Commander Jerry Woods was received for talks by Split Mayor Zvonimir Puljic and Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Ante Sanader.
The 148-metre-long and 15-metre-wide ship, the sixth named Cornwall, was christened in 1985 by Diana Princess of Wales.
A news conference on the purpose of the four-day visit will be held on the ship this afternoon. The press will be addressed by Croatian Navy Commander Zdravko Kardum and British Ambassador to Croatia John Ramsden.
At the news conference, the voluntary fire brigade from Supetar on the island of Brac will be presented with equipment worth 180,000 kuna. The donation, initiated by the London Fire Brigade, was given by the Dutch company Holmarto.
During the visit, the ship's crew will take part in friendly matches with local rugby and soccer teams and in a rowing race.
The HMS Cornwall will leave Split on February 10.