Split

Croatia has an extensive rail network, but some regions especially further down south from Zadar, are not easily accessible by train. Therefore, it is better to travel on a bus. The cost for a bus ride to Split is 100 kuna ($20) and it takes less than 4 hours. One word of cautious though, the bus station can be pretty chaotic, so make sure you are on the right bus with the right ticket as the buses are run by a few different companies. 

Split is Croatia's second largest city. Home to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Split offers a wealth of museums and Roman ruins under a dramatic mountain backdrop, and a large promenade facing a vast expanse of the sea. Rather than just a museum piece, Diocletian's Palace is a remarkably well-preserved Roman ruin with shops, cafes, and private accommodations behind its walls. You could see the tradition of the Dalmatian way of life with lines of clothes hanging out of home windows. 

There are a few entrances into the Palace. The ceremonial entrance is a monumental court, called the Peristyle, which gives access to the Diocletian's mausoleum. It is also the location of the Cathedral of St Duje and the Bell Tower, which is the city's main symbol. A few steps below street's level, the ceremonial entrance court is lined with granite columns and two piers with Corinthian capitals. Just outside the Golden Gate, lies the statue of bishop Gregory of Nin, a medieval Croatian bishop. Rubbing the statue's toe is said to bring good luck. As darkness descends over the palace and its surroundings, Split can become a romantic spots for locals and tourists alike. I hung out really late that night cause everywhere is just walking distance. The hostel that I stayed is just 10 minutes walk from the palace, while the bus station is just a 5 minute walk.

The following morning, I went to the Promenade. The sun was shining brightly, and with the avenue glazed with white tiles, the reflection from the sun can be blinding to the eyes. But people seemed to be enjoying the sun on lazy chairs and benches laying along the Promenade under palm trees since summer comes only a few months in a year. That afternoon, I took a 4-hour bus ride (cost 105 kuna or $20) to Mostar in Bosnia.