Forest Park Marjan — Attraction in Grad Split

Marjan Forest Park, also known as Park šuma Marjan, is one of the green oases in Split and offers a variety of opportunities for recreation and nature experience for both locals and visitors. Here is a review of the park that includes positive and negative aspects:

Positives:

Natural beauty: Marjan is a true natural paradise with its lush vegetation, pine forests and dreamy views of the sea and the city of Split. The scenic hiking and cycling trails offer spectacular views.

Recreational opportunities: The park is great for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, jogging or just relaxing in nature. There are also playgrounds for children.

Cultural attractions: The park is home to historical sites such as the small churches (e.g. the Church of St. Nicholas) and many artistic monuments that enrich the visit.

Quiet atmosphere: Despite its proximity to the city, Marjan offers a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and bustle. The shade provided by the trees makes it a pleasant place to spend hot days.

Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of birds and other animals, making it an interesting destination for nature lovers.

Negatives:

Accessibility: Some areas of the park can be a little difficult to access due to their topography, especially for people with limited mobility or families with young children.

Trail marking: While there are many hiking and cycling trails, some of them may not be adequately marked, making it easy to get lost.

Crowdiness during peak season: Especially during the summer months, the park can be crowded, which can detract from the nature experience.

Occasional garbage issues: Although many visitors want to enjoy the park, there are occasional reports of improper garbage disposal in some areas of the park.

Overall, Marjan Forest Park is a wonderful place to relax and experience nature in Split! Its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and cultural depth makes it a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists. Anyone spending time in Split should not miss the opportunity to explore this...

Free and highly recommended as a morning hike/walk - bring hat, water, and allow for 3 hours! We did in sandals and didn't have problems. There is also electric bus by the stairs at Info office to bring people up.

Recommend path:

1. Stairs to the first viewing platform ( best view is slightly up the pathway to St Nikole - where you are above the tree lines looking back at the old town).
2. Walk up the path to St Nikole
3. Walk up the stairs from St Nikole follow the signs to Zoo (shaded path and have more to see vs the alternative which is a 30 min bake in the sun uphills)
4. At the top of stairs you get a good view of the ocean and continue on the path past playgrounds follow the signs for view point
5. You will walk up some stairs to a gorgeous view point (Marjan Park Viewpoint - Telegrin) with Croatia flag and a big cross.
6. Continue the path toward the cross to the WW2 bunker/fort (this is a little stone path a bit hard to walk got to watch your steps - optional to skip and follow the car road)
7. Continue to the right and up the hill to the Observation Deck (at dead-end) - this is super windy and up a few flights of stairs. Not for those with great of heights. View is great!
8. Back-track down the hill and turn right to walk down to Sunset Viewpoint
9. From Sunset Viewpoint - walk down the stone path to St Jere - a super cute church and walk up to the stairs to Karepica's Tower (locked) but the view from there looking back at the church is great!
10. We then walked back, but this time along the cliff side of park following sign back to St Nikole - 30 min downhill on stone path mostly exposed to sun!. Then from St Nikole trace the rest of the steps back to first viewing platform and down the stairs.

Total trip - 3 hrs on a slow...

Sitting on the peninsula adjacent to Split, Park Sûma Marjan is the perfect place to escape the crowds in central Split. The park has something to offer everyone - hiking and biking trails, 360 degree hilltop vistas, historical monuments and churces carved into the cliffside, and local beaches to find some respite from the heat. You can walk there from Split via the Marjan Hill Stairs, take the local bus that runs around the peninsula or access by car via several entry points if you want to avoid some of the hills. For hikers and bikers the best time to go is in the morning to avoid the heat. The park is forested so many of the trails are shaded. The trails range from rugged rocky paths to paved roads so its suitable for all ages and abilities. Its not particularly well signposted but its impossible to get lost as you're surrounded by the sea. The highest point is the Marjan Hill viewpoint at 178m...