March 4, 2018 - TCN continues looking at the best beaches in Croatia. This time here is Top 5 Split, the best beaches in Dalmatian Capital.
Because we are just a few short weeks away from a new season, and because the first snow in Split since 2012 has us all feeling a bit frigid, we figured there is no better time than now to visit Split’s best beaches. Considering the last time we gave this a good look was just over three years ago, what’s happened in the Dalmatian capital’s seaside since then?
As many of you would imagine, though we don't have any new beaches in Split to name, the beaches we’ve frequented for years have gone through some metamorphosis - from new beach clubs to restaurants and bars, and others, complete eradication. As Split is endlessly evolving as a city and increasingly popular international destination for travelers, here are our best beach tips when you have that seaside itch.
Bačvice
We’ll start things off with an oldie but goodie, Bačvice beach. The home of Split’s best pickup game, picigin, Bačvice is also the only beach located conveniently just minutes away from the center of the Old Town. A popular stomping ground for Split swimmers and speedo-clad picigin players since the early 1900s, Bačvice today is a mecca for both locals and tourists who wish to dip their toes in the Adriatic. Due to Bačvice’s proximity to the Old Town, this is not a beach you would like to visit if you’re looking for peace. A sandy beach as well, Bačvice draws families with children keen on keeping their toes safe from sometimes jarring pebbles, and the overwhelming display of loungers and umbrellas see tourists idle until sundown. If you are looking to have a beach day complete with all of the amenities, then Bačvice is just the place for you. Home to Beach & Booze beach club, restaurants that range from fast food to Asian, showers, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, inflatable water playgrounds for the kids, and nightclubs that run until 6 am, Bačvice has just about everything you might need for a day (or night) at the beach. And best of all, Bačvice beach can also brag a Blue Flag for sea purity.
Trstenik
From Bačvice, if you continue your way past Firule beach, the Zenta Marina, and Cox Beach Bar, you’ll eventually hit Trstenik beach, a personal favorite of many locals. Home to the Radisson Blu hotel, though the beach is not natural, it has been one of Split’s best-kept secrets for years. Though more crowded today than in the past few years, Trstenik beach is pebbled with easy access to the water for swimming, and yes, the sea is clear as day at Trstenik. With plenty of room on the pebbles for your beach mats, the Mistral Beach Bar, part of the Radisson Blu hotel, offers cabanas, umbrellas, loungers and cocktails - and if you’re hungry, the hotel’s restaurant rests above with a proper seaside view. If you’re on a budget, you’ll often find pancake carts, corn dealers, and plenty of ice cream to go around in the area. With the recent demolition of the illegal objects on Žnjan, the offer in this area will probably not be nearly as good as last summer, though this summer will certainly be a test to see exactly how things will operate and what will be available. And in the next few years, this is the new Žnjan area we can expect.
(Video from 2011)
Kaštelet
Moving along to the shores of Marjan Hill we have Kaštelet, another beach area that has seen its objects destructed in the last few months due to their illegality. Though one of the favorite Split beaches of the younger generation, Kaštelet is situated just below the Ivan Meštrović Gallery - around 20 minutes by foot from the center of town or easily accessible by a local bus or car (and even Uber!). One of the quieter beaches Split offers, this beach is pebbled and is the go-to location if you’re looking to swim - without all of the bells and whistles. And now, since we aren’t entirely sure where the fate of this beach lies after its food and beverage offer has been mostly removed, we will have to wait and see how Kaštelet will operate this coming summer season. This beach, at the very least, will always remain one of the best for a dip in Split!
(Video from 2011)
Kašjuni
If you’re looking for a beach with a view and everything in between, Kašjuni is your go-to. Not far from Kaštelet, Kašjuni is the westernmost beach on the shores of Marjan, boasting a deep bay with the cliffs of the famous hill surrounding you. Today, Kašjuni is home to Joe’s Beach & Lounge Bar, offering a cafe bar, restaurant, cabana and lounge chair rentals, massages, after beach parties with DJs, and tons of water sports from parasailing to standup paddle boarding. As it tends to get busy in the summer, a little tip for those seeking quiet time on their beach day is to walk over to the nudist area of the beach, located just around the bend from Joe’s. Here, you can rest under the shade of the pines and prop up on the rocks for some much needed R & R. And no, you don't have to be naked yourself. Kašjuni is easily accessible by the number 12 local bus, which you can grab from Sv. Frane in the center of town.
(Video filmed before Joe's Beach Lounge & Bar)
Bene
Another one of Marjan’s pearls is Bene beach, one of the oldest beaches in Split that is located on the western side of the hill. Part of a recreational center which includes tennis courts and a football field, Bene also offers a playground for children, a trampoline, and volleyball. Known as one of the best places for a day out with the family, Bene boasts a Dalmatian-style restaurant, cafe, snack bars, showers, toilets, concrete slabs for sunbathing and plenty of shaded pine trees when the sun’s rays hit too hard. The area is not one for water sports, though you could get active by renting a bike at Marjan Hill and riding over to Bene if you're keen!
Learn more about Split on our TC page.
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