Split, Croatia: 3 Days of Roman Ruins, Adriatic Blues & Mediterranean Magic

There’s something about Split that lingers with you — a city where time is layered like its stone walls, and every corner breathes a mix of ancient grandeur and seaside ease. I spent three sun-kissed days and two starlit nights in this Croatian coastal gem, and let me tell you, it was magic from the moment I stepped off the ferry. Day 1: Living Inside a Palace My journey began within the bones of an empire. Diocletian’s Palace, a 1,700-year-old Roman marvel, is the beating heart of Split — and not just a relic, but a place people actually live in. I wandered through its labyrinthine alleys, where laundry flutters above ancient stone, and stumbled into sunlit courtyards that whispered old secrets. The Peristyle, with its elegant columns and sphinxes brought from Egypt, felt like a scene straight from a dream. I climbed the St. Domnius Bell Tower just in time for sunset — and wow. Red roofs, blue sea, golden light… it was pure poetry. Dinner? A table at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar, where the local wines are as rich as the conversation, and every bite of seafood sings. Day 2: Island Escapes & Gelato Days The second day called for water. A quick half-day boat ride took me to the Blue Lagoon, where the sea is so clear it feels unreal — like swimming in liquid sapphire. I floated, snorkeled, and soaked in the sun until time melted away. Back in Split, I followed the scent of fresh waffles to Luka Ice Cream & Cakes, arguably the best gelato outside of Italy. With a cone in hand, I meandered down the Riva Promenade, where locals sip espresso, laugh, and somehow all look like they belong in a movie. Dinner found me at Konoba Fetivi, a humble tavern where the grilled fish is caught that morning and the rakija flows generously. Day 3: Hills, Art, and the Sweet Goodbye On my final morning, I set off for a gentle climb up Marjan Hill. It’s quiet up there, with pine-scented trails and sweeping views of the coastline that made my heart ache in the best way. I made a stop at the Meštrović Gallery, a serene blend of sculpture and sea breeze, and grabbed brunch at Kat’s Kitchen — all fresh, colorful, and wholesome. With my bag a little heavier (thanks to lavender sachets and olive oil from the market) and my soul a little lighter, I left Split behind — but it didn’t leave me. ⸻ Three days. Two nights. A thousand moments I’ll never forget. ✨Split isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling.✨