Ever thought about spending winters in a Roman Emperor’s seaside palace, surrounded by history, nature, and the ocean? While most people keep dreaming, full-time nomad Jocelyn Garwood makes it a reality. She describes the charm of Split, Croatia’s coastal gem. This ancient city, once a treasure of the Roman Empire, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that anyone can enjoy, especially if you visit at the right time.
Winter in Split is perfect: there are plenty of affordable places to stay, no crowds, and while the weather is a bit cool, it’s still enjoyable!
Stay in the Old Town, where major attractions are just a short walk away, including restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, money exchanges, and the promenade. There’s so much to see and do!
Here are the must-see spots:
Marjan Park-Forest
This forested peninsula is great for exercise, exploration, and relaxation. Packed with pathways and hiking trails, you’ll discover Medieval stone churches and chapels along the way. At the southern end, you’ll find the Meštrović Gallery, a villa showcasing Ivan Meštrović’s art. The park also offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
The Promenade (Riva)
Split’s social heart, the palm-lined Riva, is lively and vibrant. It’s a gathering spot for everyone, from the elderly to young families, including their pampered dogs. Cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and benches line the promenade, making it a splendid place to relax and watch the world go by. The sunrises and sunsets from the Riva are breathtaking.
Back Lanes
The pedestrian-only back lanes in Split are fascinating, especially in the early winter mornings when you can have them all to yourself. These lanes often lead to charming town squares.
Diocletian’s Palace
Don’t let the name fool you—Diocletian’s Palace is more like an ancient Roman town within four walls, featuring four gates: Golden (north), Silver (east), Iron (west), and Bronze (south). Two main streets, the Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus, cross at the Peristyle, the main palace square. Nearby is the octagonal Cathedral of St. Domnius.
Interestingly, what was meant to be Diocletian’s mausoleum, who persecuted Christians, is now a Catholic cathedral. The palace isn’t a ruin; it bustles with life, filled with shops, cafés, mini-marts, art galleries, and museums. It even has its own mini rush hours!
Split offers so many sites to visit, but these highlights barely scratch the surface. Come and see for yourself!
About Jocelyn Garwood
Jocelyn is a lifelong nomad with Canadian roots but considers the world her home. In her younger days, she hitchhiked with just a backpack. Now, as a senior, she continues to travel solo, although she no longer hitchhikes for safety reasons. Jocelyn proves that curiosity and adventure don’t have an expiration date or a price tag.
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