Experiences of mini breaks in Split (Croatia). Is 3 days enough?

[RossGellersCat]

Husband's 40th birthday is in late May this year and was thinking of taking him to Croatia for a minibreak as he's a big GoT fan and has wanted to go for a while and we haven't been away together for years. Due to childcare we're really limited as to when we could go, but hypothetically it would be an early morning flight to Split on a Tuesday and then return flight departing at 10am on Friday, so essentially 3 full days.

Can anyone advise me whether this is long enough and also if so any top tips for hotels, activities (other than obligatory GoT tour) restaurants etc greatly appreciated!

Thanks :)

We're just moving this over to the holidays topic for the OP.

If I only had three days I'd look at Dubrovnik over Split, if that's possible with airports near you. I think it would be a better trip for 3 days than Split.

If it has to be Split - consider a day trip to Hvar (island) or Krka National Park. Hotels - I've stayed in the Splendida Palace and it was excellent. Restaurants - Bokeria and Zinfandel stand out in my memory.

Thank you @owlexpress! I did initially look at Dubrovnik but it just wasn't going to be feasible as none of the airports nearest to us fly direct. I had been looking at Slendida Palace so that's really helpful.

Can I ask is it better to be closer to the city centre? Another hotel I'd looked at was the Radisson Blu one but gather it's a bit out of the way?

Three days is plenty for a mini break. But wherever you go, it's rare that you'll see everything of interest in 3 days so you'll be able to fill it with GoT stuff and other things of interest too. You'll also be able to go back another time if you liked the place and feel there were other things to see/do.

IMO yes, you probably want to be around the ferry port/Diocletian's Palace area. Especially if you're only going for three days, you don't want to be spending time walking or waiting on taxis. Unless you plan on spending a day chilling by the pool the Radisson would probably be wasted on you, but if you do plan on that the pool at Splendida is very small and really only adequate for a dip, not a proper swim or relaxing at.

Thanks, that's really helpful. My only pull towards Radisson is apparently it's close to one the nicer beaches, but realistically it's easier to travel to a beach and back once than having to use a taxi every time we wanted to be in the centre.

You've stayed at, and eaten at, the same places as us! Echo all of owlexpress's recommendations but would also add the Uje Oil bar for eating.

I'm not a GoT fan so I may be biased but I've found Dubrovnik has been ruined as a holiday destination by GoT. Split, not so much.

We went to both Split and Dubrovnik last year (loved them both!). I wouldn't really have picked up on GoT references if I hadn't been with DH (he watches, I don't...) I don't think you need to do a GoT tour - just look up some of the filming locations before you go, and have fun finding them yourselves. I think they centre on the palace anyway from what DH said when we were there.

I preferred Dubrovnik, but if you can't get there, then Split is a very good choice.

For the amount of time you've got there, I wouldn't go to one of the islands, or to the Nat Parks - you'll just spend too much time travelling. I'd do the following...

Tues afternoon - explore the palace. Wander around the old town, find your bearings/enjoy getting lost etc.

Weds (or Thurs) - Marjam national park - if you like to walk, then you can lose yourselves here. Go to the beaches, spend time at beach bars, wander along the coast and through the forest. Easily a nice chilled day.

Thurs (or Weds) - go to Trogir (either by water taxi or bus). It's got more of a similar vibe to some of the towns on the islands. Just spend the day wandering around the old town, eating and drinking, going up a tower or 2 for the views.

Stay in the old town, for sure - you're better connected for transport, and there are loads of eating/drinking options. A big/chain hotel with pool is wasted when you're doing a city break and you want to be out and about.

Thank you, I love that example itinerary! A GoT tour would be a must for DH 😅 We do really like scenic things so might consider one of the island/waterfall tours.

I'm so glad I asked here as have now booked a really lovely-looking hotel that's a 5 minute walk to the city centre but by the water, so hopefully best of both worlds.

I feel a bit anxious about getting it "right" but then remind myself I could probably be taking DH to a travelodge on the M5 and he'd still be very happy to have any time for us away from home without the kids! 😂

Split is great and the Diocletian's palace is amazing but I think the bulk of GoT was filmed in Dubrovnik?

Split feels more like a place where people live rather than a tourist town.

They are both really interesting & attractive places to visit but Dubrovnik is the Place where GoT was filmed.

Some of GoT was filmed in Split. DH was pointing things out to me while we were there (pointlessly- I've never seen it!).

If you like scenic things then the Marjam park and Trogir would fit the bill perfectly. The islands are lovely too (and the national parks), but you'd spend a long time on a boat/bus to get there. With only 2.5 days, there's plenty to see and do without needing to travel far.

Make sure you go to the bar in the centre of Dioclecian's palace in the evening. They have live music every night, and it's lovely - people dancing in the courtyard and everyone just enjoying the atmosphere.

Thanks again for all the replies, thoughts and ideas. I really appreciate all the activity and food ideas, we'll definitely be using them!

Also appreciate the divided views on Dubrovnik vs Split. DH and I watched GoT together, I gather there are a few filming locations in Split, plus there's a GoT museum so that will meet our needs. It's GoT that put Croatia on DH's radar as somewhere he wants to go, but he's interested in the country/ culture side more so to be honest we're probably more suited to less touristy areas anyway! No airport within a 100 mile radius of us flies direct to Dubrovnik. Sadly due to very limited childcare availability we can't extend our time away by travelling to UK airports that are further away, but I do think Split looks lovely! (and I've booked the flights as of this morning so am somewhat committed 😂).

I absolutely loved Dubrovnik and I'm dying to go to the Krka National Park. Croatia is a beautiful country!

Split is lovely - don't worry! You'll have a great time. The basement (for want of a better word) of Diocletian's palace, and I think the North Gate, was in GoT. DH spotted them straight away as recognisable locations.

I loved Split, and actually preferred it to Dubrovnik, mainly because of the underground Roman buildings. There are beautiful nearby towns. It is very very touristy, and if there a big cruise ships in, lots of guided walking tours. The harbour is next to the city, with rows of restaurants outside the city walls overlooking the port.

Sorry a bit late to this thread, but seeing as you haven’t gone on your holiday yet I thought it was worth letting you know. I’m from Croatia and Split in my opinion is perfect for a short break.

Now my reason for posting, Klis, it was one of the locations for GoT and is also a stunning fortress on a hill over looking the whole of Split and Trogir. You can easily get an Uber up there, half an hour from Split, or there are guided tours. Also if you are not vegetarian the restaurant Pearlica does the best Lamb on the spit in the world. Perfect for lunch after a morning around the fortress. Then back to Split for a siesta before an evening out in Split.

Trogir is also a perfect option, there is a city bus (No. 37) that leaves every 20 minutes from the bus station behind the old town. Takes about 40 minutes. You can also get this bus from the airport so much cheaper than taxi or the shuttle bus. This is only a couple of euros each way. You will have an amazing time.

Thank you so, so much - that's really helpful. ♥️