By the Dalmatia Express crew — skippers running the Split–island routes daily, 24/7. Updated November 2026.

The Split Riva is the long walking street by the sea in Split, Croatia. If you arrive in Split, the Riva is probably the first place you will see. This guide shows what to do there and how to continue to the islands. Split is the main city on the coast of Dalmatia, the south region of Croatia.

What is the Riva?

The Riva is the waterfront promenade (a wide street for walking) in front of Diocletian’s Palace. Diocletian’s Palace is the huge Roman palace built about 1,700 years ago. People live and work inside it today. The Riva has palm trees, cafés and views of the harbour.

How to get to the Riva

The ferry port, the bus station and the train station are all close to the Riva. Most people walk from them in about 5 to 15 minutes. From Split Airport, about 25 km away, you can use a bus, a taxi or a private transfer.

A simple plan for your first hours

• Leave your bags at your hotel or a luggage shop.
• Walk the Riva and have a coffee.
• Enter the old palace through the Bronze Gate, the door facing the sea.
• Eat lunch in a side street, away from the main promenade. Prices are lower there.

船长的建议： Evening is the best time for the Riva. It is cooler, and the harbour lights are beautiful. Book your island boat for the next morning, so you can relax.

What to see near the Riva

You can walk to the main sights in a few minutes. Here are the places most visitors enjoy.

• The Peristyle — the central square inside Diocletian’s Palace. It has old stone columns and often live music.
• The Cathedral bell tower — a tall stone tower inside the palace. You can climb it for a view over the red roofs and the sea.
• The Green Market (Pazar) — an open-air market just outside the east wall of the palace. Locals buy fruit, vegetables and olive oil here.
• Marjan hill — a green park on a hill west of the Riva. It is a good walk if you want a quiet place with a view.

Most of these places are free to see from the outside. Some, like the bell tower, need a ticket. Check the current ticket price on the day.

Eating and drinking on the Riva

The cafés on the Riva have the best view, but drinks cost more there. A coffee on the Riva is a nice rest, but do not plan a big meal there. Walk two or three streets inland and you find smaller restaurants with lower prices and local food. Look for fresh fish, grilled meat and Dalmatian pašticada (slow-cooked beef in a rich sauce).

Arrival tips for the Riva

• The old town is for walking only. Taxis and cars cannot drive inside the palace walls.
• The stone streets are old and uneven. Wheeled suitcases are hard to pull, so pack light if you can.
• In summer the Riva is hot and busy at midday. Come in the morning or at sunset.
• If you arrive late at night, the Riva is still safe and lively. Many cafés stay open late.
• Keep your passport and phone in a front pocket. Crowded places attract pickpockets, as in any big city.

How to get from the Riva to your boat

The ferry port is only a short walk from the Riva. This makes Split very easy for island trips. If you book a private taxi boat, we agree a clear meeting point with you before your trip. You do not need to carry bags far. If you land at Split Airport, we can also meet you there and take you to the sea by road transfer. Then the boat leaves on your schedule, day or night. Planning a day trip to a famous cave? Read our 蓝洞导游.

Going from Split to the islands

Most visitors continue to Hvar, Brač or Šolta. These are islands near Split. You can use a ferry, a catamaran (a fast passenger boat) or a private taxi boat.

A private boat is not the cheapest for one person. For a group, the price is shared and you leave when you want. See the Split to Hvar taxi boat.

More help: read our Split to Hvar transport guide， 这 Split to Brač guide 和 斯普利特机场到赫瓦尔岛指南. Prices: 水上出租车价格指南. Ready to book? Contact us for a quote.

常见问题

How far is the Split Riva from the ferry port?

The ferry port is close to the Riva. Most people walk it in about 5 to 10 minutes. Check your own ticket for the exact gate.

Is the Split Riva free to visit?

Yes. The Riva is a public street by the sea. You can walk there at any time, day or night.

Where can I leave my luggage in Split?

Many shops near the port and the bus station offer luggage storage for a fee. Ask your hotel first. Many hotels hold bags before check-in.

Can a private taxi boat pick me up in Split?

Yes. Dalmatia Express runs 24/7 from Split. We confirm the exact pick-up place when you book.

How long is the boat ride from Split to Hvar?

A private taxi boat takes about 55 minutes to Hvar. Ferries and catamarans have their own timetables.

Is a taxi boat cheaper than the ferry?

For one person, no. A ferry ticket costs less. For a group of 4 to 10, the price per boat can be fair, and you leave when you want.