Exciting Day Trips from Split

Exciting Day Trips From Split, Croatia

We nearly missed the last ferry back to Split.

Brendan and I had lost track of time wandering Hvar’s lavender-scented backstreets, and by the time we glanced at our watch, we had eleven minutes to sprint down to the harbour.

We made it, barely, and collapsed into our seats laughing at how close we’d come to spending an unplanned night on a stranger’s balcony.

That trip taught us something every visitor to Split eventually learns: with so many incredible day trips within reach, from waterfall filled national parks to pirate coves and Roman fortresses, the hard part isn’t finding somewhere to go, it’s choosing the right one for your time, your budget, and your energy that day.

We really enjoyed slow-travelling the Dalmatian coast from our base in Split, testing ferries, buses, rental cars, and guided tours so you don’t have to guess.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five of our favourite day trips from Split, covering exactly how to get there, what to actually do once you arrive, and what each trip realistically costs.

By the end, you’ll know precisely which excursion fits your interests, whether that’s island hopping, waterfall chasing, or adrenaline-fuelled river rafting, and how to make the most of your day without the stress of last-minute planning.

With those basics covered, here’s everything you need to know.

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Choosing Split as Your Base

Split sits right in the middle of the Dalmatian coast.

That makes it easy to reach islands, waterfalls and old walled towns without ever repacking your bag.

We loved unpacking once and heading out each morning, then coming home to the same familiar street.

If you’re still choosing where to stay, our guide to finding good accommodation in Split covers what we look for.

We also share how we save on accommodation if budget matters to you.

And when you’re back from a day out, our favourite restaurants in Split and tips for finding the best bars will help you plan the evening.

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Day Trips from Split –Hvar Island

Hvar consistently ranks among Europe’s most beautiful islands, combining lavender fields, hilltop fortresses, medieval streets, and sophisticated dining with a laid-back island atmosphere.

How to get there:

Where ever we are in Europe we always use Ferryhopper to organise our adventures accross the water.

The ferries run regularly from Split’s main port to Hvar.

A one-way ticket costs around €6-7 per person to Stari Grad, taking about an hour.

A faster catamaran to Hvar Town takes closer to two hours and costs around €9.

In summer, book tickets a day or two ahead, especially for catamarans.

The earliest ferry usually departs around 7-8 AM, with the last return around 6-7 PM.

What to do:

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Start in Hvar Town, one of the Adriatic’s most picturesque harbours.

Climb up to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) for panoramic views.

The 20-minute walk is steep but manageable, with lots of photo shoot shots along the way. 

And the views are spectacular. Entry costs around €9.

Wander the medieval streets, visit the Arsenal theatre (one of Europe’s oldest), and step into St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

For lunch, head to one of the family-run konobas away from the harbour.

We’d recommend Konoba Menego for traditional octopus peka.

Consider a taxi boat (around €13-20 per person) to the Pakleni Islands just offshore, tiny islands with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming.

Alternatively, rent a scooter (around €40 per day) and explore the island’s lavender fields and quiet villages like Milna or Zastražišće.

Cost estimate:

Ferry tickets: €12-19 round trip per person. Fortress entry: €9. Lunch: €14-21 per person.

Total: approximately €35-48 per person, plus any optional activities like boat taxis or scooter rental.

If you’re short on time or just want someone else to handle the logistics, book a full-day tour through GetYourGuide.

Bundling everything together, ferry tickets, a knowledgeable guide, and a speedboat trip that often includes a stop at the Blue Cave, runs around €140 per person.

You’ll get far more out of your day without the stress of figuring out schedules or worrying about missing the last ferry back.

Sometimes it’s just worth it to sit back and enjoy.

Day Trips from Split – Krka National Park

How to get there:

If you’re not going to make it up to Plitvice Lakes, you can’t miss Krka. 

It is about 90 minutes north of Split by car or bus.

Buses depart from Split’s main bus station to Skradin (the main entrance town) several times daily, with tickets costing around €8-11 one way.

From Skradin, a 10-minute included boat ride takes you up the Krka River to the park entrance.

What to do:

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If you loved Plitvice, you’ll be in awe of Krka too.

We spent about an hour wandering the main trail around Skradinski Buk, and honestly, we could’ve stayed all day.

Wooden boardwalks wind through lush, almost jungle-like vegetation, hugging the cascading water as it tumbles down level after level.

Every turn brings a new angle, a new view that somehow tops the last one.

The constant rush of water is mesmerising, almost meditative.

If you’re not completely over waterfalls by then, Roški Slap sits further north in the park, another stunning cascade that’s quieter and less crowded.

We ran out of time ourselves, but it’s on the list for next time.

Cost estimate:

Bus ticket: €16-21 round trip. Park entry: €27 in summer, €13 in spring/autumn. Total: approximately €43-48 per person. Add €7 if visiting Visovac Island.

After doing Krka independently once, we can genuinely see the benefit of booking a tour from the start.

Having someone else handle the driving and timing completely changed the experience, we could actually relax and soak it in instead of stressing about parking or catching the last bus back to Split.

Many tours also bundle in a stop at Šibenik’s old town or wine tasting at a local vineyard, extras we wouldn’t have thought to add on our own.

The whole thing runs €55-75 per person with transport and park entry included, and you’ll find solid options on GetYourGuide.

Worth every cent if you want to maximise your day without the hassle.

Day Trips from Split – Trogir

Nothing kills a greAlthough this UNESCO World Heritage town is only 30 minutes from Split but feels worlds away. Trogir’s old town sits on a tiny island connected to the mainland by bridges, its streets barely wide enough for two people to pass.

The Venetian influence is evident in the architecture, creating one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved medieval towns.at deal faster than locking yourself into a non-refundable rate too early.

How to get there:

Local bus 37 runs frequently from Split’s main bus station to Trogir, taking about 30-40 minutes and costing only 21 kuna ($3). Buses run every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. The bus drops you at Trogir’s main gate.

Alternatively, combine Trogir with a beach afternoon, it’s near Split Airport and several beaches.

What to do:

I just love getting lost in these little towns, with lots of winding narrow marble streets, discovering hidden courtyards, small churches, and artisan shops.

Pop into Grop Galleries, that are tucked away in the old town.

If you like original pieces, they have some really cute finds.

It’s well worth climbing the bell tower (€3.50) for views over the terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic.

The Kamerlengo Fortress and St. Mark’s Tower on the waterfront make for atmospheric settings and excellent photo opportunities.

Have lunch at a waterfront konoba, Konoba Trs or Kristian both offer excellent seafood with views. Afterward, walk across the bridge to Čiovo Island for beaches and quieter waterfront promenades.

The town is small enough to see thoroughly in 4-5 hours, making it perfect for a relaxed half-day trip.

Cost estimate:

Bus ticket: €6 round trip. Bell tower entry: €3.50. Budget €20-30 per person including lunch.

Day Trips from Split –Klis Fortress

We can never resist a good old fortress!

We had a great time wandering around, exploring every nook and cranny, and imagining what life must have been like here hundreds of years ago.

If only those old walls could talk!

This medieval fortress towers above the village of Klis, just 20 minutes from Split, guarding a mountain pass that’s been strategically vital for centuries.

Game of Thrones fans will recognise it as Meereen, but even without the pop-culture connection, Klis is spectacular.

The panoramic views stretch across Split, the Dalmatian islands, and the coastline, honestly, some of the best vistas in the region.

How to get there:

Catch bus line 22 from directly in front of the Croatian National Theatre (HNK bus station) in Split.

The journey to Klis Megdan takes about 20-25 minutes, winding up through the hills until the fortress suddenly appears above you.

Buy a two-trip “Zone 2” ticket for around €3 to cover your return journey, purchased from the driver or at kiosks near the bus stop.

Buses run fairly regularly throughout the day, though less frequently than routes to more touristy destinations.

After wrestling with bus schedules ourselves the first time, we found an easier option: a small tour group that takes in Klis Fortress and an Olive Museum through GetYourGuide that handles all the logistics and often combines Klis with other spots around Split.

Having transport sorted meant we could just enjoy the experience instead of constantly checking the time for the return bus, it completely changed how relaxed we felt up there.

What to do:

Once inside (entrance around €10 for adults), follow the stone pathways along the ramparts.

The fortress spreads across the clifftop in layers, defensive walls, old barracks, a small church, and lookout points that make you catch your breath.

Information panels explain the fortress’s history, including its role during the Ottoman wars.

We spent time just sitting on the walls, watching wind turbines spin on distant hillsides and boats cutting across the bay below.

Don’t rush it, this place deserves an hour or two of wandering and soaking in both the history and those incredible views.

Cost estimate:

Bus ticket: €3 round trip. Fortress entrance: €10.

Budget around €13-15 total, plus a little extra for a drink at the small café near the entrance.

The whole trip takes about 3-4 hours including travel time, making it an easy half-day excursion from Split.

Day Trips from Split – Omiš

Omiš is where adventure meets history on the Dalmatian coast.

This compact town sits right where the dramatic Cetina River cuts through limestone cliffs before spilling into the Adriatic, creating one of Croatia’s most stunning natural settings.

Once home to fearsome pirates who terrorised Venetian ships, Omiš has transformed into an adrenaline junkie’s paradise while keeping its medieval charm intact.

Narrow Old Town streets give way to towering cliffs perfect for climbing, sandy beaches meet wild river rapids.

When ever we’re on holidays we like to try sometime new, we couldn’t go past whitewater rafting.

We found ourselves bouncing between rafting in the morning and wandering medieval fortresses in the afternoon, which pretty much sums up Omiš’s unique appeal.

How to get there:

Local buses run frequently from Split’s main bus station to Omiš, taking about 45-50 minutes along the scenic coastal road.

Tickets cost around €4-5 and buses depart every 30-60 minutes throughout the day.

The bus station in Omiš sits right at the edge of the Old Town, so you’re within walking distance of everything.

If you’re planning activities like rafting or zip-lining, most operators offer pickup from Split, which makes life easier since you’re not hauling wet clothes on public transport.

We’ll admit, coordinating rafting times with bus schedules got complicated on our first trip, that’s when we discovered combo tours on GetYourGuide that bundle river adventures with cliff jumping (genuinely heart-starting) and transport from Split.

Having everything arranged meant we could actually relax and enjoy the rush of the rapids without mentally calculating return bus times, totally worth it if you want to pack multiple activities into one day without the logistics headache.

What to do:

Start with the adrenaline.

Cetina River rafting is the signature experience, half-day trips take you through Class II-III rapids, past waterfalls, and through the dramatic canyon upstream from Radmanove Mlinice.

If heights are your thing, the zip-line over the canyon is genuinely thrilling, giving you eagle-eye views of the gorge.

Rock climbers come from across Europe for the limestone cliffs here, with routes for all skill levels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, explore the Old Town’s narrow stone streets.

Hike up to Starigrad Fortress (Fortica), a solid 20-30 minute climb gaining about 260 metres, but the panoramic views across the coast, islands, and mountains are spectacular.

The 13th-century Mirabella Fortress sits closer to town and offers easier access with equally impressive vistas.

Pop into the Parish Church of Saint Michael and the small City Museum to understand Omiš’s pirate past.

For beaches, head to Velika Plaža, the main sandy stretch that’s perfect for families with shallow water.

If you want something quieter, Brzet Beach and Mala Luka offer pebble shores tucked under pine trees away from the crowds.

If you’re visiting in summer, check if the Klapa Festival is on, traditional Dalmatian a cappella singing echoing through the Old Town streets is genuinely magical

Cost estimate:

Bus ticket: €7-8 round trip.

Starigrad Fortress entrance: free.

Rafting: €30-50 depending on operator. Zip-lining: €25-40.

Beach entry: free.

Budget around €40-65 for the day including transport, one adventure activity, and meals.

Plan for a full day, there’s too much here to rush through in just a few hours.

If you’d rather not deal with local buses at all, picking up a rental car through Booking.com gives you the flexibility to combine Omiš with a stop in Trogir or along the Makarska Riviera on the same day.

Which Day Trip Is Right for You?

With five very different experiences on offer, it helps to think about what you actually want out of your day.

• Short on time? Trogir or Klis Fortress both work comfortably as half-day trips.
• Chasing natural beauty? Krka National Park delivers waterfalls without the crowds of its more famous cousin, Plitvice.
• Craving island life? Hvar is worth the extra travel time, especially if you can combine it with the Pakleni Islands.
• Looking for adventure? Omiš is unmatched for rafting, zip-lining, and climbing in one day.
• Travelling on a tighter budget? Klis and Trogir are the most affordable, both comfortably under €30 per person including entry fees and transport.

With those basics covered, you’re ready to pick the day trip that actually suits your trip, not just the one that shows up first in a search.

Before you head off exploring, it’s worth sorting out your ESIM so you can navigate bus timetables and book last minute tours on the go, we’ve used Airalo’s eSIM across most of our European trips and it’s made a real difference.

And if you haven’t nailed down where you’re staying in Split yet, our guide to Split accommodation and how we save hundreds on bookings across Europe are both worth a read before you lock anything in.

Once you’ve had your fill of day trips, there’s plenty more to explore back in Split itself, from where to eat to the city’s best bars and its most underrated beaches.

And if Split is just one stop on a longer Croatian adventure, our full Croatia travel guide and 5 days in Dubrovnik itinerary will help you map out the rest.

Who Are We?

We’re an Australian couple in our 50s who’ve spent the last chapter of life waiting for exactly this: more time, more money, and a lot fewer reasons to say no to a trip.

We’re empty nesters now, and travel has become our thing.

Not the pack-in-ten-countries-in-two-weeks kind, and not full-time nomad life either, we love our home and our family too much to give either up for good.

Instead, we’ve found our own rhythm: pick one country, settle in for up to three months, and really get to know it.

We usually spend about a week in each place, long enough to stop feeling like tourists and start feeling like we actually live there for a while.

We’re not the type to sit still. Wherever we land, we’re out exploring, often without much of a plan, and it’s usually when we get a little lost that we stumble onto the best spots.

We’ve spent four years living in Europe, and between that and travel, we’ve now visited over 30 countries.

We also believe every trip needs at least one thing we’ve never done before, a long zip line through the Alps, truffle hunting in Istria, whitewater rafting down a river we couldn’t pronounce.

Those are the stories we still tell years later.

Bonjour!

Day Trips from Split FAQ

Q. How many days are needed in Split, Croatia?

A: We’d recommend at least 4 – 5 days to cover Split itself, plus extra time for day trips.

We spent 6 days and honestly could have stayed longer, there’s enough within reach to fill a full week.

Q: Where can you ferry to from Split?

A: Split’s port connects you to Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta, and Korčula, along with international routes to Ancona and Italy.

Jadrolinija runs the majority of these ferries, with faster catamarans available on the busier island routes.

Q: Where can you go from Split by train?

A: Croatia’s train network is limited on the coast, so Split only connects by rail to inland cities like Zagreb and Knin.

For coastal destinations like Dubrovnik, Trogir, or Omiš, buses and ferries are far more practical.

Q: What is prettier, Split or Dubrovnik?

A: They’re beautiful in different ways, Dubrovnik has those iconic Old Town walls and a more polished, postcard feel, while Split feels lived-in and authentic, with Diocletian’s Palace woven into everyday city life.

We’d genuinely recommend visiting both if you can.

A: Split makes an excellent base for day trips to Hvar, Krka National Park, Trogir, Klis Fortress, and Omiš, all covered in this guide.

It’s also well connected for longer trips further along the coast to Dubrovnik or inland to Plitvice Lakes.

Make sure you pin this post for future planning and Inspiration!