Summer is hitting us as fast as the full blast option on our air conditioners as Europe experiences the ‘heatwave of all heatwaves’. And while we beg for summer every time that it isn’t, extreme heat and sweat-stained clothes often have us cursing the sun or wishing winter came back for good.
But the summer heat doesn’t have to be so unbearable, and if you find yourself enjoying the hottest time of the year in Split, we have five foolproof ways to help you cool off.
Use your spending power at a shopping mall
Ah, shopping malls – or what we like to call air-conditioned playgrounds for consumers. Did you know that Split is not only home to Dalmatia’s biggest shopping mall, but that it boasts three major malls for your choosing? If you’re in Split, in the mood to spend, and need a safe haven from the sun, you’ll want to head to the Mall of Split, City Center One, or Joker. All conveniently located outside of the city center, the malls are easily accessible by public transportation (you can take the 18 bus to the Mall of Split of City Center), by foot (Joker is just a 10-minute walk outside the center), or by Uber. You’ll not only stay cool, but you’ll be able to spend on souvenirs or better yet, treat yourself.
Get a dose of culture at a museum
Split is a mecca for museums, which you might otherwise miss if you’re busy beating the heat at beaches. But did you know that Split even has museums just steps away from the beach? Like the Ivan Meštrović Gallery? Or the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments? Instead of soaking up the sun for a day, dig into Split’s vibrant culture and history by visiting one of its many museums. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, there is a museum for that too.
Book it to the beach
Okay, okay – we know it’s obvious, but we also know that there is almost no better way to stay cool than by hitting one of Split’s beaches. But instead of going to the busy city beach Bačvice, why not take the road less traveled? The famous ‘green lungs of Split’, which is also known as Marjan hill, boasts beaches galore – like Obojena, the now famous Joe’s Beach at Kašjuni, or local favorite Bene. If you’re looking to take a dip somewhere close to the city, head to Jadran Beach Bar for a refreshing cocktail and a swim, or make your way outside the city going south to Žnjan for a shallow and pebbled beach the whole family will love. Fortunately, Split has plenty of access to Croatia’s celebrated coast – and so do you.
Park at a cafe or restaurant
Something you’ll learn almost immediately upon arriving in Split is that its cafe culture is thriving – and if you don’t sit at a cafe for hours at a time, slowly sipping your coffee and watching the people pass by, have you even been to Split at all? Fortunately, the cafes and restaurants that line Split’s famous waterfront promenade (what we call the Riva) are equipped with fans and misters, and are shaded from the sun. So if you’re looking to escape the sun, you don’t have to look far at all. Sit back, take a sip, and sit in the shade while still absorbing Split culture.
Get on a boat
Did you know that Split is Dalmatia’s best transport hub and easily connected to many island hotspots in the region? Or that you can be on the islands of Šolta, Brač, or Hvar in an hour (or less)? Whether you opt for a ferry, catamaran, or choose to rent a private speedboat, you can be on island time in no time. So, if all else fails? Get on a boat and gear up for a swim.