This unique park forest on the West side of Split is protected cultural landscape where you can find relaxation and peace even during the high season when the Old Town is vivacious & when city streets become vibrant and crowded. Split citizens often refer to Marjan Hill as “The lungs of the city” or as “The city under the Hill”. During the centuries, this picturesque part of Split, that boasts Mediterranean pine trees, scenic viewpoints and paths, became the symbol of the town. Just a few minutes walking from the Center, you’ll find the harmonious oasis ideal for nature lovers, but also for all of you feeling a bit sporty during your holidays due to the fact Marjan Hill is basically an open-air sports center.
There are a few ways to discover Marjan and to take the best of it. You can take a sea-side walk all around the hill and stop on the most popular beaches in Split like Zvončac, Obojena Svjetlost, Ježinac, Kašuni, Bene or Prva Voda for a refreshing swim or a cup of coffee. Another possibility is hiking Marjan hill from Prva Vidilica all the way to the highest peak of the Hill Telegrin at the height of 178 meters soaking up the breathtaking views at Diocletian’s Palace, nearby islands, mesmerizing Adriatic sea and tremendous mountains of Dalmatian hinterland Kozjak, Mosor and Biokovo. There are a lot of pathways through Marjan hill so just follow your heart and eventually you’ll finish at some of the remarkable sites.
If you don’t feel like hiking during the hot summer days, but you are searching for a recreation, consider Split Sea Kayaking Tour and experience Marjan from a different perspective. While kayaking, take some moments to admire the views of hidden beaches & bays that could be reached only from the sea. On the kayaking tour you’ll also see a site that is “forbidden” for visitors and a very few have an opportunity to enter- Tito’s Villa. To fulfill your experience in this unique combination of pure nature & adrenalin rush, say yes to cliff jumping at rocky slopes of Marjan Hill. Another possibility for “walk less, see more” travelers is Split Panoramic Tour by Golf Cart. This sightseeing tour is an excellent way of exploring all the Split highlights in just 2 hours drive by golf cart, Marjan Hill included.
Right next to the Prva Vidilica sightseeing point there is Jewish cemetery named “The House of Living”, the oldest one in Croatia, one of the world’s oldest, dating back to 1573., housing around 700 graves shaped mostly like sarcophagus with readable tombstones in Hebrew, written by a Sephardic letter. The last burial was completed in 1945 when the cemetery was closed and protected as a monument. Cafe Bar Vidilica was originally a mortuary and you can still see Hebraic letters above the door. In case the cemetery is closed, just ask Vidilica cafe bar stuff for the key.
At Jewish cemetery started the first afforestation of Marjan with the Aleppo pine in 1852. For some time, the Jewish cemetery was the only green oasis on the bare mountain of Marjan.
Sustipan – picturesque park near Ivan Meštrović Gallery, Museum of Croatian Archeological Monuments and ACI Marina Split. Sustipan is one of those magic places offering incredible panorama of Split and nearby islands.
Moreover, Marjan hill houses 12 churches & chapels built in different eras and they are the witness of spiritual life of Split’s citizens during centuries.
Ready to activate your adventure spirit and let the unspoilt beauty of Marjan wow you? 🙂