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Diocletian Palace in Split, Croatia: Find Authentic Food & Wine within Historic Landmarks

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Where to navigate around the Diocletian Palace in Split to learn historic tidbits that pop up around every corner and to find authentic food and drink in a cozy environment.
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Favorite Authentic Dalmatian Restaurants at Diocletian Palace

Discovering true hidden gems with great Authentic Croatian Food & Wine and wonderful service in and around the palace.

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I found this cozy nook while wandering the maze that is the Diocletian Palace. It is a true intimate experience with authentic Dalmatian cuisine. The dim lighting transports you to another time. Be careful - the candles on the tables are real so don'...
Uje Oil Bar: Traditional Croatian Menu in a cozy nook within Diocletian Palace
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I ducked into this romantic open-air restaurant hiding from a rainstorm. I felt like I was in a movie - the dark lighting and stone fixtures on the covered patio was perfect. And the cheese & bread appetizer with wine I ordered put me in another ...
Pizzaferaj: The Most Romantic spot and the Best place for Cheese & Bread with Wine in Split
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
My and my colleagues were thrilled with the dim lighting and fabulous menu!  Try the Sea Bass! The open-air seating within Diocletian Palace was intimate and inviting for all travelers, couples or groups!
Makarun: Open-air dining in intimate setting with great seafood, outdoor heaters and local wine.
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
The only restaurant in Croatia that has Posip Crni, a red wine distinct from the popular white Posip varietal. The server was so personal and kept checking at me on the patio where I sat in a quaint alley loving life! Try the cod fish rolls!
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine: Rare find for Rare Wine on special side street.
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I enjoyed my own company at this adorable little place. I was awestruck just sitting at this quaint cafe tucked on a side street with delicious beef & gnocchi, lovely wines and the sweet Dalmatian charm around me.
La Mia Storia: Adorable side cafe tucked within Diocletian Palace: MIA FIABA, Split - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
This Incredible little cafe with great service, fun staff and traditional menu on a cute steep side street wowed me and my colleagues. Just outside of the palace, Trattoria Tinel is a delightful spot and I'd be sad if you skipped it!
Trattoria Tinel: Fun loving restaurant with side street dining!
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
The first place I ordered black risotto, a traditional Croatian dish. I highly recommend for good service on the waterfront - not all of the restaurants are as attentive. Beautiful fireplace ambiance on patio to gaze out at the sea - rain or shine - ...
Twins Restaurant: Waterfront restaurant with front row seats of the water!

Best Experiences at Palace for Real & Fictional Events

Unfold actual events and where they took place in the palace as well as fictional events for Netflix.

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
Calling all Game of Thrones fans! This is kind of a fun museum to walk through. I'm a fan so I did! It is somewhat small but cool to learn where things were filmed. And - you get a free photo on the GOT chair for your support!
Game of Thrones Museum-GOT Fans come one come all!
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
Walking through the basements identifying the structures under each room of the palace is an incredible experience. Everything is identically mirrored from what you seeing walking above throughout the palace. Take your time and read as you stroll the...
Diocletian Palace Substructures (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE ...
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
OMG! I had no idea how cool this would be. After walking around the palace, a bit - schedule this virtual reality experience. It takes you back to the Roman times showing you what was happening at historic landmarks, then brings you into life today a...
Diocletians Dream (VR Experience)
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I found this palace fascinating and full of exploration. I got such a kick out of running in and out of every corner of the maze finding places to shop, dine and learn about history. The palace, built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century as...
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
Pick your poison: Brass, Gold, Silver or Iron? Enter and start exploring all that is within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. Shopping, Dining, Apartment living, hotel accommodations, historic landmarks and museums. I so enjoyed zig zagging my way in...
The Four Gates: AKA Entry Points of the Palace
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
Climbing the steps of the cathedral is an active and beautiful experience! I loved the views at the top, and it kept me active while eating and drinking my way through Croatian delights. The cathedral is the most significant landmark in the complex.
Saint Domnius Cathedral-Climb the 180 steps!

Ideal shopping spots in and around Diocletian Palace

Local market next to the Diocletian Palace for flowers, meats, produce and handmade items.

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
This fun shop kept me coming back 2 or 3 times. I am not a huge shopper but do appreciate the boutique shops and had a blast popping in and out of them looking for Dalmatian gems like Adriatic Coral. It was hard to not buy everything.
Discover Croatia (@discovercroatia_shop)
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I stumbled upon the farmer's market, commonly called the Green Market, next to Diocletian's Palace and found myself wandering the stalls wishing I had a place to bring back the meats & veggies to cook somewhere and the flowers to put in on a tabl...
Green Market (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I tried the Coconut and the Chocolate which were both to die for! A great gift idea and excellent fix for your sweet tooth!
Best Baklava in Split! OTTOMAN • TRADITIONAL BAKLAVA & DELIGHT!

My preferred Hotel Choice near Diocletian Palace: Hotel Ferami: A Hotel for the Ages

A Welcoming hotel with impeccable service conveniently located in walking distance to Diocletian Palace.

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I had the best service at Hotel Fermai. The staff actually drove us to our ferry because they thought we'd be late getting to HVAR. The rooms were cozy and the breakfast nook area perfectly cozy. The hotel is centrally located and walking distance to...
Heritage Hotel FERMAI Split - MGallery Collection - Accor

Top Hiking Adventures for the Wandering Souls

Hiking in Marjan Forest is steps away from the city taking you high above the waters with views to die for. 

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
An avid hiker this was a highlight for me! About 10 minutes from Hotel Fermai, I found the Marjan Steps that took me to the forest and up many more steps through the woods and by the zoo. I ran for miles loving every minute taking breaks to take in v...
A Scamper Up Marjan Hill - Climb the steps and enter the forest!
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
I love lacing up and finding cool places to run in the mornings while traveling! The promenade along the water was gorgeous and I could run along the water for about 4 miles to and from my hotel - longer if I ventured down the side streets.
Riva promenade in Split: A Run or Walk along the Water for miles

My picks for Getaways from Split: Worth the Short Drive or Ferry

Picturesque waterfront towns with sailboats, dining, shopping, culture, worth the ferry ride, drive or cab ride.

 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
LOVED this little medieval town! If you have time before taking off to the airport - this is THE closest town to the airport - 11 minutes away and worth it even if you only have time for a cappuccino and popping in a few shops. I would have spent the...
Historic City of Trogir - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
HVAR Day Trips are well worth the hour ferry ride! I spent a few days in HVAR but you can certainly come and spend the day and head back to Split. I recommend staying overnight though. Ferries go back and forth all day - check schedules depending on ...
Split - Hvar Ferry, Tickets, Schedules
 
Darla Hoffmann - About Wine and Travel profile picture
While I've never been to St. Tropez - I imagine HVAR is the closest thing to it! It is picturesque and full of quaint restaurants and gorgeous water views surrounded the town. Hike to the Spanish Fortress, pop into local shops and take tours to winer... Spend the day or several days in HVAR - the island with the most sun in Europe.
Hvar Town: An Insiders Guide to Croatia's Island Hotspot