So, I just got back from Split, and oh man, if you're ever looking for the best things to do in Split, you're in for a wild ride. It's one of those places that catches you off guard, even when you think you're prepared for it. I mean, I thought I was ready, but wow—I was so wrong.
This spot? Total surprise.
First off, can we talk about Diocletian's Palace? I remember standing there, looking at the ancient stone walls, feeling a tiny twinge of doubt. I mean, how impressive can a bunch of old stones be, really? But as soon as I stepped inside, I was like, “Okay, I see you, history.” I got lost in those narrow, winding streets. The architecture just wrapped around me, and I wasn't even upset about being lost. I came across this little shop selling handmade jewelry, and the woman behind the counter was so passionate about her craft. Her name was Mia, and I ended up talking to her for an hour. I don't even wear jewelry, but I walked away with this simple silver ring that somehow felt like a memory I had to take home.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
One afternoon, I found myself wandering down to the waterfront, and honestly, I have no idea why. I mean, I wasn't super hungry, and I wasn't even thinking of catching a sunset or anything. But as I strolled along the Riva, the vibe just hit me. The sea was this stunning shade of blue, and the sun was shining just right—like some celestial angle adjusted the light specifically for my walk. I plopped down at this café—because who doesn't love a good coffee pit stop, right?
I ordered a cappuccino and some strudel (that strudel! I don't know how to describe it other than it's as if a cloud and a bugle had a delicious baby). While I was enjoying my treat, a stray cat hopped onto my lap. Now, I'm allergic to cats, so my instinct was to gently push it away, but I just couldn't. It settled in, purring like a little motorboat, and I felt this warmth wash over me. This random cat just changed my whole afternoon, making me feel like I was part of the daily heartbeat of Split, even if just for a moment. I swear, that cat was a therapy session wrapped in fur.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
There I was, trying to navigate with my terrible sense of direction. Seriously, how does one manage to go in circles when everything looks so straightforward? I was supposed to find the Gregory of Nin statue, infamous for its supposed good luck—if you rub its toes, you're supposedly blessed or something. But instead, I found some random alley filled with street art. I mean, it was cool art, but I was like, “Okay, this isn't what I came here for.” After a few minutes of staring at an oversized mural of a cat wearing sunglasses—a cat theme here, I guess—I finally asked a local for directions.
They chuckled a bit at my fumbling. Turns out, I was only a five-minute walk from the statue. When I finally got there, I rubbed that giant toe like my luck depended on it. It was just one of those little moments that felt so meaningful because of how silly the journey was to get there. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of good luck?
A meal that still haunts my dreams
And let's talk about food. I ended up at this little konoba called “Konoba Hvaranin.” I wasn't even trying to go there; I just followed the delicious scent wafting through the air. I took a seat, a bit wary because the menu wasn't in English, but that's half the fun, right? A waiter came up and spoke little English, so I just pointed at whatever. He brought out this dish called pašticada. Holy moly. It was like a flavor explosion—a beef stew that tasted like love simmered for hours mixed with grandma's secret ingredients. The sauce? I'd swim in it if I could. And the gnocchi? Soft as clouds. I don't know how to properly convey how amazing it was because words fail me, but it's probably one of my favorite meals ever. I still think about it too much. I mean, really, how do you go back to regular life after such a culinary masterpiece?
The good and the not-so-good
Yet, not everything was sunshine and rainbows. There was a moment when I accidentally crashed a wedding photoshoot. I was minding my own business walking through the park when suddenly, I turned around and there were brides, grooms, and a lot of fussy photographers shouting instructions in Croatian. I just stood there, horrified, as I inadvertently became an extra in a “Wedding Crashers” sequel. I apologized profusely, but the couple laughed and even invited me to join the photos. We all ended up sharing a toast—on their wedding day! It was awkwardly beautiful, and now I've got this random couple's wedding photos stored in my mental archives.
Wrapping up with bittersweetness
As the sun started to set, I found myself back at the waterfront where my cat encounter happened. This time, my heart felt a little heavier; the reality of having to leave was creeping in. I noticed a group of locals playing music, their laughter mingling with the gentle waves. I realized Split had wrapped itself around my heart, just like that stray cat. There it was, the bittersweet blend of wanting to stay and needing to go. My time there had been chaotic and messy, filled with laughter and unplanned moments that somehow felt right.
So yeah, if you ever want to know about the best things to do in Split, let's just say that the real treasure isn't what's on any list. It's the moments where you end up lost—not just in streets but in experiences. That's what makes a trip unforgettable. Seriously, I think I could talk about it forever, but right now, I'm just sitting here with this warm cup of coffee, still reliving every single moment, and wishing I could go back.
