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The Dalmatian city of Split is one of the best places to experience Croatia's authentic way of life. This animated and evocative city has managed to seamlessly weave the trappings of modern life throughout its extensive patchwork of history, and the result is a wonderful destination - full of life and with arms wide open to welcome visitors on holidays to Croatia. For those looking to immerse themselves in the daily life and get a taste of this thriving juxtaposition of culture, there's no better way than by visiting the city's local markets. Pazar Green Market Open from 7am-2pm every day, the city's huge open-air 'green' market is set on the eastern side of the UNESCO listed Diocletian’s Palace, Split's 'city within a city'. Stretching from the Silver Gate of the palace, around the church of St Dominic, and along the length of Hrvojeva Street, the markets are a lively hub of trade and an explosion of colour, aroma and local life. The rows of tightly packed vendors are a palette of vibrant reds, greens and yellows of the fresh fruit and vegetables, neatly stacked or tumbling off tables, depending on the time of day. Along with locally produced brandy and olive oils, there are stalls offering fresh-cut flowers, exotic foodstuffs, shoes, jewellery, electronics, cheap souvenirs, and rural travellers trying their luck selling odds and ends. Bargaining is expected (and, indeed, half the fun of the experience) and, while prices are not necessarily always the cheapest in town, the experience is absolutely priceless. Ribarnica Fish Market Just a few minutes' walk from the green market, via Pijaca (the People's Square) and through the Iron Gate of the palace, the Ribarnica fish market is as much a social meeting place as a place to purchase fresh seafood. Known to the locals as Peškarija, the stalls spill out from the covered area into the open air, filled with every kind of seafood imaginable (along with some rather unfamiliar varieties), plucked fresh from the Adriatic Sea overnight. (For those on holidays to Croatia looking to actually purchase seafood, arriving early is imperative. It opens at 8am.) On this site, vendors have been plying their fishy trade since 1843 (and before that in another location within the palace walls) – slicing, weighing, packing and bargaining with customers, just as generations of fishmongers have done before them. As well as being a centre of local life, the Secession architecture of the building in which the market is housed is in itself notable. Another interesting aspect of the fish market is the distinct absence of flies, which are deterred by the strong aroma emanating from the nearby sulphur spa (the very reason a rheumatic Diocletian built his palace on this site). Artisan Markets While the art and craft markets in the basement halls of the Diocletian Palace exist mostly for the benefit of tourists on holidays to Croatia, they offer the ideal opportunity to support local artisans and purchase authentic handmade souvenirs. The experience of descending into the eerie grandeur of the basement halls is one in and of itself. Massive Romanesque columns and arches lead the way down into the cool, dim cavernous cellar area, which is crammed with tiny stalls set beneath the vaults and cupolas, manned by artisans tempting tourists with jewellery, handicrafts and all manner of souvenirs. For those looking to discover the genuine heart and soul of Spilt while on holidays to Croatia, it's there to be discovered in the joyous, bustling local markets of this beautiful city. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays to Croatia, Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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