Touring by Motorcycle in Split, Croatia.

Split, Croatia is rapidly becoming one of the most up-and-coming tourist attractions in Europe. While still relatively unknown to foreigners, Croatia’s second largest city is gaining recognition for its pristine beaches, incredible views, historic architecture, and wealth of nightlife. With so much to do and see in Split, the best way to make the most of your time there is by exploring the city on a motorcycle.

The city center of Split is located along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and offers incredible restaurants with fresh seafood daily. The waterfront is also bustling with vendors selling souvenirs and handmade crafts. If you want to escape the busy city center to somewhere more peaceful, there are old stone staircases leading up to incredible viewpoints all throughout the city. Originally a Greek colony, later conquered by Rome, and then joining the Byzantine Empire, Split is also home to some incredible historical monuments that span the ages. Renting a motorcycle to drive through the city gives you the freedom and flexibility necessary to find all of Split’s hidden gems.

This post will cover:

• What it’s like to drive in Split
• The best places to rent a motorcycle in Split
• The cost of renting a motorcycle in Split
• Whether you need an international driving permit in Croatia
• The best places to go by motorcycle in Split

What is driving in Split, Croatia like?

Unlike many other countries in southern Europe, most travelers find roads in Croatia to be in excellent condition and very easy to navigate. That being said, Croatian drivers can occasionally drive quite quickly and recklessly. Foreign drivers can also present a hazard, as they often drive indecisively. It’s best to be cautious of both.

Traffic in Split, Croatia is far more of a problem in the tourism high season between June and September. So, if you plan on going to Split during that time of the year, it’s best to drive even more cautiously.

In Croatia, they drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits in Croatian cities typically do not exceed around 30 miles per hour; however, they can go as high as 80 miles per hour on large highways. Roads off the beaten path in Croatia can be narrow and windy, but if you stay within Split, you should have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

If you’re driving in Split at night, be particularly cautious while driving around the city center. Most of the city’s nightclubs are concentrated in this area and it presents the greatest risk of running into an intoxicated driver.

Where can you rent a motorcycle in Split, Croatia?

If you plan on flying into Split Airport, there are several motorcycle rental services located right inside the airport. That way, you can drive your rented motorcycle directly from the airport to your accommodation without having to pay for a taxi.

There are also a bunch of motorcycle rental shops located around the Riva Harbor area. This is the main tourist area of Split and the most lively part of the city. If you plan on taking the train to Split, you will arrive only a short walk from Riva Harbor and have plenty of options for motorcycle rental.

What is the cost of renting a motorcycle in Split, Croatia?

If you want to rent a motor scooter in Split, you can find a daily rental for around €30. However, if you’re set on renting a proper motorcycle, it’s going to cost a bit more. Prices for motorcycle rentals in Split don’t really go below €70 per day for lower-level bikes. More powerful motorcycles can cost as much as €160 to €200 per day to rent.

While most shops will gladly rent out motor scooters for one day, many shops in Split have minimum day requirements for renting a motorcycle. If you plan to stay in Split for an extended period of time, many shops also offer discounted rates for long-term rentals. It’s also worth asking your rental shop whether or not helmet and GPS rental are included in the stated price.

Do you need an international driving permit in Croatia?

All foreigners driving in Croatia are required to have a valid driver’s license from their home country that has been held for at least two years. Foreign drivers are also required to carry an international driving permit, unless they have a domestically issued driver’s license from one of the following countries: Austria, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Macedonia, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

For citizens of the USA, obtaining an international driving permit is very easy, but should be done at least two weeks prior to your arrival in Croatia. The application fee is $20 and the permit is valid for one year.

The minimum age to rent a motor vehicle in Croatia is 21 years old.

Where are the best places to go by motorcycle in Split, Croatia?

Now that you’re aware of the best way to find a rental motorcycle in Split, here are some of the best places to go by motorcycle in and around the city:

• Located just a five minute drive from Riva Harbor is the historical center of Split, Diocletian’s Palace. Built for the ancient Roman emperor in 305 AD, this massive complex of impressive facades sits right in Split’s Old Town and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a guided tour of the palace or simply walk around by yourself and admire the ancient architecture. And, since Split sort of grew up around Diocletian’s Palace, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area once you’re finished there.

• One of the best views around Split is undoubtedly from Klis Fortress. About a 25 minute drive from Riva Harbor, the fortress sits high on a hillside overlooking Split and the Dalmatian Coast. This site was home to many historic battles with the Knights Templar, Ottomans, and Mongols among others. Klis Fortress is also a piece of cinematic history, however, as it was used as a filming location for Meereen in Game of Thrones.
• If you want to get out of the city and into some natural beauty, the best thing to do is drive an hour northwest to Krka National Park. The park consists of 7 natural waterfalls all surrounded by traditional watermills and beautiful hiking trails. It’s a fantastic place to set up a picnic, get a glimpse of some of the local wildlife, or go swimming in a beautiful natural pool. While Krka National Park is a bit of a drive out of Split, it’s well worth the trip.

Split, Croatia is filled with history, culture, and natural beauty, and exploring the city and surrounding areas by motorcycle is the very best way to see all that Split has to offer. However, if you want to go to Split, it’s best to go as soon as possible before this hidden gem becomes an overly popular tourist trap.