Best Things to Do in Split Croatia: Old Town and Beaches

To find the best things to do in Split, you need to balance the ancient stone streets of Diocletian's Palace with the crystal-clear waters of beaches like Kasjuni and Bacvice. Whether you are climbing the Marjan Hill for a sunset view or taking a ferry to the islands, staying connected on local networks like Tele2 and A1 ensures you can navigate the labyrinthine Old Town without getting lost or hit by massive roaming charges.

The Living History of Diocletian's Palace

Unlike many European ruins that are cordoned off with velvet ropes, Diocletian's Palace is a living, breathing part of Split. Built for the Roman Emperor at the turn of the 4th century, it now houses shops, restaurants, and apartments. Walking through the Golden Gate feels like stepping back 1,700 years, but with better coffee.

One of the first things you should do is head to the Peristyle, the central square of the palace. It is the heart of the city and the perfect spot to grab a seat on the stone steps, order an espresso, and watch the world go by. If you look up, you will see the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. It is one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world still in use. Climbing the bell tower is a must for anyone who does not mind a bit of a workout; the stairs are narrow and steep, but the view of the red-tiled roofs and the Adriatic Sea is unbeatable.

Don't miss the Basement Halls. These massive substructures once supported the emperor's private apartments and were later used as a dumping ground for centuries, which ironically preserved them perfectly. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise these dark, vaulted ceilings as the place where Daenerys kept her dragons. While exploring these underground corridors, you will find local artisans selling everything from olive wood carvings to handmade jewellery.

The Best Beaches in Split

After you have had your fill of Roman history, it is time to hit the coast. Split has a beach for every vibe, whether you want a party atmosphere or a quiet cove.

Bacvice Beach

Bacvice is the most famous beach in Split and for a good reason. It is a sandy beach in a country dominated by pebbles, located just a ten-minute walk from the main ferry terminal. This is the birthplace of Picigin, a local sport played in the shallow waters. You will see groups of locals leaping through the air to keep a small ball from hitting the water. It is harder than it looks, but watching it is a local pastime. Because the water is so shallow, it is perfect for families, though it can get crowded during the peak of summer.

Kasjuni Beach

If you prefer something a bit more rugged, head to the western side of the Marjan Peninsula to Kasjuni Beach. It is a pebble beach nestled at the foot of steep cliffs. The water here is incredibly clear and deep blue. There is a beach club where you can rent sunbeds, but there is also plenty of space to just throw down a towel. It is a bit further from the city centre, so you might want to take a local bus or a quick Uber.

Bene Beach

Located deep within the Marjan Forest Park, Bene Beach is surrounded by pine trees that provide much-needed shade during the Croatian summer. It is a bit of a hike or a bike ride to get there, but that keeps the massive crowds away. There are tennis courts, a small playground, and a restaurant nearby, making it a great spot for a full day out in nature.

Staying Connected Without the Roaming Sting

For Australians and Kiwis, the biggest buzzkill on a Mediterranean holiday is the bill waiting for you at home. Using the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus daily roaming charges can easily add hundreds of dollars to your trip. Instead of paying for the privilege of using your own data, you can see plans that connect you directly to Croatian networks like Tele2 and A1.

In Split, Tele2 offers impressive 5G coverage in the city centre and around the Riva promenade. A1 provides solid 4G coverage even as you head out toward the Marjan Hill or take a ferry to the nearby islands. Our eSIMs are data-only, meaning you won't get a local Croatian phone number, but your WhatsApp, Messenger, and FaceTime will work perfectly for calling home or messaging the group chat.

Feature	AussieRoam eSIM	Telstra/Optus Roaming
Network	Tele2 (5G) / A1 (4G)	Varies (often throttled)
Daily Cost	Low, fixed price	$10+ per day
Activation	Instant via QR code	Automatic (often expensive)
Data Limit	Up to 50GB or Daily Passes	Often limited or shared

Why You Need Data in Split

Split is a maze. The Old Town was designed to confuse invaders, and it still does a great job of confusing tourists today. You will need Google Maps to find that hidden konoba (traditional tavern) tucked away in a side street. Furthermore, if you are planning to head further afield, like taking the Paris to Amsterdam Train: Staying Online Across Borders or traveling through the UK, having a reliable eSIM is essential for booking tickets on the fly.

If your travels take you to the North, you might find our guide on London to Edinburgh Train WiFi vs AussieRoam eSIM useful for comparing connectivity options across Europe. In Croatia, having data allows you to check ferry schedules on the Jadrolinija app in real-time, which is vital since island weather can occasionally cause delays.

How to Install Your eSIM

Getting set up is easier than finding a parking spot in Split. You can buy and install your eSIM while you are waiting for your flight at Sydney or Auckland airport. By the time you land at Split Airport (SPU), you will be ready to book an Uber or check the bus schedule to the city.

1. First, check your phone compatibility to ensure your device supports eSIM technology (most iPhones and high-end Androids from the last few years do).
2. Choose your plan. We offer fixed plans from 1GB to 50GB, or daily passes if you are a heavy data user.
3. Scan the QR code sent to your email.
4. Follow the how to install guide to activate the line as your secondary data source.
5. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line when you touch down in Croatia.

Day Trips from Split

While there is plenty to do in the city, Split is the ultimate jumping-off point for the Adriatic islands.

• Hvar: The glitzy neighbour. Take a catamaran for an hour and you are in Hvar Town, known for its nightlife and fortress views.
• Braā: Home to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), perhaps the most photographed beach in Croatia.
• Blue Cave (Biševo): A bit further out, but the glowing blue light inside the sea cave is a bucket-list experience.

When you see plans for your trip, remember that our data works across all these islands. You can upload your photos of the Blue Cave to Instagram while you are still on the boat back to Split.

The bottom line

Split is a city that demands exploration, from the depths of the Roman cellars to the heights of Marjan Hill. Don't let expensive roaming fees from home carriers like Telstra or Optus hold you back. Grab an AussieRoam eSIM, install it before you leave, and enjoy high-speed 5G and 4G data as soon as you land. Whether you are navigating the Old Town or sunning yourself at Kasjuni, staying connected has never been easier.