Marjan: Green Oasis of Split City

Marjan, a park forest and a hill, is a place where the people of Split flee in search of nature, socializing, and recreation.

This peninsula is located in the western part of Split City. It's covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest.

With the highest peak of 178 m, Marjan offers a stunning view of the city of Split, the islands of Brac, Solta, and Ciovo as well as the nearby mountains Mosor and Kozjak.

First, let's check the borders of the Marjan Forest Park! The green is the territory of Marjan Hill.

Borders of Forest Park Marjan, photo credit: Marjan Park Šuma

The map is useful just to get an impression of the localities and facilities of Marjan. No matter if you are on foot or on a bike, prepare yourselves for long distances..

Impressive bird view on the northern side, Telegrin peak, and the Cross in the foreground, source:Javna ustanova za upravljanje Park-šumom Marjan

Popular Marjan Walking Paths

There are numerous ways you can explore Marjan. Here are some of the most popular ones you can try on foot or a bike.

1. Marjan Gates – Sustipan

This route is very popular. On nice sunny days, many locals enjoy a walk there with their family, friends, or pets. They often ride bicycles, rollerblades, or run.

Here's a full route

• Marjan Gates
• Bene Beach
• Military Zone
• Institut
• Ramp
• Ivan Meštrović Walkway
• Kašjuni
• Obojena
• Ježinac
• Zvončac
• Sustipan

Your trip starts on Marjan Gates (Spinut Doors), the entrance on the northern side.

Marjan Gates or Spinut Doors – entrance to Marjan Forest Park, see location here

By walking on the Marin Tartaglia Promenade you will see the charming hidden beaches and Lučica port.

Lucica and Prva Voda beach on the north of Marjan, photo credit: Javna ustanova za upravljanje Park-šumom Marjan

After a kilometer, you will reach Bene Beach.

Bene entrance, child-friendly zone, see location here

Bene tennis court,see location here

Between Bene and the Institute there is a military zone by the sea. Ivan Meštrović Walkway begins after a military zone.

You continue walking another kilometer and more to the Church of Saint George and the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, the most western tip of Marjan and Split City. The distance from the Marjan Gate to the Institute is approximately 2.9 km.

The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries photo credit:Javna ustanova za upravljanje Park-šumom Marjan

The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries – picture taken from the boat, source: VIP Holiday Booker

Later you continue your walk to the ramp on the southern side of Marjan which is located 3.3 km from the Marjan Gates.

The ramp, located 3.3 km from the Marjan Gates,see location here

From the ramp the street forks into two paths:

• one leads to the Ivan Mestrovic Walkway (Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića),
• the other leads uphill to Marangunicevo Walkway, which will be more demanding by bike.

If you continue to follow Ivan Mestrovic Walkway you will reach the Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows.

A picturesque Kašjuni beach and going south there is a Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences and Villa Dalmacija, a famous wedding venue. Obojena, Kaštelet, and Ježinac beach are just further south, as well as Meštrović Gallery. Zvončac Park is ideal for children and all sorts of celebrations.

2. Marjan Gates – Prva Vidilica (First Viewpoint)

Marangunicevo Walkway – the longest promenade on Marjan Hill, see location here

After you've made it to the ramp, you can continue to follow the more demanding Marangunicevo Walkway.As it winds uphill across the south, it will take you to the several churches on the southern side of Marjan.

Here are all the stops, including ones before you arrive at the ramp:

• Marjan Gates
• Bene Beach
• Military Zone
• Institute
• Ramp
• Albert Marangunić Walkway
• Saddle
• Telegrin
• ZOO
• Vidilica Caffe bar

By going uphill, you will meet climbers on Šantine Rocks (Šantine Stine) or Marjan’s Third Peak.

You can find information about Marjan's peculiarities near each attraction, like in the image below.

Info about Šantine Rocks, see location here

Keep going west to find the Oratory of St. Cyriacus or hermitage, the Church of St. Jerome from the 15^th century. Karepić’s Tower is just above it, carved into the cliff.

The southern side of Marjan Hill – a wonderful green oasis of Split, photo credit: Lidija Lolic Photography

When you need to rest, several viewpoints with benches are on the way. Soon, you will reach a part of the hill called the Saddle (Sedlo).

The Saddle is located in the heart of Marjan, at the crossing of Marangunic Walkway and Marjan Road. Here ends Girometta’s Trail and Baba Marta’s Trail begins.

Saddle – the part in the middle of Marjan Hill,location here

Coming from the south, if you turn left from the Saddle, climb a demanding but short uphill with a rewarding beautiful view.

The view from the observation deck next to the watchtower (Osmatračnica) on Marjan, see location here

Later you can continue to Baba Marta’s House in the middle of the forest.

Baba Marta’s House (Marta Katunarić- Šore),see location here

After you come back from the Saddle, follow the southern side of Marjan. It's called the Albert Marangunic Walkway.

You will encounter the Botanic garden and viewpoints. After a while, you will reach the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Macadam Road of Marangunicevo Walkway on the southern side of Marjan Hill,see location here

„Oh Marjan, lonely mountain!“ ❤️ („Oj Marjane samotna planino!“),see location here

A minute away from the Church of Saint Nicholas, there is a Teraca Vidilica coffee bar. It has a beautiful view of Split City. Behind Vidilica, there is the Jewish Cemetery from 1573.

This attractive viewpoint is perfect for taking a picture of the whole city.

View from Vidilicaphoto credit:Lidija Lolic Photography

On the other hand, if you decide to follow Marjan Road (Marjanski put) on the northern side, after 1 km you will reach Telegrin. This viewpoint, with the Croatian flag and a big Cross, is the highest peak of Marjan.

The name Telegrin comes from the Latin word peregrinus which means pilgrim.

Telegrin Peak, 178 m long and the highest point of Marjan hill, see location here

Just admire this view!

Panorama of the southern part of Split from Telegrin Peak

Later, you can explore Girometta's Trail.Reach the monument built in Professor Umberto Girometta's honor, in the same place where he passed away on April 27, 1939.

Girometta's Trail info map, located near the Flag and the Cross on top of Marjan Hill,see location here

More south from Telegrin Peak, turn right to Kolombatovicevo Walkway to find a Natural History Museum and ZOO with domestic animals.

Stairs (Skalinada) below Telegrin that leads to the ZOO,see location here

3. Fire Road – Bene Recreational Zone – Marjan Gates

Are you looking for an extra long walk or ride? Follow Marjan Road and turn left to a macadam winding road called Vatrogasni Put (Fire Road).

After a while, the Fire Road connects to Marin Tartaglia Walkway. You will exit to the main Nothern promenade and end up at the Bene recreational center.

The entrance to Vatrogasni Put (Fire Road) with a lovely view of Kastela town,see location here

4. Skalinada

If you are more fit and ready to do some serious cardio, Skalinada is the route for you!

The route begins on Trumbiceva street near Bokamorra Pizzaurant & Cocktails, continues uphill above Teraca Vidilica bar, and leads to Telegrin Peak.

The trail length is 1,320 m, with a total of 819 steps. The start is 1 meter above sea level, and the finish line is 178 m above sea level.

On Easter Monday, runners participate in the traditional Marjan Skalinada race along this route every year.

Watch your heart so it does not go „into the red“!

Stairs leading to Telegrin Peak, source: VIP Holiday Booker

Beaches on Marjan Hill

Going from the north to the Marjan Gates towards the southern parts of Marjan, you will encounter several fantastic beaches.

Beach Prva Voda is the nearest to the Marjan Gates and the easiest to access.

Prva Voda beach, see location here

Along the way, you will see Lubinski Porat beach.

Lubinski Porat beach,see location here

Well-known Bene Beach is just a short stroll away. It's ideal for kids and full of facilities.

Bene Beach in the Summer, author: Dusko Novakovic,see location here

The beach for the disabled is 300 m away from Bene Beach.

Beach near theInstitute of Oceanography and Fisheries

After passing the military zone, you will reach the Institute and Punta Marjana, the western tip of Marjan Hill.

Kašjuni beach, located 4.7 km from Marjan Gates,see location here

The famous and protected Kašjuni beach is about 2 km from the Institute. This nice pebble beach has a beach bar and sun loungers for rent.

Crowded Kašjuni beach in summertime

Between the Institute and Kašjuni beach, there are many secluded beaches that nudists adore. For example, the nudist Kasjuni Beach.

Moreover, the beach for dogs is next to Kasjuni Beach. It's perfect if you want to enjoy a swim with your pets.

Obojena, Kaštelet, and Ježinac beaches, see location here

Following the path from Kasjuni, you will find a few other beaches: Obojena, Kastelet, and Jezinac. They are some of the favorite summer beaches for many locals and tourists in Split.

Southern cliffs of Marjan,see location here

You can find peace on the southern cliffs of Marjan, too. It's a favorite stop for various day trips, perfect if you have a boat.

Southern waters of Marjan

Of course, we have to mention Villa Dalmatia. Set on the southern side of Marjan, it's a popular wedding venue for locals and tourists.

Villa Dalmatia - from the sea, Author: Tino Juric/PIXSELL

While you can't stay at this villa, there are many gorgeous luxury villas for rent in Split and its vicinity. Check them out for your holiday in the Split area.

Marjan With Kids

Visiting Marjan with your children can make a great day trip. They will love playing at the Children's City, connecting with nature, and meeting the lovely animals at the ZOO.

Children's City

The Children's City is located on a plateau near Bene Recreational Center, at the intersection of several hiking routes.

It is one of the most interesting places on Marjan Hill if you are with kids.

Children's City, Source: https://www.visitmarjan.com/en/djecji-grad/

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1951 on the southern slopes of Marjan. They planted numerous plants from tropical and subtropical regions and some autochthonous Mediterranean flora.

In the 1960s, the Botanical Garden successfully collaborated with numerous botanical institutions worldwide.

Botanic garden – bird viewphoto credit:Marjan Park Šuma

The remodeled Botanical Garden will primarily aim to educate visitors about nature, and the biodiversity of the botanical world. The emphasis will be on the Mediterranean area.

One of the goals is to increase awareness of the importance of preserving natural heritage.

Botanical garden on Marjan, source: VIP Holiday Booker

Marjan ZOO

Marjan ZOO once had an enviable number of different animal species. Nowadays, you can see domestic animals like donkeys, rabbits, turtles, chickens, turkeys, horses, cows, sheep and goats.

Marjan ZOO – entrance,see location here

If you are lucky enough you will see the animals going for their daily walk.

ZOO staff is taking donkeys for a regular walk

Your kids (and you) will love the train. It's ideal for quick sightseeing and operates from Riva, the main promenade of Split.

Train sightseeing on Marjan Hill

Rich History of Marjan Hill

We will finish this blog with a short history lesson for history lovers.

Marjan was first mentioned in the 8th century as "Marulianus". In the 13th century, it was encircled by a fence and was considered a municipal forest.

In 1852, the first afforestation of Marjan Hill began with Aleppo pine in the Jewish cemetery.

Old Jewish cemetery, source: VIP Holiday Booker,see location here

Here's a quick overview of some of the most important events regarding Marjan Hill.

In the 1880s began the systematic afforestation of Marjan thanks to the dedication of Professor Juraj Kolombatović. In the following years, Marjan got its first wider trails, on the eastern part.

In the early 20th century, the Marjan Association built a road from Veli Varoš to Marjan's first peak and a trail to the second peak. Moreover, they reconstructed the old pathways, as stairways.

Two decades later, the Natural History Museum was founded and Marjan Zoo was open, welcoming 3,000 visitors on the first day. Also, the entire forest was encircled with a high wire fence.

In the mid-20th century, the Marjan Association succeeded in bringing water to its first peak. A year later, new huts were built on Bene and the Saddle (Sedlo), while the Belvedere at the Jewish cemetery got a kiosk–buffet.

Vidilica Caffe baris today located next to the Jewish cemetery, source: Wikimedia Commons, author: SchiDD

A decade later, in 1964, Marjan was declared an area of Special Protected Nature thanks to the Association.

In 1970, the Marjan forest census recorded 115.265 trees. Only 5 years later, Marjan ZOO got its 120,000th visitor!

Not long after, the city of Split began the construction of the Marjan tunnel for the Mediterranean Games. The tunnel is just as important today, with over 10,000 cars passing it daily.

Construction of Marjan Tunnel in 1979, source: Split i oko Splita (Facebook), see location here

Moving forward to the 21st century, in 2004 the Croatian Parliament voted to establish the Public Institution for the Management of Marjan Forest Park. Thus, the City of Split became responsible for managing Marjan Forest Park.

In the same year, the Marjan Association renewed a stone house in the Botanical Garden built in the previous century. Only a year later, they restored the Marangunić walkway, too.

In 2013, a 10-meter-tall white cross was unveiled next to the platform on the highest peak of Marjan Hill.

The Cross on Marjan, source: VIP Holiday Booker, see location here

The Cultural Heritage of Marjan

Check out the sequel to learn more about Marjan's history. Our blog "The Cultural Heritage of Marjan" discusses the historic sights on Marjan Hill.

A perfect romantic getaway, photo credit:Lidija Lolic Photography