By the Dalmatia Express team — local skippers in Split

Split Riva arrival guide: the Riva is the long stone promenade on the waterfront in Split, Croatia. Most visitors see it first. It is the centre of the city and the starting point for most island trips. This guide shows you how to find your way, what to do in your first hours, and how to continue to the islands.

What is the Riva?

The Riva is a wide, flat walking street by the sea. It has palm trees, cafes, and a view of the harbour. It runs along the south wall of Diocletian’s Palace. This palace is a large Roman building from about 1,700 years ago. Today people live and work inside it. It is the old town of Split.

The Riva is free to enter and open all day and night. Cafes put tables outside. Prices on the Riva are higher than in side streets. A coffee here costs more, but you pay for the view.

How to reach the Riva

Want to go straight from Split to an island without ferry queues? See our Split to Hvar private taxi boat.

Your first hours: a simple plan

1. Walk the Riva. Start at the west end and walk east. It takes about 10 minutes without stops.
2. Enter the old town. Use the Bronze Gate, a door in the palace wall facing the sea. Inside you find narrow stone streets and the Peristyle, the main square of the palace.
3. Eat in a side street. Go one or two streets away from the sea for lower prices.
4. Plan your island day. Check the weather and the sea. Choose ferry or private boat.

Dica do capitão: The Riva is best early in the morning or at sunset. At midday in July and August it is very hot and crowded. Bring water and wear a hat.

Where the islands are from the Riva

These are typical times by private taxi boat from Split. Times change with the sea and the boat.

For ferry details, read our guides: Split to Hvar ferry, Split to Brač ferry, e best islands from Split. Ready to book? Split to Brač taxi boat ou Contate-nos.

Map of the Split waterfront

Perguntas frequentes

How do I get from Split Riva to the ferry port?

The ferry port is next to the Riva, on the east side. You can walk there in about 5 to 10 minutes. The bus station and train station are close to the port.

Is Split Riva close to Diocletian’s Palace?

Yes. The Riva runs along the south wall of the palace. You can enter the old town through the Bronze Gate in about one minute from the promenade.

Where do I wait for a taxi boat in Split?

We tell you the exact meeting point when you book. It is usually in the Split harbour close to the Riva. Your skipper sends the details before pickup.

Is the Riva good for a first day in Split?

Yes. It is flat, free, and full of cafes. It is a good place to walk after a flight, a ferry, or a long drive.

Can I take a water taxi from the Riva area to Hvar or Brač?

Yes. Our private taxi boats run 24/7 from Split. Typical trips are Brač in about 35 minutes and Hvar in about 55 minutes.

Is the Riva busy in summer?

Yes, it is busy from morning to late night in summer. Early morning is quiet and cooler. Evening is lively.