Split-Dalmatia County is the largest county in Croatia by area and one of the most visited regions in the Mediterranean. Located along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, it encompasses the historic city of Split with its UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, the charming medieval town of Trogir (also UNESCO-listed), the glamorous island of Hvar, the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač island, and the scenic Makarska Riviera. The county stretches from the Cetina River canyon in the north to the Neretva delta in the south, bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east. With over 1,700 km of coastline and more than 300 islands, islets and reefs, Split-Dalmatia offers world-class beaches, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Roman ruins, medieval architecture, outstanding seafood cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and exceptional natural landscapes including the Biokovo mountain range.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Split-Dalmatia County.
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1
Diocletian's Palace
One of the world's most impressive Roman monuments, Diocletian's Palace was built around AD 305 as a retirement residence for Emperor Diocletian. Today it forms the living heart of Split's Old Town, with thousands of residents, shops, restaurants, and bars within its ancient walls. The palace covers about 3 hectares and contains the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Temple of Jupiter (now a baptistery), the Peristyle square, and four gates (Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Iron).
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2
Trogir Old Town
A remarkably well-preserved medieval town on a tiny island connected to the mainland and Čiovo island by bridges. Trogir earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 for its exceptional Romanesque-Gothic architecture, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its famous Radovan's Portal (1240). The town has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd century BC and features a harmonious blend of Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences.
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3
Hvar Town
One of the most beautiful and fashionable towns in the Adriatic, Hvar Town sits beneath a medieval fortress with stunning views over its harbor, the Pakleni Islands, and the open sea. Known as the sunniest town in Croatia (2,724 sunshine hours annually), it offers outstanding Renaissance architecture, excellent restaurants, world-class cocktail bars, and vibrant nightlife. The main square (Trg Sv. Stjepana) is the largest in Dalmatia.
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4
Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn)
Croatia's most iconic beach and one of Europe's most photographed coastal features. Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) is a distinctive shingle beach that extends 634 meters into the sea and changes shape with the winds and currents, giving it its characteristic horn-like appearance. The beach is set against a backdrop of pine forests and offers crystal-clear turquoise waters.
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5
Makarska Riviera
A 60-kilometer stretch of some of Croatia's finest beaches, set between the dramatic limestone massif of the Biokovo mountain range and the Adriatic Sea. The Makarska Riviera encompasses around 30 settlements including Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska, Tučepi, and Gradac, each offering pristine pebble and sand beaches, turquoise water, and stunning mountain backdrops.
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6
Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje)
One of the world's oldest Catholic cathedrals, built from the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian in the 7th century. The cathedral has a stunning octagonal exterior, a Romanesque-Gothic bell tower (added in the 13th-16th centuries) which can be climbed for panoramic views, and a richly decorated interior with Roman-era friezes, medieval choir stalls, and altars. The irony of a Christian cathedral built from a pagan emperor's tomb makes it historically unique.
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7
Klis Fortress
A formidable medieval fortress perched on a rocky ridge above the city of Split, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Dalmatian coastline and the islands. Klis Fortress has a 2,000-year history as a strategic stronghold used by Illyrians, Romans, Croatian kings, and Ottoman defenders. It served as the capital of Croatia under King Tomislav and famously resisted Ottoman sieges for centuries. The fortress gained international fame as a filming location for 'Game of Thrones' (as the slave city Meereen).
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8
Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Meštrović)
A magnificent gallery housed in the former summer villa and studio of Croatia's most celebrated sculptor, Ivan Meštrović (1883-1962). The elegant neo-Renaissance building overlooks the Adriatic and contains over 190 of Meštrović's sculptures in wood, marble, bronze, and plaster, spanning his entire career. The adjacent Kaštelet chapel houses his famous 'Life of Christ' wood relief cycle. The combination of exceptional art and stunning Mediterranean setting makes this one of Split's finest cultural experiences.
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9
Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
The oldest Croatian museum dedicated to the early medieval period (7th-12th centuries), holding the largest collection of pre-Romanesque artifacts in Croatia. The museum contains over 20,000 items including decorative stonework, weapons, jewelry, and everyday objects from the period when Croatian medieval statehood was formed. The collection provides crucial insight into the transition from Roman to Croatian culture in Dalmatia.
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10
Blue Cave (Modra Špilja), Biševo Island
One of Croatia's most extraordinary natural phenomena - a sea cave on the remote island of Biševo where sunlight refracts through an underwater opening between 11:00 and 13:00, bathing the interior in an ethereal electric-blue light. The effect is most dramatic on sunny days. Boats can only enter via a low underwater opening, adding to the magic. Visiting requires an organized tour from Vis, Hvar, or Split due to the cave's remoteness and regulated access.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.