It is already May, and Split and its tourist season has really kicked off. With its proven position as one of the most interesting destinations in Croatia, Split is definitely one of the champions of Croatian tourism. For the average tourist, the main sight is definitely the UNESCO-protected Diocletian's palace and old town area. When a tourist sees the Palace, (followed by sometimes hilarious questions) afterwards they usually decide to visit something outside the town – the choice is usually one of the natural beauties - islands like Hvar and Vis or Krka national park. In case they want to stay in Split and explore a bit more. this often stops at different gastronomic and nightlife experiences (note these have improved a lot during the last few years).
From now on, in addition to various heritage and walking tours around theUNESCO- protected old town and, we have new walking tour which can be great extension of popular walking tours, or it can be unique tour off the beaten path.
New Veli Varoš walking tour had its premiere on Wednesday. Tour guide Jelena Tabak presented her new tour around one of the most intriguing areas of Split to the representatives from Tourist board Split, hotels, tourist agencies and tour guides association. She has been a tour guide for years, and after she started to work in the Varoš area, she noticed this part of town was poorly presented and evaluated as a tourist attraction. She came to the conclusion that people who visit Split might want to explore more than just the Palace and well know tourist sights. Also she saw potential in expanding the tourist offer in terms of new tours and activities as well as an opportunity for local guides to get more work. The more she explored Varoš, the more facts and curiosities she found and decided to unite them in tour which covers it all.
Varoš is an area of Split, centrally located under Marjan hill, and during history was part of fortified Split and traditionally a fishermen and peasant area. Varoš is well known for its narrow streets (locally called kaleta) and houses built really close together - so close your neighbour is almost your household member. The area is famous for its old churches and the fact it nurtures traditional Dalmatian life. In more recent times, Varoš is known for its great number of private accommodation units and lodgings but it still has the soul and vibe it used to have.
The tour of Varoš started off at Prokurative and St. Frane church and continued to Šperun with a visit to all the main sights - small churches, narrow streets (kaleta), fountains, birth houses of local artists. After learning interesting facts and legends about Varoš, the best way to end the tour was with last stop at local konoba for some grilled fish and wine. Finally, a local fisherman from Matejuška presented some aspects of his work.
TCN got a comment on this tour from Tourist board Split director, Alijana Vukšić: „ I am sure the guests are going to love this tour. I like the combination of the gastronomic tour with local dishes and the opportunity for guests to join local fishermen and see genuine lifestyle of this part of Split. Varoš has a great story to tell and this tour shows a completely different vision of Split.“
This approximately hour-long tour is new way for a both tourists and locals to see Split off beaten path and to learn more about lifestyle and culture of Varoš. The tour definitely has potential to become new thing to do in Split, and there is plenty of space to do different tour options ranging from gastronomic, religious and fishing workshops to live like a local tours. Lets hope this tour will get the attention it deserves from local tourism workers in order to present this lovely area to visitors.
