Time Travel with a Side of Gnocchi – Split’s Charm is Unreal

#springitinerary #splitcroatia #diocletianspalace #croatiancuisine #wandersplit #oldtowncharm #unescoheritage #localeats #adriaticvibes #mediterraneanmood #travelcroatia

Split feels like stepping onto a movie set where history, sunshine, and street life collide. The crown jewel is Diocletian’s Palace — not just a monument, but a full-blown living quarter where shops, homes, and cafés hide between ancient stone walls.

I wandered aimlessly through alleyways, turned corners into quiet courtyards, and stumbled into a traditional konoba where I had a seriously good bowl of pašticada. This local beef stew, cooked with wine and served with gnocchi, was hearty and full of flavor. It’s the kind of comfort food that tastes like someone’s grandma made it with love.

And of course, fritule — those warm little doughnuts dusted in powdered sugar — sealed the deal. I grabbed some and headed toward the Riva promenade, where palm trees sway and the rhythm of life slows down. Sitting there, watching people stroll by and soaking up the sea air, was one of my favorite memories in Croatia.

Travel Tips and How to Get There:
• Visit the Riva in the evening for a gorgeous sunset walk
• What to do:
• Get lost (literally) inside Diocletian’s Palace
• Try pašticada and fritule for a taste of local tradition
• Climb Marjan Hill for sweeping views
• Browse little shops tucked in historical nooks
• Vibe:
• Relaxed coastal city with deep Roman roots
• Good for:
• Culture lovers, foodies, casual explorers, photo hunters

How to Get There:
• By air:
• Fly into Split Airport (SPU) — 30-minute drive to city center
• By ferry:
• Ferries connect from Croatian islands like Brač and Hvar
• By car/bus:
• ~4 hours from Zagreb or ~3 hours from Dubrovnik
• Pro tips:
• Wear comfy shoes — polished stone walkways can get slippery
• Avoid mid-day crowds in the palace area
• Look for konobas tucked away from the main streets for authentic eats