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Balkan and Italy on a Motorbike Part 1 - Split, Croatia
We kick off our epic Balkan adventure in Split, Croatia, where sea breeze meets ancient history. After an overnight ferry from Ancona, Italy, we arrived in Split at dawn, parked the bike, and headed straight into the Old Town’s charming streets. With its iconic Diocletian’s Palace, lively Riva promenade, and cozy cafés, Split proved the perfect first stop on our European road trip. This post covers first impressions of Split, top places to explore on foot, local breakfast spots, and gearing up for the ride ahead. Whether you’re planning a motorbike tour through Croatia and beyond, craving travel tips for Split, or dreaming of Adriatic adventures, this story sets the stage for a thrilling two-wheeled journey.
8/5/20252 min read
July in Croatia started with an overnight ferry and very little sleep. We took the night ship from Ancona to Split, parked the motorbike on the lower deck, grabbed our bags, and tried to get some rest. The Adriatic Sea was calm, which helped, but sleeping on a ferry is never amazing.
We docked in Split at 7:00 in the morning. Bigger cars and trucks rolled off first, so we waited a bit before it was finally our turn. Engine on, helmet on, and off we went—first meters in Croatia done.
Before doing anything else, we needed breakfast. We parked near the harbor and walked straight into Split Old Town. Early morning is the best time to be there: fewer people, cooler temperatures, and a much calmer vibe.
The Riva harbor area is really nice—palm trees, cafés along the water, boats coming and going. It’s an easy place to sit down, drink coffee, and recover from the night ferry.
A Quick History of Split
Split is built around Diocletian’s Palace, which dates back to Roman times (around 300 AD). It was originally built as a retirement palace for the Roman emperor Diocletian. Over the years, people moved into the palace and turned it into a town. Later, Venetian settlers influenced the city during the Middle Ages, shaping much of what you see today. The cool part is that the old town is still very much alive—you’re walking through Roman walls while grabbing coffee or shopping.
If it’s your first visit, these spots are easy to fit in:
Diocletian’s Palace – The heart of the city. Just wander around.
Peristyle Square – Inside the palace and always busy.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius – Climb the bell tower if you want a great view.
Riva Promenade – Perfect for walking, coffee, or people-watching.
Marjan Hill – A good escape from the crowds with nice views.
Where to Get Breakfast
Split has no shortage of good breakfast places. These are solid choices:
Brasserie on 7 – Right by the water, relaxed and easy.
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar – Popular brunch spot.
Villa Spiza Café – Small, local, and good coffee.
Uje Oil Bar – Good food and shaded seating.
After breakfast and a bit of wandering, we geared back up and got on the bike. Tired from the ferry, already warm from the sun, but excited. Split turned out to be a perfect starting point for the journey.
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