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The best day trips from Split include visiting the stunning Krka National Park for its waterfalls, island hopping to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands for glamour and beaches, taking a speedboat tour to the magical Blue Cave, and exploring the historic UNESCO-listed town of Trogir, just 30 minutes away.
Your Ultimate Guide to Day Trips from Split
Split, with its magnificent Diocletian's Palace and bustling Riva promenade, is a world-class destination in its own right. But its strategic location on the Dalmatian coast makes it the perfect hub for exploring Croatia's most breathtaking sights. From cascading waterfalls and historic towns to glamorous islands and otherworldly sea caves, the best day trips from Split offer a diverse range of experiences, all within a few hours' journey.
This guide provides all the factual information you need to plan your 2026 Croatian adventure, with updated prices, travel times, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time.
For Nature Lovers: National Parks & Waterfalls
Croatia's natural landscapes are legendary. From Split, you can easily access two of its most famous national parks, each offering a unique experience.
Krka National Park: A Waterfall Wonderland
Krka National Park is one of Croatia's crown jewels and the most popular day trip from Split for a reason. It's renowned for its series of seven stunning travertine waterfalls on the Krka River, most famously the Skradinski Buk falls.- What to Expect: A network of wooden boardwalks meanders through lush greenery, leading you over turquoise waters and to spectacular viewpoints of the cascades. You can also visit the historic watermills and a small ethnographic museum. A boat trip to the Visovac Monastery, situated on a tiny island in the middle of a lake, is another highlight.
- Getting There: The park is approximately 85 km from Split. Organized bus tours are the most common method, costing between €30-€50 per person (excluding park entry). Driving takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Public buses are also available from the main Split bus terminal.
- Data & Prices:
- Insider Tip: To avoid the largest crowds, take the first bus of the day from Split or drive yourself to arrive right at the 8:00 AM opening time. The park is significantly more peaceful in the first hour.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Longer but Rewarding Journey
While a longer trip, visiting Plitvice Lakes is a bucket-list experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking spectacle of 16 terraced lakes connected by a series of waterfalls, all set in a deep woodland.- What to Expect: The water's color changes from azure to green, gray, and blue, creating an almost surreal landscape. A system of wooden walkways, electric boats, and a panoramic train helps you navigate the vast park.
- Getting There: Plitvice is about 240 km from Split, making for a long day (2.5-3 hours driving each way). For this reason, an organized tour is highly recommended. Tours typically last 12 hours and cost around €80-€100, including transportation and a guide.
- Data & Prices:
- Insider Tip: This is a full-day commitment. Pack comfortable walking shoes as you will cover several kilometers. Book your tour well in advance, as they sell out quickly in summer.
For Island Hoppers: Sun, Sea & Glamour
The Adriatic Sea is dotted with over a thousand islands, and some of the best are easily accessible from Split's ferry port.
Hvar Town & the Pakleni Islands
Hvar is Croatia's premier island destination, known for its vibrant nightlife, chic bars, Venetian architecture, and surrounding lavender fields. The nearby Pakleni Islands offer secluded coves and crystal-clear water.- What to Expect: Explore the cobbled streets of Hvar Town, hike up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for a panoramic view rated 4.7/5 stars by visitors, and then take a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing.
- Getting There: Fast catamarans (Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka) are the quickest way, taking about 1 hour from Split. A one-way ticket costs €15-€25. Organized speedboat tours often combine Hvar with other islands and cost €70-€100.
- Insider Tip: While Hvar Town is glamorous, don't miss the island's quieter side. Rent a scooter to explore Stari Grad, a UNESCO-protected plain, and discover hidden beaches away from the main crowds.
The Blue Cave & Five Islands Tour
This is the quintessential Croatian boat trip. This full-day speedboat adventure takes you to some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Adriatic.- What to Expect: The tour's main event is the Blue Cave on Biševo island, where sunlight refracts through the water to illuminate the cave in an ethereal blue light. The typical itinerary also includes swimming in Stiniva Cove (voted Europe's most beautiful beach), visiting the Green Cave, and relaxing on the Pakleni Islands.
- Getting There: This trip is only possible via organized speedboat tours due to the distances involved. Tours depart from the Split Riva around 7:30 AM and return around 6:00 PM (18:00).
- Data & Prices:
- Insider Tip: The Blue Cave entrance can close due to high waves. Tour operators monitor this closely, but it's good to have flexible plans. Bring a wind jacket, as the speedboat ride can be chilly in the morning.
Brač Island and Zlatni Rat Beach
Home to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of Europe's most famous and unique beaches, Brač is a fantastic destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.- What to Expect: Zlatni Rat is a V-shaped spit of land with a pebble beach that changes shape with the wind and currents. The island also offers charming towns like Bol and Supetar, and Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands, with stunning views.
- Getting There: Take the 50-minute car ferry from Split to Supetar (approx. €5 per person). From Supetar, it's a 40-minute bus or taxi ride to Bol and Zlatni Rat. All-inclusive boat trips from Split are also available for around €60-€80.
- Insider Tip: Zlatni Rat is a world-renowned windsurfing spot. If you're looking for a calmer swimming experience, the eastern side of the beach is usually more sheltered from the prevailing winds.
For History & Culture Aficionados
Dalmatia's history is rich and layered, with Roman, Venetian, and Slavic influences visible in its stunning architecture.
Trogir: The 'Stone Beauty'
Just a stone's throw from Split, the entire old town of Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a perfectly preserved Romanesque-Gothic town located on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges.- What to Expect: Get lost in a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, discover hidden courtyards, and admire landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Kamerlengo Fortress. Trogir is often called a 'museum city'.
- Getting There: This is the easiest day trip. The local bus line 37 runs every 20-30 minutes from the Sukoišan bus station in Split and takes about 30-40 minutes (costing ~€3). A Bura Line boat also runs from the Riva, offering a more scenic 1-hour journey for about €5.
- Insider Tip: Combine your trip to Trogir with a visit to the Kaštela, a series of seven coastal towns between Split and Trogir, each with its own historic castle (kaštel).
Šibenik & St. James Cathedral
Often overlooked for its more famous neighbors, Šibenik is a historical gem with two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the magnificent Cathedral of St. James and the sea-facing St. Nicholas' Fortress. It's also the closest major city to Krka National Park.- What to Expect: A charming, less-crowded old town with steep lanes and stone houses. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, built entirely from stone.
- Getting There: Šibenik is about 88 km north of Split. A direct bus takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €8-€12. Driving is the fastest option, taking just over 1 hour.
- Insider Tip: Many Krka National Park tours include a short stop in Šibenik. If you want to explore properly, dedicate a separate day or choose a tour that specifically focuses on the city.
For Adventure Seekers
Omiš & the Cetina River Canyon
Just 25 km south of Split lies the dramatic town of Omiš, nestled at the mouth of the Cetina River, which carves its way through a spectacular canyon. This is the adventure capital of Dalmatia.- What to Expect: A town with a unique history of pirates, framed by towering limestone cliffs. The Cetina River offers a playground for activities.
- Activities & Prices:
- Getting There: Frequent local buses from Split's main bus station take about 45 minutes.
- Insider Tip: After your adventure, hike up to the Mirabela or Starigrad fortresses, former pirate lookouts, for incredible views of the town, river, and the island of Brač.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Split
Can I do a day trip to Dubrovnik from Split?
While technically possible, it is not recommended. The drive is 3-4 hours each way, leaving very little time to explore Dubrovnik. It is much better experienced as an overnight trip to fully appreciate the city.
What is the easiest and cheapest day trip from Split?
Trogir is the easiest and most affordable day trip. It's only 28 km away and can be reached in 30 minutes by a local bus (Line 37) that costs only a few euros, making it perfect for a spontaneous half-day or full-day excursion.
Do I need to pre-book day tours from Split?
Yes, for popular trips like the Blue Cave & Five Islands tour and Krka National Park, it is highly recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially from June to September. These tours have limited capacity and sell out quickly.
What is the best month for day trips from Split?
The shoulder months of May, June, and September offer the best balance. You'll enjoy warm, sunny weather, fewer crowds than in July and August, and all ferry lines and tours will be fully operational.
Can you still swim in Krka National Park?
As of January 1, 2021, swimming is no longer permitted at Skradinski Buk, the park's largest and most famous waterfall. This regulation was put in place for conservation reasons. Always check the park's official website for current rules on designated swimming areas elsewhere.
How much should I budget for a day trip from Split?
Your budget will vary widely. For a self-guided trip using public transport like to Trogir, budget €30-€50 for transport, food, and entry fees. For an all-inclusive speedboat tour like the Blue Cave, budget €100-€130 per person.
What should I pack for a boat trip from Split?
Essential items include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a towel. Also, bring a light wind jacket for the speedboat ride and some cash (EUR) for small purchases, as not all island vendors accept credit cards.
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