aware that Split is a continually evolving Dalmatian hotspot that has been milking the perks of its rebirth for almost a decade - and with each new season comes a swarm of new swanky establishments for Split citizens and tourists to enjoy. 

Thus, we present some of the conversation-starting stations new to the Split scene this season. 

MoNIKa’s Wine Bar: Located at the beginning of Varos in the Sperun area, MoNIKa’s Wine Bar opened in April to the delight of wine drinkers and charcuterie enthusiasts. Securing the number one spot on Tripadvisor more than a few times this summer, MoNIKa’s serves up Croatian wines, meat and cheese plates, seafood tapas and wine tasting evenings. 

Brutal Bar & Kitchen: If there is one new place tourists are raving about in Split this summer, it’s Brutal. Also a TripAdvisor frontrunner, Brutal is a small alleyway charm that belongs on the streets of San Francisco or New York. Praised for its open kitchen, cool countertops, and a menu that ranges from roasted tomato carpaccio to pork belly lettuce wraps, eggplant ratatouille and monkfish ‘cigars’, how could one go wrong? 

Pandora Greenbox: The sister to the already popular Split hotspot Corto Maltese, Pandora opened just in time to catch careful and clean eating tourists in Split. Priding themselves on plant-based meals, cold-pressed juices, cocktails, and gluten-free craft beer, Pandora’s nature-inspired interior design will make you feel as if you’re far away from Split - and most likely in the middle of a rainforest. With something for the vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free-ers, and clean eaters, Pandora is undoubtedly a new Split favorite.

Fig: Just around the corner from Peristyle is Fig, though you might already be familiar with the name thanks to the island of Hvar. A popular new breakfast spot in the center that boasts California toast and breakfast burritos, Fig is no stranger to the lunch and dinner crowd, either - with veggie or chicken korma, Mexican pulled pork and a BBQ and bacon house burger among your feasting choices. 

Mini Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar: Because we know you remember Bota Sare, which said goodbye to its restaurant space last year. However, sushi lovers now get to taste Mini Bota, their new, smaller alleyway spot where you can get ‘direct access to the ingredients, the chefs and the preparation process’. Offering pick up or dine in, get your rolls, sashimi, and nigiri here!

Historic Downtown Grill: New to the Stari Plac area, Downtown Grill specializes in, well, you guessed it - grill. Said to have some of the best burgers in Split, seafood options and live music, Downtown Grill is also praised for their homemade lemonades and grappas. 

Superfood Healthy Food Factory: The second Superfood location opened up just before the summer season near Prokurative. Known for their matcha lattes, raw cakes, protein platters, spelt pizza, gazpacho and seafood dishes, Superfood has something for everyone - even Split’s vegan guests. 

Funky George: A new fast food joint can be found at the top of Bosanska - meet Funky George. Good for cheap and meaty sandwiches topped with grilled peppers and pickles, homemade pretzels, American pancakes, pumpkin and sweet potato fries, smoothies and craft beer, Funky George has become a staple for Split’s bar crowd. 

Food Factory: Live and raw, that’s what you’ll find at this new Stari Plac spot. A ‘bistro takeaway concept and a retail store’, Food Factory is run by Darko Jurić who believes in bringing gourmet plant-based cuisine to Split. Things like cold brew coffee, smoothies, desserts, and a takeaway menu including wakame corn crockets or plant-based burgers are just part of the show. 

Kava 22: If you’re into coffee, and we mean really, really into coffee, you’ll fall in love with Kava at first sip. Their second Croatian location after they opened Kava 37 in Hvar town, Kava 2 is a short walk outside of the city center by the President Hotel, and has been making waves in the Split coffee-loving crowd. From a perfectly poured flat white to piccolos, cold brew tonic and beans for sale, you’ll head to Kava if you know what’s good for you. 

What are your favorite new places in Split this summer?

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.