Split in winter – tips for a weekend in Croatia

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Is Split worth visiting in winter? Absolutely, we think. We traveled to Split over Christmas and discovered a much quieter side of a city that we had previously mainly experienced during warmer parts of the year. Here we give you tips on things to see and do in Split in winter – from Diocletian's Palace and nice walks to restaurants, museums and spas.

Split in winter – what is it like?

Split is a nice city to visit even in winter. The pace is calmer and there are significantly fewer tourists than in summer, while the city still lives with restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions.

For us, Split is one of our favorite cities in Croatia, and in winter you get to experience the historic city center in a different way. It's easier to stroll around the alleys and discover Diocletian's Palace in peace and quiet. The weather can of course vary, but during our Christmas trip we had around 15 degrees during the day. Winter is therefore great for walking, sightseeing, visiting restaurants, museums and spas.

1. Discover Diocletian's Palace without the summer crowds

One of the most fascinating things about Split is its history from Roman times. When you walk through the central parts of historic Split, you will pass inside the remains of Diocletian's Palace, which was built at the end of the 3rd century AD.

In many other cities, you have to queue and pay an entrance fee to see these types of attractions – but here the palace is an integral part of the city. People live here and there are restaurants, cafes and shops. In winter, you also avoid the large tourist crowds that fill the palace area during the summer months.

2. Stroll through Split's Old Town

The alleys of Split are not only historic, but also incredibly cozy. Here you can stroll around among arches, stone steps, small squares, shops and restaurants in an environment that almost feels like a museum. In winter, the pace is slower and it is much easier to stop, discover details and take photos in peace and quiet.

3. Stroll along the Riva and the sea

Winter in Croatia is perfect for walking. If you want to take a shorter walk, you can stroll along the harbor and Riva promenade. Here you can enjoy the palm trees and look at all the ferries taking passengers out to the surrounding islands.

If you wish, you can then continue eastwards along the coast towards the popular Žnjan beach. Almost the entire promenade, which is around 5 kilometres long, runs beautifully along the waterfront. As well as beautiful views, there are a number of cafés, bars and restaurants along the way.

4. Hike up Marjan

Another nice walking trail can be found in Marjan Park. This large green oasis is located very close to the center of Split and offers long, beautiful walkways and fantastic viewpoints.

Be prepared for a steep climb and a lot of stairs at the beginning, but this is also the very best viewpoint in Split. You can also check out the church of St Nicholas.

5. Visit museums when the weather is worse

When it feels a little cold and dreary outside, it can be a perfect time to pop into a museum. In Split you will find everything from museums that tell the history of the city to a museum that focuses on Game of Thrones. If you like Game of Thrones, there are also filming locations to check out, such as the basement of Diocletian's Palace.

6. Eat well at taverns and outdoor cafes

During a weekend in Split, you'll want to enjoy good food, and the city is certainly full of cosy restaurants. There are often nice outdoor seating areas and if the weather is good - or if the restaurant is equipped with heat lamps - you can sit outside even in winter.

If you want to discover traditional Croatian food you can choose a so-called "konoba", that is, a tavern that serves Croatian dishes. In addition, there are of course many restaurants with international food on the menu. You will find more tips in the articles below.

READ MORE: Restaurants in Split - our top restaurant tips

7. Book spa and wellness

During the summer months, Split is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. However, spa and wellness can be enjoyed all year round, even in winter. During our long weekend in Split, we stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, located by the sea about 3 kilometres from the centre.

Here you can enjoy the swimming pool, whirlpools, sauna and relaxation room. There is also a wide range of treatments to choose from, such as traditional massage, Asian treatments and facials.

READ MORE: Spa weekend at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Split

8. Shopping

Last but not least, you can of course go shopping during your weekend in Split. Perhaps the most enjoyable thing to do is to browse the small shops in the city centre. There are also larger shopping centres, such as Mall of Split and Joker Mall.

You can find clothes, shoes and accessories. Other products sold in Split include silver, red coral jewellery, locally made Christmas decorations and dried lavender, which is used for its scent.

How to travel to Split in winter

During the summer months there are usually several direct flights from Scandinavia to Split, for example from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Copenhagen. In winter you may need to change flights, for example in Frankfurt or Munich. Of course you can also get here by car or camper.

How to get around Split

Despite being Croatia's second largest city, Split is limited in size, making it fairly easy to get around. In the centre of Split you can go for a walk.

For longer distances, you can take a bus, rent a bike (there are bikes in racks that you can pay for with an app) or take a taxi. A cheaper alternative to taxis is to use the Uber or Bolt apps.

Weekend in Split - where to stay

During our weekend in Split, we stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, which was fantastic if you also want to enjoy a sea view as well as spa and wellness.

Of course, if you want to stay right in the centre, there are also plenty of hotels to choose from, including small boutique hotels in the historic parts of the city. If you come with a motorhome or caravan, you can stay at the campsite in Stobrec.

Good to know about Split

Croatia is a member of the EU and Schengen and has the euro as its currency. In the tourist city of Split, English works well in hotels, restaurants and attractions. The city center and the historic center are relatively compact and much can be experienced on foot, which is especially suitable for a weekend.

What is the weather like in Split in winter?

Winter in Split is considerably milder than in Sweden, but that doesn't mean it's always warm and sunny. December, January and February can offer both sunny and mild days and periods of rain, wind and cooler weather. During our Christmas trip, we had around 15 degrees during the day and were sometimes able to sit outside on outdoor terraces. A windproof jacket and clothes for varying weather are still a good idea to pack.

Advantages of Split in winter

• Fewer tourists than during the summer
• Easier to discover the old town in peace and quiet
• More comfortable temperature for walking
• Restaurants and city life even outside of high season
• Good time for museums, food and spa

Disadvantages of Split in winter

• Not warm enough for sunbathing and swimming (unless you like a really refreshing swim, of course)
• Opening hours at museums, attractions and shops may be more limited
• The range of boat trips and other seasonal activities is smaller than in summer

More tips about Split

Here you will find more tips and inspiration about Split:

• Things to do in Split – 20 attractions and experiences
• This is how to celebrate Christmas in Split