Best Parks and Beaches in Split (Local Guide)

Looking for the best parks and beaches in Split? You can swim at a sandy city beach close to the Old Town, walk east along long promenades with plenty of space, or escape into pine shade at Marjan Forest Park and dip into scenic coves.

Split’s coastline mixes sandy spots (rare in Dalmatia), pebble bays, and concrete sunbathing platforms. This guide helps you choose the right place for your day in the sun, whether you want a quick swim near the centre, family-friendly shallows, or quieter water under Marjan’s trees.

Start here for broader planning: Split travel guide.

Quick picks: best beaches and parks in Split

• Best sandy beach near the centre: Bačvice Beach
• Best for families and an easy swim: Firule Beach
• Best scenic pebble bay: Kašjuni Beach
• Best for shade and nature walks: Marjan Forest Park
• Best viewpoints by the sea: Sustipan Park (clifftop views near the marina)
• Best for space and seaside strolls: Žnjan area (long promenade and open beach zones)

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Split beach comparison (choose fast)

Split’s beaches are close together, but they feel very different. Use this quick comparison to pick the best match, then scroll down for full details and tips.

Beaches in Split: what to expect

Split’s coastline is a mix of sandy pockets, pebbly bays, and sunbathing platforms. In peak summer, the most central beaches fill up quickly, so it helps to decide whether you want convenience (near the Old Town), space (east along the promenade), or shade and nature (Marjan).

• Sand vs pebbles: Bačvice is the famous sandy city beach, while many other spots are pebble or mixed (water shoes are a smart idea, especially on rockier edges).
• Promenade culture: Split has a long seaside walk that connects multiple beaches on the east side of the centre (Bačvice, Ovčice, Firule, Zenta, Trstenik, Duilovo), making it easy to beach-hop without a car.
• Facilities vary: City beaches tend to have more cafés and services, while Marjan coves feel more natural (Bene is the exception, with lots of family-friendly facilities in the forest).
• Blue Flag and standards: Trstenik is noted by the Split tourist board for its Blue Flag (sustainable management).
• Getting around: For public transport planning, use the official Promet Split timetables and maps (especially helpful if you’re heading toward Marjan/Bene).

Best beaches in Split

To help you plan faster, the beaches below are grouped by area: walkable city beaches near the Old Town, eastern promenade beaches with more space, and scenic Marjan coves where you can combine shade, viewpoints, and swimming.

Walkable from the Old Town

Bačvice Beach

Bačvice is Split’s classic city beach: a rare sandy stretch in Dalmatia, right by the harbour and close to the centre. It’s the place to watch (or join) a game of picigin in the shallows, and it stays lively into the evening with a busy promenade and nearby nightlife.

• Best for: convenience, sandy swimming, people-watching
• Good to know: it gets crowded quickly in high season, so arrive earlier for the best spots

Read more: Bačvice Beach

Ovčice Beach

Just east of Bačvice, Ovčice is an easy add-on if you want a slightly calmer dip without leaving the central area. It’s a quick walk along the seaside path, so it works well for beach-hopping on foot.

• Best for: a quick swim close to town, combining multiple beaches in one walk
• Good to know: bring water shoes if you prefer more comfort on mixed/pebbly entry points

Firule Beach

Firule is known for its fine sand and a more sheltered feel than the most exposed beaches, making it a favourite for families with young children. It also sits on the long seaside promenade, so it’s easy to reach from the centre.

• Best for: families, calmer swimming, an easy walkable beach day
• Good to know: it’s a popular local spot, especially on hot afternoons

Read more: Firule Beach

Zenta

Zenta sits along the same seaside route and works well as a relaxed harbour-side stop. It’s a good choice if you want a swim and a stroll rather than a full “set up for the whole day” beach plan.

• Best for: an easy promenade day, combining swimming with cafés nearby

Eastern beaches and promenades

Trstenik Beach

Trstenik is a pebble beach on the east side of Split with an easy sea entry that suits families. It’s also noted for Blue Flag standards and sits close to hotels and the longer Žnjan stretch.

• Best for: easy swimming entry, families, a “simple and practical” beach day
• Good to know: you can continue on foot along the promenade toward Žnjan for more space

Žnjan Beach

Žnjan is a big, open beach zone with one of the best seaside promenades in Split for long walks, jogging, and casual evening strolls. It’s packed with seasonal energy, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and kids’ facilities along the waterfront.

• Best for: space, promenade walks, families, beach bars and casual dining
• Good to know: Žnjan has been undergoing major redevelopment in recent years, so you may see works or temporary route changes in parts of the area depending on the season

Duilovo

At the eastern end of the seaside chain, Duilovo is a useful option if you want a less central feel and you’re already exploring the eastern coastline. It can be a good “escape valve” when the most famous beaches are packed.

• Best for: a quieter alternative when central beaches feel too busy

Marjan-side coves (scenic + shade)

Kašjuni Beach

Kašjuni is a deep bay with small pebbles on the Marjan side of Split, popular for its scenic setting and “cove” feel. It has beach services (including a café and changing cabins), plus a clearly separated dog-friendly area and a marked FKK/naturist section.

• Best for: a scenic swim under Marjan, clearer cove vibes, combining beach time with a nature walk
• Good to know: it’s easiest by car, taxi, or bus to Marjan-side stops; walking in peak heat is not recommended

Read more: Kašjuni Beach

Kaštelet Beach / Obojena Svjetlost

Kaštelet (often associated with the Obojena Svjetlost area) sits on the southern Marjan side and is a strong choice if you want a swim that still feels close to the city. It’s a popular social spot, especially later in the day, and works well as part of a seaside walk toward Marjan viewpoints.

• Best for: combining swimming with sunset strolls and nearby bars

Ježinac Beach

Ježinac is another small Marjan-side swim spot, often used for a quick dip when you’re exploring the Meštrović area and the coastal road under Marjan. It’s best for confident swimmers who like simpler, more natural beach setups.

• Best for: a short swim stop while sightseeing on the Marjan side

Bene (Marjan)

Bene is a favourite “forest + sea” combo on the north-eastern side of Marjan: partly sandy with rocky edges, hidden in pine shade and set up for full-day family time. It has plenty of facilities (showers, changing cabins, playgrounds, and sports areas), and it’s also noted for an adapted-access section including a lift for easier sea entry. Bus line 12 goes directly to Bene, with walking as the alternative.

• Best for: shade, families, a cooler day out in nature with swimming
• Good to know: pack picnic basics and stay longer; this is one of the easiest “escape the city heat” options in Split

Parks and green spaces in Split

If you want a break from stone streets and summer heat, Split has several easy green escapes. The biggest is Marjan, a pine-covered forest park with viewpoints and swimming coves, while smaller seaside parks like Sustipan and Zvončac are perfect for a sunset stroll.

Marjan Forest Park (the city’s green escape)

Marjan is Split’s signature outdoor area: a protected forest park where pine shade, walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints sit minutes from the centre. It’s also the gateway to some of the city’s most scenic swim spots, including Kašjuni and Bene, so you can combine a beach day with a cooler nature walk.

• Best for: shade, viewpoints, easy hikes, combining parks + beaches in one day
• Good to know: Marjan is a protected natural area, so stick to marked paths and take your litter with you

Practical note (check before you go): parts of the Ivan Meštrović Promenade have had temporary closures for repair works, and bus routing may be adjusted. If you’re using public transport to reach Marjan-side beaches, check the latest local updates first.

Read more: Marjan Forest Park

Sustipan Park (clifftop viewpoints by the marina)

Sustipan is a small, atmospheric clifftop park near the ACI marina with some of the best sea views in Split. Historically it became the city’s first cemetery outside the old town in the 19th century, later demolished, with a classicistic gloriette preserved as a reminder of the past. Today it’s a quiet place for benches, sunsets, and a short scenic walk when you want greenery without committing to a longer hike.

• Best for: sunset views, a short green break, harbour-and-islands panoramas
• Good to know: bring water in peak heat as facilities are limited inside the park

Zvončac Park (easy seaside stop on the way to Marjan)

Zvončac is a small seaside park and grassy hangout area between the centre and Marjan. It’s ideal for a quick pause on a coastal walk, especially if you’re heading toward Sustipan, the Meštrović area, or onward to Marjan viewpoints.

• Best for: a short break by the sea, families, combining with a coastal walk

Strossmayer Park (Đardin) (city-centre green break)

Strossmayer’s Park, known locally as Đardin, is Split’s classic city garden just outside the Golden Gate on the north side of Diocletian’s Palace. It has been the city’s main garden since the 19th century and is a great stop if you want shade, benches, and a calmer pace right next to the Old Town sights.

• Best for: a quick reset between sightseeing stops, families with kids, a shaded sit-down near the Old Town
• Good to know: it’s one of the easiest green spaces to fit into a Diocletian’s Palace walking route

How to get to Split beaches and parks

Most beaches in Split are easy to reach without a car, especially if you stay near the Old Town. For Marjan and the more distant east-side beaches, local buses can save time and energy in summer heat.

On foot from the Old Town

For the simplest beach day, walk east from the Old Town along the seaside route. It connects several popular spots in a row, starting with Bačvice and continuing toward Ovčice, Firule, Zenta, Trstenik, and onward. This “beach-hopping promenade” is one of the easiest ways to explore Split’s coastline without planning transport.

By bus (Promet Split)

Split’s city buses are run by Promet Split. If you’re heading to Marjan-side beaches and Bene, public transport can be much more comfortable than walking in midday heat.

Promet Split: city bus timetables

Tip: before you set off, check the latest schedule and any route notices (seasonal changes and road works can affect stops and turnarounds).

By car and parking tips

Driving can be convenient for Marjan coves and the eastern beach zones, but parking near the Old Town is limited in peak season. A good strategy is to park once (ideally in a garage or a less central zone) and then use the promenade, buses, or taxis for the beach portion of your day.

For practical options and locations, see: Parking in Split.

By bike or e-scooter

Bikes and e-scooters work especially well for the flatter, eastern promenade stretches (Trstenik and Žnjan), where you can cover longer distances quickly and stop for short swims. For Marjan, riding is best in the cooler hours because of hills and summer heat, and you should take extra care on busier approach roads.

Facilities, safety, and etiquette

Split is an easy beach city, but a few practical tips will make your day smoother, especially in peak summer when heat and crowds are at their highest.

Facilities: what you’ll find (and where)

• Most facilities: City beaches and promenades (Bačvice, Firule, Trstenik, Žnjan) usually have the best mix of cafés, toilets, showers, and places to rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
• More “natural” feel: Marjan-side coves are scenic and shaded, but services can be simpler. Bene is the exception, with a more “beach complex” feel in the forest.
• Bring basics: Water, sunscreen, and a light snack are always a good idea, especially if you plan to walk viewpoints or spend time in Marjan shade.

Water quality and sea conditions

• Official monitoring: Sea water quality is monitored during the bathing season (typically from mid-May into early October).
• Where to check updates: Use Croatia’s national bathing-water portal to look up the latest assessments for nearby sampling points.
• Common-sense rule: After heavy rain, stick to the more open, well-flushed beaches and avoid swimming right next to storm-water outlets.

Check bathing water quality (official portal)

Beach flags and swimming safety

• Green: generally safe conditions
• Yellow: caution (stronger waves/currents or changing conditions)
• Red: do not enter the water
• Swim where it’s supervised: if you see marked bathing zones and lifeguard coverage, use them, especially with kids.

Accessibility (step-free access and easier entries)

If you need smoother access, look for flatter promenade beaches and organised swimming areas. Bene is a strong option for a “park + sea” day with facilities, and parts of the eastern promenade (around Žnjan) are often the easiest for step-free movement. In high season, arriving earlier also helps you avoid steep, crowded entries.

Dogs, naturist areas, and beach etiquette

• Dogs: rules vary by beach and season. If you’re travelling with a dog, choose areas that are clearly marked as dog-friendly (Kašjuni is known for a separated dog-friendly zone).
• Naturist (FKK): if you want a naturist-friendly option, Kašjuni is also known for a marked/commonly used FKK area at one end of the beach.
• Leave no trace: in Marjan especially, treat the area like a protected park—stay on paths and take litter with you.

What to pack for Split beaches

• Water shoes (useful on pebbles/rocky edges)
• High-SPF sunscreen + a hat (midday shade can be limited outside Marjan)
• Snorkel mask (many beaches have clear water close to shore)
• Refillable water bottle

Quieter alternatives near Split (easy add-ons)

If Split’s central beaches feel too busy, you don’t need to go far for a calmer swim. Two of the easiest “escape” options are the coastal villages just outside the city, plus quick ferry hops to nearby islands.

Podstrana (easy coastal stretch just outside Split)

Podstrana is a straightforward alternative when you want more breathing room than Bačvice or the busiest promenade spots. Expect a long coastal stretch with clear water and pebble entries, plus plenty of casual places to stop for a drink or lunch along the sea.

• Best for: a calmer beach day, morning swims, simple seaside walks
• Good to know: it’s largely pebbly, so water shoes are useful

Stobreč (family-friendly vibe and a slower pace)

Stobreč is another easy option close to Split with a more “local suburb by the sea” feel. It’s a good pick if you want a quieter beach atmosphere and you’re happy with a low-key, practical setup rather than a headline attraction.

• Best for: families, quieter swimming, a relaxed half-day outside the city centre

Island beach day: take the ferry from Split

If you want a true change of scenery, consider an island day trip. The most classic, easy ferry option is Split → Supetar (Brač), where you can enjoy a seaside promenade, swims close to town, and onward options by bus or taxi for more beaches.

Split to Supetar (Brač) ferry guide

For more planning, see: Split ferry timetables.

First-hand tips

For a calmer swim, go early (before 10:00) and pick a Marjan-side cove like Kašjuni, then move into Marjan shade for midday.

FAQ: Split parks and beaches

What is the best beach in Split near the Old Town?

For the closest “classic Split” beach day, go to Bačvice. It’s the city’s most famous sandy beach and one of the easiest to reach on foot from the centre.

Is Bačvice Beach sandy and good for kids?

Yes. Bačvice is known for its sand and shallow water, which makes it a popular choice for families. It’s also the home of picigin, Split’s traditional beach ball game played in the shallows.

Which Split beach is best for shade?

If you want maximum shade, choose Bene on Marjan (pine forest right behind the beach). For partial shade and a more scenic cove feel, Kašjuni is also a strong option.

Where can I go swimming with my dog in Split?

Kašjuni is the best-known option because it has a separated dog-friendly area right next to the main beach.

Is there a naturist (FKK) beach in Split?

Yes. Kašjuni is known for having a marked/commonly used FKK/naturist section at one end of the beach.

How do I get to Bene Beach on Marjan?

The easiest option is the local bus (Promet Split), which runs to Bene. Walking is also possible, but it’s much more comfortable in cooler hours because of heat and hills.

Which beach in Split has a Blue Flag?

Trstenik Beach is noted for Blue Flag standards and is a solid “easy entry” choice on the east-side promenade.

Where can I check sea water quality in Split?

You can check Croatia’s official bathing water portal (Vrtlac), which publishes assessments for individual sampling points during the bathing season (typically mid-May to early October).

Are Split beaches sandy or pebbly?

Most Split beaches are pebble or mixed. Bačvice is the best-known sandy exception, while many Marjan-side coves and east-side beaches are pebble with rocky edges.

Is Marjan Forest Park always open?

Marjan is generally open year-round, but access to certain paths or roads can occasionally change due to maintenance or safety works. If you’re planning a specific route to Marjan-side beaches, it’s smart to check for any current visitor notices first.

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