13+ Stunning Instagrammable Places And Photo Spots In Split, Croatia

Contents

1 The Most Instagrammable Places in Split
2 Split Instagram Spots: Wrap-Up

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Over the two summers I’ve spent in Split, I’ve caught beautiful views from truly inspiring sites in the coastal city.

These are the best photo spots in Split, Croatia, from out on the water to towering over the city.

You can also check out my ultimate list of things to do in Split, and my itinerary to 3 days in Split, if you’re interested in learning more about this ancient city.

Like with any significant destinations or landmarks, the best time to take pictures if you don’t want other people in them is early in the morning, before the masses wake up and start walking around.

However, if there’s a shot you really want, you can almost always catch a stolen moment alone with a landmark if you wait long enough.

While you can also use tools like Photoshop or InShot to remove people or other unwanted objects from your shots, there’s something beautiful about other people around.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” — Marilyn Monroe

The Most Instagrammable Places in Split

Diocletian’s Palace

This is an image of a woman standing with an Egyptian sphinx in Split, Croatia.

This is an image of the Peristyle in Split, Croatia.

Diocletian’s Palace is the city center of modern-day Split, Croatia; it serves as the Old Town.

It’s an important example of Ancient Roman construction on the city’s shoreline, demonstrating the civilization’s tremendous might and riches.

Quick History: The Palace was created in the 4th century by Roman Emperor Diocletian as his house to retire from public responsibilities in 305 A.D. However, he could only enjoy the complex for about a decade before he was murdered.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site still houses museums, cafés, shops, and residential areas within its walls. Make sure to meander through some of the smaller side streets for some unique photo opportunities!

Along with beautiful streets, many of the major sites within the Palace are on my list for the most instagrammable places in Split:

The Temple of Jupiter has beautiful sculptures of various Roman gods guarding over its entryway. A headless Ancient Egyptian sphinx stands at the entrance.
The Peristyle, a Roman inner courtyard that opens to the sky.
The Vestibule, which served as the Palace’s ceremonial entrance into the private apartments.
The Palace also has four massive gates still standing today that were once the only way in.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a creation or landmark chosen for conservation by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) due to its cultural, historical, scientific or natural significance. It must meet a minimum of one of ten selection criteria to be considered for the World Heritage List, and once chosen, it becomes protected for preservation by various international treaties.

Climb up to the top of the Saint Domnius Cathedral Bell Tower

View from Cathedral of St. Dominus Bell Tower in Split Croatia on the list of things to do in Split Croatia

The Cathedral and Bell Tower of Saint Domnius, located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture still standing today.

It’s the world’s oldest Catholic Cathedral still in operation–and in its original configuration.

Before climbing the bell tower, make sure to go inside the Cathedral and visit the crypt and treasury. Inside, there are various stunning works of art and literature and relics of Saint Dominus himself.

Since it sits in the city’s heart, the bell tower offers some of the most incredible panoramic views of Split.

However, there isn’t an elevator, and the stairs are somewhat narrow, so take care as you make your way to the top.

The tickets for the Cathedral and Bell Tower are separate, so you can choose to only visit the Bell Tower if you only want the view.

Take in the city view from Marjan Hill

Split’s highest point is Marjan Hill, which is located on the Croatian city’s westernmost edge. The vista is spectacular, stretching from the Old Town’s stunning architecture to the Adriatic Sea.

Before reaching the park, first, you need to climb the steep steps in the Varoš neighborhood. Once you finally get there, though, there’s a scenic overlook next to Restoran Vidilica.

You can even do dinner and a view after the exercise of getting to the top! But it’s definitely a hike to even get to the entrance.

The view from the park’s entry is beautiful, but if you do decide to continue into Marjan Hill Park, there are several overlooks and a beautiful beach in Split, Kašjuni Beach.

Capture the Meštrović Gallery within Marjan Hill

Within Marjan Hill, you can find an incredible selection of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic’s work at the Muzej Ivana Mestrovica (Meštrović Gallery.)

Reopening after the Croatian War of Independence with its permanent collection in 1998, the artist Ivan Meštrović designed the home himself and lived there with his family for summers from 1932 through 1941.

Today, the museum houses his letters, drawings, sculptures, and other designs.

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Try to fit the mammoth Grgur Ninski statue into your camera frame

This is an image of the Gregory of Nin statue in Split, Croatia.

This is an image of the toe of the Gregory of Nin statue in Split, Croatia.

A massive statue of Grgur Ninski stands guard over the Golden Gate into Diocletian’s Palace. Gregory of Nin was a Medieval bishop of Nin, Croatia who, in 926, petitioned the Catholic Church to hold mass in Croatian.

He is considered a protector of the Croatian language, history, and culture.

Ivan Meštrović sculpted the bronze statue in 1929, which stands 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall. The figure was initially displayed in the Peristyle, but it was moved by Italian fascists during World War II and then again in 1954 to its current location.

Insider Tip: Make sure to touch his big toe for good luck! It’s been rubbed golden after decades of others seeking their good fortune too.

I’ve found the best way to capture the statue is in the morning, from a lower point in front of the statue. That way, you can angle your camera slightly upwards without distorting the statue–or its size.

And before too many tourists are wandering around the city getting in the way of the best photo spots in Split, Croatia!

Take in the view on Bačvice Beach

You can’t come to Split without taking in the picture-perfect view from the beaches! I have a whole guide on the best beaches in Split, Croatia if you want to learn more about the different ones.

However, out of all the city’s beaches, I’ve spent the most time sunning on Bačvice Beach in Split. It’s adjacent to Old Town and has three different beach options: sandy beach, pebbly beach, and concrete.

During the busy season, you’ll come across beach bars and paddleboat rentals as you go along the Croatian coast.

But, if you spend your three days in Split during the colder months, cement paths go along the azure waters. It’s so beautiful here, looking out into the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to catch an instagrammable shot of Split!

Stroll along the Riva

This is an image of the Riva in Split, Croatia.

The Riva in Split tracks along the outside wall of Diocletian’s Palace, which was a waterside entrance when it was first built.

Several coffee shops, cafés, and ice cream vendors are along the exterior wall. On the other side, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the sea.

But, my favorite time on the Riva is when it turns into a hot spot for nightlife in Split!

The waterside bars have been turned into nightclubs, and dormant stages during the day are constantly hosting a band, dancing company, or other shows.

Not to mention the view of the sunset over the ocean!

Find artistic inspiration on Marmontova Street

When Napoleon commanded the region, the French officer Auguste Marmont was charged with renovating Split and other Dalmatian cities. As a result of his efforts, the pedestrian promenade off the Riva on the city’s west side was named Marmont Street.

As you go up the street from the Riva, you’ll see art galleries, cafés, sweet shops, and high-end retailers. Split’s seafood market is also located nearby.

Pop into one of the art galleries or grab a cone from Bili San, on the corner of Marmontova Street and one of my favorite homemade gelato shops in Split, and set up your own enticing shot.

Find the color at Trg Republike

This is an image of Trg Republike in Split, Croatia.

Have you ever visited Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy?

You could recognize the resemblance if you have. Republic Square, also known as the Prokurative, is located at the western end of the Riva. Buildings surround the plaza on three sides, emulating the famed Italian piazza.

What’s different about Republic Square versus San Marco is all of the colors. The Croatian version is colored a brilliant red, with dark green shutters on the second-story windows above the light gray arches.

Especially on a clear day with blue skies, this is a fascinating instagrammable place in Split.

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Walk even further down the Riva to find the view on West Bank

Once you reach Trg Republike on the Riva, it seems like the end of the boulevard. However, if you continue along the water’s edge, you’ll find yourself on West Bank, another walking promenade in the city.

This area is really cool to wander around because the landside has outdoor bars and small restaurants. At the same time, massive luxury yachts are docked along the water across the street.

You can take some exciting pictures from this perspective, and at the end of West Bank, you’ll come to Sustipan Park, a small tree-filled park on a small cliff–another great photo spot in Split.

Catch the sunset over Split from the water

This is an image of a sailboat on the harbor in Split, Croatia at sunset.

While the sunset views from within the city won’t disappoint, a sunset cruise on the Adriatic Sea to see the colors amplify Split’s cityscape is an experience not to be missed.

Unless you want to charter a boat yourself, you can take this two-hour Split sunset voyage.

Pass some of the best photo spots in Split from the outside, like Marjan Hill, Diocletian’s Palace, and the Kaštela bay, all from the comfort of a boat with an open bar and live music.

Check out the Cornaro Hotel’s Rooftop Bar

The Rooftop Bar at the Cornaro Hotel stands out as an excellent instagrammable place in Split. It’s up on the 6th floor of the hotel and offers another unique perspective of the entire city.

You’re high up, looking above the buildings to the water and beyond, but this view includes the St. Dominus Bell Tower.

And during the best time to visit Croatia–the summer–the bar space also offers live performances and grilled fare. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and wine bar serving Croatian wines.

Photo-worthy spots near Split

This is an image of the creator of The Purposely Lost standing in front of a slim waterfall at Plitvice National Park in Croatia.

If you want to learn more about other amazing views near Split, you can check out my guide to the best day trips from Split. These are of my favorites for the photos:

Brač is a beautiful island close to Split and is a perfect spot to capture distant views of the city.
Klis Fortress is only a 20-minute public bus trip away from Split’s city center. It captures an incredible look of the city from above.
Croatian national parks like Plitviče Lakes National Park and Krka National Park offer some of the most spectacular waterfalls I’ve ever seen, and several guided tours will take you there and back in one day.

Split Instagram Spots: Wrap-Up

Split is a perfect destination for a picturesque, photo-filled Croatian holiday with harbor views, iconic archways, and cobblestone streets.

From the breathtaking views of Marjan Hill to the ancient architecture of Diocletian’s Palace, Split offers a diverse array of photo opportunities that are sure to leave any Instagram enthusiast awestruck.

Whether you are a professional photographer or simply enjoy snapping photos on your smartphone, Split is a destination that should not be missed.

Its captivating scenery and culture will inspire you to capture unforgettable memories, and the city’s charm will leave a lasting impression that you will cherish forever.

Where are your favorite instagrammable places in Split, Croatia?

Lyndsay

The Purposely Lost

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13+ Stunning Instagrammable Places and Photo Spots in Split, Croatia