Split Croatia Cruise Port Guide: All That You Need to Know to Craft Your Perfect Port Day Here
Updated January 31, 2026
Originally published January 31, 2026
Visiting Split on a cruise? This Split, Croatia Cruise Port Guide covers logistics for visiting here including port info, best shore excursions, top attractions, beaches, weather, shopping, and cruise-day tips to help you plan your ideal itinerary to make the most of your here.
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LOGISTICS
PORT: New Split Berth for Cruising Ships | CURRENCY: Euro (EUR)
DOCK | Arrival: | Departure | 1 USD = .88 EUR (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: Croatian
Bok – hello (bohk) | Dobro jutro/Dobra večer-good morning/evening (DOH-broh YOO-troh / DOH-brah VEH-cher) | Doviđenja – good bye (doh-vee-JEH-nyah) | Molim – please (MOH-leem) | Hvala – thank you (HVAH-lah)
MONEY MATTERS
Croatia has replaced the Kuna and now uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments but there are a fair number of shops and restaurants that prefer or only take cash. Best practice is to keep Euros on hand and in smaller denominations. Beautiful tips: When using an ATM, always select without conversion to avoid high fees/the worst exchange rate and opt for a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
COMMUNICATION
English is widely spoken in Split and throughout Croatia especially in touristic spots and amongst younger people.
PORT INFO
BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!
As demonstrated by the name (and how you will find it in Google), the New Split Berth for Cruising Ships showcases how the port continues to expand for more cruise ships. It is a 5 min walk to the old town.
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS
90 Minute Walking Tour of Split
Meet-up ~18 min walk 1.3 km/.8 mile from cruise port / Duration: 1.5 hours
Discover Split One Bite At A Time
Meet-up ~13 min walk 950 m/.6 mile from cruise port / Duration: 4 hours
Split and Trogir Half Day Tour
Pick-up at cruise terminal / Duration: 4 hours
Private Trip Tour to Krka Waterfalls
Pick-up is available/cruise terminal / Duration: 5-8 hours
Blue Lagoon, Čiovo and Trogir Boat Tour
Meet-up ~13 min walk 1 km/.62 mile from cruise port / Duration: 5.5 hours
Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour
Meet-up ~20 min walk 1.5 km/.95 mile from cruise port / Duration: 5.5 hours
Rafting, Cliff Jumping, & Cave Exploring
Meet-up ~30 min walk 2 km/1.25 mile from cruise port / Duration: 4.5 hours
ATV Tour with Picnic & River swimming
Meet-up ~25 min walk 1.8 km/1.1 mile from cruise port / Duration: 5 hours
SPLIT, CROATIA
Split is one of the most walkable and history-rich cruise ports in the Mediterranean, blending Roman ruins, medieval streets, beaches, and waterfront cafés all steps from your ship. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is built inside the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, making Split feel more like an open-air museum than a typical cruise stop. It’s always nice when you can walk straight from your cruise ship in Europe!
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walking
New Split Berth for Cruising Ships pier is located very close to Split, about ~10 minute walk to the Old Town.
- Sea Gate: Main Entrance to Kotor Old Town ~2 min walk/ 150 meters (568 feet)
- St. Tryphon’s Cathedral: ~5 min walk / 350 m (.21 miles)
- North Gate (River Gate): ~7 min walk / 500 m (.31 miles)
Bus – Public
Buses in Split, Ciovo and Solva are run by Promet Split you can see timetables, pricing info and more on the official site here. This is a cost effective to get to beaches (but will be less convenient than using a ride share or taxi)
Ferry
Ferries from Split connect to numerous Croatian islands Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, Šolta. There are multiple operators and fares vary by route and season. Go for the faster catamaran option over the slower car ferries!
Hop On Hop Off Bus
There are two hop-on hop-off bus tour options. This first one is the traditional HOHO model with hop on, hop off stops on the Red Line to top sights like Marjan Hill, Mestrovic Gallery, Bacvice Beach and the Archaeological Museum. Included with the HOHO is a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace with a local guide available at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, and 16:30.
The second hop-on hop off bus tour option includes two other bus routes in addition to the Red Line. IMPORTANT NOTE: the Blue and Green lines are not hop on hop off
- 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour (Red Line)
- Free Guided Walking Tour in Split
- Guided Walking Tour in Split: Departures every day at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm and 6pm.
- Historic Panoramic Tour (Blue Line)
- Departure time: 9am. Return time: 4pm.
- Trogir → Salona → Olive Museum → Secret Dalmatia → Klis → Split
- Entry fees to Klis Fortress, Salona Archaeological Park and Hidden Dalmatia Visitors Centre are not included
- Nature Lover’s Split Panoramic Tour (Green Line)
- Green Line (panoramic bus tour): Departure time: 12:45pm. Arrival time: 4pm.
- Olive Museum → Secret Dalmatia → Klis → Split
- Entry fee to Klis Fortress is not included
Ride Shares / Taxis
Both Bolt and Uber operate in Split. Taxis are plentiful but are generally more expensive than ride shares. Don’t forget the best practice with taxis: it’s always a good idea to confirm pricing before getting into the cab.
TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Split Old Town
Split Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a car free zone making it perfect to wander around – here are some of the highlights.
- Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Imposing, massive Roman Palace that was built for Emperor Diocletian’s retirement and now is the center of Split’s Old Town
- Considered one of the most imposing Roman ruins, today the 220 Roman-era buildings within the palace boundaries house homes, shops, bars, and other businesses.
- Distance from cruise port: ~16 min walk/ 1.1 kilometers (.68 miles)
- Diocletian’s Palace Gates: The four entrances of the quadrant design that still remains: Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate
- Peristyle Square: Central, open air square of the palace framed by Roman columns and overlooked by the Cathedral of St. Dominus.
- Vestibule of Diocletian’s Palace A circular Roman hall with incredible acoustics, often featuring live a cappella singers.
- Cathedral of St. Dominus (Katedrala Svetog Duje) Built in Roman times as the Mausoleum of Diocletian, the massive octagonal cathedral was converted to a church and now is one of the world’s oldest Catholic cathedrals still in use.
- Beautiful tips: Entrance fee for interior and bell tower / Modest dress required / Climb the bell tower for panoramic views over Split and the Adriatic.
- Distance from cruise port: ~17 min walk/ 1.2 kilometers (.7 miles)
Walking Tours
Why do I recommend and always try to take a walking tour myself when I visit a locale? You get some historical and cultural insight about the city (and often the country), its citizens, architecture, etc and often led by fun and engaging guides who can give you so many recommendations for the rest of your time here. They are a great intro to a place AND you can take tours that focus on unique/place-specific niches such as this top- rated Split Game of Thrones and History City Walk – Dracarys! A must do for GOT fans, as you will not only learn about Split on this top rated tour but you’ll delve into all things GOT. Discover the locations that were transformed into the city of Meereen (with GOT scenes played on iPad) and includes a photo on the Iron Throne
e-Bike / Segway / Tuktuk Tours
Want to explore more of Split including Marjan Hill but prefer for it to be less physically intensive than walking? Well consider one of these guided tours:
- Split Electric Bicycle Tour: 3 hours small group tour (up to 5 people) of Split and includes ride up to the top of Marjan Park
- 2-hours Split Segway Tour: Small group (max of 14 travelers) includes stops to Riva promenade and summit of Marjan
- Electric Tuktuk Eco-tour: Small group (max of 6 travelers) includes stops to Bacvice Beach and Teraca Vidilica (restaurant atop Marjan panoramic view of Split)
Split Riva Promenade
Palm-lined waterfront filled with cafés and restaurants that’s perfect for people-watching or a relaxed lunch after sightseeing.
Marjan Hill
Marjan is a hilly peninsula that is dotted with pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs jutting out into the Adriatic Sea and offers panoramic views of Split. A beautiful nature reserve in Croatia, some of Split’s best beaches are here, along with important museums, such as Mestrovic Gallery and Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Bačvice Beach
A sandy beach located close to the cruise pier that has shower + bathroom facilities as well as chairs and umbrellas for rent. Also home to an assortment of beach bars, cafes, pastry shops, and fast-food outlets. Distance from cruise port: ~12 minutes / 850 m (.31 miles)
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s top natural attractions, famous for its stunning waterfalls, wooden walkways, lush scenery, and easy day trips from Split. Drive time is 60 – 90 minutes from Split
Trogir (UNESCO Old Town)
Beautifully preserved Old Town known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings, lies on a small island connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges.
Blue Lagoon (Split, Croatia)
A must-visit day trip known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, snorkeling, and relaxing boat tours among idyllic Dalmatian islands.
Šolta Island:
Šolta Island offers a peaceful escape from Split offering authentic Dalmatian charm, local olive oil and wine, quiet villages, and beautiful beaches. The Kontessa shipwreck is located in the bay here and lies just 1 -2 meters below the surface!
Čiovo
Čiovo is a popular island close to Split and Trogir, perfect for beach hopping, swimming in clear Adriatic waters, and enjoying seaside promenades and restaurants.
Remember that the views are incredible even if you don’t make it up to the St John’s Fortress on the hike above Old Town!
WEATHER AND WHAT TO EXPECT BY SEASONS FOR SPLIT
- Winter (November – March)
- Best for: Quiet exploration with very limited cruise calls
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 45-58°F (7-14°C)
- Expect cool weather and limited excursions
- Spring (April – May)
- Best for: Sightseeing, fewer crowds
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 60-72°F (16-22°C)
- The weather is mild and pleasant and with generally less people, this is a great time to visit Split
- Summer (June – August)
- Best for: Beaches & island hopping
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 75-90°F (24-32°C)
- Expect it to be very hot, sunny and crowded as this is peak cruising/tourist season.
- Fall (September – October)
- Best for: Balanced weather & warm enough for swimming
- Average Daytime Temperatures: 65-78°F (18-26°C)
- Overview: Probably the best season to visit as it will still be warm with considerably less crowds than summer
SEASONAL EVENTS, HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES IN SPLIT
- Split Summer Festival (July – August): Open-air opera, concerts, and theater in historic locations throughout the city including Diocletian’s Palace.
- Ultra Europe Music Festival (July): One of Europe’s largest electronic music festivals, drawing international crowds. Expect higher prices and more crowds during festival days.
- Days of Diocletian (Late Summer): Historical reenactments celebrating Roman heritage, with performers in costume throughout Old Town.
- Christmas & Advent (December): Festive markets, lights, mulled wine, and seasonal food stalls along the Riva and Old Town squares.
- Key Major holidays: Expect limited services on public holidays.
- June 25 – Statehood Day
- August 5 – Victory Day
- December 25 – Christmas
EAT / DRINK
What to Eat and Drink in Split
- Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat, Balkan-style
- Peka: Slow-cooked meat or seafood (best for longer stays)
- Black risotto: Squid-ink specialty
- Gelato: Excellent quality throughout Old Town
- Local Wine & Rakija: Try Plavac Mali red wine or traditional fruit rakija.
Where to Eat in Split (Cruise-Friendly Picks)
Split has excellent food options within minutes of the cruise port, making it easy to enjoy a memorable meal without leaving Old Town.
- Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar: Modern Mediterranean dishes with Croatian wines. Go for: Upscale lunch or relaxed early dinner
- Villa Spiza: Seasonal Dalmatian cuisine in an intimate setting. Good for: Food lovers (reservations recommended)
- Konoba Fetivi: Classic Croatian seafood and traditional recipes. Good for: Authentic local flavors
- Fife: Casual spot near the Riva with generous portions. Good for: Fast, affordable meal
- Gelato & Quick Bites: Old Town is packed with high-quality gelato shops and bakeries – perfect for a sweet break between sightseeing stops.
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Split’s Old Town focuses on authentic Croatian and Dalmatian products, with most shops located inside Diocletian’s Palace. Some places to shop:
- Diocletian’s Palace streets has artisan boutiques and where you will be able to buy souvenirs
- Pazar Green Market is where you want to look for local foods
- Marmontova Street: Looking just to shop? Split’s main shopping street with international brands and cafés.
- Sunday shopping: Old Town shops are usually open but markets may close early.
Bring home a piece of the Dalmatia with these local favorites / popular Croatian souvenirs: Plus why buy it
- Lavender Products: Sourced from nearby islands like Hvar, lavender sachets, oils, and soaps are a Croatian staple – a lightweight, affordable, and distinctly local buy.
- Brač Stone Souvenirs: White limestone from Brač Island has been used in Dalmatian buildings for centuries making for regionally sourced items tied to local history.
- Croatian Olive Oil & Gourmet Foods: Look for small-batch olive oil, fig jam, honey, and truffle spreads from Dalmatia – edible souvenirs are great for you or to gift!
- Local Wine & Rakija: Try Plavac Mali red wine or traditional fruit rakija.
Beautiful Tips: While most larger shops accept credit cards, many vendors prefer or only accept cash – have smaller bills on hand.
GOOD TO KNOW / TIPS FOR VISITING SPLIT VIA CRUISE
- Wear supportive and comfortable walking shoes as cobblestone streets can be slick
- Bring cash and make sure to have some smaller bills (kuna no longer used; only euro accepted)
- Arrive early for bell tower climbs in summer
- Old Town is compact and is a car-free zone
Not sure what to pack for a cruise? Here’s the essentials you will need in the ultimate cruise packing guide & here’s all of my packing guide and lists
FAQ RE VISITING KOTOR ON A CRUISE
- Is Split walkable from the ship?
- Yes! Old Town is very close to the cruise port as well as other attractions.
- Can I get to Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes National Park from Split?
- Yes but for a cruise port day, only Krka NP is logistically possible as it is 60-90 minutes away by car. Note that due to shared group tours being 10 hours in length and when they start, you should only consider a private tour to ensure you are back to the port in time.
- What currency is used and do I need cash?
- Euro (€) and yes, there are many places that prefer or only take cash – best practice is to have smaller bills on hand.
- What time zone is Split in?
- Croatia follows Central European Time (CET) and does observe daylight savings. Be sure to double-check your ship’s time before returning to the port!
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About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
