Split holidays

1. Split’s Old Town is dotted with distinctive bronze statues by Croatia’s most renowned 20th-century sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Look out for his statue of Grgur Ninski, the 10th Century bishop who did much to bolster national identity, and rub the statue’s toe for good luck. To learn more about the artist and his work, call in to Galerija Mestrovic, his former seaside villa on the Marjan peninsula. As well as its permanent indoor collection of 200 sculptures, the gallery has an inviting sculpture park strewn with cypress trees, and the villa’s stone balcony gives splendid views over Brac and Hvar.

2. Visit a Game of Thrones fortress. Klis Fortress is an imposing medieval fortification just outside Split. It doubles up as Meereen, a key location in season four of Game of Thrones. Klis’s history dates to the 2nd Century BC, when it was founded by the Illryians before being taken over by the Romans. It later came under Ottoman and Venetian rule, and even Napoleon for a brief spell. After checking out the GoT display in the gunpowder chamber, take in the spectacular views of the surrounding valley from St Vitus Church at the very top.

3. Discover the ancient ruins of Salona, the most architecturally important ruins in Croatia. Once a key administrative centre in the Roman empire’s Dalmation province, home to 60,000 people, it was sacked by the 7th Century. Today a significant number of ruins remain including numerous sarcophagi, a basilica, the remains of a spa, public baths and a 2nd Century AD amphitheatre that once seated 18,000.

4. Picture a piece of ancient Rome at Peristil. This attractive colonnaded courtyard sits right at the heart of the Diocletian Palace. This square was the spot where Diocletian addressed his subjects.and the red granite denotes its ceremonial function. By the 14th Century it was superseded by a new square which saw it transform into a key religious centre. Today it’s the perfect place to linger over a coffee, best taken sitting on red cushions on the steps. Look out for the 3,500-year-old granite sphinx looted from Egypt which keeps a watchful eye on proceedings.

5. Taste some Dalmatian wines. Call in at Paradox, a stylish wine and cheese bar with a cool rooftop terrace, for a personalised introduction to some of the region’s 80 varieties. Here the knowledgeable sommeliers will prescribe a suite of wines to suit both your personal preferences and the time of year. Expect a thorough overview of Dalmatia’s wine culture accompanied by some tasty cheese platters.

• If you fancy swapping Split’s delicious energy for something more serene, head to the islands offshore. Brac is where you come to exhale – think of pine-scented walks, local restaurants set by clear bays and the famous Zlatni Rat beach. If you fancy something glitzier with yachts in the harbour and evenings that start with cocktails, then Hvar is more your place. It does have another side though, including lavender-covered hills, quiet roads and small coves.
• Podstrana is a small upscale, scenic tourist town just five miles outside of Split, well known for its wine and olives. Podstrana comprises five villages: Gornja Podstrana, Strozanac, Grljevac, St. Martin and Mutogras. There’s four miles of pebble beaches with small sandy stretches offering family-friendly spaces with crystal clear waters to splash around in. The town is something of a gastronomy hotspot with numerous taverns, restaurants and pizzerias serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine, such as black risotto, peka, pasticada and prosciutto, served with cheese from the nearby island of Pag. The town is also rich with archaeological finds, including megalithic blocks of the original Pituntija walls, a section of a Roman mosaic in the old cemetery of St. Martin, Illyrian castles in the old town, remains of a Roman stone olive mill and the torso of Roman deity.
• Tucked into a sheltered bay on the Dalmatian coast, Sibenik and nearby Vodice make an excellent pairing: one-part historic stone-and-spires and another serene seaside. Start in Sibenik’s honey-coloured old town and explore the tangle of lanes that lead you to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James. If you’ve got a bit of energy, climb up to St Michael's Fortress for stellar views over rooftops, sea and islands. Once you’ve imbibed the culture of Sibenik, head to the coast at Vodice. Here the pace is set for languishing. Find a harbour-front cafe for an iced coffee along the palm-lined promenades. The waters here are calm and clear and offer the perfect accompaniment to the local restaurants. 
• The Makarska Riviera is one of Croatia’s key tourist destinations. Located between Vruja and Brela, in the north-west, and Gradac in the far south. The Makarska Riviera is a 37-mile stretch of coastline known for its long pebble beaches, beautiful scenery, cultural heritage, comfortable hotels and rich cuisine and wine. The imposing Biokovo Mountain overlooks the coast. The area is famed for its beautiful, pine tree lined beaches and secluded bays. Some key towns on the riviera include Brela and Baska Voda, prized for its beaches, popular holiday resorts Podgora and Tucepi, Makarsa itself and Gradac.
• Solin is a small inland town popular with families. Visit the 18th Century Gaspina Mlinica watermill, the Jadro River and Our Lady’s Islet, a small islet housing the 19th Century St Mary’s Church and the remains of a much older church from the 10th Century. There are also some modern interactive sculptures by artist Ivan Tokic just outside the town. By far the major draw here though are the remnants of the Roman town Salona that was once the Dalmatian capital and the birthplace of the Emperor Diocletian.

• Split mixes ancient history with a lively waterfront atmosphere. To be surrounded by history, stay at the Marmont Heritage Hotel set within the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. AC Hotel by Marriott Split is a more modern option around one mile from the palace, with every room boasting a city and sea view.
• The Makarska Riviera is ideal for laid-back coastal breaks. Bluesun Hotel Jadran is a tucked-away gem on the edge of the Adriatic. Hotel Horizont is just steps from Nikolina Beach so you can prioritise unwinding by the water. Hidden among pine trees and close to Punta Rana’s famously clear water, Maestral Adults Exclusive Hotel is ideal for a glamorous couples’ retreat. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere,  [PLACES] Dalmacija near Makarska centre adds DJ sets and poolside activities to the itinerary.
• Brac island promises beach days and an authentic Dalmatian atmosphere. Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa is just steps from the white pebbles and turquoise waters of iconic Zlatni Rat beach. The whole family will be kept busy with an outdoor pool, a wellness centre and a wide choice of restaurants and bars.
• Hvar is sought after for its sunshine and coastline. Just across the Adriatic from Split, this island is full of cobbled villages and secluded coves. Beachfront resort Aminess Senses sits in a peaceful, pine-shaded bay close to Vrboska town. [PLACES] Hvar by Valamar is also set in a bay overlooking the Adriatic. Stari Grad, known as one of the oldest towns in Europe, is less than a mile away when you want to wander its old town.
• Sibenik is a quieter city bursting with terracotta rooftops and narrow alleys leading up to fortresses. It’s also a gateway to the waterfall-filled Krka National Park. Stay just outside of the city at Amadria Park Hotel Jure for a glamorous beachfront break. Sit back on a lounger or perhaps book a beach massage to unwind in style.