Splendid Split Croatia Cruise Port -
Your Ultimate Port Guide

Are you trying to learn more about the cruise port in Split, Croatia? I went on a seven-day MSC Sinfonia cruise there in 2024, so I can tell you everything a cruiser needs to know about visiting this vibrant Mediterranean port.

Here's everything cruise passengers need to know about the cruise port in Split:

Where is Split Croatia cruise port located?

Cruise ship view of the bay in which Split cruise port and ferry port are situated

In my opinion it is really easy to locate Split port (Luka Split in Croatian) and its cruise terminal as they are an extension of to the Old town of Split and its promenade.

Just be aware that in the summer of 2024 Split cruise port was merely a ship berth, an extension of the city's ferry port without a cruise terminal building. In 2025 that should change - apparently, the new terminal building is being built!

The port starts with the promenade in front of the Diocletian's palace. What follows are docks for smaller boats and yachts, as well as the boats that do daytrips to the islands of the southern and central Dalmatia.

At the very end of the bay there is the ferry port and two cruise docks.

Split is the biggest passenger port in the Adriatic sea and the second largest in the Mediterranean.

The first time I was there I found it very hectic, with thousands of passengers passing by, rolling their suitcases, looking to grab a seat on the cafes patios, rushing to catch the next ferry...

But let me tell you this - if you are in no hurry, you can take a seat under the palm tree on the bench on the promenade, soak up the sun and do some people watching - it's really fun!

Still, what I have learned is that the most fascinating view of Split, Croatia port is the one you will get from the top deck of your cruise ship before it sails away.

A cold beer in your hand, Split port behind you, a whole cruise ahead of you...is there anything better than that?

Split port seen through the porthole

Split cruise port map

You need a simple map of Split cruise port?

To get a better overview of the Split port layout, I prepared a map for you, with all the major points marked:

the cruise berth (where the terminal is being built)
the ferry port
the bus terminal
the railway station
Diocletian's palace
Diocletian's cellar/ entrance to the palace

On this map you will get the feel of the distance from the cruise berth to the Old town where the Diocletian's palace is.

Split cruise dock - there is no terminal building in 2024, should be there in 2025

MSC Sinfonia seen from Split ferry port

Can you walk from Split cruise port to the old town?

It's a nice scenic walk from the cruise ship to Split Old town

Yes, it's a walkable distance and it is a very scenic walk, although the area is very busy and hectic.

Something not to do is take a taxi to town here! There is just no need for that, and none of the taxi drivers will take you from the cruise ship to the old town as the distance is just too close for them anyway.

If you are not fit for walking long distances and would be happy with a panoramic tour of Split, consider taking a tuk-tuk tour:

Once you approach the Old town it gets quiter, with smaller, old-fashioned boats that take day trippers to the islands of Brač and Hvar.

On the map above you will also see the walking route I marked for you - it takes about 15 minutes to get from the dock to the entrance of the Diocletian's palace.

Although you can easily access all the major attractions independently, just remember Split is a 2000 years old city! If you ask me, you will always make most of your day if you get on one of the guided walking tours.

How to get to the old town of Split Croatia from the cruise port?

The ferry company building is to your right, the Old Town is straight ahead...keep walking!

Looking for instructions on how to get from the cruise port to Split's historic center?

During those five years I cruised the Mediterranean for work, I helped thousands of cruise passengers do that and now I'll do the same for you:

Step off the cruise ship and walk to the end of the pier (you will go past the shore excursion buses and the hop-on hop-off bus)
At the end of the pier turn left and walk through the gate of the cruise port
Just stay to the left as you keep walking along the bay
Go through the ferry port area (be careful, many cars waiting in line here)
Go past the Jadrolinija building (ferry company), there is a convenience store and a cafe at the ground floor
Keep walking, follow the waterfront
Go past smaller boats that take passengers for weekly cruises to Dalmatian islands
When you approach the Old Town, you can still just follow the waterfront and head towards the Saint Dominus church spire in the distance
Right in front of you, in the wall, there should be an opening which is an entrance to Diocletian's cellars
Go down the stairs here
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you can choose to either head up the other flight of stairs to reach the Old Town of Split or stay inside and explore the cellars (I highly recommend it, you won't get a chance like that anywhere else in the world; there's a small fee involved).
You will always be able to come back to the sunny Riva promenade later...I think it's a great place to have a coffee because it offers such a great view but then again, inside the Old Town it's so cosy and intimate...it's a difficult choice.

As you approach the Riva promenade, just follow the spire of the Saint Domnius church (Sveti Duje). The entrance to the cellar is in the wall bellow it.

Are there any cruises from Split port?

Yes, there are!

MSC Sinfonia is currently (2024) the ship that actually picks up passengers in Split.

There are a few variations of the itinerary but you are very likely to visit Zadar, Venice, Brindisi, Mykonos and Athens on this cruise.

Things to do in Split cruise port for a day

Getting off the cruise ship in Split Croatia cruise port is a unique opportunity to visit the home of one of the ancient Roman Emperors, Diocletian.

I strongly believe that should be no. 1 on your to-do list on this day.

It's important to know that this palace isn't some ruin set apart from the city - Diocletian's palace IS the city itself!

Namely, after the fall of the Western Roman empire, the inhabitants of the nearby city of Salona used it as a refuge from the Slav invasion. They adapted the palace to their needs and started building homes, shops and workshops here - and so the medieval city of Split started to expand.

Today, inside the palace you will see narrow, cobblestone covered streets, hundreds of years old residential houses, charming piazzas, vibrant cafes and restaurants, colourful souvenir shops...in short, it is not to be missed!

Inside the palace there are a few must-see attractions that I wrote about in my article One day in Split Croatia.

Another thing you can do on this short cruisers' day is take one of the daytrips you can read about below...

Split cruise port shore excursions and daytrips

Besides the walking tours I mentioned above (seeing the Old town is a must!), there are also daytrips that take you to small, quaint coastal towns in the neighbourhood.

I know there are many choices around Split but here's the ones that will delight you most:

The town of Trogir, a UNESCO World heritage site being one of the most famous ones
The town of Šibenik with it's world famous cathedral
If you prefer cooling down in nature, Krka National park with it's stunning waterfalls is the place for you

Both of these destinations are easy to combine with Split Old town sightseeing, there's enough time for both in a day.

So take my advice - do both on this day, and excursion outside Split and seeing the Diocletian's palace in it!

How to get to Split Croatia cruise port from the airport?

Wondering how to get from Split airport (Split Saint Jerome/ Sveti Jeronim) to the cruise port?

The airport is some 23km (16 miles) away from the historical Split, and it's about a 30-40 minute ride (depending on traffic)

I know how to help you with that and I will give you a few options to chose from:

Of yourse, you can always take a taxi. Just be aware that Split taxi drivers will take any opportunity to overcharge you as there are no official taxi fares in place (they even went up to charging 180 euros for the one-way trip).
Take a private transfer - this is one of the most elegant options because you get the VIP service and you know what you are paying ahead of time
Take Split airport bus shuttle - it takes you to the main bus station in Split, the one close to the ferry and cruise port. It is operated by Pleso Prijevoz (PLS). There are about 15 departure times during the day, mostly some 30 minutes after the arrival of a scheduled flight. The earliest departure in the morning is 8.00 am and the latest in the evening is 9.00pm. It is 10 euros per person for a one-way ride. The only problem with this service is there are always very, very long lines due to flights delays - sometimes a few flights come within a short time span.

What are the closest beaches to Split cruise port?

Going to the beach in Split is one of the things NOT to do. I know the crystal clear waters are so tempting but there is so much to see and enjoy in Split, you would miss out!

It's only if you have been to Split Croatia cruise port many times, you can consider going to the beach.

The locals here don't typically go swimming to the beaches around Split as there aren't many, anyway. The area is just too urbanised. So they go to the islands where it's much more relaxing.

If you really insist on going to the beach, than go to Bačvice beach. I warn you though, it is not a very scenic or the best kept beach.

Depending on time your cruise ship spends in port, you can also consider taking this boat daytrip to the islands: