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Split as one of the prettiest towns in Croatia offers a stunning retreat in Marjan. Hiding some of the most spectacular beaches, Marjan is known as the „Lungs of the city“. So close to the fabulous Diocletian Palace, Marjan in Split is a perfect escape from the city’s chaos.
Covering the fantastic views of Split, Marjan is an exquisite attraction of the city. Abundant in nature, Marjan is an oasis to outdoor enthusiasts with pleasant hiking trails.
Discover Marjan in pure beauty in this detailed guide and don’t miss to visit this natural treasure in Split.
Marjan as the symbol of Split is the highlight of this beautiful city. Shaped as a peninsula, Marjan is an attractive oasis to recharge and see the city in a new light.
Being long over 3 km, Marjan dominates the city with a breathtaking perspective of Split.
The comprehensive panorama of ideas to discover Split will make you appreciate its incredible beauty even more.
A brief history of Marjan
The name itself is intertwined with the ancient history when Marjan belonged to the monks. Already in the 8th century, it’s known as Marianum which got different formations with time. Mons Kyrie eleison was the church name, though the old version Merjan signed the today’s name in the 19th century.
In the Roman times Marjan hid the temple of the Hunting Goddess Diana. The hermit houses from the old times later became churches.
In the Middle Ages Marjan was rich with oak trees and totally wooded. The official afforestation started in 1852.
Marjan was declared as a forest park in 1964 and thus became the protected part of Split.
1. The viewpoints of Marjan
Prva vidilica (the First viewpoint) is only a short walk from the city’s centre, closest to Prokurative Square. The terrace that offers a fabulous view of Split unveils the first entrance to Marjan. It’s an awesome gathering point for many tourists and locals alike. A lovely restaurant Teraca Vidilica is an elegant place to enjoy the view, though a bit pricey. During the winter season, the food is not included in the offer and Teraca Vidilica becomes a caffe bar.
The small church of Saint Nicholas awaits you only 5 minutes after the First viewpoint.
The Second Viewpoint follows the route at the staircase after the church. Astonishing views of the nearby islands will just let you fall in love with Split even more. You will have to walk only 15-20 minutes further.
Telegrin Viewpoint- top of Marjan Hill
The panoramic views from the Telegrin terrace are simply gorgeous. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of the whole route so I didn’t visit it. Another reason is the lack of time and high temperatures, even in the off-season.
The Croatian flag and large stone cross characterize the highest peak of Marjan. Seeing Split in all its charm and nearby islands is genuinely delightful, especially at sunset.
Though being only 178m, Telegrin is a remarkable discovery not everybody knows about. You can either take the staircase (314 of them) to the top or follow the forest path.
The name Telegrin itself remains from the Napoleonic time because once it was a telegraph station here.
2. Beaches of Marjan
If you wonder what Split offers regarding the beaches, choose Marjan to see the best ones. The unrivaled charm of Marjan beaches will make you feel like you’re out of the city.
Ježinac beach
The closest to the city center is Ježinac beach. Instead of climbing the stairs towards Prva Vidilica (First viewpoint), you should continue to follow the seafront. After seeing a large meadow in Meje neighborhood and a restaurant on the left side, going further will take to Ježinac beach. The concrete path leads to the pebble beach where you’ll have showers, a restaurant and a bar around.
Galerija Meštrović is an elegant palace near Ježinac beach that sparkles picturesque views. It’s a place where the family of Ivan Meštrović (the famous Croatian sculptor) lived for more than 10 years.
Kasjuni beach
About 15 minutes away from the Ježinac beach, you will reach the prettiest beach on Marjan- Kasjuni beach. It’s a pebble beach that hides a cute little cove on the left side. Its tranquility is unmissable in the off-season, but becomes very crowded during the summer months.
The advantage of the Kasjuni beach is the car access that you can leave above the beach. This lovely beach holds a pretty beach bar that’s open in the summer months.
Bene beach
The most popular beach on Marjan is nestled close to Spinut doors, which represents another entrance to Marjan.
It’s a concrete beach set deep in the forest where you can enjoy an awesome coffee or lunch at Va Bene restaurant. Several years ago I had the best coffee here in Split. There was more creme than a coffee.
There’s a sport centre nearby making sea kayaking a popular activity. Various facilities make it such a cozy beach which is also very convenient for the families.
Bene is your ultimate choice to catch the stunning sunsets in Split.
Not far from Bene Beach towards Spinutska Vrata lies a lovely little cove named Lubinski Porat beach.
Labyrinth of wisdom is a creative surprise at Marjan, about 25 minutes walking from Bene beach. It decorates the northern hills of Marjan since 2008 thanks to the local children and associations.
How to get to Bene Beach
You can either reach it by a pleasant 30-minute walk from Spinutska vrata or take a direct bus (number 12) from Sveti Frane church at the Split promenade. Though bus station exists just above Bene Beach, cars are not allowed to enter Marjan park.
3. Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden is an extension of the University in Split, Faculty of Science. Stretching a bit above the church of Saint Nicholas, it offers splendid views of Split.
Maybe you’ll not recognize it, but there are signs to Botanical Garden. Founded in 1951, it covers various tropical and subtropical plants along with the Mediterranean ones.
Though it serves the educational purpose to the students, the various ecological and cultural courses happen for the public. Several glasshouses collect the autochthonous plants since the 50s.
The small Zoo also exists at a very tiny area close to the Botanical Garden.
4. The hiking routes
Marjan offers a fantastic set of hiking trails where you can immerse yourself into nature inside the city. It’s a place to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, walking or hiking. Absorbing the beauty of Split gives Marjan its deep shine and significance.
Vrh Telegrin is the most popular route that I still have to discover. The Croatian flag flies to unveil the hidden treasure of Split and you can wonder to its sight from the Second Viewpoint.
I’m presenting you a map that can be a lovely help, but it’s easy to just follow the path after the Marjan stairs and the First Viewpoint.
From Spinut Doors you can find the forest trail with fitness equipment. The numerous stops finally lead to the Bene beach and later to the Maritime Institute.
5. Marjan Cliffs
Marjan is the perfect spot to enjoy rock climbing as the dramatic cliffs shape its western side. The Santine Rocks are impressive hiding the two stone churches.
After passing the Church of Our Lady of Betlehem and the tiny St. Jermone Church you will see the hermitage caves.
Curved inside the cliffs is Karepić Tower from the 1500s. The easiest way to reach it is from the Maritime Institute after the Bene beach.
Where to stay in Split
Split is an incredible city that you can explore on foot so basing yourself in the pure centre is very easy. Such a gorgeous city is a museum by itself that amazes by its beauty.
Just to warn you the prices that were once pretty affordable (about 10€) became recently 3 times double. This includes a hostel room in the off-season.
En Route Hostel is the most budget-friendly and so very cozy, just near Bačvice beach.
Another great option is Hostel One is the old town offering the fantastic view and pleasant rooms.
Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel is a 3-star hotel close to the Diocletian Palace.
Central Square Heritage Hotel offers the elegant and luxurious rooms at the throne of the Marjan forest-park.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is an awesome choice for families, close to the beach.
Heritage Hotel Palace Judita is an iconic place, perfect for couples offering luxurious stay in the historical ambiance.
More things to do in Split
Explore the Old town, including Diocletian Palace, Prokurative square and enjoy the promenade;
Stop at Emiliana to taste the best ice cream in the town;
Visit the charming Trogir which lies only 30 minutes by bus from Split;
Take a day trip to Omiš, the adventure capital of Croatia;
Discover the fantastic view of Split and Marjan hill by hiking to the Mosor mountain;
Final thoughts
Split deserves more than a day to visit and particularly Marjan will reward you with its outdoor treasure. Awesome views and splendid beaches are the pearls that Split unveils secretly. Marjan plays incredible role in framing Split to the outstanding beauty. Even if off-season Marjan beach will let you believe you’re on some island.
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Thanks for sharing
Stunning locations and vistas. Great information for visiting Split. This is one area of the world I definitely want to visit. Thanks for sharing!
In a few weeks we go to Split and I was still looking for some activity ideas, so I will definitely keep this in my mind.
Such beautiful beaches. I haven’t heard much of Croatia but you’ve made it desirable. This will be on my list of places to visit in the future! Thank you for these great travel tips.
This place looks beautiful for a retreat. But I have to be honest that I have heard about Marjan before I read your post. I’m definitely going to add this place to my bucket list. Btw, Croatia is one of my dream countries to visit.
Thanks for the detailed information! Very helpful!
Croatia and Split have been on my travel bucket list for so long but I’ve still not made it there. Marjan sounds like a wonderful destination and the forest Park a great attraction. The views sound/look incredible. Thanks for the tips and recommendations will keep this post in mind when I go!
Wow, this area is absolutely gorgeous! I don’t travel much, but visiting a place like this certainly has its appeal. I love that there are so many things to do there as well, looks like there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Ooh these all look stunning! I’m a sucker for a good viewpoint and there’s nothing else quite like watching the sunset on the beach. Thank you so much for sharing x
I’ve been to Croatia as a child with my parents and I have some great memories of that holiday. It’s definitely a place I want to come back to.
I’ve been to Croatia as a child with my parents and I have some great memories of that holiday. It’s definitely a place I want to come back to.
Croatia has been on my list of places to visit for a while and this article is making me want to explore even more.
Very interesting, never been to this park before but it looks amazing. Will save these things to do them when going there. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, these are some stunning beaches! I love how you broke down the post with explaining the history as well.