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Split, Croatia: The Ultimate Feel-Good Destination

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 11:17 GMT by Travel + Leisure

Split, Croatia: The Ultimate Feel‑Good Destination, According to Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure recently highlighted one of the Mediterranean’s best‑kept secrets – Split, Croatia – as the top feel‑good destination in a new study. The article, which draws on data from the publication’s “Feel‑Good Travel” guide, paints a vivid picture of why this coastal city blends history, culture, food, and nature into an experience that leaves visitors glowing and refreshed.

1. The Study and What “Feel‑Good” Means

Travel + Leisure’s research draws on surveys of thousands of travelers who rate destinations on factors such as relaxation, joy, safety, and authenticity. In this edition, Split ranks higher than the often‑cited hotspots of Amalfi, Santorini, and Barcelona. The city’s success is attributed to a “balanced mix of historic charm and modern amenities,” combined with an approachable price point and a strong sense of community.

The study also notes that Split has performed well on wellness metrics, including opportunities for outdoor activity, clean beaches, and an emphasis on local, sustainable gastronomy. “Feel‑good” is defined not just by scenic beauty, but by how welcoming a place feels, how easy it is to connect with locals, and how relaxed visitors can be during their stay.

2. Historic Allure: Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town

No visit to Split is complete without wandering through the UNESCO‑listed Diocletian’s Palace. The article describes the palace as a “living city within a city.” The ancient Roman architecture – from the Peristyle to the Temple of Jupiter – seamlessly blends with cafés, boutiques, and apartments that have been converted into homes. The Old Town’s maze of alleys invites casual exploration, and tourists can stop for a coffee in one of the many cafés perched above the Palace’s atrium.

In the article’s “behind‑the‑scenes” section, a local historian explains how the palace has been adapted over the centuries, providing a living narrative that makes each street feel historic yet vibrant. The city’s heritage has become part of its identity, and visitors find that the old Roman walls offer both a literal and metaphorical gateway to the modern comforts of the city.

3. Beaches and Natural Beauty

Split’s coastline features a mixture of pebbled coves and sandy stretches. The most popular beach, Bačvice, is famed for its crystal‑clear waters and traditional “picigin” game played on the sand. Travel + Leisure points out that Bačvice’s “family‑friendly” vibe, coupled with the nearby promenade, makes it a prime spot for both relaxation and socializing.

Beyond Bačvice, the article recommends the less crowded beaches of Žnjan and Kasjuni, which are accessible via short walks or local bus rides. The nearby Marjan hill, a lush park on a peninsula, offers walking and biking trails that reward hikers with panoramic views of the Adriatic. Many travelers in the study cited the city’s natural scenery as a key element of the “feel‑good” experience, especially the combination of sea, sun, and forest.

4. Food, Drink, and Gastronomy

The culinary scene is another pillar of Split’s appeal. The article highlights the “seafood bar” culture along the Riva promenade, where tourists can sample freshly caught fish, calamari, and octopus while watching the ferries dock. A special mention goes to the local specialty, “pašticada” – a slow‑cooked beef dish that reflects Dalmatian flavors.

Travel + Leisure’s “taste test” segment notes the city’s burgeoning wine scene, with boutique wineries nearby producing robust reds and crisp whites. The article references the “Split Food Guide” (a link included in the piece), which lists standout spots such as Konoba Marjan, where the emphasis is on locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Even the city’s nightlife, described as “relaxed yet lively,” benefits from this food culture. Late‑night restaurants and beachside bars often serve craft cocktails made from local citrus, olives, and herbs. According to the study, the sense of community at these venues contributes significantly to the overall “feel‑good” rating.

5. Accessibility and Practicality

One of the reasons the study praised Split is its accessibility. A small domestic airport, Split Airport, offers flights to major European cities, and the city’s ferry port connects travelers to nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač, and Vis. Local buses run frequent routes within the city, while bike‑share programs make getting around convenient and eco‑friendly.

Accommodation-wise, the article notes a range of options: budget hostels, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts, many of which include wellness amenities such as spas or yoga classes. Travelers in the survey reported that the city’s accommodation quality was “exceptionally high for the price,” contributing to a relaxed, low‑stress stay.

6. Sustainable Tourism and Local Engagement

A recurring theme throughout the article is the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism. The local tourism board has invested in green initiatives, such as waste reduction programs and the promotion of low‑carbon transportation. The study highlighted that tourists who stayed longer in Split tended to value the city’s efforts to preserve its environment and cultural heritage.

Local residents were also featured in short vignettes, explaining how their daily lives are intertwined with visitors. A fisherman in Žnjan, for instance, describes how tourists help to keep his market vibrant, while a young artist in the Old Town shares how the city’s eclectic energy fuels his creativity. These interactions were cited as key components of the “feel‑good” experience: a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

7. What to Do When You Visit

The article’s “trip itinerary” section provides a quick guide for a four‑day stay:

1. Day 1 – Old Town & Palace: Explore Diocletian’s Palace, then dine at a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
2. Day 2 – Beaches & Marjan Hill: Morning at Bačvice, afternoon bike ride up Marjan, sunset dinner in the Riva area.
3. Day 3 – Island Day Trip: Ferry to Hvar for a day of sun, sea, and tasting local rosé.
4. Day 4 – Food & Culture: Take a cooking class focusing on Dalmatian dishes, followed by a night of live music in Split’s jazz club.

Travel + Leisure encourages travelers to immerse themselves in local events such as the Split Jazz Festival or the summer art exhibitions at the city’s galleries. They note that attending these events can deepen a visitor’s emotional connection to the place.

8. Conclusion: Why Split Wins the “Feel‑Good” Title

Split, Croatia, has captured the attention of Travel + Leisure because it delivers on every facet that makes a destination truly uplifting. The city’s historic core offers a sense of wonder; its beaches provide the restorative power of the sea; its food culture connects travelers to local traditions; and its sustainable practices ensure that the city remains a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and authentic local engagement means that Split is not just a vacation spot, but a destination that people genuinely want to return to.

In a world where travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences rather than merely “checking off” sites, Split stands out as a model for how a city can blend history, nature, food, and community into a singularly feel‑good journey. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first‑time visitor to the Adriatic, Split’s charm, hospitality, and vibrant life make it an unforgettable destination that keeps you smiling long after you leave.