Looking for day trips from Split Croatia? As the second-largest city in Croatia, Split is never short of things to do. Whether you are exploring the expanse of Diocletian’s Palace, or kicking back and relaxing on the shore of Bacvice Beach, there is an activity that will tickle the fancy of all travelers.
One particular experience that you simply must enjoy while visiting Split is to take advantage of one of the many Split day trips available. There are various Croatia day trips, originating from Split, that make the city the perfect springboard for adventure.
Best Day Trips from Split Croatia
Here is a list of the top day tours from Split that will bring you up close to the rich history, culture, and beauty of the country. Croatia is a beautiful country with so much to explore. Make sure you book your stay in Split close to the picturesque Split old town to be within walking distance to all the attractions and the Split Market. Make sure to add Split to your two-week Croatia itinerary.
Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice day trip from Split follows a road inland that climbs steeply out of Split, providing fantastic views of the historic town and the Adriatic coastline. You then pass through a long tunnel to emerge in a completely different landscape of rolling hills and farms. Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s oldest national park and is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Sinead from Map Made Memories
The beautiful park is famous for its sixteen, mineral-rich lakes, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visit as early as you can, or later in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. There are Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes to explore, with eight walking trails to choose from.
The two sections are linked by longer hiking trails or alternatively, you can cross Lake Kozjak which connects the two sections of the park on a tranquil boat ride. The Lower Lakes section is where you will find those breathtaking views that you see on postcards or in articles about Plitvice.
Simple wooden walkways wind around waterfalls tumbling into blue lakes leading to Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall. However, ensure you leave sufficient time to visit the Upper Lakes. The earthen paths are much quieter and there is more diverse flora and fauna to see.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee to Plitvice Lakes in winter 55 kuna (8 USD); 110 kunas (16 USD) in Apr-Jun and Sept-Oct; and 180 kunas (26 USD) in July and August. See here for the ticket prices on the park’s official website. All buses and ferries within the park are included in the ticket price.
A day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Split highlights all of this beauty, and more. You can book your Plitvice day trip from Split here.
Split to Krka National Park
One of the best day trips from Split is to the Krka National Park Croatia. Here, you’ll find the seriously impressive Krka Waterfalls. The most majestic of them all is the Skradinski Buk Waterfall, which is so much more than just a waterfall. In fact, it is the largest travertine cascade system in the world and is comprised of a series of seven magnificent falls, tumbling through the forested national park.
Jeanne from Learning to Breathe Abroad
Getting to the Krka Waterfalls from Split is an experience in itself. The bus from Split to Krka takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you get off the bus the starting point is the delightful old town of Skradin with its narrow alleyways dotted with alfresco restaurants. From here you’ll catch the hourly boat up the Krka River to the main falls. The paths are clearly marked with wooden walkways that take you on a circular path up, over and back down the other side of the falls.
You’ll pass through a little village where you can see water mills and blacksmiths still in action. Frogs and dragonflies abound and the turquoise waters will mesmerize you! The best part about Krka Waterfalls is that after your long hike around the falls you are allowed to jump in for a swim, but be warned, the water is absolutely icy!
The entrance fee to Krka National Park entrance fee is 110 Kuna for Adults and 80 Kuna for Kids. This includes the boat trip from Skradin to the Skradinski Buk waterfall. The boat leaves Skradin for Skradinski Buk waterfall on the hour and returns from the waterfall on the half-hour, with the last boat leaving the waterfall at 5.30pm in summer. Please note that the boat only runs from April to October.
Only an hour’s drive from Split, Krka should definitely be on top of your to-do list! Tick this off with this Krka tour from Split and see the Croatia waterfalls.
Split to Primosten Croatia
Primosten along the Dalmatian coastline is a fantastic day trip to do from Split. The scenic landscape along the coastal expressway is flat and relatively fast, so you can visit this as a nice day trip even with many stops along the way including the island city of Trogir. Make sure to make a stop at Testament Winery that will be on your way.
Don’t pass up on a lovely seafood lunch in one of the many restaurants lining the small harbor and try some delicious regional seafood specialties of the area. Check out this post on the local foods to try in Dalmatia here for more inspiration and what to eat in the area.
Split to Trogir
Trogir is one of the most beautifully situated and best-preserved medieval towns, not only in Croatia but in all of Europe. It sits on a small island and is surrounded by 15th-century defensive walls. Strolling through Trogir’s narrow alleyways is a real delight, especially for anyone interested in history or architecture.
This is a very easy day trip or even a half-day trip from Split, as it’s located just 25 kilometers away. To get there by public transport, you can take one of the buses going from the main Split bus station to Šibenik or Zadar, most of which pass through Trogir. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance, though, as they sometimes sell out.
Alternatively, you can take the local bus No. 37. This one leaves every 20 minutes from Split’s Sukosan station, which is a bit farther from the city center than the main station.
The most impressive of Trogir’s beautiful buildings are surely the Cathedral of St. Lovro. The Romanesque portal was sculpted by Master Radovan in AD 1240, and it certainly is a masterpiece. A walk along the Kamerlengo Fortress walls is a must. From up there, you’ll have sweeping views of the coast and the Mediterranean Sea.
If you stay in Trogir for dinner, you must try one of the Trogir Restaurants. Konoba TRS is a lovely place to have an evening meal. And if the weather is warm, you can dine al fresco in the garden. Konoba TRS can also provide meals for vegan and vegetarian travelers in Croatia.
If you are looking for something a little different, you can book this epic sea kayak tour in Trogir.
Ferry From Split to Korcula
Korcula has got to be one of the most underrated islands in Croatia. In an age of over-tourism, this means that it is an absolute gem. Not nearly as crowded as the neighboring islands of Hvar and Brac, but just as beautiful and with its own charm, Korcula is the perfect escape if you are looking for a little peace and quiet.
Hayley from Ms Blissness
After years of living in the shadows of its more glamorous neighbors, Korcula is starting to emerge as a destination of quality and luxury. But it’s at the perfect point of not yet being flooded with tourists. Getting from Split to Korcula is fairly easy. You can just hop on a ferry at the port of Split. The ferry ride from Split to Korcula is usually about 2 hours 20 minutes long.
What makes Korcula so fascinating? It happens to be the birthplace of world traveler and writer, Marco Polo. You can even visit what is believed to be his old childhood home – found amongst the streets in the Old Town. There are several Marco Polo stores in the area and part of his house is open for visitor tours.
If you’re looking for a beautiful sunset spot and a cocktail, then check out Massimo cocktail bar. This is one of the most popular spots on the island, offering some of the most incredible views. Korcula is also well-known for its wine, which makes it a fabulous place for wine tasting.
The most famous wine of the island is Posip. If you are there – you’ve got to give it a try. Other things you have to with one day in Korcula include; climbing up St Mark’s Cathedral, exploring the old town, and checking out the beaches.
Korcula truly is one of the greatest jewels of Croatia. It’s a charming little island with so much to offer travelers who are looking for something “different,” and a little less crowded.
Split to Brac
Brac Island Croatia is not only the best day trip you can take from Split, but is, in fact, one of the best places you can visit anywhere in Croatia! Located just a short 1-hour ferry ride from the mainland Split to Brac Island is literally like paradise on Earth. Though not large, it offers numerous driving and cycling trips all across the island.
Bradley from Dream Big Travel Far Blog
On the far side, you find perhaps the most appealing reason for visiting … Brac beach, Zlatni Rat. This is an arrow-shaped beach that sticks out into the water. On all sides, the shallow water is crystal clear and turquoise blue. In turn, it is a beautiful sight to behold, both from on the beach itself, as well as from above.
The best place to do exactly this is Vidova Gora, which is a high point of the island, located roughly halfway across the island on your journey from the ferry terminal to Zlatni Rat Brac. I recommend visiting Brac with some mode of transport, perhaps a car or scooter. We drove over, but I do believe it’s possible to hire an array of vehicles near to the ferry terminal in Brac.
Cruise from Split to Brac Island along the Dalmatian coast in a catamaran with this tour.
Split to Hvar Day Trip
Hvar is a Croatian island best known for the many summer resorts – which should come at no surprise seeing as it is considered the sunniest spot in the country. Hvar offers the ultimate luxury getaway, with fancy yachts, posh restaurants, and legendary parties.
While Hvar is known as the place “to be seen” in Croatia, it also offers hidden gems that tell of incredible ancient history. With sweeping landscapes of vineyards and lavender fields, as well as abandoned ancient villages, Hvar has something special to offer everyone.
Taking a boat of some sort is the only way to enjoy a Hvar day trip. The ferry offers a beautiful experience as you take in the expansive views of the Adriatic Sea on your way to the island. A ferry leaves Split harbor three times a day – at 8:30 am, 2 pm and 8:30 pm respectively, and transports travelers to Hvar over the course of two hours.
There are so many fun and enriching activities to do in Hvar. If you are a history-lover, make sure that you visit Hvar’s main port, Stari Grad, which is the oldest town in Croatia, and pop into the Stari Grad Museum. Enjoy local cuisine in one of the deserted villages, taste some of Croatia’s best wines, and indulge in the local party scene.
For the best views and incredible island experience, you can book your private Hvar tour here.
Split to Dubrovnik
Day trips from Dubrovnik to Split (and vice versa) are incredibly popular among travelers visiting Croatia. Dubrovnik is loved as a travel destination for many different reasons, most iconically perhaps as a film location for the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’. However, there is so much more to the historic city such as walking the city wall of the ‘Old Town’, take the cable car to Mount Srđ and relax on Banje Beach.
While the distance from Split to Dubrovnik is slightly further than most – a total of 230 kilometers – the size of the two cities means that there are various transport options available. This availability of transport is also the reason that there are so many day tours from Dubrovnik on offer.
There are two routes to take if you choose to drive from Split to Dubrovnik, either the longer scenic route or the shorter route which goes through the Bosnian border. If driving, you can expect to take approximately four hours. You can also opt for a bus, which many budget travelers do.
The fastest way to travel from Split to Dubrovnik is by plane, where a trip only takes 40 minutes. Make sure that you do your research on the flights first, as direct flights are not always available, and a stop may need to be made in Zagreb.
While the trip to Dubrovnik is slightly longer, it is still most definitely worth the visit – just prepare yourself for a long day. To make things easier and more efficient, you can book a Dubrovnik day tour here.
Split to Mostar Day Trip
Mostar is a breathtakingly beautiful city in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its picture-perfect Stari Most (a reconstructed medieval bridge), the city is guaranteed to steal your heart.
The effects of the recent war in the 1990s can still be experienced when visiting Mostar. Although safe now, the buildings are bullet-marked and many buildings are abandoned. Exploring the streets of the city induces a very sentimental experience as you learn about the war and the history behind it.
Despite being in a different country, Mostar is relatively easy to visit on a day trip from Split. A short distance of 169 kilometers, there are regular buses that transport travelers to Mostar within three to four hours. These buses leave from as early as 6 am, giving you ample time to explore the beauty and history of Mostar.
Taking these roads also shares a lot of insight into the history of the war along the route. It is also possible to reach Mostar within 2,5 hours if you rent a car or travel with a private ride.
Once in Mostar, be sure to visit Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque which was built in 1618. Climbing the narrow staircase of the mosque will bring you face-to-face with the most spectacular view of Stari Most and the Neretva River. You can also wander the street and take in the abundance of street art and visit the abandoned sniper tower.
A visit to Mostar offers you a different experience to lazing on the beaches of the various Croatian Islands and is a must-visit spot for anyone with an eye for off-beat beauty.
To make it easy for you, you can book a day tour to Mostar here.
Split to Sibenik Day Trip
Sibenik is one of the jewels of the Croatian seaside. Tucked away in a small, natural fjord of the Adriatic Sea, the town was founded in the 15th century. It is easy to reach it from the main highway heading from the North to the South of the coastline. All you have to do is to make a detour for a 3-4-h break in this town and enjoy its medieval architecture and mighty fortresses. Close to the town, there is a small beach too so Sibenik really has it all.
Iuliana Marchian from Authentic Travels
With its narrow, winding streets and tiny squares that appear in the most unexpected squares, Sibenik can be simply enjoyed wandering its picturesque alleys and admiring its stone buildings. Almost all the town is interspersed with restaurants and pavement cafes from where you can watch people passing by and take in the atmosphere of the place. Sometimes festivals take place right in the street and you can take part in the local happenings too.
But what makes Sibenik a unique example of medieval architecture is the complexity of its defensive system – composed of no less than three imposing fortresses. Tvardava Sveti Mihovila is located right in the heart of the historic center. It dominates the old town from a hilltop and it is connected to the impressive city walls. The other two fortresses (Tvrdava Sveti Ivana and Tvardava Barone) are located out of the city center and were used to defend the old town from the neighboring hills.
There is an entrance fee for the fortresses of Sibenik but the good news is that after restoration, these fortresses (two of them – Tvardava Sveti Mihovila and Tvardava Barone) can be visited with a combo ticket, which is a much better option than focusing only on one.
Explore the oldest native Croatian city on the Adriatic on this private Sibenik sightseeing tour.
Split to Zadar Day Trip
Located on the Dalmatian coast and less than a 2-hour drive north from Split, Zadar is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia.
Ioana Stoica from The World is My Playground
The old town of the city is on a small peninsula, accessible by a pedestrian bridge. The city can easily be seen in a day since all the tourist sites are conveniently located in the old town. You may have to park your car outside the old city walls, and enter by foot using the pedestrian bridge since the historic center doesn’t have too many parking lots (or too much space for them!).
Walking the cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see the lasting influence of the Venetian empire. After all, Zadar is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and it’s dripping in historical charm and marble.
Don’t miss the sea organ, a series of underwater pipes that interact with water waves to create beautiful and relaxing music. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Zadar! Steps away, you’ll find the Monument of the Sun. This spot is also very popular at sunset time when tourists line the steps to enjoy the famous Zadar sunsets. It’s also where cruise ships dock, so it can get pretty busy when there’s cruise traffic.
Zigzag through the historic town to explore hidden gems and to see all the old gates, including the original entrance, Land Gate. Walk to the top of the Church of St. Donatus tower for an awesome panoramic view and the Zadar Cathedral.
Wrap up your day with dinner at one of the many lively restaurants in the old town.
Enjoy this private day-trip to Zadar.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Split Croatia
Split is the perfect launch point for several day trips and tours to surrounding areas, making your holiday significantly more exciting and enriching. There are so many interesting Croatia day tours to make your Split trip unforgettable!
Whether you are looking to enjoy a bit of relaxation, sample some tasty food, indulge in the party scene or absorb yourself in history – there’s something for you.
