If you’re staying in Split and looking for some great day trips from Split, you’re in the right place. As a native Croatian, I’ve chosen my 8 favourite day trips from Split, so keep reading if you want to find out more about them.
WHERE IS SPLIT
Split is a city located in Dalmatia, on Croatia’s stunning Adriatic Coast. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. Split is known for its historical and cultural significance, but also for being an incredible central location for many gorgeous day trips from Split.
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WHY PLAN DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT
Although you can easily spend your holiday only in Split, I would argue that the surrounding towns and places offer even more beauty than Split itself, so it would be a shame if you missed them. Here are some of my favourite reasons why you should book a few day trips from Split.
Firstly, Split is a gateway to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, such as Hvar, Brač, and Vis. These islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and unique experiences like the Blue Cave on Biševo. You haven’t experienced Croatia if you haven’t visited the islands, so choose at least one.
Secondly, there’s so much history around Split. Day trips can take you to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or to Omiš, a town with several fortresses.
Finally, there’s so much natural beauty around Split. From Split, you can easily visit Krka National Park, or take a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park. These two parks are famous for their waterfalls and gorgeous nature.
Day trips from Split offer various experiences, from relaxing on beaches to exploring ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor adventures. You’ll surely find something perfect for you!
8 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT:
TROGIR
One of the loveliest day trips from Split you can have is Trogir. Just a short distance away from Split, Trogir offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty that will leave you enchanted.
Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with buildings showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In Trogir, you must wander through the narrow, cobbled streets, lined with historic buildings and charming squares in the Old Town. Additionally, you should stroll down the waterfront promenade. It’s lined with cafes and restaurants, offering stunning views of the marina and the Adriatic Sea.
Finally, if you like a good swim, Trogir is close to several beautiful beaches, like Pantan Beach and Medena Beach. They are perfect for a refreshing swim or sunbathing. You can also visit Ciovo Island, for even more beaches, walking trails, and picturesque villages to explore.
Here’s how you can spend a perfect day in Trogir!
HOW TO REACH TROGIR FROM SPLIT
The easiest way to reach Trogir is by car. Trogir is about 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Split, and the drive takes around 30-40 minutes. If you don’t have your own car you can rent one for a day, because a car will give you much more flexibility. There’s plenty of parking in Trogir so you won’t have to worry about that.
If you don’t have a car, you can use a bus or an Uber. There are several bus options if you prefer the budget-friendly way of travel. You can either catch a direct bus from Split bus station to Trogir, or you can catch the local bus no. 37 that goes to Split airport and Trogir. The latter option is cheaper but definitely takes longer so keep that in mind. If you want something quicker and more comfortable, get an Uber to take you from Split to Trogir. It’s around 25 euros one way but if there’s more of you it’s definitely a great option.
ŠIBENIK
Another stunning town to add to your day trips from Split is Šibenik. This charming town has a gorgeous Old Town and it’s only an hour away from Split. If you like historical towns, Šibenik is a must visit!
Šibenik is one of the oldest Croatian towns on the Adriatic coast, with a history dating back to the 11th century. One of the most significant historical landmarks, the St. James Cathedral, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You must see this unique construction made entirely of stone and its stunning façade featuring 71 sculpted faces.
After the cathedral, Šibenik is famous for its fortresses: St. Michael’s, St. John’s, Šubićevac, and St. Nicholas. These fortresses offer panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea, as well as a glimpse into the town’s military history.
Finally, the entire old town of Šibenik is a stunning maze of narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. A day trip is perfect for wandering through the ancient alleyways and enjoying the ambiance the medieval town.
Read more about a perfect day in Šibenik here!
HOW TO REACH SIBENIK FROM SPLIT
If you have a car, Šibenik is only about 87 kilometers (54 miles) from Split, so you’ll get there in approximately 1 hour using the highway. If you don’t have a car, consider renting one! The car will allow you to enjoy the scenic coastal route and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
For those who don’t drive, you can also use the bus. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with buses departing from Split’s main bus station and arriving at Šibenik’s central bus station, which is located near the old town. The tickets are around 8-12 euros per way.
You can also get a guided tour with transport from Split to Šibenik. This way, you don’t have to worry about driving or parking, and you’ll also get a guided tour of the city!
MAKARSKA RIVIERA
If you’re looking for one of the best beach day trips from Split, a day trip to the Makarska Riviera is an excellent choice. Makarska Riviera is famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and breathtaking natural beauty, so it’s a must visit for beachgoers.
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The Makarska Riviera is known for its pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. From the pebble beaches of Brela and Baška Voda to the sandy stretches of Makarska town, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and serene spots in Croatia right here. Furthermore, each town along the Riviera has its unique charm, so wherever you decide to visit, you’ll have a great time. Makarska, the largest town, features a vibrant promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as a picturesque harbor.
If you want additional outdoor activities, the Biokovo Mountain range, which rises dramatically behind the Riviera, is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. You can visit the Biokovo Nature Park which has hiking trails with spectacular views, rich biodiversity, and the thrilling Skywalk.
HOW TO REACH MAKARSKA RIVIERA FROM SPLIT
The easiest way is by driving. The Makarska Riviera is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Split, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can take the gorgeous Jadranska Magistrala road which will give you some of the best views of the Croatian coastline.
If you need public transportation, there are several bus lines operating from Split to various towns of the Makarska Riviera. The journey typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on your destination. Some of the most popular ones are Makarska, Brela, and Omiš.
KRKA NATIONAL PARK
One of the most rewarding day trips from Split you can take is to Krka National Park. This national park is known for its stunning waterfalls, gorgeous landscapes, and rich vegetation life. It’s the perfect place to escape from the urban life and enjoy nature.
Krka National Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 800 species of plants and numerous bird species. And while the vegetation is stunning, the main show of this NP are the gorgeous waterfalls. The two most popular ones are Skradinski Buk and Roški slap.
Krka has several well-marked walking trails that wind through lush forests, alongside rivers, and past waterfalls. These trails give you an opportunity to freely roam around and immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful hike.
The tickets to National Park Krka are 40 euros per person in the high season, and much cheaper in the shoulder and off season. You can check out a detailed Krka NP guide right here.
HOW TO REACH KRKA NATIONAL PARK FROM SPLIT
Krka National Park is approximately 87 kilometers (54 miles) from Split. Again, as most day trips from Split, the easiest thing is to just drive to the park. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and you can choose which entrance you prefer, such as Skradin or Lozovac.
If you don’t have a car, there are several bus companies which will take you from Split to Skradin, one of the main entrances to the park. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours. From Skradin, you can take a short boat ride to the entrance of Skradinski Buk, included in the park admission.
You can also get an organized day trip to Krka National Park from Split. These tours typically include transportation, park admission, and guided tours of the main attractions. This option is great if you’re not confident in going alone and just want to enjoy the day trip.
OMIŠ
If you’re staying in Split and seeking an adventure-packed day trip, look no further than Omiš. Situated near the Cetina River, this charming town offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and thrilling activities, making it an ideal escape from the city.
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Omiš is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cetina River provides the perfect setting for a variety of adventure sports, so you can go rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing and so much more.
If you’re not into adrenaline rushes, you can still enjoy this tiny town. Enjoy the views of this gorgeous town which is surrounded by towering cliffs, greenery, and clear waters trough hiking. If you like sightseeing, Omiš offers several fortesses and a lovely historic Old Town for you to explore.
On top of all that, you can also enjoy a gorgeous day at the beach, with some of the most popular beaches being Punta Beach and Brzet Beach.
HOW TO REACH OMIŠ FROM SPLIT
Omiš is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Split, and you can reach it easily by car in around 30 minutes. The drive is lovely and there’s a huge parking lot so parking won’t be a problem!
You can also catch a bus from Split to Omiš. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Buses depart from Split’s main bus station and arrive in the center of Omiš, so it’s a convenient and affordable option.
During the summer, there are also boat tours and excursions from Split to Omiš. This option provides a unique perspective of the coastline and combines travel with a scenic cruise. You can usually find these excursions at the Riva promenade in Split, or just ask around where you’re staying if they have any recommendations.
HVAR
If you’re planning any day trips from Split, I’m sure Hvar is your number one choice. Hvar is known for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. It’s Croatia’s most popular and also most expensive island, which is another reason why it’s a great day trip!
There are several incredible things you can do on Hvar in a day. Firstly, wander through the charming streets of the old town, lined with medieval buildings, elegant squares, and lively cafes. While you’re there, admire the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses a remarkable collection of artwork.
Secondly, you must cling the Hvar Fortress Fortica. This 16th-century fortress will give you some of the prettiest panoramic views of Hvar Town and the surrounding islands, you can get, and you cannot miss it.
Additionally, you can enjoy the island’s beach clubs, cocktail bars, and waterfront restaurants or explore hidden coves, picturesque villages, and fragrant lavender fields through several interesting tours.
HOW TO REACH HVAR FROM SPLIT
The easiest way to reach Hvar from Split is by ferry or catamaran. Several ferry companies operate daily services between Split and Hvar Town and the ferry journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. For a faster journey, take a catamaran. They offer high-speed service and reduced travel time, with some journeys taking as little as 1 hour. They both depart from Split’s ferry terminal and go to Hvar Town.
If you prefer a guided and personalized experience, you can hire a private boat or yacht to travel from Split to Hvar. If that’s too pricey for you, just book one of the guided tours. These tours typically include transportation by ferry or catamaran, guided sightseeing in Hvar Town, and free time to explore the island independently.
NP PLITIVICE LAKES
The Plitvice lakes National Park is surely one of the most popular day trips from Split. The gorgeous park with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests attracts millions of tourists each year. It’s not really surprising as this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a magical escape into pristine wilderness, far away from any crowded towns.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning natural beauty. It consists of sixteen interconnected lakes, which have several cascading waterfalls that sweep you off your feet. The turquoise waters and lush greenery truly create a picturesque landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
The park has several well-maintained hiking trails that wind through its pristine landscapes. Whether you’re embarking on a short stroll or a full-day trek, you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints, serene lakeshores, and lush forests along the way. Read this blog post to pick the best hiking trail for you and find out more important information on Plitvice lakes National Park.
HOW TO REACH PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK FROM SPLIT
Plitvice Lakes National Park is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Split, so you can reach it by driving up north. The drive is 2.5 to 3 hours, so it won’t be a quick ride but it will be worth it. I would recommend renting a car if you can for more flexibility.
If you don’t drive, you can take the bus. Several bus companies operate daily services between Split and Plitvice Lakes National Park but the journey is much longer, approximately 4 to 5 hours. Buses depart from Split’s main bus station and arrive at the park’s entrance, making it a convenient option for travelers without a car. Just keep in mind they’re not very frequent so you’ll have to plan out your day trip well.
Additionally, you can join an organized tour from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many tour operators offer day trips that include transportation, park admission, and guided tours of the park’s highlights. This way you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Plitvice Lakes without the stress of planning.
BRAČ
The final one of the day trips from Split on this list is Brač. Gorgeous Brač, known for its stunning beaches, historic towns, and rugged landscapes, is the closest and easiest day trip form Split you can take.
On Brač, you’ll get to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. The most popular one is Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn. This beach is famous for the fact that it changes shape according to the wind. Other popular beaches include Lovrečina, Supetar, and Bol Beach.
You can also explore Brač’s historic towns, charming villages, and ancient sites. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets of Bol and discover its quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Moreover, if you like outdoorsy activities, you’ll love Brač. Here you can hike to the summit of Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the island, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. If hiking is not your cup of tea, you can rent a bike and explore the countryside.
HOW TO REACH BRAČ FROM SPLIT
To reach Brač you just need to grab a ferry from Split. There are plenty of them with frequent departures throughout the day. The ferry journey takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. If you want to be there quickly, get on a catamaran from Split to Brač. Catamarans can be there in as quick as 30 minutes.
You can also book a private water taxi or book a tour of the island from Split. These tours typically include transportation by ferry or catamaran, guided sightseeing in Supetar or Bol, and free time to explore the island by yourself.
