Split, Croatia—a total show-off with that glossy waterfront and Diocletian’s Palace hogging all the postcards. But hey, there’s a side to this sun-soaked city that’s way less selfie-filled, way more “if you know, you know.” Ready for the stuff locals (kind of) want to keep to themselves? Here’s your cheat sheet for the real Split—skipping the crowds, soaking up the soul. Hidden Gems in Split Only Locals Know About.
1. Marjan Hill Lookout – The Local’s Breather
When Split gets too loud, everyone’s grandma and their dog heads to Marjan.
- Pine trees everywhere, trails twisting up through shady forest
- Views that make your Instagram melt—city, islands, all of it
- Bring a thermos, catch the sunrise, maybe pretend you’re on some wellness kick
2. Bene Beach – Chill, No Crowds, No Worries
Forget Bačvice unless you like elbowing for towel space. Bene’s the real deal.
- Shaded by pines, gentle water, actual peace and quiet
- Families, locals—basically no tourists in giant floppy hats
- Beach bar slinging beers and snacks, because, of course
3. Klis Fortress – Views for Days, Thrones Vibes
Stacks above town like it’s judging you. Plus, dragons! (Sort of.)
- Old fortress that slapped back the Ottomans (history nerds unite)
- Oh, and it was “Meereen” in Game of Thrones, so bring your inner Khaleesi
- Tours get you wild legends and the best panorama, period
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4. Pazar Green Market – All the Vibes, None of the Fuss
This is where locals haggle for their tomatoes, not for your entertainment.
- Tables groaning with fresh fruit, cheese, weird sausages
- Try a bite of black risotto, then try to stop eating. (You won’t.)
- Vendors yammer away, sometimes with samples. Or gossip. Or both.
5. Meštrović Gallery – Art, Sea Views, Zero Hype
Kind of ridiculous how peaceful this place is.
- Sculptor Ivan Meštrović gets a seaside villa?! Yeah, it’s a thing
- Sculpture and art inside, chilled garden outside—skip the crowds
- Endlessly good for letting your brain drift and people-watch
6. Ribarnica Fish Market – Real Croatia, Smells and All
Early morning, and it’s chaos—in the most glorious way.
- Freshest fish in town, maybe a live octopus staring you down
- Locals haggle for breakfast, you look around pretending you know what’s happening
- Seafood lovers, wear sandals you don’t mind getting… fishy
7. Kaštel Gomilica – Frozen in Some Ancient Movie
Ten minutes from the big city, boom, you’re in Venetian insta-heaven.
- Narrow lanes, old stones, absolute silence except for seagulls
- They filmed GoT here (Braavos, if you’re keeping track)
- Take the water taxi if you want to show off on social
8. Čiovo Island – The Escape Button
Hop a boat, bail on the city, find your peace.
- Beach bars the guidebooks barely mention—locals love Laganini Club
- Little stone churches, tiny taverns where grandma still cooks
- Perfect day trip, no stress, sunburn unavoidable (wear sunscreen, duh)
☕ 9. Teak Café – Cozy, Artsy, and Probably Caffeine-Fueled
If introverts ruled Split, they’d hide here.
- Art everywhere, sofas you sink into, everyone pretending to write a novel
- Students and freelancers parked with laptops, cake crumbs on keyboards
- Teas are homemade, cakes are suspiciously good
10. Sustipan Park – Formerly Dead, Now Just Dreamy
Yeah, it was a cemetery. Now? Bring someone you like, or just your thoughts.
- Actual cliffs, actual sunsets, marina views that slap
- Benches hidden under monster-old trees—sit, nap, stare at the sea
- Locals swear by it for “me time,” couples steal picnic kisses. Sappy but true
Hidden Gems in Split Only Locals Know About
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