Best Day Trips from Split

With stunning scenery, great food, exceptional weather, and tons of historic attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian's Palace, you could spend a very long time in the Croatian town of Split without getting bored.

However, as charming as Split Old Town is, it would be a shame to visit the city and not explore a little further afield. After all, the surrounding islands in the Adriatic Sea make for incredible day trip locations close to the city. And if you're willing to travel a little further afield, this part of Croatia is home to some stunning national parks, charming villages, and fascinating locations well worth visiting.

Drop off your bags at a Split luggage storage, and you'll be ready to set off on the best day trips from Split. Once you've visited the best museums in Split and tried all the delicious food there is on offer here, these Split day trips will show you much more of what the country has to offer.

How to get out of Split

If you're wondering how you're going to travel to the best day trips from Split, it's going to take a bit of planning. The railway infrastructure in Croatia isn't all it could be, and so public transport can be patchy. You can learn more about navigating the city with our guide on how to get around Split, but if you plan on traveling further afield, renting a car might be a better option. This is especially true if you want to visit the national parks or have full control to plan your own day trip.

Of course, many of the best day trips from Split will require crossing the water sooner or later. Traveling by boat is an excellent way to enjoy some of the best day trips from Split, and for many locations, there is no other way to get there. So bring your sea legs with you when you visit - or your anti-seasickness medication if you have to.

From Split to Hvar Town

Hvar is one of the most popular islands in Croatia, and it's not hard to see why. With a fascinating history dating back to pre-Roman times, Hvar Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Combine that with stunning beaches, lovely weather, great food and wine, and a thriving nightlife scene, and you've got all the ingredients for an excellent day trip from Split.

Plus, the journey is part of the adventure. Sailing over the Adriatic sea and admiring incredible views of the Dalmatian coast on your boat trip makes this easily one of the best Split day trips you can do. And because the island is so close, this wonderful day trip doesn't even need to take the entire day. You can see all the main sights and be back in Split in time for dinner and a wine tasting.

How to get to Hvar

Getting to Hvar from Split couldn't be easier - there are frequent boats departing throughout the day from Split's harbor. The journey takes around 1.5 hours by fast catamaran or three hours by slow ferry.

From Split to the Blue Cave

If you're looking for one of the most unique and unforgettable Split day trips, then you need to head out to the Blue Cave. This natural phenomenon can only be accessed by boat, and it's an experience you'll never forget.

The cave gets its name from the sunlight that filters in through a small hole in the roof, illuminating the water below in a stunning blue hue. It's an incredible sight, and one that is sure to take your breath away.

Keep in mind that this is a popular spot, so it can get quite busy during peak season. However, if you go early in the morning or later in the evening, you should be able to avoid the biggest crowds.

How to get to the Blue Cave

There are a few different ways to get to the Blue Cave from Split, but the most popular is by taking a boat tour. These tours usually also include stops at other nearby islands and caves, so you can make a whole day of it.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a public ferry to Vis Island and then arrange transport from there. This takes a bit longer but can be a great way to see more of Croatia on your trip.

From Split to neighboring islands

As popular as Hvar is, it's only one of the many islands rising from the Adriatic Sea near Split. An island hopping excursion is the ideal way to see more of these beautiful islands, and Split boat tours offer the perfect day trip to take from the city and see more of what the region has to offer.

Split island tours typically last around eight hours and will take you to a few different islands in the area. Many of these day trips include stops at places like Hvar, Vis, and Blue Cave, but there are also tours that focus on specific islands or regions.

No matter which boat tour you choose, island hopping is an excellent way to see more of Croatia's stunning coastline and experience some of the best that the country has to offer.

How to get to the islands

The best way to see the islands around Split is with an organized boat tour that will take you to some of the most popular and interesting islands outside the city. You can book these trips from Split and head out right from the harbor.

Alternatively, it's possible to rent a boat of your own and explore at your own pace. However, that will require more planning, and probably cost more too.

From Split to Trogir

Trogir is a beautiful medieval town located just a short boat ride from Split. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a number of well-preserved buildings and monuments, making it the perfect place to spend a day if you're interested in history and culture.

The old town is especially lovely, with its winding streets and picturesque squares. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, which dates back to the 13th century, as well as the 15th-century Kamerlengo Castle. You can also take a boat tour of the surrounding islands or go for a swim at one of the many beaches nearby.

How to get to Trogir

The best way to get from Split to Trogir is by taking a boat. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and there are boats departing regularly from the harbor. You can also take a bus, but that will take longer - closer to 40 minutes - and isn't necessarily any cheaper.

From Split to Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations, and it's easy to see why. This stunning park is home to waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and forests, all of which come together to create a truly magical place.

One of the best things to do in Krka National Park is to take a dip in the water. The park is dotted with swimming areas, some of which have man-made pools or beaches. Others are simply natural pools formed by the river and rocks. Whichever you choose, you're sure to have a great time.

You can also explore the park on foot, which is a great way to see some of the more remote areas. There are a number of hiking trails, and it's also possible to go cycling or horseback riding in some parts of the park.

How to get to Krka National Park

The best way to get to Krka National Park from Split is by taking a day tour. These tours typically include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, as well as transport to and from the park itself.

Alternatively, you can take a public bus to the town of Skradin, which is located just outside the park. From there, you can take a boat to one of the park's entrances. This is generally considered to be a cheaper option, but it takes a bit longer and isn't as convenient.

From Split to Mostar

Mostar is a city located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, just a short drive from Split. This historic city is known for its beautiful old town, which is situated on the banks of the Neretva River. The old town is home to a number of well-preserved buildings and monuments, including the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).

The Old Bridge was built in the 16th century and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mostar. It's also one of the most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds.

In addition to the Old Bridge, other popular things to see in Mostar include the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Croatian War of Independence Museum, and the Tara River Canyon.

How to get to Mostar

The best way to get from Split to Mostar is by taking a bus. The journey takes around three hours, and there are buses departing regularly from the main bus station. You can also take a private transfer, but that will cost more.

If you're driving, the journey takes around two hours. However, keep in mind that Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the Bosnian mark (KM), so you'll need to have some cash on hand to pay for things like tolls and parking. It's also worth remembering that while Croatia is in the EU, Bosnia is not, so you will have to navigate border control.

From Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is another one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations. This stunning park is home to a series of cascading waterfalls, as well as a number of turquoise lakes. It's also a great place for hiking, with a number of trails crisscrossing the park.

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is between May and September, when the weather is warm and the water levels are high. However, bear in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so you'll need to buy your tour tickets in advance if you want to make sure you don't miss this one.

If you're visiting during the off-season, you can still enjoy the park, but some of the trails may be closed due to weather conditions.

How to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park

The best way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park is by taking a day tour. These tours typically include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, as well as transport to and from the park itself.

Alternatively, you can take a public bus to the town of Karlovac, which is located just outside the park. From there, you can take a shuttle bus into the park. This option will cost you less, but you'll sacrifice a bit of time and convenience.

From Split to Dubrovnik

At a three-hour drive from Split, Dubrovnik may seem a little far for a Split day trip, and you might be better off spending a night in the city to get the most out of it. However, if you're short on time or just want to see the highlights, a day trip is definitely doable.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations - for good reason. The city is home to a number of stunning historical landmarks, including the Dubrovnik City Walls, the Cathedral of Saint Blaise, and Fort Lovrijenac.

In addition to its many historical landmarks, Dubrovnik is also known for its beautiful setting. The city is situated on the Adriatic Sea, and it has a number of beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun.

How to get to Dubrovnik

The best way to get from Split to Dubrovnik is by taking a bus. The journey takes around five hours, and there are buses departing regularly from the main bus station. You can also take a private transfer, but that will cost more.

If you're driving, the journey takes around three hours, but then you have to worry about parking in the largely pedestrianized tourist area.

Conclusion

It's not easy to run out of things to do in Split. But there are so many great day trips from Split that it would be a shame not to enjoy at least one or two of them. The truth is, this town on the shores of the Adriatic Sea is absolutely surrounded by incredible sights worth seeing, and day trips from Split are the best way to see what makes Croatia so special.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage and get ready for an adventure, whether you're heading out on a quick half-day trip or a multi-day excursion. Either way, you'll be glad you traveled light.