Split, Croatia Photography | Clever Tourists

Photographing Split

Split is built directly inside and around the Diocletian's Palace, a Roman imperial retirement complex from the early 4th century. Rather than a ruin set apart, the palace is a living quarter where apartments, cafes and shops occupy the ancient walls, cellars and colonnaded courtyards.

Where to shoot

Diocletian's Palace — a 4th-century Roman complex whose walls and cellars still form the living old town
Peristyle — the colonnaded central courtyard of the palace, at its quietest in low morning or evening light
Marjan Hill — a wooded peninsula with paths and viewpoints over the city and sea
Riva — the broad waterfront promenade lined with palms, lively at sunset

When to go

Late spring and early autumn offer hot beach weather and ferry-friendly seas while sidestepping the August crush; the city stays lively year-round thanks to its working old-town core.

What to eat

Pašticada, a slow-braised beef in sweet wine sauce served with gnocchi, grilled fish, and soparnik, a thin Swiss chard pie from the surrounding region.

Where to stay

Inside or beside the palace walls for old-town immersion, or near Bačvice beach east of the center for a more relaxed base.

The palace cellars and the cathedral bell tower both reward exploring; the tower's climb opens onto a high view over the Peristyle and red roofs.