9 best day trips from Split

So, you’ve explored the Diocletian Palace, strolled the Riva, climbed Marjan Hill, and now you’re itching to see what’s beyond the city? Lucky for you, Split is the perfect launchpad for some epic day trips—think island hopping, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and more.

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Split has its fair share of charm, but if you’re not hopping on a boat or hitting the road for a day trip, you’re missing out. From breathtaking national parks to dreamy islands, these are the best day trips from Split!

Best way to go on day trips from Split

Split is packed with things to see and do—but some of the real magic lies just outside the city. The good news? You’ve got options.

Most day trips from Split can be done by car, bus, ferry, or with a tour, depending on your travel style and how much hassle you’re willing to deal with.

• Own Transport: Renting a car gives you the most freedom—this is how I usually roll. You can explore at your own pace, avoid the crowds, and stop wherever catches your eye. Just note: for islands, you’ll still need to hop on a ferry, and parking in some towns can be tricky.
• Organized Tours: Tours are hassle-free and easy. A local guide handles the logistics and shares stories you’d probably miss on your own. I’ve picked the best-rated tours for each spot below—and if you can, go for a small group or private one to dodge the big-bus vibes.
• Public Transport: The cheapest but most complicated option. Buses work well for nearby towns like Trogir and Omiš, and ferries are your gateway to the islands. Just be ready to work around set schedules and maybe combine with a cab if you’re heading somewhere remote.

9 best day trips from Split

Split is not just a great place to kick back—it’s the perfect base for exploring some of Croatia’s most stunning spots. If you’re in Split and looking to make the most of your time, these day trips are where the magic happens.

1. Blue Lagoon

🚤 Boat: ~30 minutes by speedboat from Split
⛴️ Ferry: 1 hour by ferry to Drvenik, then a short boat ride
⭐ Visit for: Snorkeling, swimming, and crystal-clear turquoise water
🚐 Recommended tour: Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck & Šolta cruise

The Blue Lagoon is the definition of a summer dream—crystal-clear waters, soft pebble beaches, and nothing but sunshine and sea. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to throw your phone in airplane mode and just float.

Set between Drvenik Veliki and two tiny islets, this sheltered bay is a natural swimming pool with some of the clearest water in Croatia. Whether you snorkel, sip cocktails on the boat, or just roast in the sun like a lizard—it’s all good.

Blue Lagoon highlights:

• Swim in turquoise water so clear it barely looks real
• Snorkel with small fish around the reef (bring or rent a mask)
• Sunbathe on the boat deck or the small pebbly shore
• Unplug and unwind—there’s not much here, and that’s the beauty
• Explore nearby islands like Šolta, Čiovo, or Trogir

2. Krka Waterfalls

🚗 Drive: 88 km (~1.5 hours) from Split. Easy inland drive, great for a DIY day trip.
🚌 Bus: ~2 hours, regular departures to Skradin or Lozovac.
⭐ Visit for: Stunning waterfalls, scenic boat rides, and tranquil trails through nature
🚐 Recommended tour: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour

Krka National Park is like Plitvice’s chill cousin—just as beautiful, but with fewer crowds (especially if you start early). You’ve probably seen photos of Skradinski Buk, the showstopper waterfall with boardwalks snaking through turquoise pools. But don’t stop there!

The park is packed with lesser-known gems like Roški Slap and the mysterious Ozidana Pećina Cave, and it’s a dream for bird nerds—220+ species live here. While swimming is no longer allowed in the park, the views more than make up for it.

Krka highlights:

• Walk the scenic trails around Skradinski Buk, the park’s most iconic waterfall
• Venture to Roški Slap for waterfalls, caves, and fewer crowds
• Take a boat ride through the canyon to Visovac Island and its 15th-century monastery
• Visit Ozidana Pećina, a cave with traces of prehistoric life
• Spot herons, eagles, and kingfishers if you’re into wildlife watching

3. Blue Cave & Island Hopping

🚤 Boat: ~1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat from Split
🗺️ Location: Blue Cave on Biševo Island, near Vis
⭐ Visit for: Blue light magic, stunning island hopping, and crystal-clear waters
🚐 Recommended tour: Five Island Speedboat Tour

The Blue Cave is one of those places you’ve probably seen all over Instagram, and for good reason! This sea cave is lit (literally) by a natural phenomenon, where the sunlight hits the water at the right angle and creates a mesmerizing blue glow inside the cave. It’s like something straight out of a fairy tale.

But, here’s the catch: the cave is tiny, and because it’s so popular, the wait to get in can feel like an eternity. Plus, you’re only allowed a few minutes inside—don’t blink or you might miss the magic!

The Blue Cave can only be visited as part of a tour, so you’ll need to book one of the many options that take you there.

The journey from Split to the Blue Cave is long and bumpy, so most tours break it up with additional stops for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Most tours include stops at Stiniva Beach on Vis Island and the Green Cave. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to explore other beautiful islands while you’re at it.

4. Plitvice Lakes

🚗 Drive: 250 km (~3 hours) from Split. Scenic inland drive via the E71.
🚌 Bus: ~3.5 hours, with daily departures.
⭐ Visit for: Turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, wooden walkways, and wildlife galore
🚐 Recommended tour: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour from Split – Ticket INCLUDED

If there’s one place that looks exactly like a screensaver, it’s Plitvice. Sixteen lakes, hundreds of waterfalls, and water so blue it feels filtered. You’ll walk along boardwalks that skim the surface, with lush greenery on one side and glassy lakes on the other.

This is Croatia’s oldest and most iconic national park—and yes, it’s popular. But with 30,000+ acres to explore, you’ll still find quiet corners that feel like they’re all yours.

Plitvice highlights:

• Walk the wooden paths through 16 interconnected lakes and waterfalls
• Snap that iconic photo of Veliki Slap (the park’s tallest waterfall)
• Spot butterflies, birds, and (if you’re lucky) deer or wild boars
• Take a boat across the biggest lake (yes, it’s included in the ticket)
• Breathe in the fresh forest air—and try not to fall in love with nature

5. Hvar & Pakleni Islands

⛴️ Ferry: ~1 hour by passenger catamaran to Hvar Town; 2 hours by car ferry to Stari Grad
🚤 Speedboat: ~45 minutes by speedboat
⭐ Visit for: Beach clubs, historic charm, and island-hopping adventures
🚐 Recommended tour: Hvar, Brač & Pakleni islands cruise

If you’re chasing that perfect Croatian summer vibe—sun, sea, style, and just the right touch of party—Hvar’s your spot. It’s known as Croatia’s most glamorous island, but there’s more than just fancy beach clubs and yachts.

In Hvar Town, you’ll find Venetian palaces, charming backstreets, and laid-back cafés. But make time for the nearby Pakleni Islands too—tiny slices of paradise just a short boat ride away.

Hvar highlights:

• Stroll through Hvar Town and admire its stunning main square and harbor
• Climb to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views over the town and islands
• Swim and sunbathe at Dubovica Beach, one of the island’s most iconic spots
• Have a drink at Hula Hula Beach Bar—sunsets here are the stuff of legend
• Hop over to the Pakleni Islands for crystal-clear swimming and chill beach bars

6. Brac and Zlatni Rat

🚤 Boat: ~50 minutes by passenger ferry from Split to Bol; ~1 hour by car ferry to Supetar, followed by a 1-hour drive to Bol
🗺️ Location: Zlatni Rat beach, Bol, Brac Island
⭐ Visit for: Iconic beach views, outdoor adventures, and local Dalmatian food
🚐 Recommended tour: Sailing Cruise to Brac and Solta

Zlatni Rat, also known as Golden Horn, is one of Croatia’s most famous beaches and easily recognizable by its unique shape that changes with the tide. This pebble beach might surprise some, as it looks like soft sand from a distance.

The beach is backed by pine trees and crystal-clear water, making it a perfect spot for a swim, sunbathing, or water sports.

But Brac Island has much more to offer beyond this iconic beach. Whether you’re into hiking, cultural exploration, or food and wine tours, Brac will keep you busy.

Brac Highlights

• Relax on Zlatni Rat, an iconic beach known for its changing shape and stunning views.
• Explore Blaca Monastery for a fascinating glimpse into Brac’s history and breathtaking architecture.
• Discover Zmajeva Spilja (Dragon Cave), a mysterious cave full of legends.
• Hike up Vidova Gora, the highest peak on Brac, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
• Taste local wines at Stina Winery, one of Brac’s finest.
• Indulge in Dalmatian food at the many authentic restaurants serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors.

7. Trogir

🚗 Drive: 30 km (~40 minutes) via D8 coastal road. Parking available nearby.
🚌 Bus: ~40 minutes from Split. Buses run frequently from the main station.
⭐ Visit for: Medieval charm, a UNESCO-listed old town, and dreamy sea views
🚐 Reccommended tour: Blue Lagoon and Trogir from Split

Trogir is like a mini time machine—a tiny island town with stone alleys, ancient gates, and Romanesque buildings that practically beg to be photographed. It’s so close to Split that you’ll wonder why you didn’t pop over sooner.

The entire historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it feels like a movie set (in fact, it’s been one!). Whether you get there by car, boat, or bus, it makes for a laid-back, culture-rich day by the sea.

Trogir highlights:

• Explore the beautifully preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Climb the bell tower of St. Lawrence Cathedral for killer views
• Stroll the seaside promenade and stop for a drink with a view
• Walk the walls of Kamerlengo Fortress, perched right on the waterfront
• Cross the bridge to Čiovo Island for a swim or sunset photos

8. Sibenik

🚗 Drive: 88 km (~1 hour) from Split. Easy coastal drive via the A1 or scenic D8.
🚌 Bus: ~1.5 hours from the main station. Regular departures daily.
⭐ Visit for: Fortresses with a view, white-stone alleyways, and Croatia’s only UNESCO-listed cathedral
🚐 Recommended tour: Krka Waterfalls and Šibenik Small Group Tour

Šibenik is one of those places that flies under the radar—and honestly, that’s part of the magic. It’s quieter than Split, but every bit as charming. Think sun-bleached stone alleys, lazy cats napping on doorsteps, and locals who still say hi as you pass.

The star of the show is St. James Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage site carved entirely out of stone (no mortar, no glue, just jaw-dropping craftsmanship). But don’t stop there—Šibenik is also home to not one, but four fortresses, with views that’ll make your camera weep.

Šibenik highlights:

• Marvel at St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO site and masterpiece of stone-on-stone construction
• Climb up to St. Michael’s Fortress for panoramic views over the bay
• Wander the historic center and soak up the laid-back, local vibe
• Spot stone faces and hidden courtyards as you get lost in the old town

9. Klis Fortress and/or Salona

🚗 Drive: 15–20 min inland from Split
🚌 Bus: Local buses run to both sites, but schedules can be a bit spotty
⭐ Visit for: Epic views, Roman ruins, and Game of Thrones filming locations
🚐 Recommended tour: Trogir, Salona, Stella Croatica & Klis Fortress

This is the perfect combo for history lovers—and it’s super easy to do in half a day.

Perched high above Split, Klis Fortress was a key defense post during Ottoman times, and its hilltop position offers jaw-dropping views of the city, sea, and surrounding mountains. If it looks familiar, you’ve probably seen it in Game of Thrones—this was Meereen, after all.

Just down the road, the ruins of Salona sit quietly outside the suburb of Solin. Once the Roman capital of Dalmatia, Salona has some seriously underrated ruins: an 18,000-seat amphitheater, Roman baths, temples, and early Christian basilicas. And best of all? It’s often crowd-free.

Klis & Salona highlights:

• Climb the fortress walls for 360° views of the Dalmatian coast
• Walk through a filming location from Game of Thrones
• Wander Roman ruins without the crowds
• Combine it with Trogir or an olive oil tasting for a full-day adventure

Where to stay in Split