Dark tour of Split

If you’re tired of the usual sightseeing routines and craving a different way to experience Split, this Dark Tour of Split might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a chance to see the city through a more gritty, intriguing lens—filled with stories of murders, witches, and the city’s darker past. This tour is especially appealing if you’re interested in tales that go beyond the typical tourist fare and want a guide who can spin stories with humor and insight.

What really stands out about this experience is its informal, storytelling style, which makes the history come alive, and the chance to enjoy some Croatian craft beer at the end. On the flip side, since it’s a walking tour, it might not be ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer more structured or extensive excursions. But if you’re open to exploring less touristy paths and hearing the city’s secrets, this could be a memorable part of your trip.

This tour suits travelers who love stories with a bit of edge, enjoy a relaxed pace, and aren’t afraid of a little spooky or scandalous history. It’s especially good for those who want a genuine local perspective, with the ability to skip the more polished or generic guides. And at just $31 per person, it offers a lot of value for a fun, engaging evening in Split.

Key Points

• Unique Dark History Focus: The tour dives into Split’s darker stories—murders, heretics, witches—beyond just the standard historical facts.
• Engaging Storytelling: Guides like Dasen are praised for their humor and storytelling skills, making the experience lively and memorable.
• Local Hidden Gems: The route includes lesser-known spots that locals prefer to keep to themselves, adding an exclusive feel.
• Relaxed Pace & End with a Beer: The tour ends on the bustling promenade with a Croatian craft beer, perfect for unwinding.
• Affordable Price: At $31, it offers good value compared to more mainstream tours, especially given the personalized storytelling.
• Not Suitable for Children Under 12: The dark themes and stories are best suited for older kids and adults.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Dark Tour of Split

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This isn’t your typical historical walk through Split. Instead, it offers a more intimate, story-driven exploration of the city’s past, focusing on its “dark” side. Starting from the eastern entrance of the Diocletian’s Palace, the tour leads you into smaller, less-traveled streets of the old city. Here, the atmosphere shifts from the sunny, touristy spots to shadowy alleys filled with stories of murderers, witches, prostitutes, drug dealers, heretics, and tragic love stories.

The tour’s highlight is its narrative style—your guide, Dasen, (who’s praised for being both knowledgeable and funny) brings history to life with colorful anecdotes. You’ll visit hidden corners of the city, some of which are usually off-limits or kept secret by locals who prefer to keep their mystique. These little gems add an authentic touch to your experience, making you feel like you’ve uncovered a secret about Split.

The Route and Its Highlights

The route begins at a cozy coffee shop (though it’s currently closed, so check before you go) and winds through the less crowded streets of the Palace’s interior. This choice of starting point sets a relaxed tone, allowing you to grab a coffee or drink beforehand. Then, as you walk through narrow lanes and alleys, your guide shares stories that span centuries—covering everything from inhumane inquisitions to tragic love stories.

Throughout the walk, you’ll learn about Split’s 1700-year-old history—but with a focus on its more sinister and scandalous aspects. For example, tales of witches accused of heresy, or stories of those who fell from grace, are woven into the backdrop of the ancient stones. The experience isn’t just about hearing facts; it’s about feeling like you’re walking through a living storybook, where every corner has a secret.

Why the Stories Matter

What makes this tour stand out is how it humanizes history. Instead of just dates and facts, you get stories that evoke emotions—fear, intrigue, even a bit of humor. The reviews reflect this, with guests praising the storytelling talents of Dasen, who keeps the tour lively with his engaging manner. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was fabulous, friendly and very educated,” which highlights how important a good storyteller is for making dark history compelling.

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The Endings and Refreshments

The tour wraps up at the lively promenade, where you can enjoy a cold Croatian craft beer. This is a nice touch—combining cultural authenticity with relaxation after a walk that’s both fun and informative. The beer isn’t just a bonus; it’s an integral part of the experience, helping you unwind and reflect on what you’ve learned.

Practical Details

• Duration: The exact length isn’t specified, but expect a laid-back walk through the old town, probably around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Price: At $31, the experience is quite affordable, especially considering the personalized storytelling and local drinks included.
• Group Size: As a guided tour, it likely keeps the group small enough to ensure personal attention from Dasen.
• Weather & Dress: Wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather, since you’ll be strolling outdoors.
• Suitability: Not ideal for children under 12, due to the dark and mature themes.

What Travelers Say

The glowing reviews reinforce the quality of this tour. “Our tour guide was amazing and so funny! We had a great time and learned so much,” wrote Lorna. Jeanne added, “This tour deserves a higher rating. The guide is great and showed us a city we thought we knew after several days of visiting.” Both reviews emphasize the guide’s storytelling skill and the surprising depth of the tour. One review even called the guide a “great storyteller,” which seems to be a recurring theme.

Value for Money

Considering the price, the dark tour offers a rich experience at a reasonable cost. For just over 30 dollars, you’re getting not only a walk through a historic city but a chance to hear stories that most visitors overlook. The mix of history, local secrets, humor, and a drink at the end makes it a pretty good deal for an evening activity.

Who Would Love This Tour

This isn’t the standard touristy route, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy stories with a darker twist or want to see a different side of Split. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate storytelling, local insights, and a relaxed pace. If you’re traveling with older kids or teenagers who enjoy spooky tales, this could be a fun family activity, though the dark themes might not be suitable for very young children. It’s also a great choice if you’re keen to connect with local guides and hear stories that aren’t in the guidebooks.

In The Sum Up

The Dark Tour of Split offers a lively, story-rich alternative to traditional city tours. It’s a chance to uncover some of the city’s more shadowy stories with a guide who knows how to keep the mood engaging and humorous. The route touches on hidden corners and secret stories, providing a deeper, more personal connection to Split’s history.

If you’re after a tour that’s affordable, authentic, and full of personality, this experience will likely leave you with some memorable stories—and maybe a few chills. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to see the city’s darker side in a relaxed, informal setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really. It’s not suitable for children under 12, since the stories involve dark themes like murders and heretics.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, it’s a laid-back walk likely lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours, ending at the promenade.

Is the start point accessible?
The tour begins near a coffee shop that’s currently closed, so it’s best to confirm the exact meeting point before your tour date.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended because you’ll be walking through uneven, historic streets.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee includes a Croatian craft beer at the end, making for a relaxing conclusion to your journey through Split’s dark stories.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, it’s conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

If you’re after a different way to explore Split—one that combines history, storytelling, and local flavor—this dark tour provides a fun, engaging, and memorable experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: