Split

Croatia's second city, Split, has rapidly cemented its status as one of Europe's most lively and glamorous destinations. The stylish port city basks in a glorious setting, backed by hulking mountains and fringed by the Adriatic Sea. It also boasts an impressive UNESCO World heritage listed old town, uniquely constructed around an ancient Roman palace, and a palm festooned waterfront. Ostentatious super yachts, chic cafes and bars, designer boutiques and exclusive galleries complement its picturesque location, making Split even more alluring. Away from the energetic old town inviting bays and pebble beaches are perfect for a cooling swim, while the fleet of Jadrolinjia ferries bustling around the port bring the pretty Dalmatian islands of Solta, Brac, Hvar and Lastovo tantalisingly close. Whether you're craving a vibrant city break, or need a base for exploring the Croatian Adriatic, Split is ideal.

From April to October Split attracts a large number of European holidaymakers, who come to explore its historic old town before taking a ferry to one of the offshore Dalmatian islands. Out of season Split buzzes with locals and mainly Croatian tourists, who enjoy the winter sun.

Split is on Croatia's southwest coast, in the centre of the region of Dalmatia. Dubrovnik is 215km (134 miles) south.

Split is located on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and is backed by towering limestone mountains. Split itself is built on gentle hills and the forested Marjan Hill rises steeply to the west of the old town. The suburb of Firule and the Bacvice, Firule and Zenta bays lie to the east.

Split's busiest beach, Bacvice, in part owes its popularity to a central location and proximity to the Bacvice entertainment complex, Bacvice bb. Throw in sand and tall, lean and immaculately turned out locals splashing around in the Adriatic waves as they indulge in a unique local game of picigin, and its appeal broadens.

Visitors are inexorably drawn to Split's UNESCO World Heritage listed Diocletian's Palace, which dates from AD295. This spectacular Roman remnant is a thriving urban oasis crammed with grand squares, a colonnaded peristyle, subterranean chambers, an octagonal cathedral and a sprinkling of museum exhibits. Not merely a museum piece myriad homes, shops, cafes and bars are also moulded into the fortified walls of the two-millennia old palace.

Split is a family friendly city and its beaches, museums, cafes and restaurants are all accessible to children. The ferries and catamarans that ply the Adriatic and drop off at the central Dalmatian islands bring a wealth of adventures, with historic old towns and beaches awaiting exploration.

Split's old town provides a surprisingly eclectic shopping experience where you can purchase anything from fresh from the boat seafood to Armani jeans. Immediately east of Diocletian's Place the market is a one-stop-shop for cheap sunglasses and other forgotten holiday essentials, while the craft stalls in the palace's subterranean chambers are ideal for souvenirs and art. West of Diocletian's stylish Marmontova, where myriad designer stores and domestic outlets shows how seriously the Splicani take their fashion, is the place to buy clothes.

The Splicani like to party, but rules governing noise pollution compel the cafes and bars that line the Riva and dot Diocletian's Palace to close at around midnight. If you want to dance the night away, follow the locals east to the Bacvice entertainment complex, or further around the coast to the bars and clubs that open late in the summer.

Many eateries open all day. Dining options in the old town and along the Riva are largely limited to pizzerias and cafes. A handful of restaurants, often serving excellent Dalmatian seafood and grilled meat, fringe the old town. For the best and most expensive restaurants, head to Bacvice and the suburb of Firule.

Split is easily navigable on foot; it also has a good bus service. The national bus network connects Split to myriad mainland destinations and a fast train links it to Zagreb. Ferries and catamarans run to the Dalmatian islands, Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Italy. There is a taxi rank at the east end of the Riva.

Trogir, 25km (16 miles) west of Split, boasts one of Croatia's most beautiful and well-preserved old towns, whose opulent palaces and architecturally diverse monuments compelled UNESCO to place it on its World Heritage List. Chocolate box pretty Hvar Town, on the eponymous island, and one of Croatia's best beaches, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) on Brac also merit a visit.

Discover one of Split's best-kept secrets just behind Bacvice Bay. The Enoteka Terra, Brace Kaliterna 6 (website: www.vinoteka.hr) is one of Croatia's most exclusive wine bars. Sample complex domestic wines and dine on sumptuous Croatian tapas that utilise the country's finest produce including truffles, prsut (similar to Italian prosciutto) and salty Pag cheese.

Split Airport (SPU)