Is it possible to enjoy anything for free in a tourist city like Split? Of course it is. Not only it's possible, but also brings special kind of experience and in some cases takes you even closer to a local spirit and way of life. Of course, eventually you will end up somewhere with a nice dish or a glass of wine, or visit a museum or some of landmarks with paid admission.

Let's try to put up a list of top five freebies you might find and enjoy in Split, not only this part of the year but also in a high season.

Beaches                          

Croatian laws usually don't allow private beaches, and the closest you can find to that are hotel beaches with a concession where you can rent a seabed and parasol, and sometime in more seclusive areas you will need to pay to get on such beaches. However, even on most of those nobody can stop you to simply lay down your towel and enjoy sun and sea. Even better, Split has many points where you will feel like on some distant island, although only minutes from the city centre. We have about 10 miles of seashore line, and most of it - main port excluded - is suitable for swimming.

Split was founded in and around the Palace built by Roman Emperor Diocletian. That's a basic fact about my town. However, don't expect to find a palace in a sense of a castle or a fortress, or some museum-like building. Diocletian's Palace is city itself, and that's what makes it so unique. Plus, except for Substructures, Cathedral and Jupiter's temple, browsing around this beautiful structure is free. Take your time, explore hidden corners, narrow alleys, find signs of modern life within the 1,700 years old walls. There is no better way to sense Split. Those who like more vivid attractions, summer brings tourist-aiming ritual every day at noon. Main Palace's square Peristil is usually packed full, almost like for some rock concert, because Diocletian himself and his wife Prisca (OK, actors, but never mind) come out and salute their citizens and visitors. And it's for free, unless you tip one of guys wearing Roman uniforms, willing to pose with you. Maybe it is tourist-trap kitsch, but it's fun.

Green and fish market

Word market is usually opposite of free, because someone is selling something there. However, if you go to either green (locally "pazar") or fish market ("peškarija"), nothing and nobody can stop you from just browsing around, and enjoy in flavours, aromas and colours of Dalmatia and Mediterranean brought there daily fresh. After all, Croatia is one of the countries listed as home of the Mediterranean diet on the UNESCO's list of intangible world heritage. Of course, we will never tell you not to buy some some fresh fruit, vegetables or seafood, because you should do that. But, it's another story, and has something to do with your health and good spirit.

Nature joys on Marjan hill

If you go through these blogs, you will discover that I'm so attached to Marjan, that green hill and forest park on the western edge of Split. It's one of the most important city symbols and its biggest recreational area. Only minutes from the city fuss you can enjoy any kind of nature-bound activity you can think of, from hiking, to jogging, walking, swimming, climbing. Unless you rent a bike, or maybe take one of those kayaking tours, all those pleasures are just lying in front of you. One thing you should never forget there, though, is to respect natural and historical heritage you will experience on Marjan, from woods, forest paths, to countless small churches which once were a spiritual sanctuary for Split citizens. Preserve Marjan like you are part of Split all your life, and only then you will fully enjoy it.

Seaside promenading

A social centre of Split is its Riva, waterfront promenade stretching in front of the Diocletian's Palace. It's full of bars, cafés and restaurants, but it lives its own life with people promenading, or just hanging out there with their friends and families. Enjoy it, watch people, watch city harbour, and go even beyond Riva. Taking a walk is possible from Marjan all the way to Bačvice and other beaches on the east part of town. Views are spectacular, and just watching the sea can be healing.