Split, Croatia

Croatia is one of seven countries formed after the collapse of Yugoslavia. We arrived in Split by train from Vienna on Sunday morning. We changed train in Zagreb, then took an overnight train from Zagreb to Split. Our plan is to spend a couple of days each in Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb. The biggest tourist attraction in Split is the Diocletian Palace. Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who built his palace at this location in 305 AD. In front of the Palace is this waterfront called the Riva. This area is the city center of Split. There are many tourists here from all over the world and other parts of Croatia. I was surprised to find restaurants, shops and even people living within the compounds of the palace. I understand that there is even a hostel in there. It has not been as well-preserved as other ruins that I have seen in other parts of Europe, like in Rome.

On our 2nd day in Split, we decided to take a ferry to one of islands off the coast. There are several but Hvar is one of the biggest. The ferry ride took about an hour. There were many people going there either for the day or spend a few days on the island. It was a beautiful day, a little warm but the place is like a postcard. The water is so clear that you can see the fishes swimming round the harbor. People were swimming even around the harbor area because it's so clean. The houses are all built from white limestone rocks from the area and some of the streets are very narrow. On our back to Split we were lucky to see a beautiful sunset.

One surprise I have coming to Split is how many Americans I run into or heard. This place is not a secret anymore. Some Americans came with a group, others with just their family. I guess tourists are finding that this is like Spain, Greece or Italy except that it's more beautiful and cheaper.

A restaurant within the palace. There are several restaurants and other businesses within the old palace compound. You can see part of the old palace structure in the background.

Another view from within the palace.

The harbor area in Split. These are boats belonging to fishermen.

Some locals hoping to catch some fish in the city center area.

A beautiful sunset welcomed us on our first evening in Split. In the foreground is a ferry that goes between Split and the other islands.

One of the main streets on the island of Hvar.

A view of the harbor area in Hvar.

A beautiful sunset on our way back to Split.