Situated at the south-western tip of Split harbour, Sustipan Memorial Park is an invitation to relax and contemplate, with its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.
This multi-purpose site – once a medieval monastery and later Split’s first cemetery – exudes a remarkable serenity. The walk, in the shade of tall pines, is punctuated by exceptional panoramas over the calm waters. We loved strolling through the lanes lined with wild, lush vegetation!
In this article, discover our useful tips in pictures to best prepare your visit and spend a pleasant moment in the park.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Sustipan Memorial Park?
Is Split’s Sustipan Park worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the park is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a haven of tranquillity just a stone’s throw from Split city center. It offers a rare balance between the tranquility of a green space and the spectacular beauty of panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. As we strolled along, we came across locals reading peacefully on benches, brides and grooms immortalizing their happiest day during a photo shoot, and a few travelers silently admiring the breathtaking view of Split and the sea horizon.
Why is Sustipan Memorial Park famous?
Sustipan Memorial Park is famous for its rich history and exceptional geographical location. It owes its name to an ancient medieval monastery that once stood on this small peninsula south-east of Split harbour. The monastery served as a residence for Croatian kings, making it a place of significant cultural importance.
In the early 19th century, the site became Split’s first municipal cemetery, before it was destroyed by the Communist authorities. Today, the park preserves the classical gazebo, as well as the remains of the Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated:
- Views of the Adriatic Sea and Split: we marveled at the beauty and serenity of these panoramas. The changing light over the sea, Split and the surrounding islands offered exceptional photographic opportunities.
- The classic little temple: a charming gazebo where the bride and groom come to immortalize their day, adding a touch of life and emotion to our visit.
- The green walk: the stroll through pine and fir trees, with shady areas and benches, gave us the chance to relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural surroundings.
History in brief
Sustipan Memorial Park, located on a small peninsula south-east of Split harbour, combines a rich historical past with a privileged location. It was once home to an ancient medieval monastery, which served as a place of residence for Croatian kings, reinforcing its cultural significance. Transformed in the XIXᵉ century into the city’s first municipal cemetery, the site was destroyed during the Communist era, but today retains an elegant classical gazebo and the remains of the Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr. The park is now a public green space, offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and the islands.
Access: Sustipan Memorial Park, Split
Where is the park?
The exact address of Sustipan Memorial Park is: Sustipanski put, 21000 Split.
- In Split, Croatia
- In the Meje district
- At the end of Promenade Côte Ouest
- At the entrance to Marjan Forest Park
How to get there?
To visit Parc Sustipan, you can easily walk there from downtown in about 15 minutes, along the pleasant Promenade Côte Ouest. It’s a pleasant walk.
If you prefer the comfort of a car, the journey from the city center takes just 4 minutes. For public transport users, lines 7, 8, 12 and 21 serve the area, with a nearby stop called BRANIMIROVA – BANOVINA 2. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to the park. More information on bus timetables here.
Parking
A large public pay parking lot is located opposite the park entrance. However, we advise you to take public transport or walk to avoid parking constraints, especially during the busy high season.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit the park
The park offers beautiful panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands, making it an ideal place to visit at any time of year. To take full advantage of the light and tranquility, choose the quiet hours of the day, particularly early morning or late afternoon. The wild vegetation is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour to explore the park, depending on your pace and how much time you wish to devote to its viewpoints.
The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility: despite the sometimes uneven ground, ramps have been installed at the entrance and around the church, and there are very few changes in level.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no set itinerary for visiting Parc Sustipan: let yourself be guided by your desires and, above all, by the vistas along the way. Stroll along the paths lined with wild vegetation, get up close to plants and flowers to try to identify them, take a reading break on a bench facing the sea, capture a few shots in the charming gazebo, then finish off by admiring the breathtaking view of downtown Split from one of the belvederes.
Visiting with children
The park is a calm and reassuring place, ideal for a family outing. Strollers are welcome, and the presence of nature and birds creates a peaceful setting for a stroll with the young ones. To make your visit even more memorable, hang a padlock on one of the park’s gates together, a small symbolic gesture that will keep this shared moment in memory.
Schedules and rates
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free of charge.
Catering
There are no food and beverage outlets inside the park. For a bite to eat, we recommend you take advantage of the excellent options available in Split’s city center, which is within easy walking distance. You’ll find a wide selection of good places to sample local cuisine after your stroll, including Restaurant PINKU, which sublimates seafood. Our dedicated article will soon be available to help you make your choice!
A green setting in the heart of Split
Drawing inspiration from flora and fauna
Sustipan Memorial Park is an invitation to botanical discovery in the heart of Split. The park boasts a rich diversity of exotic plants such as aloe vera and cacti, as well as endemic species that bear witness to the richness of local nature. Tall, majestic pines and firs provide welcome shade, while the presence of birds adds a touch of life and softness to the atmosphere.
Slow down for a stroll in this haven of peace
A visit to the park is like taking a timeless break in a peaceful, green environment. There are plenty of shady areas where you can relax on benches and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. We appreciated the calm atmosphere, ideal for reading or simply contemplating, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gentle sea breeze, birdsong and spectacular panorama create a complete sensory experience.
A contemplative place between land and sea
Immortalizing life’s finest moments
The garden is a veritable jewel-case where history and nature mingle, offering the ideal setting for immortalizing precious moments. We were touched by the softness of the setting, where a small, photogenic gazebo often welcomes happy brides and grooms to pose beneath its elegant columns. During our visit, a ceremony was taking place in the small basilica at the entrance to the park, adding a lively and moving dimension to this site steeped in memory.
Capture the best views of Split and the Adriatic Sea
As you walk along, the park gradually reveals magnificent panoramas of the sea, the islands and the center of Split. We loved taking photos here, where land and water mingle in a soothing natural tableau. One of our fondest memories was of immortalizing young children learning to sail in small sailboats, adding a touch of poetry to an already enchanting setting.
