Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and backed by the rugged Dinaric Mountains, this splendid Dalmatian city resembles a living museum. Ancient Roman architecture forms a backdrop to modern-day life, with boutiques displaying imported designer wear and cafes playing techno amid the stones of an imperial palace.

Split was founded when Diocletian built his retirement home here in AD 295. Born in nearby Salona, this able soldier went on to rule the Roman Empire for two decades. When the palace was complete, he resigned and withdrew to his native Dalmatia where he spent his final years.

Centuries of Venetian rule (1420-1797) have also left their mark on the city, with gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings dotting the historic core. With the fall of Venice, Split passed to Austria-Hungary. After WWII, when the city was part of Yugoslavia, urban expansion continued apace.

Split has long been an important tourist hub, the main gateway to Dalmatia, with an international airport, daily ferries from Italy and local boat services to the nearby islands. Today, improved access, a revamped waterfront, a plethora of new hotels and the wholesale renovation of its UNESCO World Heritage listed core has made the city into a must-visit Croatian destination. For keen sailors it is also the largest base for charter companies renting out sailing yachts.