TOP 5 Places on the Makarska Riviera!
October 9, 2025
Telašćica – salt lake, cliffs, and wild coves of Dugi Otok
October 28, 2025Tired of spending hours walking through the hot city streets? As stunning as they are, all those historic buildings are starting to look the same. Your body and mind are craving action, movement, adrenaline, and most importantly—fun.
Split, the city beneath Marjan Hill, has always been known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, vibrant array of bars and restaurants, and its laid-back “let me be” lifestyle.
But Split is much more than that. You see… this city has been unofficially dubbed “the sportiest city in the world,” a title earned thanks to famous names like Goran Ivanišević, Blanka Vlašić, the Zaninović sisters, the football club Hajduk, and many other successful athletes and sports enthusiasts born in and around Split. This remarkable level of success has fueled the people of Split with an extraordinary passion for physical activity and sportsmanship.
From climbing the cliffs of Marjan to paddleboarding on glowing SUP boards at night, Split and its surroundings offer adventures for everyone. Below, we bring you some ways to explore the side of Split that few talk about… while having fun, meeting new people, and maybe even burning off a few extra calories.
Cage Ball
Cageball (Source: Unsplash)
In Split, football isn’t just a passion—it’s practically a religion. Hajduk Split is a cultural phenomenon etched into the soul of everyone born in this region and beyond, so it’s no surprise that one of the most popular forms of recreation is, in fact, football. But since it’s often hard to gather enough people for an 11-a-side match, a smaller version of the game called cageball is much more popular.
The game is played on a smaller, cage-enclosed pitch in formats of 6 to 10 players (3v3 – 5v5). Thanks to the pitch design and specific rules, there are few interruptions, making this fast-paced activity a guaranteed source of endless fun and competitive spirit.
WHERE TO PLAY CAGEBALL IN SPLIT?
There are too many cageball locations in and around Split to list them all, so we’ve done the research and picked out the most popular ones that offer the best balance of facilities and quality.
Sports Center Goleo offers recreation on 3 cageball pitches with artificial turf, table tennis, and darts. A large free parking lot in front of the venue and a café serving drinks that “bring you back to life” after an intense match ensure a carefree two hours of fun.
Another popular spot is the sports and entertainment center & bar MaÄŤak, which features 4 cageball pitches, 3 pool tables, a bar, darts, table tennis, a mini bowling alley, and the chance to show off your singing skills with karaoke.
As for gear, bring a change of clothes and indoor football shoes (do not wear cleats).
Both venues have fully equipped changing rooms and showers, so you can head out feeling completely refreshed.
The price for a session is around €30/hour.
Padel
Looking for a simple and exciting way to stay active? Give padel a try!
Over the past few years, this sport has taken over Split by storm. It’s become a popular activity for friends, team-building events, or simply as a fun way to “kill time” while breaking a bit of a sweat. A mix of tennis and squash, played on a 10x20 meter court surrounded by glass walls, padel is a doubles game that requires coordination, speed, agility, and spatial awareness.
WHERE TO PLAY PADEL IN SPLIT?
There are two locations to play padel in Split, and you can’t go wrong with either one.
The pioneer of padel in this area is the Padel Center Split, which started gathering local enthusiasts around this emerging sport a few years ago and shows no signs of slowing down.
The second, slightly further away, is Padel Club Dalmatia, whose mission is to make padel a fun and accessible activity for everyone across Dalmatia.
No need to worry about unavailable slots—both locations offer multiple courts, as well as designated areas for rest and warm-up, equipment, changing rooms, and parking.
If you’re new to padel, don’t worry—trainers are always nearby to help you maintain proper form and share useful tips.
All you need is sportswear and a good attitude—everything else will be provided by the helpful staff.
NOTE
It is necessary to book your session through the respective websites.
The price of a session varies depending on the type of game and the selected time slot.
Rock Climbing
Ready to reach new heights and feel the thrill? Try your hand at rock climbing—whether on natural rock or an artificial wall—and experience the art of coordinated body movement. A physically and mentally demanding sport, climbing offers an incredible sense of accomplishment with every ascent.
Afraid of heights? Face your fear in a safe environment and grow into a stronger version of yourself. With today’s high-quality safety equipment and beginner-friendly climbing routes, the risk of accidents is reduced to a minimum.
WHERE TO GO CLIMBING IN SPLIT?
If you’re visiting Split during the summer months, the best option is to set aside 3–4 hours for the Split Adventure half-day tour. For a reasonable price of €45, this tour gives you the chance to climb the sunny slopes of Marjan on climbing routes suited for all skill levels—from complete beginners to seasoned pros (for those who know the scale, routes range from 4b to 8a). With a climbing instructor keeping a close eye on you, you'll be able to enjoy stunning views of the blue Adriatic Sea and its islands.
If you need transport to Marjan, Split Adventure also offers a ride to the meeting point.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s also the option to climb indoors at the Lapis climbing club.
With over 500 square meters of climbing wall space and a variety of wall features, you can tailor the climb to match your abilities and skills.
NOTE
There is no food or drink available at the mentioned locations, so we recommend bringing your own.
ATV Quad tours
Quad tour (Source: Unsplash)
Is there anything more beautiful than the combination of dry earth, sweat, dead insects, and prickly plants stuck to your body? Sounds gross, I know. That’s exactly why we recommend you try the wild ride of ATV quads along the rugged trails of the Dalmatian hinterland. Feel the wind in your hair and adrenaline in your veins as you speed through untamed nature. Explore places even some locals don’t know about, and witness views that only a few people can claim to have in their photo album.
WHERE TO BOOK A QUAD TOUR?
Quad Tours Split and Split Outdoor Adventure are two excellent tour organizers, as confirmed by numerous positive reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Experienced guides have put together a variety of packages so you can find the perfect tour tailored just for you.
On average, the tours last about 4 hours, during which you’ll cover around 50 km and climb to an altitude of over 1,000 meters—guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. This adventure takes you through the mountainous landscapes of Dinara, fields full of rustic charm, and—remember those bugs stuck to you? Well, you’ll be able to rinse them off (weather permitting) with a refreshing swim in the spring-fed Cetina River.
NOTE
The price usually includes a picnic with local snacks.
Recommended items to bring: drinking water, sun protection, a jacket in case of wind, and a swimsuit.
For all other questions, check the organizers’ websites, as offers and prices may vary.
Rafting
Rafting on the Cetina River (Source: Unsplash)
Time to get a little wet! Grab your friends for a rafting trip and put your teamwork to the test as you navigate the rushing rapids, while the refreshing waters of the Cetina River splash your face—making rafting the perfect activity for hot summer days.
Since this particular route has proven to be the most popular among tourists, we recommend rafting on the Cetina starting from Slime and finishing near the Radmanove Mlinice restaurant. Along this route, you’ll get the chance to visit a water cave full of stalactites, and if you're among the brave ones, you can try cliff jumping from a 5-meter-high rock into the deep river below.
NOTE
The route length varies depending on the organizer, but it typically lasts around 3 hours.
Be sure to bring a change of dry clothes, sneakers (flip-flops are not recommended), drinking water, and sunscreen.
For all other inquiries, check the organizers’ websites, as offers and prices may vary.
Go-kart
Go-kart racing (Source: Pixabay)
If you're looking for a serious adrenaline rush, you don't need to look any further than the go-kart tracks in Split. Gather your friends and challenge them to an asphalt showdown on winding, narrow tracks to see who’s the most skilled driver among you. A driver’s license isn’t required, which means that whether you’re an experienced driver or a kid, there’s a kart for everyone. With the help of staff, safety gear, and the ease of handling the karts, you can rest assured you’ll come out without a scratch.
WHERE TO GO KARTING?
At two available locations—one indoor and one outdoor—you’ll find karting tracks, each over 350 meters long with more than 15 challenging turns, making them the longest karting tracks in Croatia.
Karting Arena Split is located on the first floor of the parking garage inside the City Center One shopping mall, providing dry and calm conditions for racing.
The Luda Baba track offers an open-air speed experience, ideal for warmer days.
After an intense ride, you can recharge with food and drinks available on-site at the karting arenas.
NOTE
Short sessions don’t require a reservation, but for package deals and longer sessions, booking is necessary.
Prices vary depending on the duration and type of ride, and you can find them listed on their website.
All necessary equipment will be provided by the staff.
Laser Tag
Laser Tag arena (Source: Pixabay)
Channel your inner Barney Stinson and burn around 500 calories in just 15 minutes with this shooting game that combines strategy, speed, and quick thinking. While it shares some elements with paintball or airsoft, this activity won’t leave you covered in paint or bruises, since you’ll be shooting lasers that leave no marks (just be cautious—since the arena is dark during gameplay, watch out for floor obstacles that might also turn out to be hidden opponents).
Traveling solo? No worries! This thrilling sport also offers a solo mode where you can play against other players.
WHERE TO PLAY LASER TAG?
Inside the popular Poljud Stadium, you’ll find a laser tag arena spanning over 800 square meters, fully equipped with air conditioning and ventilation to ensure fresh air during intense action. Designed to resemble a spaceship, with maze-like obstacles and special effect lighting, it gives you the feeling of stepping into a real-life video game.
NOTE
Game rules depend on the type of game (there are as many as 10), and they’ve recently added VR games to their offer.
You can check game prices and available time slots for reservations here.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding (Source: Unsplash)
I know boarding is mostly associated with snow, but this water-based alternative offers just as much fun. Gliding across the water surface fills you with a sense of freedom and elegance, and if you have experience with board tricks, the possibilities for creative, adrenaline-filled moves are endless. We should note that for absolute beginners, the learning curve can be quite steep—but don’t let that discourage you from giving this “extreme” sport a try.
WHERE TO FIND WAKEBOARDING?
Cable Park Split is located just below Split Airport on the beautiful pebble beach of Divulje. Although it’s the only park of its kind in the area, it offers everything you need—food, drinks, instructors, a beachside vibe, and a 500-meter course with obstacles—promising an active escape from the urban environment.
NOTE
Parking can get crowded, but finding a taxi won’t be a problem. If a taxi isn’t a suitable option, take a short 300-meter walk to the nearest bus stop and catch bus line 37, which runs between Trogir and Split.
The price for equipment rental and one hour of fun on the water is around €35.
Shooting range
Shooting range (Source: Pixabay)
Awaken your inner John Wick and head to the shooting club Centar to test your precision. This Olympic sport demands composure, self-control, and intense concentration when pulling the trigger. Although primarily using air guns rather than firearms (permits or an introductory briefing are required if it’s your first time), you won’t feel like you’re handling toys. All necessary equipment will be provided by licensed instructors, and you'll go through a basic safety briefing on how to handle a weapon.
If you're a veteran with firearms, bring all your valid permits and head to Stobreč, where Centar’s shooting range for firearms is located.
Finally, here are a few activities that didn’t make the full list but are definitely worth mentioning.
Zipline — Surrender to gravity and adrenaline as you soar along more than 2 kilometers of cable set in the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland.
Glow SUP — Discover the magical sights of Split while paddling on colorfully lit SUP boards across the calm, moonlit sea.
Escape room — Find your way out of Diocletian’s cellars and solve Prisca’s riddle—or risk becoming lion food.
