What to do · Split
Bačvice Beach and Picigin
Information
- Price
- Independently · free
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- June – September
- Who it's for
- Small children
What it is
Bačvice is Split's urban beach, in the bay of the same name, east of the port and about ten minutes' walk from Diocletian's Palace. The bay is about 600 m long: 180 m is sand and the rest a concrete promenade for lying out and diving in. What makes it unique is the seabed: the sand continues under the water for many metres with little depth, so you can walk far from the shore with the water at your knees. That is why it is the beach for small children and the birthplace of picigin.
A little history
Before it was a beach, the bay was called Špalacijun and was surrounded by vineyards and fields. The first bathing establishment opened in 1891, with a wooden jetty on piles and huts on the shore; in 1901 the beach was divided with a fence between men and women. A storm destroyed it in 1915 and in 1919 the modern bathing establishment was inaugurated, whose buildings are today bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Picigin
Picigin is a Split game: several players in a circle, with the water at their ankles, pass a small ball by hitting it with the palm of the hand, without catching it, so that it does not touch the water. There are no points or winner; what counts is keeping it in the air with spectacular leaps and stretches. It was invented in 1908 on this beach by students returning from Prague who could not play water polo in such shallow water. The traditional ball, the balun, is a tennis ball without felt, smoother and lighter.
At Bačvice it is played all year, and in summer at night too. Since 2005 the beach has hosted the Picigin World Championship every year. If you want to try, watch how they play first and ask before joining a circle.
Getting there
On foot from the Riva: follow the promenade east, past the bus station, the railway station and the ferry port, and you arrive in about ten minutes. If you come by car, the centre has little parking: see where to park outside the centre. The Hotel Park Split is next to the beach.
When to go
From June to September for swimming. In July and August, arrive before ten: at midday the sand fills up and there is not room for another towel. In the afternoon is when you will see the most picigin circles. At night, the bars of the bay have music and the beach changes atmosphere.
Services
Being in the middle of the city, you have bars, restaurants and shops on the bay's promenade. There is hardly any natural shade: bring a parasol or find a spot near the terraces.
With children
It is Split's most comfortable beach for small children: sand and water that stays shallow for many metres. Watch them all the same, because in summer there are lots of people in the water and the picigin circles leap without looking.
Swimming safely
With a south wind some swell enters the bay. In summer, bear in mind the crowd in the water and the boat traffic outside the swimming area.
Tips
- Arrive before ten In August, at midday the sand is full.
- Watch a picigin circle Sit on the shore and watch them play: that way you understand the game before trying.
- Bring a parasol On the beach there is almost no natural shade.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bačvice beach sandy?
Yes, over a stretch of about 180 m. The rest of the bay is a concrete promenade.
What is picigin?
A traditional Split game in which a small ball is passed with the palm without letting it fall in the water. It was born at Bačvice in 1908.
Is it far from the centre?
No. It is about ten minutes' walk from Diocletian's Palace, along the Riva and the port.
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