SPLIT SUNRISE TOUR - 7KM
Runner on the ground - NIKOLINA
This running tour is designed for runners who prefer morning runs before the day kicks off. It is the perfect opportunity to experience Split in its most enchanting dress, while “getting up” along with the sun, the sea and the seagulls that greet the fishermen at dawn. Besides, this is our most popular summer tour as the temperature is perfect for running.
Our running tour begins at the Bajamontova fountain – built in 1880 and bringing drinking water to Split. It is also the beginning of the Split Riva, the city’s most popular and important public space. More precisely, Riva is the living room of the local population. At this time of day, the Riva will be quiet and you will be able to enjoy it before the crowds.
Running through the Riva this tour leads us to the gate of St Nicholas from where we are spoiled with a beautiful view of the Riva itself, Matejuška, ACI marina. Continuing the run we through the local marketplace, and along the eastern wall of 1,700 years old Diocletian’s palace to its northern walls. As we catch our breath we have a short stop next to the monument of one of the most important Croatian bishops, Gregur Ninski who lived in the 10th century. The statue was built in 1929 by probably the most famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, and while we are next to Grgur’s statue, we will explain what you have to do if you want your wishes to be fulfilled.
The running tour continues through the entrance to the palace via its north door from where it descends to Peristil, which was once the main square within Diocletian’s palace, and today an example of highly preserved Roman architecture and a place for cultural events. We then pass through the magnificent basement of the palace from where we arrive back to the famous Riva and continues towards the beautiful historical Marmont Street that is home to our local fish market. Next up is the Venetian style square Prokurative and then we run down to the small port Matejuška from where another magnificent view of the Riva will not go unnoticed.
As the running tour continues on the newly restored West Coast, we pass by Labud and the ACI marina and continues towards Sustipan, a beautiful park with incredible views of the sea and islands on the south and the city of Split on the eastern side. Here you will probably want to stop for a few hours and enjoy the view…but no rest for the wicked :-). Departing from Sustipan, we pass by probably the best pizzeria in town (and without comparison the restaurant in Split with the best view), and continue along the seaside promenade across the Ježinac bay to the pristine beach of Obojena svjetlost or Colored Light.
As the tour comes to an end, we run by the Zvončac Park and towards the beginning of the Marjanska Skalinada, from where we climb the Marijan hill. As a final surprise, this climb will treat you to “the view” of Split.
On this route there are many popular restaurants and bars, as well as a few gastronomic hidden gems, i.e. highly recommended places to eat and drink, so you will have plenty of recommendations on how and where to reload with energy.
Amanda O’Flaherty –
Early start at 6am meant quiet streets and seeing the sunrise. Excellent route and Nat was a fab guide (accompanied by her partner on his bike who took some great photos)
Highly recommend!
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Deborah Keane –
My guide was truly wonderful with a love and a passion for her native city that was infectious she was full of interesting information and history. The run was lovely showing me the true beauty of the place whilst the sun was rising. I was travelling by myself but Nike was great company during the run and my running tour of Split was one of the highlights from a very full trip through Central Europe. I would recommend this tour to anyone travelling solo or with others.
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Gerald W –
Nike and her sister were fantastic for guiding us through Split and took some fun photos! (Here’s one we took of them!) 10 out of 10, would do again!
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Michael Long –
Nike was a fantastic guide. She has a wonderful knowledge of Split, is an AMAZING runner and has a lot of interesting stories.
Seeing the city whilst it is empty was a real treat and allowed me to take some fantastic photos. I really enjoyed the route of the tour and we got to go to some places I hadn’t been to such as the park in the hills above the city.
I recommend this tour and then enjoying a coffee in one of the seafront cafes afterwards to reflect on what an amazing morning you have just had!
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