Book cheap flights to Split

Situated along the central Dalmatian coast, this ancient port city serves as a primary gateway for travellers arriving by air to explore the eastern Adriatic. The urban landscape is defined by its deep connection to the sea, where the local way of life revolves around the bustling waterfront and a heritage shaped by centuries of maritime trade.

Life here radiates from Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms the city’s living heart. Visitors navigating the shaded limestone laneways will encounter the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the grand Peristyle square, and the historic Pjaca, which together showcase a seamless blend of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.

The city offers a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere where ancient history integrates with modern coastal culture. From the lush elevations of Marjan Hill to the markets and nearby islands, the destination provides a multifaceted experience focused on architectural discovery and relaxed seaside exploration.

High season in Split

The peak summer months bring a high-energy atmosphere as the city basks in temperatures that frequently reach 30°C. Upon arrival at Split Airport (SPU), the warmth of the Dalmatian coast is immediate, setting the stage for a season defined by outdoor living and maritime adventure. The Riva promenade becomes a bustling social hub where the scent of salt air mingles with the sound of lively conversation, and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea maintain a perfect 24°C for swimming.

Life during this period revolves around the sun, with the city hosting major international events like the Ultra Europe music festival and the Split Summer Festival. The ancient corridors of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are filled with visitors exploring the historic cellars and open-air squares. While the pace is fast and the crowds are dense, the long daylight hours allow for extended island-hopping excursions and late-night dining in the narrow stone alleys of the Old Town.

Low season in Split

From November to March, as the heat fades and the autumn rains arrive, the city transitions into a tranquil, more authentic version of itself. Winter temperatures average around 10°C, and the fierce Bura wind occasionally clears the skies to reveal sharp, crisp views of the surrounding mountains. The frantic energy of the port subsides, replaced by a slower rhythm where locals reclaim the cafes and the primary sound is the rhythmic clinking of coffee cups rather than the hum of tour groups.

Cultural life shifts indoors or towards traditional seasonal celebrations, such as the Split Advent festivities that transform the waterfront with wooden stalls and festive lights. The landscape remains lush and green, making the Marjan Hill forest park a peaceful retreat for hikers who prefer the cooler air. Visiting during these months offers a stark contrast to the summer rush, providing a reflective look at the city’s architectural grandeur without the distraction of peak-season crowds.

Positioned along the scenic Adriatic coast, the gateway for those arriving on a flight to Split is a single, efficiently designed facility that serves as the primary entry point for the Dalmatia region. This coastal hub manages the vast majority of international traffic for travellers heading to the city and the nearby islands.

Travel from Split Airport

Officially known as Split Airport or Resnik Airport, the SPU facility is located approximately 24 km west of the city centre, situated within the town of Kaštela. As the second busiest airport in the country, it operates as a major international hub, particularly during the summer season when it receives a high volume of seasonal flights to Split from across Europe. The airport features a modern, spacious terminal building that handles both domestic carriers and a wide array of international airlines, providing a streamlined experience for passengers arriving in the region.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, travellers can easily access the city via the dedicated airport shuttle bus, which is timed to coincide with flight arrivals and takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to reach the Split Main Bus Station. This central hub is conveniently located right next to the Split Ferry Port and the Split Train Station, making it ideal for those continuing to the islands. Alternatively, the local public bus Line 37 runs frequently along the main road outside the airport, connecting to the Sukoišan Bus Terminal on the edge of the historic centre. For a more direct route, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at the terminal exit, offering a journey time of about 25 to 30 minutes to specific accommodation drop-off points or the Old Town pedestrian zone.

Explore Split’s top attractions, from ancient Roman sites to bustling markets and scenic viewpoints.

• Diocletian’s Palace: The living heart of the city is this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site, a massive fortress-palace built for a Roman Emperor that has evolved over 1,700 years into a labyrinth of shops, homes, and cafes. Walking through its narrow stone alleys feels like navigating a living museum where laundry hangs between ancient columns and the echoes of history meet the hum of daily life.
• The Riva Promenade: Serving as the city’s front porch, this wide, palm-lined walkway along the harbour is the ultimate stage for the local ritual of people-watching. It is the perfect place to adjust to the local pace of life, offering views of bobbing ferries and the distant islands while the salty breeze carries the scent of espresso and the sea.
• Marjan Hill: Rising over the western end of the city, this lush forest park provides a tranquil escape with panoramic viewpoints that overlook the entire urban landscape and the surrounding archipelago. It is a favourite retreat for those seeking a quiet moment among the pine trees or a visit to the small, medieval chapels carved directly into the limestone cliffs.
• Saint Domnius Cathedral: Originally built as an imperial mausoleum, this structure is among the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world and features a striking Romanesque bell tower. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with a spectacular vantage point over the dense cluster of stone buildings and the shimmering Adriatic horizon.
• Pazar Market: Located just outside the palace walls, this bustling open-air market is a sensory explosion of seasonal fruits, local honey, and artisanal cheeses. It offers an authentic glimpse into the culinary soul of the region, where the colours of fresh produce reflect the intensity of the Mediterranean sun.

Anticipating the sun-drenched coast of Split makes the booking process the start of your holiday. For the smoothest itinerary, reserve your seats a good while ahead and keep your departure dates adaptable so the widest choice stays within reach. Habitual flyers may also find Opodo Prime puts extra value behind each booking, making the path to this historic Mediterranean destination even smoother.