How about this for an interesting place?
Although some tourist destinations have us saying, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there,” you’ll never say, “let’s split,” in Split, Croatia. It’s one of those few destinations you won’t want to leave. Mountains and sea meet, making for breathtaking scenery, and when you cross the Old City Wall Gate, you’re stepping back in time. The lively city on the Dalmatian Coast offers coastal boardwalks stretching into the sparkling Adriatic waters; enough bars, shops, and restaurants to satisfy even the most snobbish of gourmands; and of course Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman monument that forms half of Split’s Old Town.
I arrive here the day before I embark on my cycling and cruise of the Dalmatian coast. I think I need to explore this city a bit, don’t you? Some of my cycling pals will be here as well, same hotel too!
I think the first stop is Old Town, filled with cafes and restaurants. Perhaps a cold beer would be the perfect introduction to Split. In fact, I also see the Zinfandel Wine Bar, another good place to stop. I love the “old towns” in most all of the cities I have visited around the world.
Split is located on a peninsula in central Dalmatia, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The Marjan Hill rises on the western side of the peninsula, while Mounts Kozjak and Mosar stand tall on the north and northwest sides of the city. But with the maze of small streets and passages, it is easy to get lost. May to October is the best time to be here, and it is May! The strong northwest wind is called the Bura.
Split has a rich history dating back to Roman times, but it is also a vibrant town with a lot to do. Bustling cafes, Riva – a seafront promenade perfect for strolling or people-watching, charming restaurants serving fresh mouth-watering dishes, breezy beaches, historic boutique hotels, and cozy wine bars, are just some of the attractions that draw thousands of visitors to Split every year. I plan to concentrate on seafood and wine!
The Riva Promenade is where I most likely catch my cruise tomorrow. It looks like a cute little walk. And since I am on the Dalmatian coast for a week, seafood and more seafood will be available. I have my eye on the Villa Spiza for a typical Croatian seafood dinner.
The 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace, the heart of the old town, is full of cafés, cool bars, and lovely restaurants. I will be staying at a hotel in the heart of this area. Hopefully, I will meet up with my friends from Napa sometime today here in Split. And of course, the seafood and wine will be a big attraction for me. The Emperor, Diocletian (AD 284-305) was basically not a good person, torturing and executing Christians, thugh he spent most of his time in Egypt.. Yet the Peristil square is the centerpiece of the Palace.
Often referred to as the Soul of the City, Split’s Green Market, or Pazar, is located to the east of the Old Town and boasts any local fruit or vegetable your heart may desire! Row upon row of fresh produce is laid out daily for tourists and locals alike to purchase their groceries. Think dried figs, homemade olive oil, grappa, fresh berries, potatoes covered in dirt and the loveliest locals around!
Tomorrow, the cycling cruise begins. I can hardly wait, even though I am not a real cruiser. But tonight, I will meet up with my fellow cyclists and head out to Riva promenade. Don’t you just love words used in Europe like this?
I sent my cycling gear ahead, it should be waiting at my hotel. Maybe I can sneak a little “fun” stuff back to the US?
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