Split

A real selling point for Split’s hotels is their proximity to the famous remains of Diocletian’s Palace, which forms the centrepiece of the city. All 21 rooms at the Hotel Marmont (Zadarska 13) offer at the least a partial view of the palace, with the lodging sitting just a minute away from Split’s core attraction. The Old Town is a UNESCO-listed heritage site, and St Luke Residence (Kraj Svetog Luke 29) can be found within this area, offering both rooms and self-catering apartments. The funky Goli+Bosi Design Hostel (Morpurgova Poljana 2) is always popular for those on a budget, while further away from the centre is the Radisson Blu Resort Split (Put Trstenika 19), offering an inviting seafront location.

There are plenty of boutiques and souvenir stalls to be found in the Old Town, with the basement of the palace offering some great opportunities to pick up a few trinkets, although perhaps the most dedicated shopping area in Split is the daily market that can be found next to the ferry wharf. Everything from fresh produce to clothes are on sale, and the market is a great place to have a wander and a browse even if you aren't keen to make any purchases. Head to City Center One (Vukovarska 207) for a modern mall experience, which offers big names such as adidas and H&M, while the Mall of Split (Domovinskog Rata) is a new addition to the city’s shopping scene.

There is a prominent presence of Italian influence along the Croatian coastline, and this can certainly be experienced in Split. You’ll never be far away from pizza, pasta and risotto, while seafood also naturally dominates menus in this coastal city. Get stuck into the traditional seafood offerings at Nostromo (Kraj Svete Marije 10), which boasts an ideal location next to the fish market for the freshest of fare. Pizzeria Galija (Tončićeva 12) is a moderately priced choice with decent pizzas, while a more expansive Italian menu including fish dishes, pasta and risotto can be found at Trattoria Bajamont (Bajamontijeva 3). Alternatively, sample the delights of Dalmatian home cooking at Buffet Fife (Trumbićeva Obala 11), which is hugely popular among locals.

Croatia Boat Show

April

Browse the latest yachts and boats at this annual exhibition that is good fun even if you’re not in the market for a new toy.

Festival of Street Performers

June

This festival attracts international performers and makes good use of Split’s streets and squares to put on performances and plays each evening over more than a fortnight.

Split Summer Festival

July-August

Theatres from around the world are hand-picked to stage productions that are primarily dedicated to opera at this celebration of stage arts. Also expect jazz concerts, plays, exhibitions and ballets to pop up around the festival.

Days of Diocletian

August

Each year participants dress up in tunics and togas to bring alive the days gone by of the Roman Empire at Diocletian’s Palace. Staged re-enactments of classical scenes and vintage carriages can be expected.

Split Film Festival

September

The Split Film Festival has been running since the mid-1990s and is an established platform for both domestic and international filmmakers to showcase their skills. Lars von Trier has attended in the past, and things can get radical.