Dalmatia, Croatia
With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.
Travel bucket list idea:
Marjan Peninsula [walking & cycling]
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
Last updated: 04 April, 2024
A 10-minute walk west of the historic centre brings you to Marjan, a gorgeous 3.5km-long peninsula criss-crossed by footpaths and planted with Aleppo pines, cypresses and fragrant Mediterranean shrubs.
For fantastic views over the sea and islands, follow the path along the south side, which leads past the 15th-century Church of St. Jerome all the way to Bene, a recreation area with a beach and pleasant café on Marjan’s western tip.
While you’re there
An exploration of Marjan Peninsula combines perfectly with a trip to the stunning Mestrovic Gallery, once the summer home of famous local sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, whose work has been compared to that of Rodin and Michelangelo.
Stop for a drink, ideally at sunset, at Vidilica Bar, which has superb views down onto town.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 5 hours
Getting there & doing it
The peninsula is easily accessible on foot from the Old Town. If you’re feeling lazy, you can also catch bus no. 12. Alternatively, hire a bike and explore on two wheels; the peninsula is criss-crossed with paved paths suitable for cycling.
Bike Rental Croatia rent out quality Kona city bikes and mountain bikes for exploring Split and the Marjan Peninsula.
When to do it
Walking/cycling on the Marjan peninsular is definitely nicer in spring (when the wildflowers bloom and the trees come into leaf) or autumn (when the leaves change colour). In summer it can be rather hot.
Destination guides
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Dalmatia, Croatia
A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings