Bačvice is Split's main city beach — a crescent of sandy (rare on the rocky Croatian coast) shallow water 15 minutes' walk east of the old town that is simultaneously a family swimming beach, the home of the uniquely Split ball game called picigin, and the centre of the city's summer nightlife. The beach backs onto a 19th-century bathhouse that has been converted into a complex of bars, cafés, and clubs that run until dawn in July and August.
Picigin is played in the shallow water — players stand in knee-deep water and hit a small rubber ball in the air with their palms, keeping it from touching the water for as long as possible through increasingly acrobatic dives. The game was invented by Split students in the early 20th century and is now officially recognised as part of Croatian cultural heritage. The annual Picigin World Championship is held on Bačvice in summer.
Verified Facts
Bačvice is one of the few sandy beaches on the Croatian coast
Picigin was invented by Split students in the early 20th century
The game is officially recognised as Croatian cultural heritage
The Picigin World Championship is held at Bačvice annually
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Bačvice, Split, Croatia
