After landing in Split, Croatia, I knew right away that this was going to be a special place. With its beautiful coastline, historic walled city, and peaceful atmosphere, Split was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Over three days, we explored islands, swam in the Adriatic Sea, ate amazing food, and wandered through charming streets—and I loved every moment of it!

Renting a Speedboat for the Ultimate Adriatic Adventure

One of the best decisions we made was renting a speedboat for the day to explore the stunning islands, caves, and coves of the Adriatic. We walked from our hotel, the Ambassador, to the Split Travel Agency and Blue Streak Boats to arrange our rental. The full-day adventure (8 AM – 6 PM) cost $1,250 (including tax, tip & snacks/beverages), and it was worth every penny.

With 10 hours on the water, we had time to:
✅ Enjoy breakfast on Vis Island, where the morning breeze and quiet marina made for a peaceful start to the day.
✅ Have lunch on Hvar Island, known for its stunning scenery and charming cafés.
✅ Snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic, anchoring in secluded coves for the ultimate relaxation.
✅ Explore hidden caves, including the famous Blue Lagoon, where the water was so blue it almost didn’t look real.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: A private boat rental is a great way to explore at your own pace without the stress of big tour groups. It was calm, peaceful, and flexible—perfect for a sensory-friendly adventure. If that is not in the budget, try the ferry out to Vis or one of the quieter islands and find one of the many coves where swimming is allowed. There are many!

Dinner by the Water – The Freshest Seafood Ever!

After a full day on the water, we had dinner at Leonis, a restaurant known for its incredibly fresh seafood. The fish we ate was so fresh it felt like it had just been caught that morning! Eating by the sea, with the sun setting in the background, made it even more special.

The Ambassador Hotel – A Relaxing Retreat

For three nights, we stayed at the Ambassador Hotel, and it was absolutely perfect. The hotel was calm, quiet, and beautifully located right by the marina.

Some of our favorite parts of the hotel included:

• Playing games and enjoying the private balconies, which had amazing views of the marina.
• Relaxing in the rooftop pool, which had the best views in Split!
• Eating a great cheeseburger at the rooftop restaurant.
• Enjoying the morning buffet breakfast, which had so many options and was a perfect way to start each day.
• Super friendly and accommodating staff who made sure everything was perfect for our stay.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The Ambassador Hotel was quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to recharge after a day of exploring.

Wandering Through the Walled City & Unique Shops

One of the most amazing parts of Split was its historic walled city. Walking through the old stone streets felt like stepping back in time. There were shops, restaurants, and small hidden alleys, and unlike other busy tourist spots, Split was calm and easy to explore.

Some of my favorite places included:

• A rubber duck store – Yes, a whole store just for rubber ducks! They had ducks of every theme imaginable.
• A Game of Thrones store – Since parts of Game of Thrones were filmed in Croatia, it was cool to see a shop dedicated to it!
• Unique art and souvenir shops – Instead of just typical touristy items, Split had really interesting and creative stores.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Unlike Dubrovnik, which can feel overcrowded, Split was much quieter, calmer, and easier to navigate. If big crowds feel overwhelming, Split is a great alternative.

A Scenic Drive to Trogir

On our last day, we took a drive to Trogir, a beautiful town on the waterfront. The markets in Trogir were amazing, filled with fresh fish, local goods, and cool handmade items.

Some of the best parts of Trogir included:

• Walking through the walled perimeter, where we explored the little alleyways and tunnels.
• Watching boats come in and out, bringing in fresh fish straight from the sea.
• Shopping for artisan crafts, including a small drawing we picked up as a souvenir.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Trogir’s waterfront is peaceful and scenic, perfect for a quiet and relaxing walk with lots to see without feeling overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts on Split, Croatia

I absolutely loved Split—it was peaceful, beautiful, and full of fun places to explore. The islands, the food, the history, and the calm atmosphere made it one of my favorite stops in Europe. Compared to Dubrovnik, Split was much quieter and more relaxed, which made the experience even better.

Would I go back? Definitely! Croatia was a hidden gem that I’m so glad I got to experience.

Until the next adventure!

– Avery