Known as the gateway to the islands, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and one of my favourite places to visit along the Dalmatian coastline. If you’re planning on staying in this vibrant location for a few days and are looking for the best area and accommodation whether it’s a boutique hotel or Riviera apartment, you’re in the right place!
Split’s main attraction is the ancient Palace – and it’s a Croatian must-see, but there are also other things to keep you there a day or two longer, such as the stunning palm-tree lined Riviera, cobbled old town and a host of nearby bucket-list destinations from world heritage towns, unspoilt islands to lush national parks – all amazing additions to your Croatian itinerary!
Begin your Croatian journey from Split!
With so much to see and do, choosing where to stay in Split can be a daunting task! (There’s literally hundreds of options and some very nice areas – all with their own charms).
In this post I’ll share my pick of the best places to stay from the nicest boutique hotels to charming apartments and the most attractive neighbourhoods to enhance your visit to this fab destination and make booking easier!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Best areas to stay in Split
- Best boutique hotels in Split
- Best apartments in Split
- Best guest houses in Split
- Spit essential information
- Further Split reading
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SPLIT
Where to stay in Split? Before we look at the best hotels in Split, you need to know which are the nicest places to stay in Split! There is much more to consider in comparison to the smaller towns and villages of Croatia such as the sprawling suburbs and smaller neighbourhoods, each offering different things and many types of accommodation depending on your taste!
Charming guest houses, stone wall heritage hotels and renovated apartments are amongst the most popular places to stay in Split, while the three central areas; Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva and Veli Varos are perfect spots for first time visitors and those who prefer to be in walking distance to all the main sights!
Stay in the heart of Split, amongst it’s roman roots and renowned old town atmosphere – in my opinion these are the best spots to stay Split!
OLD TOWN SPLIT (DIOCLETICANS PALACE)
Split’s old town is the heart and soul of the city, where you’ll find most of the historical points of interest including the Diocletian’s Palace, Saint Domnius Cathdral and cool underground markets as well a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets filled with charming restaurants and coffee houses.
Sweet tables and chairs spill out on to the pavements and at night there’s a real atmosphere, not to be missed! A stay here is lively and exciting – imagine sleeping within the walls of a palace and in arms reach of all the best cafes!
SPLIT RIVA & HARBOUR
Split’s popular Riva and lively harbour sits neatly in front of the Palace’s imposing walls – it is a sight to behold! The Riva and the sparkly blue sea is one of those places that you naturally gravitate towards, the area is full of pretty terraces, palm trees and benches – if you want to simply sit with a book and eat ice-cream, you can!
Since the make-over a few years ago the area has consistently drawn visitors by their thousands and I am not surprised when in my opinion some of the most attractive buildings and apartments with fabulous sea views all reside in this same spot!
VELI VAROS
Veli Varos is an low-key authentic village nicely positioned at the foot of Marjan Hill. It’s ideal for those seeking a smaller place to stay with more of a local feel to it. The whole area is peppered with cosy local cafes and restaurants, while being just a stones throw away from the busy Riva and bustle.
The buildings here are crumbly and characterful with lots of Airbnb’s and smaller less costly boutique hotels – the hardest part is finding them amongst the winding cobbled stoned streets and cute little churches!
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN SPLIT
Now that you have a good idea about the three main locations in Split either in or walking distance to the historic old town and attractions, its time to decide where to stay in Split – a hotel, boutique guest house, charming apartment? Here are my top choices.
WHERE TO STAY IN OLD TOWN SPLIT
Best boutique hotels, apartments & guest houses in the heritage old town and palace location of Split.
CENTRO DI CENTRI ROOMS
A charming historic boutique guest house in the middle of the old town’s historical streets with plenty of stone wall features and quality furnishings within in each one of the tastefully-decorated rooms surrounded by entertainment, but you still are able to get a good night sleep because of the excellent location. If you want to be in the thick of all the action within Diocletians Palace book Centro do Centri – and one of the rooms comes with a balcony – don’t forget to ask for it!
LUXURY ROOMS L’AVENUE
Classy rooms with all the mod cons and heritage décor housed within an attractive building on the edge of the old town. Some of the rooms have sea views and there’s a very nice pedestrian marble walking area right in front of the premises with a few high-end shops to browse, this is the spot if you prefer an upmarket and peaceful area.
GOLDEN GATE APARTMENTS
Fancy a stay along the palace walls? Here at Golden Gate you have the best of both worlds – a modernised bright apartment with Diocletian views, an apartment completely renovated is rare in this part of town! You can expect white walls and some very colourful furnishings amongst the features, everything looks brand spanking new!
ABOKAMENTO BOUTIQUE ROOMS
Abokamento is a fabulous bed and breakfast with facilities to rival any high end boutique hotel set in one of the hotspot areas of the old town in Split and housed in a stunningly elegant building! Directly below is one of the best restaurants in Split – Bokeria tapas and wine bar, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast and plenty of social activity! An all-round photogenic and lovely place to stay!
BOOK ABOKAMENTO BOUTIQUE ROOMS
PELLEGRINI LUXURY ROOMS
Pellegrini luxury rooms are in-between the northern wall of Diocletian’s Palace (at the back of the old town) and the beautiful historical park and offers golden gate views. Unusually for the old town the rooms are spacious with high ceilings, some nice period features and the decoration is in-keeping with the building and area. This property is great for a short central stay when exploring Split you are just a moment away from everything you need!
PORTO NATIVO SPLIT
Enjoy a super stylish stay at Porto Nativo with Mediterranean styled rooms peppered with high quality locally handcrafted furniture and 19th century beams in the heart of Split. This property offers a view over one of the quieter traditional Dalmatian streets or the old town in its desirable location next door to the wonderful Riva and all the amenities you could ask for!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT RIVA
Best boutique hotels, guest houses & apartments in the vibrant Riva & harbour area of Split.
ADRIATIK LUX RIVA
Exceptional spacious apartment on the Riva front with a wonderful panoramic sea and harbour view from the balcony. You will be happy to hear this property was fully renovated in 2017 and has kept some of the charming original characteristics, high ceilings and beams. It has all the high spec furnishings, amenities and modern facilities of a boutique hotel – you will want to unpack straight away! If I had this kind of budget, I would even stay here all by myself as a solo traveller, it’s just so dreamlike.
BOOK ADRIATIK LUX RIVA APARTMENT
CHRYSANTA APARTMENTS
Charming apartments with beautiful bathrooms, large windows and heritage features in a prime location along the Riva front. A stay at Chrysanta is both lively and convenient and you’ll have your pick of terraces directly below for breakfast, while at sunset the light streams into the rooms and there’s a lovely palm tree and sea view across towards the harbour!
WHERE TO STAY IN VELI VAROS
The best accommodation in the oldest part of Split; Veli Varos.
SPERONE HOTEL
Fancy a dip in the pool? Sperone hotel is a brand new 4 star heritage boutique hotel in ancient Veli Varos. A hidden gem of a hotel, with lots of character including plenty of original features, stone walls and décor in-keeping with the building – the cream and white rooms are beautiful! The stand out feature of this hotel is the spa and pool area – a rare thing in Split old town!
HERITAGE HOTEL 19
A Small luxury boutique hotel situated on a typical Dalmatian cobbled street with high end facilities and beamed ceilings. Some rooms have balconies and all are nicely furnished, if I had a choice I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for one of the dusky pink rooms with the antique wardrobes! At this hotel you can also enjoy an lovely a la carte breakfast on the garden’s patio then stroll over to the more livelier streets.
UNIQUE & LUXURY PLACES TO STAY IN SPLIT
Cool apartments, whole villas and amazing sea views in Split’s suburbs!
APARTMENTS GALLERY
Just 350 yards from Zjan beach. Gallery apartments offers modern accommodation with a stunning sea view and pool with gorgeous loungers. The vibe here is white and blue Mediterranean and you can stroll to the nearest beach in under ten minutes – a great break away from the bustle of town if you want to relax, Diocletian’s Palace can be reached by car (3 miles).
VILLA PAULETTA
Need more rooms? Villa Pauletta is a heritage 17th Century building with stunning interior design and outlook for upto 4 guests – you get the whole property. Included is a spa pool, balcony, pretty plant-filled courtyard, all the modern facilities you could ask for alongside some nice traditional features – exactly like a five star hotel! Stay here for privacy in luxury!
JUDITA PALACE HERITAGE HOTEL
Love all the heritage details? Little Judita Palace Heritage Hotel might be just what you’re looking for, a superb luxury hotel in the middle of the old town surrounded by all the best restaurants and attractive terraces including one of its own! This hotel is a palace no less! Dating back to the 16th century, in each well-appointed room you can expect to find exposed stone walls, parquet flooring, marble bathrooms and elegant furniture, all perfectly suited to the area!
BOOK JUDITA PALACE HERITAGE HOTEL
Check the latest prices & availability in Split HERE
Split is one of those destinations that is super easy to navigate and the highlights are simple to spot once there, I hope by reading this post you have found your perfect location and place to stay in my curated collection of accommodation options. Please book your favourite well in advance to avoid disappointment!
SPLIT ESSENTIALS
Split has plenty to offer the intrepid traveller looking for a vibrant place to absorb roman history, eat extremely well and see some of the best Croatian nature, islands and pretty towns right on the doorstep! In this Split Travel Guide, I share my insider tips and favourite places!
IS SPLIT, CROATIA WORTH VISITING?
As one of the best destinations in Croatia, Split is absolutely worth visiting – and stopping for a few days! You’ll find a stunning old town, a vibrant terrace filled Riviera, gorgeous buildings and not only that, it’s affordable and there are endless day trips from the harbour to make the most of your stay!
WHERE TO STAY IN OLD TOWN SPLIT
Split is a large city and often the starting point or gateway to the Croatian islands and as such there is no shortage of accommodation options, especially in the hotspot areas! If I were to choose an apartment for convenience, scenery and style in mind I wouldn’t hesitate to book a stay at Centro di Centre rooms (with balcony) or if you have the funds Adriatik Lux Riva apartments – the sea view is stunning!
WHICH AREA HAS THE BEST VIEWS IN SPLIT?
In my opinion the Riva and where ever you have a sea view is the best view! Unlike Dubrovnik, Split is fairly flat around the old town, the only hill is the view point at Marjan Hill, where there’s a smattering of guest houses and airbnb’s with possibly a view over the town. But for a stunning view and best location I would book Adriatik Lux Riva apartments or Chrysanta apartments, alternatively if you’re looking for a view and a retreat then Apartments Gallery is your answer – and there’s an infinity pool!
WHICH IS THE BEST AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN SPLIT?
In general prices in Split are pretty reasonable (especially in comparison to Dubrovnik!). There’s a host of mini hotels, apartments and guest houses in all of the best locations in Split, Vali Veros being the most affordable out of the three. Pellegrini Luxury rooms and Centro di Centri are both good options.
WHAT IS A GOOD LOCATION IN SPLIT FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS?
Split is a large sprawling city, but the highlights are concentrated within the walkable old town and along the Riva, which makes Split a safe and easy destination for solo female travel. The most upmarket areas are along the Riva, L’Avenue and nearby in Diocleticans Palace itself – there are also plenty of people wandering day and night and the restaurants, bars, cafes stay open late.
FINAL WORDS…
I hope this post has instilled enthusiasm and confidence for your first trip to Split and answered the burning question where to stay in Split? An ancient city that has so many attractions to choose from, if you don’t believe me, just take a look at my Split Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat!
READ MORE ABOUT SPLIT
- SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT
- 6 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT
- TROGIR: A WONDERFUL DAY TRIP FROM SPLIT
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