If you looking for a central place to stay in Croatia from where you will be able to explore the country's major landmarks, the city of Split might be the answer! In this blog post, we share the best day trips from Split!
Split has it all! A lovely historic old town, museums, exciting restaurants for every budget, decent nightlife, beaches, tons of direct flights from the major European hubs, and, its central location, make it a perfect base to explore central Dalmatia, the islands, and beyond.
If you are staying in Split for more than two days, then we highly recommend that you visit some incredible places in the vicinity of Split. Split is a wonderful base to explore Dalmatia, many islands, as well as Plitvice Lakes or neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Split tours include something for every type of traveler.
The interesting islands to visit for a day include Brac, Hvar, Solta, Drenik Veli, and even Vis. If you like history, a visit to Solin is one of the great day trips from Split. Less than 15 km from Split, on a mountain pass between Kozjak and Mosor Mountains, lies the medieval Klis Fortress, well worth a visit on an excursion from Split. Trogir, a lovely medieval town, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is less than 30 km from Split.
If you plan to stay in Split for a few days, and you would like to experience something different than your usual Croatian coastal scenery, you should visit Mostar. Split is also a great base to visit other Dalmatian towns, like Zadar, Šibenik, or Dubrovnik. Zadar is less than 160 km from Split while Dubrovnik is 230 km south of Split.
Located less than an hour's drive from Split, Krka Waterfalls is one of Croatian eight national parks, and a wonderful site to visit when in Split. Plitvice Lakes National Park, the single most visited natural site in Croatia, is another must-do day tour from Split.
If you like red wine, it would be a shame to come to Split and not taste local red wines, since one of the best-known red wines sorts, Zinfandel, originates from the area close to Split.
The nearby town of Omis with Cetina River Canyon offers many adventure activities to partake in while staying in Split. Rafting and canoeing on the Cetina River are some of the most popular outdoor adventures in Croatia, and one of our favorite day trips from Split. When in Split, don’t miss on zip-lining across the Cetina River Canyon. A short drive from Split, you can choose between two sites to try your hand at canyoning: Badnjevica, and Cetina. River tubing happens at a calm part of river Cetina, along a 3 km long course.
A quad ride through the abandoned villages in the mountains is another adventure in Split worth taking. Exploring the nearby mountain of Mosor on foot is also one of the great things to do in Split. Or, get onboard a jeep, for an exciting ride through Mosor Mountain.
If you look for some adrenaline rush, and to take Split, and beautiful Adriatic, from yet another perspective, skydiving might be just the right answer for you.
Below, we share the top twenty day trips from Split.
Table of Contents
A few thoughts on Split tours
If you don't like to change the accommodation every night, but you still feel like seeing as many places as possible, finding a good base to stay in is essential. Split is one of those places in Croatia.
It is a wonderful base to explore Dalmatia, many islands, as well as Plitvice Lakes or neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. So, if you are staying in Split for more than two days, don’t miss some of the day trips from Split.
You can do lots of day tours from Split on your own, or you can take small-group tours. Roads in Croatia are in good condition and driving in Croatia is pretty easy. If you plan to rent a car in Croatia, you can check the prices and book a car online through the Rentalcars website. For every Split excursion described below, we'll also give you information about the self-drive trip.
If you aren't comfortable driving on your own, all those tours from Split come also as small-group tours, and you can book them online through platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator. There, you can also read reviews of other travelers who have taken these Split excursions themselves. Here you can find more than 200 various tours and activities in Split.
Whatever works best for you!
20 incredible day trips from Split
Split tours include something for every type of traveler. Whether you are into water sports, outdoor activities, history, nature, food, and wine, or beach hopping, and sailing, you’ll find something to do in Split.
Below you will find our favorite Split day trips. We included all the information you might need whether you decide to do these Split tours as a self-drive or an organized group tour.
Split island tours
You know that only a few years ago, Split, as far as tourists were concerned, was only a place where they all came just to catch a ferry boat to nearby islands. Back in time, Split wasn’t a touristy town. It was an industrial town, and a getaway port to more popular tourist destinations, like the island of Brac, or Hvar.
Today, Split is one of the most visited places in Croatia, and some of the most popular Split excursions include a visit to the nearby islands for a day or two. Things change sometimes in unexpected ways.
If you stay in Split for a couple of days, you should get out to the sea, and visit some of the islands. The interesting islands to visit for a day include Brac, Hvar, Solta, Drenik Veli, and even Vis (although Vis asks for at least two days).
You can visit these islands by ferry boat, on your own. It’s perhaps the cheapest option unless you travel by car (car fares for the ferry come at a hefty price!). But it’s also the most limiting option if you have limited time on your hands.
Sailing is perhaps the best option. And, no, it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are various agencies offering a daily sailing trip to the islands. The prices vary from 80 € (95$, 70£) to 120 € (140$, 100£) per person, depending on the size and the style of the boat, and the season.
The two most popular island hopping tours include the Hvar 5 islands & Blue cave tour and the Full-day catamaran tour to Hvar and Pakleni Islands.
Sail away for a day (or night)
How about a simple day of sailing with really nowhere to go, no set destination in mind where you need to arrive? Just pure relaxation at the sea. Away from hustle and bustle of Split, or any other tourist-filled sites.
Now, that’s the way to unwind! And if you have spare time while staying in Split, a Scottish couple organizes day and sunset sails for up to six persons on board their 42-foot sailing boat Nera.
The trip includes drinks and a freshly prepared lunch. Day sailing tour lasts 7 hours (from 10 am to 5 pm). The cost is 180 euros per person (195$, 150£).
The sunset sailing tour is shorter. It includes small bites and drinks. Dinner is optional. The price is 75 euros (approx 87$, or 65£) per person.
More info on the Sunburst Sailing website.
Visit Roman ruins in Solin
Solin is a small town 6 km away from Split. In Roman times it was an administrative center of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Its ancient name was Salona. If you like history, a visit to Solin is one of the great day trips from Split.
There are Roman ruins, including a basilica, amphitheater, pillars, many sarcophagi, etc. The site is maybe not as impressive as some other roman sites like Pompeii or Ostia Antica. However, a visit to Solin makes a nice day tour from Split.
You can easily reach Salona using Split city bus #1. Otherwise, you can book a tour that includes a visit to Salona.
Klis fortress
Less than 15 km from Split, on a mountain pass between Kozjak and Mosor Mountains, lies the medieval Klis Fortress.
The fortress had a very important defensive role throughout history. And it’s a remarkable example of fortification architecture in Dalmatia.
The site is pretty large, and it rises on a cliff. Besides ruins, a small museum, and a church, you can enjoy spectacular views over Split, Adriatic, and the islands.
The site was a filming set for Meereen scenes in the HBO Games of Thrones series. You can visit the fortress as a part of this Game of Thrones tour.
Otherwise, you can visit a fortress on a self-guided tour, by car, or by local bus. Bus number 22 leaves from HNK station in Split, and the fare is 3€ (3.25 $, 2.65 £).
The entrance fee to the fortress is 10 € (10.8 $, 8.8 £). There is a fair amount of climbing, but nothing really demanding.
More info about the history of the Klis fortress.
Visit Trogir and the Blue Lagoon
Trogir, a lovely medieval town, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is less than 30 km from Split.
First founded by Greeks, in the 3rd century BC, many different nations ruled the town, like Romans, Venetians, Hapsburg Monarchy, French, and Italians, before Croatia gained independence in 1991.
Trogir is relatively small, and you can see all major landmarks within an hour. Some of the landmarks include the 15th-century Kamerlango Fortress, interesting Palaces like Garagnin-Fanfogna Palace, and Cipiko Palace; St. Lawrence Church is especially nice, as well as the former Duke’s Palace (serving as the city hall today), clock tower, and loggia.
The town is built of stone with narrow cobbled streets, charming architecture, and secret courtyards. Visiting Trogir is a must-do day trip from Split.
If you are visiting Trogir during summer, consider hopping to the island of Drvenik Veli for the best swimming and snorkeling in the area.
Drvenik Veli is a small island, just over an hour's boat ride from Trogir. Very few people live on the island, and there isn’t any large tourist infrastructure. The most popular spot on the island is Uvala Krknjasi, popularly called Blue Lagoon due to its turquoise waters.
Many local agencies from Split offer a day trip to Blue Lagoon.
Split to Mostar day trip
If you plan to stay in Split for a few days, and you would like to experience something different than your usual Croatian coastal scenery, you should visit Mostar. Mostar, in neighboring Bosnia & Herzegovina, is a beautiful medieval town with characteristic Ottoman architecture.
The town is just a bit over a two-hour drive from Split, and the drive isn't too difficult. From Split to Međugorje, you drive on the multi-lane A1 motorway. And the last 35 km from Međugorje to Mostar the drive is on a single-carriageway state road that passes through many villages. So, if you have your own car or decide to rent a car, you can do this trip on your own.
Go early in the morning to make the most of your visit to Mostar. Plan a small detour to the Kravica Waterfalls, a lovely site near the village of Studenci. You can swim in the lake, and under the waterfalls, or just have a drink in one of the few bars there.
If you are religious, or you have a slight interest in pilgrimage sites, you can also pay a visit to Međugorje.
While you can easily do this tour yourself, if you are short of time, don't feel like driving in a foreign country, or find car rental too expensive, you can take a group tour.
Spend a day at the Krka Waterfalls
Located less than an hour's drive from Split, Krka Waterfalls is one of Croatian eight national parks, and a wonderful site to visit when in Split.
While Krka Waterfalls might be less known, and thus less popular than Plitvice Lakes, they are as beautiful, and you can actually swim in these emerald waters (as of 2021, swimming is unfortunately not allowed any longer).
The entire park has numerous hiking trails, along lakes, waterfalls, and caves. The best way to visit the park is to take a boat from Skradin. But if you are short of time, you can simply drive to the park, and start exploring.
The main sights include Roski slap, a 22 m high waterfall, Skradinski buk, the longest travertine barrier of Krka River, Visovac, a tiny island featuring Franciscan Monastery, and the 15th century Church of Our Lady of Visovac. Other sights include numerous caves, remains of medieval fortresses, and beautifully restored watermills.
Tips & Info
It’s easy to visit the park on your own from Split if you have a car (or you rent a car for a day). If you don’t have a car, you can go with a tour company.
If you would like to see all the main sights, go early in the morning, and spend the entire day in the park. If you don't have enough time, limit your visit to one or two sights. Skradinski buk is a short 10-minute walk from the parking.
Ticket prices 2023 | Nov-March: 7 € (7.2 $, 5.8 £) per adult, 4 € (4.3 $, 3.5 £) per child (7-18) | April, May, Oct: 20 € (21.7 $, 17.5 £) per adult, 15 € (16.2 $, 13.1 £) per child (7-18) | June-Sept: 40 € (43.3 $, 35 £) per adult, 28 € (30.3 $, 24.5 £) per child (7-18);
*Exchange rate is about 1$=0,9 €, 1£=1,14 €
Children below 7 are free of charge. The ticket includes all sites, a return boat ticket from Skradin to Skradinski buk, and a return bus ticket from entrance Lozovac to Skradinski buk. Boats and buses don’t run from Nov to March.
More info about the park is on the Krka Waterfalls website.
Recommended tours to Krka Waterfalls:
Plitvice Lakes tour from Split
Plitvice Lakes National Park, the single most visited natural site in Croatia, is another must-do day tour from Split. The park is truly beautiful consisting of 16 interconnected lakes, and endless waterfalls, dams, cascades, bridges, and boardwalks.
Our simple advice for this day trip: if you have time, just GO. It will take you about 3 hours to drive each way, but it's worth it. Also count at least four hours at the park, although six hours would be better.
If you don't feel like rushing, you can stay overnight near the park, and return to Split the next day. There are lots of private accommodations and family-run hotels in the vicinity of the park. Check here availability and prices. There are also a couple of state-run hotels at the entrance to the park, like hotel Jezero.
You can read our full post on Plitvice Lakes, and on Plitvice Lakes accommodation.
Discover Dubrovnik
If you don't plan to spend a night in Dubrovnik, but would still like to visit it, you can do so on a full-day trip from Split.
Dubrovnik is 230 km south of Split, and it takes about 3 hours to reach it by car or coach. You can do it on your own, or you can book a group tour to Dubrovnik.
The first half of the trip is along the A1 multilane motorway (from Split to Ploce), and the second part is along the coastal road D8 (from Ploce to Dubrovnik). This coastal road is one of the most scenic in Croatia. If you travel by car and you have time to spare, climb up to the old Napoleonian road in the village of Slano for even better views.
Here is our full post on how to get from Split to Dubrovnik.
Once in Dubrovnik, walk the old city walls and explore other Dubrovnik sights. Here you can find our full post on things to do in Dubrovnik.
Visit Zadar
Split is also a great base to visit other Dalmatian towns, like Zadar, Šibenik, or Dubrovnik. Zadar is less than 160 km from Split, and the two towns are connected by a modern multilane motorway.
Zadar is a nice coastal town with a long and rich history still clearly visible in the old town. However, Zadar has been badly bombed and damaged in WWII. Thus, the Roman and Venetian architecture mix with post-war buildings more dominantly than in Split, Trogir, or Dubrovnik.
Zadar has a cool city vibe, fewer crowds, a lovely seafront, and one of the best sunsets on the Adriatic.
The main sights include the Sea Organs, a musical instrument played by waves and tide passing through 35 tubes of various heights and lengths located under marble stairs extending as far as 70 m; a Greeting to the Sun, next to the Sea Organs this installation is made of solar panels set on the floor that make a playful light show best experienced at nighttime; a round pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donat dates back to 9th century, and along with a bell tower, is one of the main attractions in Zadar; located just in front of the St. Donat Church, a town's square Forum dates back to 1st century BC.
Visit a winery
Did you know that Zinfandel grapes originate from Croatia? In fact, Zinfandel is an old Croatian wine sort, known here as Tribidrag or Crljenjak Kastelanski (Crljenak from Kastela). And Kastela is just on the outskirts of Split.
If you like red wine, it would be a shame to come to Split and not taste local red wines, since one of the best-known red wines sorts, Zinfandel, originates from the area close to Split. And the best place to do so while in Split is the Putalj Winery.
This is a small, family-run winery, with vineyards located in nearby Kastela, overlooking the sea, and Split town. The tour includes a transfer from and to Split, a visit to the winery followed by a wine tasting that is accompanied by local produce: cheese, prosciutto, and bread.
Reservation is needed. And the place is usually booked well in advance.
You can find more info on their website.
Go white-water rafting
Rafting on the Cetina River is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in Croatia, and one of our favorite day trips from Split. And there are no excuses not to try it!
First, Omis, a small coastal town where white-water rafting awaits you, is a gem for all kinds of adventures (rafting, canoeing, canyoning, zip-lining …), and it’s only 20 km south of Split.
Second, haven’t you always been dreaming about putting that wet suit on?! Everybody simply looks… well … ridiculously funny!
Third, this is one of those places where, as an adult, you can scream … along with your adult companions in the raft.
All jokes aside, rafting on the Cetina River is a must. It doesn’t take any previous experience to do this tour. The course is 4-hours long, but it’s not all paddling. It also includes a few short stops along the way for swimming (only for those who don’t fret cold waters), cliff jumping, and resting.
Many agencies offer rafting on the river, with a transfer from and to Split. Prices go from 33 € ( 35.7 $, 29£) without a transfer to 60 € (65 $, 53 £) with the transfer.
Recommended tours:
Zip-line over Cetina Canyon
Note for all: For those who haven’t done it yet – zip-lining is awesome! For those who have done it already – you know what I’m talking about!
When in Split, don’t miss on zip-lining across the Cetina River Canyon. The site is a short 20 km ride from Split (in summer it takes 45 minutes by car because of heavy traffic between Split and Omis).
Once there you’ll have a choice of eight lines, each of different lengths, heights, and speeds. At the fastest wire, you can catch a speed of up to 65 km per hour. All that while hanging 150 m above the ground and admiring fantastic views over the canyon.
Do a tour on your own if you have a car to reach the site. But make sure you book at least two days in advance. You can do so through the Zip-line Croatia website. The price is 55€ (60 $, 48 £) per person.
If you’d rather have organized transport, consider a guided tour. Check the one below!
Canyoning
If you search for even more adrenaline rush than rafting, zip-lining, or sky-diving can get you, why not try canyoning while in Split?
A short drive from Split, you can choose between two sites to try your hand at canyoning: Badnjevica, and Cetina.
Badnjevica is more popular among locals than tourists. It’s a lovely canyon of river Suvaja, in Imotski region. Canyoning in Badnjevica includes hiking through the forest and shallow water, abseiling down a 17 m-long waterfall, swimming, and cliff jumping. You can find more info on the Split Adventures website.
Cetina canyoning is one of the best outdoor activities in the vicinity of Split. The tour starts in the village of Zadvarje where you get a safety brief. Afterward, guides take you to the starting point where the tour starts with repelling down a cliff into the water. The tour combines some hiking, rope lowering, cliff jumping, swimming, and for most of the time – floating down the river pushed by streams, and rapids.
Bear in mind that the tour takes around 5 hours (including a transfer from and to Split). Bring a good pair of hiking shoes, the rest of the equipment is provided (even shoes are provided, but we prefer wearing our shoes). The temperature of the water is anywhere between 15 °C and 17 °C, depending on the season.
Lots of agencies offer this day trip, like Adventure Dalmatia, and Split Adventure. The prices go from 65 € (70 $, 57 £) per person for standard canyoning on Cetina, 80 € (87 $, 70 £) per person for extreme canyoning on Cetina, and 105 € (114 $, 92 £) per person for Badnjevica canyoning (transfers included).
Recommended tours:
Canoe safari
You must have figured out by now that Cetina River is THE place for all who look for outdoor adventures close to Split.
Canoe safari is basically rafting in calm waters, and in summer, waters on Cetina are normally calm. This means that canoe safari is perhaps more appropriate than rafting at that time of the year.
The tour lasts a bit less than four hours, but worry not, you don't spend all the time paddling. The course is just over ten kilometers, and it includes a few swimming stops along the way.
Prices start at 55 € (60 $, 48 £) per person (transfer included).
River tubing
When you feel lazy but still want to experience some outdoor activities, river tubing comes as an ideal adventure. It is fun. It requires a minimum fitness level (Yay for that!). And if you are anything like me, you prefer sports that include lying down.
River tubing happens at a calm part of river Cetina, along a 3 km long course. There are few rapids to push you down the stream, but for the rest you’ll be floating down the river, relaxing in your tube, admiring lovely scenery.
Prices start at 55€ (60 $, 48 £) per person (transfer included).
For more info check the Adventure Dalmatia website.
Explore the countryside with ATV
ATV for those who don't know stands for all-terrain vehicles, and growing up in Canada, I had lots of experience riding these beasts. However, Vera was a little familiar with quads.
When she insisted that we rent one in Bol, and go off-road driving along the dusty coastal road to Ciccio tavern, I knew she'll regret it the minute we touch the gravel path. Three years since then, she's still not ready for another quad ride.
Quad rides are bumpy, and quads can seem unstable at times. But that's what makes riding them fun.
A quad ride through the abandoned villages in the mountains is another adventure in Split worth taking. The ride gives you an opportunity to experience a different Croatia, far from the main tourist sites.
You'll drive through half-abandoned villages, stop at the heights of mountains for spectacular views, and end your tour with a lovely picnic before heading back to Split.
Hike Mosor Mountain
Once you visit Dalmatia, you'll quickly learn that not only the wonderful Adriatic Sea but high mountains stretching all along the coast, make this region really, really special.
I am an avid walker. A two-hour walk a day is part of my daily routine. I wouldn’t skip it for anything. But there is one thing I notice immediately when I arrive at my in-laws' place in Dalmatia. My daily step count might be the same, but my floor count goes up to the skies. Dalmatia is mountainous, and I love it even more for that.
Exploring the nearby mountain of Mosor on foot is also one of the great things to do in Split. Mosor Mountain is part of the Dinaric Alps, rugged mountains stretching from Slovenia to the northwest all the way down to Albania to the southeast.
You can access Mosor from Klis, Zrnovnica, and Gornje Sitno. You can reach all three villages by public bus from Split: no. 22 for Klis, and no. 28 for Zrnovnica and Gornje Sitno. You can do the same by car.
Trails are well marked (red and white sign), and on weekends you’ll meet many locals. Whether you decide to do a full round trip of the ridge or just a part of it, don’t miss Umberto Girometta mountain hut. Plan for a comforting (and rewarding) rustic, homemade lunch here.
You can do a hike on your own (read this blog post on how to do it), or you can book a guided hiking tour on the Split Adventure website.
Jeep Safari
We’ve just given you an idea of hiking Mosor Mountain. But, maybe you aren’t keen on hiking unknown mountains on your own. Or, you aren’t in shape for hiking at all. Still, you too would like to experience Split’s hinterland and fresh mountainous air. Don’t worry!
Get onboard a jeep, for an exciting ride on Mosor Mountain. The tour takes you along the south slopes of Mosor to the abandoned villages in the hinterland. You’ll also have a chance to experience an off-road drive along the mountain, as well as to visit some typical villages and enjoy a BBQ by the river. Highly recommended! More information here …
Sky-diving
Skydiving is not for the faint-hearted. But for those who dare to do it, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences to have. I know this first-hand. And I was (seriously!) scared to death. And wishing never to have boarded that plane in the first place. But once down on the ground, I was happy to have done it. It’s off my bucket list, and I won’t repeat it. For me, once was enough. Anyways …
If you look for some adrenaline rush, and to take Split, and beautiful Adriatic, from yet another perspective, skydiving might be just the right answer for you.
Your plane takes off from a small sports airport in Sinj, 40 km east of Split. The tour includes a panoramic flight and a tandem jump. The freefall lasts for about 30 seconds, and a parachute flight lasts a bit less than 10 minutes.
Sky Dive Adria offers tandem jumps in Split.
More Info about Visiting Split
We have written a couple of other articles about Split. You might like to start with our Split Travel Guide which will give you all the essential information you need to plan your holidays in Split. With our post on the Best Things to do in Split, you will better organize your time in Split and also make sure you don't miss something important. All you need to know about Split accommodation you can find in our post on Where to stay in Split. And no stay in Split would be complete without tasting some of the best food Split has on offer. Here is our post on the best restaurants in Split.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave them in the comments below!
