Split (Croatia)

Split is an Adriatic Sea (Dalmatian Coast) cruise port and city in Croatia, which by population (around 180,000, metro over 345,000) is ranked the country's second-largest - following the capital Zagreb. Other large passenger (cruise and ferry) ports in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka, Sibenik.

Port of Split (Luka Split) was established as a Greek trading post. The port enjoyed significant growth during the Middle Ages, followed by a decline in the late-18th-early-19th centuries as Rijeka became Dalmatia's primary port and also due to the decline of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1922) and the Austrian Empire's growing domination.

The port serves seven island ferry lines, and four additional passenger shipping lines connecting nearby islands. There are such transport links to the islands of BraC and Hvar, carrying up to 2,000 and 1,000 vehicles per day during tourist seasons—as well as to islands of Vis, Lastovo, Korčula, Šolta, Drvenik Veliki, Drvenik Mali, providing regular transport links for a large area.[8] In 2009, the ferry lines carried annual average daily traffic of 1,698 vehicles. During the summer peak season, the volume increases to a total of 3,812 vehicles on average.[9]

A popular tourist destination, the city is linked to the Apennine Peninsula and Adriatic islands. The town was founded as a Greek colony (named Aspalathos) in the 3rd-2nd century BC. In 1979, the historic downtown was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Museum's main collection is housed at Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25. Fine Arts Gallery (Galerija Umjetnina), is an art museum having works from the 14th century to the present day. The most popular tourist attraction in the resort is the UNESCO site Palace of Diocletian.

Port Split

By annual passenger shipping volumes (mainly domestic ferry / ~5 million), Luka Split is currently ranked Croatia's and the Adriatic's largest, as well as the Mediterranean's 3rd largest. 2010 was the port's record year with handled 18,000 passenger ship calls.

Port Split serves daily scheduled coastal ferries operating the routes to Dubrovnik, Rijeka and Ancona (Italy). During summer, the port is linked with other Italian cities. Most Dalmatian islands are reachable only through Split harbor (Split Tours and Jadrolinija ferries), including Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Lastovo, Solta.

Split is a major cruise travel destination, with over 260 ship calls and around 130,000 cruise tourists annually. The cruise port features a natural, well-sheltered deepwater harbor.

Since April 2019, a new daily cruiseferry service links the Dalmatian seaside resorts and port cities Split and Zadar via Sibenik. The new route provides Croatians and international tourists (arriving by planes in Zadar and Split) a more picturesque sea-travel alternative. The fast-ferry service is provided by the company ENVIRA Sibenik. The ferryboat leaves Split at 9 am, departs from Sibenik at 10:35 am and arrives in Zadar at 0:40 pm. The return crossing leaves Zadar at 5:30 pm, Sibenik at 7:35 pm and arrives in Split at 9:10 pm.

Brodosplit Shipyard

Brodosplit is Croatia's biggest shipyard, employing around 2000 workers. Here were built over 350 ships, including oil tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, dredgers, frigates (warships), off-shore platforms, patrol boats, submarines, passenger ships (sailing, ferry and cruise). Most of the newbuild vessels (around 80%) are exported.

The shipyard is located at Supaval bay (peninsula's northern side). It was founded in 1922 and moved to Supaval bay in 1932. Before the company's privatization in 2013, Brodosplit was a joint-stock company, in which Croatia's Government was majority holder. In 2013, the company was acquired by DIV Group (large producer of metal-based products). In 2020, DIV Group also acquired Kleven Shipyard in Ulsteinvik Norway.

Since 2014, Brodosplit works in partnership with Europe's largest shipbuilding company Fincantieri (Italy), At the shipyard in Croatia are constructed hull sections and complete steel blocks for cruise liners, with individual block weight 1200+ tons and length 100+ m. These are fitted sections later assembled at Fincantieri's shipyards in Italy. The pre-fabricated in Split cruise ship sections are fully equipped with pipe fitting and electrical routing. The hull parts (watertight on both sides) are loaded on barges and towed to the Italian shipyards to be mounted on the mega-liners under construction in Italy.

Among the new passenger ships built here are:

• Viking Amorella (1988)
• Tallink Isabelle (1989)
• Frans Suell / Viking Gabriella (1992)
• Thomas Mann / Crown Seaways (1994)
• Arethusa (2007)
• Piana (2011)
• Golden-Horizon (fka Flying Clipper) (2019)
• Hondius (2019)
• (unnamed) Quark Expeditions ship (2020)

In 2016, Brodosplit signed shipbuilding contracts worth USD 1,9 billion. Here were also constructed the 63 steel gates for MOSE (Venice City flood barrier project). Based on all signed contracts, in the period 2019-2025, Brodosplit generated over EUR 5 million monthly income, or total profit around EUR 500 million Kunas (EUR 65-70) a year.

As a cruise shore excursion option from Split are offered guided bus tours to Krka National Park.

Split cruise terminal

Split tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Diocletian’s Palace: you will need not more than 13 minutes walking from Split cruise port to reach the famous attraction. The palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The amazing palace was built by the Roman Emperor and dates from 295 AD. The measures of the structure are 215mX180m. There are four monument-like gates. The walls are with height of 25 meters. The apartment of the Emperor has stunning sea view, the quarters for soldiers and servants have inland look. The entrance of the palace is from the seafront promenade (the Riva) through the Bronze Gate.

Cathedral: in the 7th century, the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian was transformed into a church. Now it is the Cathedral of Split. It is located in the old town , on the Peristil.

Mestrovi Gallery: enjoy the works of Ivan Mestrovi, famous Croation sculptor. Located in the old town, west part.

Trogir: the medieval attractions is a World Heritage Site UNESCO listed. It is located 27 km from Split cruise port, direction west. It is located on a tiny island and the connection to the mainland is via beautiful bridge for walking. The most famous sight in Trogir is the cathedral. It dates from the 13th century. There is a information office on Trg Ivana Pavla II 1.

The Cetina Valley: great place for water-rafting. The valley is located 28 km from Split cruise port, direction south-east. The valley is at the meeting point (Omiš) of River Cetina with the sea. Several companies offer rafting trips with qualified instructors.