Port guide · Croatia

Split

The old town is built inside the palace Emperor Diocletian raised 1,700 years ago. It's walking distance from the ship along the seafront and can be seen in half a day.

Cruises calling at Split Contact an advisor

To the old town: 10–15 min on foot
Going ashore: Pier or tender
Time needed: Half a day
Marjan Hill: 20 min on foot

From the ship to the old town

Ships usually berth in Split harbour: walk along the seafront (Riva) to Diocletian's Palace in 10–15 minutes. On busy days ships anchor offshore and a tender drops you by the Riva, already in the old town.

Suggested routes

Route 1

Diocletian's Palace and Marjan Hill

About 4 hours

Along the Riva to Diocletian's Palace
Palace cellars
Paid entry; Roman-era underground halls
Peristyle and St Domnius Cathedral
The cathedral and bell tower charge entry; the bell tower looks over the whole old town
Statue of Gregory of Nin
Rub his big toe: they say it brings luck and means you'll be back
Vidilica viewpoint on Marjan Hill
About 20 minutes' walk from the old town, with steps
A coffee on the Riva before heading back to the ship

Open this route in Google Maps

Route 2

Islands or the Blue Cave

About 5–8 hours

Split has many islands offshore: you can take a boat to Hvar or to the Blue Cave on Biševo. These are long trips that depend on the weather and the sea, so an organised tour with a guaranteed return to the ship is the safest choice.

Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.

Contact an advisor

Good to know

The old town is small but confusing: use the map on your phone.
The cathedral, bell tower and cellars are paid separately: ask about a combined ticket.
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the cathedral.
If you came ashore by tender, expect a queue on the way back: be at the landing stage with at least an hour to spare.

Not booked yet?

Search MSC cruises calling at Split with VIAJES FH, with live prices.

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Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.

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Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.

Cover photo: Tatyana Peshkova / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Port guide · Croatia

Split

The old town is built inside the palace Emperor Diocletian raised 1,700 years ago. It's walking distance from the ship along the seafront and can be seen in half a day.

Cruises calling at Split Contact an advisor

To the old town: 10–15 min on foot
Going ashore: Pier or tender
Time needed: Half a day
Marjan Hill: 20 min on foot

From the ship to the old town