Split's old town is built inside a Roman emperor's palace, and people really live there among the stones. The city has ferries to Brač, Hvar and Vis, the Marjan forest park for running and swimming, and a seafront promenade that fills every evening. It is Croatia's most popular coastal base for remote workers, but summer is hectic and expensive, while winter is quiet and some places close. Varoš is a characterful old quarter below Marjan; Bačvice is near the city's best-known beach.

• Ferries to Brač, Hvar, Vis and other islands from the city centre

• Marjan forest park for hiking, running and swimming

• A lively seafront promenade and old town

Varoš is a quiet, stone-built quarter by Marjan; Bačvice is close to the beach and nightlife; Meje is residential and leafy. Areas outside the centre offer more space and easier parking.

Varoš★ 7.9Old stone quarter on the slopes of Marjan, quiet and full of character.ModerateBačvice★ 7.9Beach neighbourhood near the old town, lively in summer.Lively

Rents jump in summer when flats become holiday rentals, so a lease from October to May is much better value. Daily costs are reasonable outside the tourist core.

Fibre is available in many areas and coworking spaces in the centre are reliable. Thick stone walls in the old town can weaken Wi-Fi.

Locals speak good English, and the community of long-stay foreigners is growing.

Split is very safe. Watch your belongings in crowds in summer, and be careful on the rocks and in the sea when the wind picks up.

The old town and seafront are walkable, and buses cover the rest. Ferries go to the islands, and the airport, around 25 km away, has many flights in summer and fewer in winter.

Mediterranean

Hot, dry summers and mild winters with rain and occasional strong bura winds. The sea is swimmable from June to October.

• Crowded, expensive summers and quieter winters with fewer flights

• Geography and destination overviewWikipedia2026-10-07

Last reviewed 2026-10-07