Marjan Hill Walk, Split - A Peaceful Walk with the Best Views

Our holiday to Croatia was all about slow travel, walking and seeing places at our own pace. We had planned a rough itinerary in advance and knew we wanted to include nature as well as cities. Split was our first base, and it felt like the right place to start exploring on foot.

We spent the first few days in Split and stayed at Hotel Ambasador. From the hotel, we could see Marjan Hill. It looked green and calm, even from a distance. We had read about the Marjan Hill walk before our trip and knew we wanted to do it. What made it even better was the location. The steps that start the walk were right in front of our hotel. It took us about a minute to reach them. No planning. No travel. We just stepped out and started walking.

Where the Marjan Hill walk starts

The Marjan Hill walk starts near the coast, close to Split old town. If you are staying at or near Hotel Ambasador or the West Coast area, the start point is very easy to reach. The stone steps going up the hill are clearly visible.

This makes it one of the most convenient walks in Split. You do not need a taxi or bus. You can walk straight to the start and begin. It feels great to leave the busy streets behind so quickly.

 

Planning the route

Before the trip, I did some research on the Marjan Hill walk and used the GPSmyCity app to plan the route. 

GPSmyCity is a travel app that offers walking routes and self-guided tours in many cities around the world. It is useful if you like having a clear route on your phone while you walk. You can see key sights, viewpoints and paths all in one place.

This particular walking route was very straightforward. Paths were easy to follow, and even without the app we would not have got lost. Still, having it helped us feel confident and relaxed.

The walk up Marjan Hill

The walk starts with stone steps and then continues along shaded paths. There are lots of pine trees along the way, which makes it feel cooler, even on warmer days. It is much quieter than the city below and feels like a proper escape from Split.

The route was not busy, but we did see other people enjoying the walk. Most were there for nature and fresh air, just like us. We also saw loads of cats along the way, some of them very friendly. 

The climb is steady but not hard, and you can stop whenever you want. There are benches and open spaces to rest. We took our time and enjoyed the calm surroundings.

Key points on the Marjan Hill walk

The first viewpoint comes quite early in the walk and is near Terrace Vidilica. This is a bar and restaurant with a great view over Split. From here, you can see the rooftops, the harbour and the sea. This spot was a bit busy, with many people stopping to take photos at the vantage point. 

Just after this, you reach the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is a quiet and historic place with just over 700 graves and is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe.

The next key stop is the Church of St Nicholas. This is a small and simple chapel from the 13th century, hidden among the trees. It was built in 1219 and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen. The church sits on the south-east slopes of Marjan Hill, looking out over the sea. Like many small churches on Marjan, it feels peaceful and removed from the city, and adds a strong sense of history to the walk.

After the church, the next main stop is the Natural History Museum and the former Zoological Garden on Marjan Hill. The zoo closed in 2014 after protests, and the site now operates mainly as a museum, with a small animal area focused on care and education rather than display.

The Natural History Museum has large collections covering plants, animals, rocks, and fossils, with a strong focus on wildlife from the Adriatic coast. It is an interesting stop on the walk, especially if you are visiting with children or have an interest in nature and conservation.

We continued the walk and as we walked higher, the views opened up even more. The higher viewpoints are quieter and feel more peaceful. 

The final stop on our walk was Telegrin Peak, the highest point on Marjan Hill. At 178 metres high, it offers wide views over Split, the sea, and the surrounding area. This hill once held a telegraph signal tower during Napoleon’s time, and today it is marked by the Croatian flag. We spent some time here resting on the benches, taking in the views, and enjoying the quiet.  From this point, you can see the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands. These are some of the best views in Split and are well worth the walk.

From Telegrin Peak, we began our walk back down towards the city, feeling relaxed and glad we had made the climb.

Walking back down

We took the same route back down. The descent felt relaxed and easy. Walking downhill gave us new views through the trees. It was quieter on the way back. We slowed down and enjoyed the final views before reaching the bottom. It was a very pleasant end to the walk.

Wildlife and nature on the walk

One thing we really enjoyed during the walk was the wildlife. We saw many butterflies along the path. They were everywhere and added so much colour to the walk. We also spotted a bright green mantis. The highlight for me was the Hummingbird Hawk-moth. It is common in Croatia, but it was the first time I had ever seen one. It was beautiful! And made the walk feel extra special.

Is the Marjan Hill walk worth it?

Yes, without any doubt. The Marjan Hill walk is perfect if you enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. It feels calm and green, and is very different from the busy streets of Split. Within minutes, you are surrounded by trees, fresh air, and open space.

If you love nature, wildlife, and quiet views, you will really enjoy this walk. It is simple to do, does not need much planning, and feels very rewarding. Whether you want a gentle walk or just a break from the city, Marjan Hill is well worth your time.

Tips for doing the Marjan Hill walk

Wear good walking shoes, as there are many stone steps and uneven paths. Take enough water with you, especially in the warmer months. Even though much of the route is shaded by trees, it can still get hot as you climb.

Try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. A walking app like GPSmyCity can help if you like having a clear route to follow. Take your time, stop at the viewpoints, and enjoy the calm. If you enjoy walks like this, you may also like the other routes shared on my Walking Trails page.

Marjan Hill reminded us why we love travelling slowly and exploring on foot. It was peaceful, simple and memorable. This was just one part of our Croatia journey, and you can read more about where we went and what we experienced in our complete Croatia guide.