Split is a wonderful destination with a variety of attractions, including a charming historic old town, numerous museums, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, beaches, and direct flights from major European cities.
Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas, including nearby islands such as Brac, Hvar, Šolta, Drvenik Veli, and Vis. For history enthusiasts, Solin and Klis Fortress are great day trip options, while Trogir is a lovely medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're looking for something different, consider a day trip to Mostar or other Dalmatian towns like Zadar, Šibenik, or Dubrovnik.
Krka Waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes National Park are also must-visit attractions within driving distance of Split. And if you enjoy red wine, be sure to try some of the local red wines, as the area close to Split is known for producing one of the best-known red wine sorts, Zinfandel.
For adventure seekers, the nearby town of Omiš offers various outdoor activities, such as rafting, canoeing, zip-lining, canyoning, and river tubing. You can also take a quad ride through the abandoned villages or explore the nearby Mosor Mountain on foot or by jeep.
There are plenty of day trips from Split, including guided tours that take you outside the city to explore nearby destinations such as Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, Šibenik, Trogir, and more. With options for every budget and type of traveller, there's a Split tour that will fit your needs.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Photo credit: Waldo93
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone staying in Split. The park's stunning natural beauty is sure to take your breath away, with 16 interconnected lakes and countless waterfalls, cascades, dams, bridges, and boardwalks.
Don't let the fact that the drive to the park takes around three hours each way discourage you. The park's beauty is worth every minute of the drive, and we recommend setting aside at least four hours to truly enjoy the experience. If you have the time, we suggest allocating six hours to explore the park, take photos, and admire the surroundings.
Staying overnight near the park is also a great option. There are plenty of private accommodations and family-run hotels in the area. If you prefer to stay closer to the park there are a couple of hotels located at the park entrance, such as the Jezero Hotel.
Make sure you include Plitvice Lakes National Park on your itinerary.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Day Tour from Split
Experience the stunning UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park on this full-day tour from Split.
Take a short hike around the tree-lined Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera), visit Croatia's biggest waterfall Veliki Slap, and enjoy a thrilling boat cruise around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera). This small-group tour offers great value and includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minivan. An English-speaking tour guide is also provided.
Krka Waterfalls
Waterfalls at Krka National Park. Photo credit: fjaka
Krka Waterfalls is a Croatian national park located less than an hour's drive from Split, making it an ideal day trip destination. Although not as popular as Plitvice Lakes, Krka Waterfalls are equally stunning.
The park boasts numerous hiking trails that pass by lakes, waterfalls, and caves. The best way to explore the park is by taking a boat from Skradin, although driving to the park is also an option for those short on time.
Visitors should not miss the park's main attractions, including the 22-meter-high Roski slap waterfall, the longest travertine barrier of Krka River at Skradinski buk, and the tiny island of Visovac. Additionally, the park features several caves, the remains of medieval fortresses, and beautifully restored watermills.
If you rent a car you can easily visit the park on your own from Split. Otherwise consider joining a organised tour that can take you there.
For those who want to see all the main sights, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning and spend the entire day in the park. But if time is limited, visitors can focus on one or two attractions. The Skradinski buk is a short 10-minute walk from the parking area, so it's an ideal choice for those who have limited time.
Krka waterfalls from Split - ticket and lunch Included
Embark on a small-group tour and spend a day exploring Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik, with a perfect blend of guided activities and leisure time.
You will have ample free time to discover both Krka and Sibenik on your own, and the tour includes a stop for a complimentary lunch at a local village. In addition, you will be given a brief orientation of Sibenik by a local guide. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and avoid the hassle of arranging entrance tickets to Krka National Park as they are included in the tour. The group size is limited to 16 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
What's Included: Lunch, air-conditioned vehicle and entrance tickets to NP Krka.
Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split
Visit Krka National Park with this day tour from Split.
Not only will you have round-trip transportation, but you'll also enjoy a winery tour. During the tour, you'll take a boat ride, have free time to hike near the falls and enjoy lunch at a park restaurant (at your own cost). Finally, your day will end with a tour and wine-tastings at the winery. This hassle-free visit to Krka National Park and the winery will allow you to get the most from the journey.
The tour includes transportation, refreshments, and an English-speaking guide, while park entry fees are at your own expense.
Excursions and day trips to nearby islands are some of the most popular activities in Split. The recommended islands to visit include Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Drenik Veli, and Vis. While taking a ferry is a cheap option, it may not allow for much exploration if you have limited time.
Opting for a sailing trip is also a great choice to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and explore hidden gems on the islands.
Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar
Explore five popular islands with this full-day sightseeing excursion from Split.
During your trip you will visit Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo, with stops at highlights such as the famous Blue Cave, the fishing village of Komiža, swimming and snorkeling in Stiniva Cove, and the historic town of Hvar, among others. With a small group size, you'll receive personal service from an informative, friendly, and professional guide. Travelling by boat offers stunning views from the water and allows you to see more in less time. Snorkelling equipment, an English-speaking driver/guide, and all taxes, fees, insurance, and handling charges are included.
Embark on a day trip from Split and cruise to Cave Biševo, Croatia's famous natural blue cave.
Perfect for a relaxed day out, the excursion includes entrance fees, boat transport, lunch, drinks, and even ice cream. You'll skip the busy tourist spots along the coast and instead travel between the islands of Biševo, Vis, Hvar, and Budikovac to explore fishing villages, private bays, and of course, the famous blue cave. Enjoy snacks and drinks as you cruise from Split to the islands, and relish a grilled lunch with drinks by a summer house in a private bay.
The menu includes grilled white fish, grilled meat, vegetarian risotto, and vegetarian pasta, followed by ice cream for dessert. Discover the lesser-known gems of the islands away from the crowded beaches. The tour program covers a visit to a few islands, beaches, and bays. The boat is a 37' aluminium powerboat equipped with safety equipment for children too.
Split is an unmatched Croatian sailing region that offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and modernity. The convenient location of Split on the Eastern Adriatic coast makes it an ideal starting point for sailing holidays in Croatia. Whether you want to sail north towards the famous Kornati Islands or south towards Dubrovnik, there are countless possible routes to choose from.
Additionally, Split is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including plane, car, ferry, train, and bus.
Another reason why Split is so popular among sailors is the largest number of charter vessels in Croatia. The indented coastline, coupled with numerous islands, creates an exciting sailing environment for all kinds of sailors. Cities and villages on both mainland and islands are in close proximity, making sailing comfortable, and finding a shelter in case of bad weather is easy.
Sailing Full Day Tour from Split
Embark on a memorable sailing journey from Split to discover the stunning islands of Šolta and Brač at a relaxed pace.
This full-day adventure lets you indulge in swimming, sunbathing, and savouring delicious Croatian cuisine and local wines. You'll have flexible options to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge about on the boat while taking in the spectacular views.
Experienced captain and crew will ensure that you can sit back and relax, knowing you're in good hands.
Experience the ultimate seafaring adventure by chartering your own private 45-foot yacht for a day, with a knowledgeable skipper leading the way. This private excursion is perfect for groups of up to 10 people, and you'll set sail to Brač Island, where you'll have ample time to explore on your own before continuing to Šolta Island.
Snorkelling equipment in available and you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board. The price is for the entire group includes fuel.
If you're interested in visiting Dubrovnik but don't plan on spending the night a full-day trip from Split is an option to consider. The journey from Split to Dubrovnik covers approximately 230 km and takes around three hours by car.
You have the option of renting a car and travelling independently or booking a group tour. The first part of the route to Dubrovnik is following the A1 multi-lane motorway from Split to Ploče. The second part follows along the D8 coastal road from Ploče to Dubrovnik.
The coastal road is renowned for its stunning views and is considered one of Croatia's most scenic routes. If you're driving and have extra time, consider making a detour to the village of Ston to see the famous Walls and sample some of the area's delicious oysters.
Dubrovnik Guided Group Tour with Ston Oyster tasting from Split
Join a guided day trip from Split to Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and discover its rich history and magnificent architecture. Begin the tour with a 1.5-hour walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik, guided by a certified local guide. Wander along the medieval walls and the limestone-paved streets while learning about the city's fascinating past.
You'll also visit some filming locations from the famous TV series Game of Thrones. After the tour you can enjoy some free time to explore Dubrovnik on your own. This small-group tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, as well as a certified guide to lead you through the walking tour of Old Town.
Rafting on the Cetina River. Photo credit: Michael Panse
If you're an adventure enthusiast seeking an adrenaline rush, you must try rafting. This exciting discipline only requires swimming skills and the willingness to follow instructions from your skipper on when and how to paddle, pull, and hold tight.
Rafting on the Cetina River is one of the best day trips from Split. The Cetina rafting adventure combines white water rafting with a bit of caving, canyoning, and cliff jumping and is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
The Cetina River, located in the small coastal town of Omiš, just 20 km south of Split, offers a 1 km long route with grade 3 rapids, hidden caves to explore, pristine small waterfalls to swim under, and the famous Cetina canyon for cliff jumping.
So, if you're looking for one of the best adventure activities in Split or Omiš, don't miss out on this epic Cetina rafting adventure that will give you memories to boast about for a long time to come!
Half-Day Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
Add some adventure to your vacation with a hassle-free River Cetina rafting experience from Split.
All you have to do is paddle your shared raft through the Cetina canyon's waters and rapids. Enjoy the scenery and splashes, learn to rock-jump into the river, and even get soaked under a waterfall. This whitewater rafting trip is perfect for beginners and non-swimmers, as no experience is required.
Your adventure includes an air-conditioned vehicle, helmet, safety vest, and paddle, but make sure to wear a T-shirt, swimwear, and suitable footwear. Join this epic rafting adventure and make unforgettable memories!
Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure with a canyoning excursion on Croatia's stunning Cetina River.
Get ready for a day of swimming, jumping and climbing your way through cliffs, tunnels, and rapids, all while taking in the breathtaking Cetina River and canyon scenery. Your adventure includes a visit to Velika Gubavica, the highest waterfall on the river, where you can take a dip and soak in the stunning views.
This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, and includes transportation from Split, a professional licensed guide, and insurance. Get ready for an unforgettable day of canyoning on the Cetina River!
Zip-lining over the Stunning Cetina Canyon. Photo credit: Zipline Croatia
Zip-line over Cetina Canyon and Experience the Thrill of Descending 2,100m Across 8 Steel Cables!
Located just 3km from Omiš, this adrenalin-infused zip-line polygon is the perfect adventure for thrill-seekers. With 8 steel cables and a total length of 2,100m, including the longest cable at 700m and 150m above ground level, participants sit in a belt and descend down the canyon accompanied by two guides.
The entire polygon takes 2.5 hours to cross with a group of 10 persons. Transportation is provided to the starting point, including training and equipment. There are two short cables for demonstration purposes and a short stroll to the first cable with stunning scenery.
Zip-line tours are available all day throughout the summer season and by appointment during the rest of the year. An unforgettable 3 hours of fun surrounded by stunning nature. Make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance.
Zipline Croatia: Cetina Canyon Zipline Adventure
Experience the Thrill of Descending 2,100 m Across 8 Steel Cables!
Located just 3km from Omiš, this adrenaline-infused zip-line polygon is the perfect adventure for thrill-seekers. With 8 steel cables and a total length of 2,100 m, including the longest cable at 700 m and 150 m above ground level, participants sit in a belt and descend down the canyon accompanied by two guides.
The entire polygon takes 2.5 hours to cross with a group of 10 persons. Transportation is provided to the starting point, including training and equipment. There are two short cables for demonstration purposes and a short stroll to the first cable with stunning scenery.
