Split Or Dubrovnik: Where to Visit in Croatia

To make the most of your time in Croatia, it’s first important to assess the best time to visit. The weather can impact several aspects of your trip, so we recommend taking this into account before booking your break. 

Croatia displays a temperate climate, where you will find warm summers and mild winters. Tourists often choose to visit here between June and August. This is when the weather is at its best with warm, sunny days and maximum temperatures of around 31°C. 

You will also find that there are plenty of incredible things to do in Croatia throughout the year. If you’d prefer to avoid the summer crowds, be sure to check out the shoulder seasons for your trip. May, September and October are excellent for those seeking pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists around Croatia. 

So, is Split or Dubrovnik better? To help determine the best cities to visit in Croatia, we will dive into the key aspects of any holiday in the country. Below you will find everything you need to know to help make an informed decision for booking your next break here. 

Food in Dubrovnik 

Dubrovnik is known for being a luxury destination, meaning you will find plenty of fine dining options here. Being one of the most popular cities in Croatia, the metropolis also offers a varied cuisine, great for a range of visitors. 

You will discover everything from Michelin-starred restaurants, to quaint cafes and much more. The diverse cuisine around the city is perfect for a variety of tastes and preferences. What’s more, visitors can try somewhere different during their stay, as there are plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. 

Spend your time eating whilst taking in the impressive coastline. Or wander around the city to discover restaurants in historic buildings. Whatever type of dining experience you’re looking for, Dubrovnik won’t disappoint. 

Culture in Dubrovnik

When deciding where to visit in Croatia, culture is often a determining factor for many. Luckily enough, Dubrovnik is renowned for its cultural exploration, allowing visitors to experience many of the country’s traditions, alongside plenty of history and heritage. 

Dubrovnik’s mediaeval town is a haven for those seeking culture in abundance during their stay. Explore the ancient city walls or join the locals in the Pucic Palace, nestled away in the heart of the lovely old town. Guests can also hop on a cable car to the top of Mount Srd where you can learn more about the city’s defences. 

Dubrovnik is a living cultural site, so you won’t be stuck for things to learn and interesting attractions to uncover here. 

Nightlife in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has excellent nightlife, perfect for those looking to extend their holiday into the balmy evenings. There are several bars around the city, all of which have something unique to offer. The lively atmosphere and friendly locals make it an inviting place to spend your nights in Croatia. 

For those looking to dance and party into the early hours, there are plenty of clubs around Dubrovnik that remain open until around 4 am. These create the perfect place to meet new friends and ensure your holiday feels even longer. 

Beaches in Dubrovnik

When deciding on Split or Dubrovnik beaches, the cities don’t differ too much from one another. Dubrovnik has some great shores, with the nearest spot being Banje Beach. Banje is a popular beach and is fairly easy to access from the old town. 

Some other great shores consist of rocky and sandy beaches around Dubrovnik. These are excellent for those looking to escape the city and relax by Croatia’s magnificent coastline. Whether you’re seeking a secluded spot, or somewhere with a little more going on, the beaches in Dubrovnik suit a range of visitors. 

Day Trips in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is renowned for its plethora of things to do and see, making it one of the best places to visit in Croatia. You can take a short ferry ride from the city to Lokrum Island where you will discover ancient ruins and fascinating wildlife. 

For those looking to get out and active, you can also enjoy a kayaking excursion from Dubrovnik to the other nearby islands. This allows guests to explore the waters around the country, all whilst experiencing a true adventure and fun for the whole family. 

There are also plenty of other boat tours available from Dubrovnik, providing an excellent destination for those hoping to see more of the surrounding Croatian Islands. Whether you’re looking to scour more of the country’s natural beauty or would prefer to partake in a tour around the city’s fascinating old town, there are day trips for all when staying in this popular part of Croatia.

To help us make an informed decision on which is better, Split or Dubrovnik, we now need to give you a little more information about the former city. Below covers everything we have before, but this time for Split. This will help you compare the two cities and decide which best suits your next trip here. 

Food in Split 

There are plenty of mouthwatering restaurants and cafes littered around Split, making it ideal for a range of travellers. What’s more, the city also offers some excellent places to enjoy some authentic Croatian dishes. Check out the streets near the palace and head towards the Varos neighbourhood. Here you will discover some traditional eateries, where you can indulge in some of the country’s fantastic plates. 

Much like Dubrovnik, the size and popularity of Split also mean that you will find an array of cuisines around the city. There are fine dining options, smaller cafes and family-run restaurants for all to enjoy here. 

Culture in Split

Split is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Croatia, as the city boasts plenty of fascinating cultural spots. The renowned Diocletian’s Palace has drawn visitors from around the world to explore its fascinating architecture and intriguing history. The buildings here date as far back as 295 AD, creating plenty of interesting findings for those looking to uncover some of the country’s heritage. 

Be sure to check out the tower of St Domnius where you can take in stunning panoramic views over the city. Split is also an excellent destination for those looking to soak up some culture late into the evening. The lively metropolis attracts tourists and locals alike, allowing for plenty of cultural findings when exploring the city’s streets at night. 

Nightlife in Split

Split has fantastic nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists with its lively atmosphere and variety of bars and clubs. You will find more places to go in the city in comparison to Dubrovnik, however, there are still plenty of options for those seeking a relaxed evening throughout Split. 

With bars around Diocletian Palace and parties happening around Bacvice Beach, you will discover several spots with something unique to offer. Take in the beautiful coastal vistas whilst enjoying a cocktail, or head to the palace to soak up some of Split’s history. 

No matter how you choose to spend your evenings in Split, the vibrant nightlife and plethora of places provide somewhere for all to enjoy! 

Beaches in Split

When discovering what to do, many tourists ask where is the best place to visit in Croatia. With so many incredible spots around the country, it can be overwhelming when deciding where to go. However, something that certainly shouldn’t be missed is the beaches here. There are sandy shores throughout the cities and islands in Croatia, all of which cater to a range of visitors. 

Split is no exception, as the city provides guests with plenty of sandy shores to take advantage of. Situated downtown is the popular beach of Bacvice. Here you can enjoy a day relaxing on the sand or an evening partying by the sea. It is a favoured destination for many, so it is worth bearing in mind that it can get very busy here, especially during the summer. For those seeking a quieter spot to unwind, be sure to check out Jezinac or Kasjuni, just some of the other beaches around Split. 

Day Trips in Split

One of the main draws to the city is that there are plenty of day trips from Split for tourists to enjoy. From here, you can uncover some of the top places to visit in Croatia, ideal for those looking to see more of the country in one stay. 

One of the most popular places to visit from Split is Plitvice Lakes National Park. This stunning attraction is just 2.5 hours from the city by car, allowing for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Upon arrival, you will discover one of the country’s best natural wonders with a network of stunning waterfalls, lush greenery and intriguing wildlife. Plitvice is also an excellent choice for those visiting Croatia with family. 

For those looking to uncover more of Croatia’s fascinating history, the beautiful town of Trogir is just a 40-minute drive away. Here you can explore the ancient architecture, mouthwatering cuisine and pristine beaches. There are also plenty of cultural findings in Trogir, great for those hoping to learn more about Croatian traditions and heritage. 

With cruises from Split to Brac Island, you can also check out the famous Zlatni Rat Beach during your stay in the city. The interesting shape of the shore and surrounding landscapes make it somewhere certainly worth visiting during your trip. Plus, with a short ferry ride of only 50 minutes, this makes for an excellent day excursion for all.

After learning more about the fascinating cities of Split and Dubrovnik, we hope you can now visit here with the best spot in mind. It is clear to see that both of these destinations have much to offer, allowing all types of visitors to enjoy a break here. No matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to be impressed by the wonderful things to do and the fascinating sights to see in Split and Dubrovnik. 

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia and are looking to explore more of the country’s beautiful cities, we recommend joining a cruising adventure here. Cruise Croatia offers an excellent selection of ships, all of which suit a range of holiday itineraries. Whether you’re seeking a smaller, intimate cruise or something with a little more going on, Cruise Croatia is a great option. What’s more, you can visit both Split and Dubrovnik in one trip, meaning you won’t miss a thing during your stay!