Last updated on November 8th, 2024 at 09:12 pm
Are you looking for the best day trips from Split? Our guide has you covered with some of Croatia’s most beautiful hidden gems.
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Perfectly positioned on the stunning Dalmatian coast, Split is not only a city steeped in history and must-see attractions, but also a gateway to some of Croatia’s most beautiful hidden gems. We loved our family trip to Croatia and enjoyed several day trips from Split during our stay there.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Split offers a range of day trip options that promise to add to your travel experience. From medieval towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites to the natural wonders of Croatia’s national parks and unspoiled islands, there’s something for every traveller.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best day trips from Split. Get ready to uncover the wonders that lie just beyond Split’s city limits.
Day Trips from Split
Split is worth exploring in its own right (for more on Split take a look at Split in 2 Days). However, if you’re staying in or near Split for a few days, it’s definitely worth booking a day trip or two to explore the beauty that lies just beyond,
1. Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is in Split, so it’s not a day trip as such – but it’s a must-see attraction, so make sure you don’t leave it out of your Croatia itinerary. Plus – it’s free to visit!
Built at the start of the 4th century AD, the palace is one of the most well-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Work on it was overseen by Roman Emperor Diocletian who was planning on it being his ‘retirement home’.
Part luxurious villa and part military fortress, today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors each year.
A guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace is a good idea, as you’ll get a true sense of what life was like there in the 4th century.
It’s interesting to see how modern living has been incorporated into these ancient ruins. The palace now makes up Split’s ‘Old Town’ and you’ll find shops, cafes and restaurants inside. Perfect if you want to relax for a bit and take in your surroundings in between your sight-seeing.
At the palace, look out for the Peristyle (central square of the palace), St. Dominus Cathedral, the basement halls and the Temple of Jupiter.
As it’s located centrally in Split, a visit to Diocletian’s Palace can be easily combined with other nearby attractions. After exploring the palace, take a walk on the Riva promenade, visit the Split City Museum, or head for a swim at Bačvice Beach.
✅ Book HERE for your tour of the Diocletian’s Palace
2. Trogir
Just a 30-minute drive or boat ride from Split is Trogir – a small, pretty town that makes for an ideal day trip.
This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a history that dates back over 2,300 years, with a beautifully preserved medieval old town.
On your Trogir day trip from Split, make sure you check out the charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful architecture (including the renowned St. Lawrence Cathedral and the Kamerlengo Fortress). You’ll be transported back in time.
The town has an attractive waterfront lined with cafes and restaurants – perfect for enjoying lunch while soaking up views of the Adriatic Sea.
There’s a diving centre and opportunities to charter a boat or book a boat trip while you’re here too.
Trogir has a local market worth visiting and if you’re interested in shopping, there are lots of small boutique-style shops too. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs!
✅ Book HERE For your day trip to Trogir
3. Krka National Park
Just an hour’s drive from Split, Krka National Park is the day trip you should take if you only have time for one. If you’re looking for places to visit from Split, this should be at the top of the list!
Known for its breathtaking waterfalls (in particular the famous Skradinski Buk), the park offers an escape into nature, away from the crowds of Split.
You’ll be able to explore a network of walking trails, walkways and bridges that wind through forests, past emerald green lakes and alongside cascading waterfalls, providing you with plenty of opportunities for both hiking and photography.
The most striking aspect of Krka is the colour of the water – a beautiful green colour which makes the park have quite a magical feel to it.
Visitors can no longer swim in the lakes (this has been the case since 2021).
The park is also home to historical sites, such as the Visovac Monastery, which sits on a small island in the middle of a lake and the mills which were used in medieval times (there’s a small museum and tour on offer here).
The best way to experience Krka is to join a guided tour, which will teach you all about the endemic plant and wildlife in the park.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to Krka National Park
4. Hvar Island
Hvar, often dubbed the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands,” is one of the most beautiful Croatian islands near Split, making day trips from Split to Hvar a popular option.
Boat trips to Hvar from Split typically take about 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on the type of ferry and the route it takes. High-speed catamarans usually take around an hour, while regular ferries tend to take closer to 2 hours. Check the ferry schedules in advance, as travel times will vary based on the season and the ferry operator.
The island’s main town (also named Hvar) has a pretty harbour, medieval streets which are full of character, and the impressive Fortica Fortress, which offers some amazing views of the town and the Adriatic.
Hvar is well known for being lively, with busy markets, popular cafes, and a happening nightlife (consider an overnight stay if you want to experience it).
Hvar’s beaches and crystal-clear water are perfect for swimming – making a day trip from Split to Hvar a particularly great choice for families. There are also surrounding vineyards and lavender fields to explore here.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to Hvar Island
5. Blue Cave and Vis Island
If you’re looking for the best islands off Split to visit, consider Vis. A day trip from Split to the Blue Cave and Vis Island offers an opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s most impressive natural wonders.
The Blue Cave, located on the small island of Biševo near Vis, is known for its otherworldly blue glow, created by sunlight reflecting through an underwater opening.
You’ll be provided with a perfect photo opportunity, so have your camera ready.
After exploring the Blue Cave, you can head to Vis Island. The island’s quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches like Stiniva Cove, and interesting World War II history provide the opportunity for lots of exploring or a chance to relax – it’s up to you.
You can take a ferry from Split directly to Vis, or book a boat tour to visit both the Blue Cave and Vis.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to the Blue Cave and Vis Island
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a breathtaking natural wonder that makes for an unforgettable day trip from Split.
Although it is one of the longer excursions from Split (around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus), the park’s unparalleled beauty makes the trip well worth it.
Known for its 16 beautiful lakes and waterfalls (in particular Veliki Slap), Plitvice is a must for both nature lovers and photographers.
You’ll be able to explore the park via a network of wooden walkways and hiking trails. There are two levels to the park with a boat connecting the two. There’s also a train ride you can take which will allow you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
The routes are well-marked and range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, so whether you want a challenge or you’re there with kids and looking for something family-friendly, there’s something for everyone.
✅ Book HERE For your day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park
7. Šibenik
Šibenik, located just an hour’s drive from Split, is a really fascinating city that’s well worth visiting.
Known for its history and seriously impressive architecture, Šibenik is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed St. James Cathedral, with its beautifully intricate stonework (look out for the funny-faced gargoyles).
The city’s medieval fortresses, St. Michael’s Fortress and St. Nicholas Fortress, offer great views of the Adriatic and the surrounding islands.
Spend some time wandering through the old town’s narrow cobblestone streets, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional Dalmatian houses.
Šibenik’s has a lively waterfront area and it’s a great spot to enjoy some seafood and other local dishes while watching the boats go by.
Our day trip to Sibernik was combined with a visit to Krka National Park. As neither is too far away from Split, combining several places is a great idea and lots of tour companies offer this option.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to Sibernik
8. Omiš and Cetina River
Omiš, a charming town located just a 30-minute drive from Split, is a perfect day trip destination for those looking for both history and adventure.
Located at the mouth of the Cetina River, Omiš has a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, clear blue water, and a lovely coastline.
The town has a history of piracy which is reflected in its medieval fortresses, including the Mirabella Fortress and the Starigrad Fortress,. These offer some amazing views as well as a chance to learn about Omiš’s chequered past.
If outdoor activities are your thing, the Cetina River should be your top choice for a day trip from Split. The river winds through a canyon and is a hub for outdoor activities, including white-water rafting, zip-lining, and canyoning, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
For those seeking a slightly more relaxed experience, the river is also perfect for kayaking, swimming, or boat rides.
✅ Book HERE For your day trip to Omis and Cetina River (including watersport activities)
9. Brac
Brač, in our opinion, is one of the best islands to visit in Croatia from Split – since it’s just a short ferry ride away (and extremely beautiful).
Ferry crossings go every 90 minutes and take around 50 minutes.
It’s the perfect day trip from Split for those looking for a blend of beautiful surroundings, great food and some of the best beaches you’ll find. But it’s so beautiful, you may (like us) want to stay for a night or two.
The island is famous for Zlatni Rat Beach, often referred to as the Golden Horn due to its very unique shape. The water is crystal-clear and the beach is the number one draw on the island – great for swimming and water sports. Plus they have a great inflatable obstacle course for kids too.
Beyond Zlatni Rat, Brač is also known for its pretty towns (in particular Bol and Supetar). Make sure you explore the narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses, local markets, and old churches.
The island’s interior is dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and quaint villages, so you’ll be able to experience the Croatian countryside while you’re here too.
Fun Fact: Brač is also home to the famous white stone quarries that supplied the stone for Diocletian’s Palace and the White House in Washington, D.C.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to Brac (including multi-island day trips)
10. Blue Lagoon and Solta Boat Tour
The Blue Lagoon, situated between the islands of Drvenik Veli and Krknjaši, is worth a visit for its turquoise waters and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Šolta is a lesser-known gem among the Dalmatian islands but it’s well worth a visit as it is one of the more peaceful islands to visit from Split – it has secluded bays, olive groves, and charming fishing villages like Maslinica and Stomorska. The snorkelling and diving in this area is particularly good.
It’s a great place to relax. Try some fresh seafood at a local tavern or explore the island’s vineyards while you’re there.
The boat trip from Split itself offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline and an opportunity to discover hidden coves and secluded spots inaccessible by land.
✅ Book HERE for your day trip to the Blue Lagoon and Solta
Day Trips from Split: The Verdict
Split makes for a fantastic base for some great day trips in Croatia. From waterfalls to mediaeval towns and some of the best beaches in Europe, there really is something for everyone.
If you’re staying in Split for two days or more, make sure you add at least one or two day trips to your itinerary. We’d recommend Krka National Park and Sibenik and at least one of the islands close to Split.
✅ Book Day Trips from Split HERE
We have lots more information for you on Croatia. If you’re looking for a Croatia family itinerary, check out our Croatia with Kids post. If you’re thinking of adding Dubrovnik to your holiday plans, then take a look at our guide to Dubrovnik.