Split

Split is Croatia's second-largest city, built in and around the remains of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace from the 4th century. Ships dock at the port just south of the old town. The palace walls enclose a living neighbourhood: people's apartments, shops, restaurants, and a cathedral (originally Diocletian's mausoleum) all sit within the ancient structure. The Riva promenade runs along the waterfront outside the palace walls, with cafés and palm trees. The Peristyle is the central courtyard inside the palace. Marjan Hill, on a peninsula west of the old town, has forested walking trails and views over the city and islands. Bačvice Beach, southeast of the port, is a sandy beach where locals play picigin (a ball game in shallow water). Ferries from Split go to the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis. Pašticada (beef stew with gnocchi) is a Dalmatian speciality. The Croatian kuna has been replaced by the euro.