A love letter to a small European city

My love letter to Split, Croatia, and why I think you should add this small European city to your bucket list, as well as the whole country. I landed in Split, Croatia completely by accident. What an incredible accident it was. 

It was 2022 and I was on my first big three month trip to Europe. My longest solo trip I had ever taken at that point in time. I was on a mission to make my money last, and stay traveling for three months. The plan was to be in Belfast for a month, but that fell through as soon as I landed (that is another story), and I quickly had to adapt and figure out my next steps. I took the cheapest flight out of Belfast to Amsterdam, and took the next cheapest flight out of Amsterdam to Split, Croatia. I didn’t know anything about Split, and decided to go after I saw there were hostels and overall it was an affordable place to visit. The only two things I really look for when I do my research. Lots of hostels mean lots of travelers which means that I can find people to connect with. 

I got lucky, because Croatia quickly became one of my favorite countries that I still think about to this day. I arrived with zero expectations, and zero knowledge about the country. I landed ready to learn and see everything Croatia had to offer. I had no idea what to expect from Split, but still booked a week at a hostel in the city. During my first few days I did a lot of walking to understand my surroundings and to explore the small city! I bought groceries at the grocery store right next to the hostel, explored the old town, went to the beach, and just took every day to quietly explore this country I never really even knew existed until recently. 

Split was so impactful to me because it was a series of firsts, and where I believe I truly started my solo journey. I had to learn and figure out so many new things. I learned very quickly that I had to plan ahead to do laundry, I learned how to make new friends at a hostel, I learned that it is okay to spend a little bit more money to do the things I want to do (ziplining tour!!) I learned that I really enjoy my own company, and sometimes even preferred it over being with people. I learned how to cook my meals, and save money in small ways. I learned how to be brave and gently push my limits. I went on my first day trip and booked my first boat to visit a nearby island. The list goes on and on. 

It was a place of firsts for me, and where I slowly learned how to move through the world alone, at a slower pace. Where I learned how to adapt and change my plans, and how to move through the world with confidence even if I didn’t really know where I was going. I love Split, not because of the beauty of the city, or the small romantic streets, or the kindness of the people, but because this is where I did so much learning about myself. I was taught so many micro lessons that I keep in my back pocket to this day.

If Split, Croatia is not on your list of places to explore in the near future, I encourage you to add it to your list! It is filled with charming towns, beautiful city centers, good food, and bus transportation that connects the whole country. It is also bursting with history, ancient history, as well as the tragic recent history in the 90s. Whether you are a beach bum, a foodie, or a history lover, you will find something for you in this beautiful country. 

P.S. 

I would also find myself back in Split quarantining for a week when I had Covid, but that is another story!