There’s a lot of options when it comes to the best day trips from Split, Croatia.
With so much coastline, stunning mountains and beautiful towns and cities, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to planning day tours from Split.
Thankfully, the wide choice means there’s plenty of trips and tours to suit your trip and your budget.
I moved to Split in March 2022 and it’s been fascinating to discover the best things to do in Split and watch the city come alive as the season starts and the visitors arrive. It also gave my partner and I a chance to try out all the boat trips from Split and the Split day trips that weren’t running during the winter and early spring when we arrived.
The 20+ day trips from Split below or all day trips or day tours from Split that I have personally done. I hope I’ve included everything you need to know and links with more details but feel free to send over any questions you might have and I’ll try to help!
Split Old Town
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Need to start planning your trip to Split ASAP?
Below are some of the top rated tours, hotels and recommendations for visiting Split. Make sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability!
Top Experiences and Tours in Split:
1) 5 Islands full day boat trip (my favourite boat trip to see loads in one day!)
2) Krka Waterfalls day trip with food and wine tasting (seeing the falls is a must do!)
3) Blue Lagoon, shipwreck visit and Solta island with lunch and drinks (perfect for spending a whole day on the water and great value)
Top Hotels and Accommodation in Split:
1) Hotel Ambasador (brand new hotel, amazing location next to Old Town with waterfront views)
2) Briig Boutique Hotel. (best location right by Bacvice Beach)
3) Gallery Luxury Suites (a little further from the city, more secluded and self catered with incredible infinity pool)
Do you need a car for most day trips from Split?
Not at all! There are tour options available for pretty much every day trip you can think of, so don’t worry if you won’t have a vehicle.
If you do have a car…
All the inland Croatia day trips on this list can be done independently if you have your own vehicle or have hired a car.
Some of the islands can also be reached by car ferry too, although most take a long time (car ferry to Hvar is 2.5 hours each way) so would not be possible as a day trip to see the best of the island and catch the last ferry back to Split.
To see the islands around Split, I highly recommend a Split island tour as these are done on speedboats or high speed catamarans and you can see much more and travel much further in a single day if you go with a tour.
Which Split tour company is best to use?
Diocletian's Palace
There are loads of local tour companies and you’ll see their stands on the Riva in Split if you want to book direct (although it’s not advised to leave booking to the last minute during July and August!).
I personally use Get Your Guide to book all my tours.
Full disclosure, I’ve worked with them in the past but several of these tours below are also ones I’ve paid for and booked independently without working with them.
I prefer Get Your Guide because they use local tour providers and tour guides so you know you’re getting the best possible experience from a local and it gives local companies a bigger platform to be discovered and booked by visitors.
20+day trips and the best day tours from Split
Split to Krka National Park tour
Krka Waterfall
I’ve been to Krka three times now on a Krka day trip from Split because it’s one of our favourite places in Croatia so we always take family and friends when they come to visit us - it’s definitely one of the must see day trips from Split!
We’ve visited independently with our own car and also taken this Krka Waterfalls tour.
Krka is a great option for a Split day trip if you prefer to travel independently because it’s a really easy drive taking just over 1 hour and having a car means you can also see some of the lesser visited areas of the National Park such as Roski Slap or Manojlovski Slapovi (although it’s worth saying that Manojlovack dries up during the peak summer months so probably isn’t worth visiting in July or August!)
Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the Lozovac entrance to the National Park.
However the the Krka Waterfalls tour from Split is also a great option because a boat trip is included in the price of the tour (this is an extra you need to pay for as well as your tickets if you visit Krka independently).
As well as the boat tour, you also get some free time to explore the waterfalls at your own pace and the tour even includes an added bonus stop at the hidden gem town of Primošten on the way back to Split!
5 Island Day Tour from Split including Vis, Bisevo and Hvar
Blue Lagoon
This island tour is 100% my favourite boat trip Split has to offer and it’s always the one I tell people to do purely because of the value for money it offers!
I will say it is a FULL ON five island speedboat tour.
You leave Split pier at 7.30am and it’s a full 10 hour before returning around 5.30pm.
But you see SO MUCH during that time, this is the ultimate Split island hopping tour and it’s only possible because the tour is done by speedboat.
Because you’re on a smaller boat, you’re also able to access bays and coves that would not be possible on a bigger sailing boat.
So, what’s involved?
It’s a small group tour
Blue Cave on Biševo island
Komiža on Vis island
Stiniva Cove on Vis Island
Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island
Hvar town on Hvar Island
If you’re wanting to do a Blue Cave Croatia tour from Split - the cave entry is included in the price of this tour and it’s the first stop of the day, so you can beat the queues to get into the cave which is only big enough for two boats at a time.
The Blue Cave tour was absolutely spectacular and totally lived up to expectations, I’ve never seen such vibrant blue colours like that, it was a really magical experience.
After the Blue Cave, it’s a short 10 minute ride to the quaint fishing town of Komiža where the second Mamma Mia movie was filmed!
Then on to Stiniva Cove, a unique cove with a tiny opening only suitable for smaller boats. You can take a quick dip here or save yourself for the next stop.
Budikovac Blue Lagoon is not the main blue lagoon that you see advertised on other tours, honestly there are dozens and dozens of places up and down the Croatian coastline that call themselves the Blue Lagoon!
This lagoon is located much further out, which is why it’s best accessed on a full day speedboat tour featuring the five islands. One man lives on the island all year round with his donkeys!
You’ll spend around one hour at the lagoon, swimming and enjoying refreshments at the beach bar before the last leg of your trip to Hvar.
Another thing that made this trip special was that we saw dolphins on the journey to Hvar, it was such a special moment and there were so many of them!
You’ll have 2 hours in Hvar to get an early dinner, enjoy the beaches, explore the old town or hike up to the fortress for incredible views of the island.
The first boat trip of the day out to the Blue Cave is long, about 1.5 hours on the speedboat and it’s a 1 hour journey back from Hvar to Split. That’s the only caveat, if you’re not good in boats or if sitting on a bouncing speedboat for 1.5 hours would make you motion sick I’d possibly avoid this tour!
Otherwise, I can’t recommend this enough, it’s the perfect tour if you’re short on time in Split but would like to see as much of the islands as possible.
An alternative Blue Cave Split tour
If you’re keen to visit the Blue Cave but don’t fancy the long speedboat rides, unfortunately there are no half day tours to Blue Cave unless you hire a private boat, because it’s so far out.
However there is a more sedate deluxe speed cruising option which includes a grilled lunch and drinks, plus the boat also has an onboard toilet and shower which the smaller speedboat tours do not have.
If that sounds more up your street, you can find out more and book here.
Catamaran tour to Pakleni Islands and Hvar
Maybe this is because I grew up in the cold UK where fancy boat trips were not really common! But I LOVE catamaran boats, they feel so exciting and like the ultimate boating trip.
I also love when they have the netting on the back for you to lie on and watch the water passing beneath you.
So now I’ve sung my praises about catamarans, you’ll see why I love this full day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.
Not only is this a Hvar tour from Split where you’ll have a guided tour and also free time to explore, but you'll also get to swim in the stunning bays and secret lagoons around the Pakleni Islands which are a trail of lush green islands, full of nature and crystal clear water.
The trip also includes a quick stop at Brač island (more on that later though because I think Brač is worthy of a full day trip in itself)
The catamaran cruise also includes unlimited drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), unlimited snacks and lunch as well as a tour guide, snorkel equipment and plenty of great music and good vibes.
I will say this tour is a bit more of a younger atmosphere and with the unlimited drinks, it can have a bit more of a party vibe by the time you’re cruising back into Split at sunset!
Day trip to Hvar from Split
Hvar Town
If you’d prefer to take a day trip to Hvar independently so you can explore the Old Town and island at your own pace, then you can do this by taking the high speed catamaran ferry line from Split Port.
The car ferry takes 2.5 hours from Split to Hvar, so it’s really impossible to see Hvar on a day trip if you take your own vehicle because you’ll spend most of the day on the ferry!
However, the high speed catamarans are run by the same company and they complete the journey from Split to Hvar in just over 1 hour.
There are three catamaran services per day during the high season and it costs about 6 euros per person, each way.
Check the timetable here.
You can usually turn up on the day and buy your ticket at the counter for the next boat, but to maximise your time on Hvar and make sure you get a ticket on the early service during high season, I would recommend heading over to the port to buy your tickets the day before you plan to go.
Klis Fortress tour
Klis Fortress
This is one of those attractions which can definitely be done without a tour.
We drove ourselves up to the fortress and purchased tickets at the gate.
However the fortress is outside of the city, there are some semi-reliable bus routes that take you near the fortress but otherwise I’d suggest taking an uber or taxi.
The views from the Fortress and surrounds are really spectacular and the information booklet and museum inside is fascinating, especially learning how its history inspired Game of Thrones.
The fortress was also used as a filming location itself in the TV series where it’s the setting for Meereen.
If you would like some value for money, these fortress tickets also include entry and a guided tour to the Olive Museum and Stella Croatica which produces Croatian delicacies and you can do some olive oil tasting.
Stand Up Paddleboard Night Glow Tour
Stand Up Paddleboard
This is one of those tours that I never considered would exist and I certainly didn’t expect to find myself on but it was SO MUCH FUN!
You start the tour in the evening and you spend a full two hours on the water, during which time you’ll paddle up and down the river estuary and coastline on stand up paddle boards which have LED lights on the base, so you can see the marine life below you.
The instructors taught us how to use the boards, how to paddle and how to stand up on the boards before going in, even if you’ve never paddle boarded before, it’s super easy for beginners to pick up and you’re in a bay so it’s no like you’re paddle boarding on the open sea (it was my partner’s first time using a paddle board and he loved it!)
The instructors also take photos for you and there’s the chance for a swim too - the water is so warm during the summer months, even at night!
Two hours flew by so fast!
It was such a fun and unique perspective to see the coastline and the water from as well as being a really unique tour in Split. It’s always a great talking point and recommendation when I speak to other people visiting the city too.
Šibenik
Šibenik
When we drove to Croatia, we drove into the country via Italy and worked our way down the coast. Šibenik was the last place we stopped before we reached Split and I fell in love with it straight away!
The city’s old town is so charming and much calmer and less busy than Split’s old town.
There’s also three fortresses in the city and one out in the bay, all offer stunning views.
Šibenik is another one day trip from Split that I really don’t think you need to visit as part of a tour.
It’s an easy one hour drive from Split to Šibenik and there’s plenty of parking garages in and around the city, or at the fortresses.
However if you don’t have a vehicle, the best way to see Šibenik is as part of one of the Krka excursions from Split.
Šibenik is the closest town to Krka waterfalls, only about 10-15 minutes away, so many of the best Krka tours from Split will also offer a stop at Šibenik during the day.
This Krka tour Split day trip also covers Šibenik and gives you a chance to explore the beautiful UNESCO sites and amazing views from Šibenik Old Town.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Mostar tour from Split
Mostar
One of the things I love the most on the European continent is the proximity to other countries and day trips from Split to Bosnia and Herzegovina are surprisingly common.
Neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina means a quick trip across the border is easily possible on a Mostar tour from Split.
Mostar is a charming town in south Bosnia and Herzegovina with heavy Turkish influences and a famous UNESCO World Heritage site bridge over the river.
This is the Split to Mostar tour I recommend and the route that we did. It’s ideal if you also want to do Split to Kravice Waterfalls which is just a short distance from Mostar and also included on this tour.
You can also read my full guide on our Mostar day trip from Split if you choose to do the drive independently. Please just make sure you’ve got the appropriate permissions from your car rental agency to take the vehicle across borders, or you have the correct insurance if it’s your own vehicle as Bosnia and Hezegovina is not in the EU so driving regulations differ.
Also remember to take your passport for crossing the borders and money for the toll road in Croatia!
Trogir
Trogir
Located close to the airport and about 30 minutes from Split, Trogir is an easy day trip from Split which can be done independently.
We drive to Trogir, however there are also bus routes running four times a day between Split bus station and Trogir. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs about 4 euros. You could also take a taxi or Uber.
Trogir is a charming town with a beautiful Old Town located on an island, connected to the mainland. There’s also the larger island of Ciovo which is connected to Trogir by a bridge.
Enjoy wandering the streets of Trogir and the harbour, climb the bell tower, enjoy food with a view of the marina or take a trip to one of the Trogir beaches such as Gradska Plaza or Seget Beach.
Split to Brač day trip
Brač
Brač is the first island I visited early on during our time in Split and I still think it’s my favourite of all the islands.
Brač is also a great option for a Split day trip because the ferry is just 50 minutes from Split, meaning you can easily get the morning ferry, explore the island and come back on the last boat in the evening after a full day exploring.
The 50-minute ferry is also a car ferry so if you have a vehicle, you can take it with you to explore the island. Alternatively there are moped rentals when you arrive in Supetar so you can explore the island on two wheels.
Brač is most famous for Bol, which is not only a charming rivera-style town complete with its own winery, but it’s also home to Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the Golden Horn Beach.
Golden Horn Beach has consistently been voted one of the best beaches in Europe and it’s not hard to see why from the photo below!
There’s plenty of beach bars and eateries so you can spend an afternoon here. It’s also known for its strong breeze and you’ll see windsurfing and kitesurfing there - or you can give it a try yourself!
The beach is pebbly so pack water shoes!
If you’d prefer to see the Brač as part of an island hopping day tour from Split, this Brač and Šolta island cruise is actually one we have planned to do in September at the end of the season as we’ve not been to Šolta yet.
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in a Split to Bol day trip so you can see the famous Golden Horn Beach, you’ll need to book onto a cruising tour which includes it as one of their stops such as this one to Bol, or this one which also includes Hvar.
Blue Lagoon tour, Split full or half day trip
I think this is one of the best boat trips from Split if you’re really limited on time and don’t want to give a full day to a boat tour, or if the longer boat rides aren’t something you enjoy.
The Blue Lagoon is located on the island of Drvenik Veli and takes around 30 minutes to reach by boat.
Most Blue Lagoon - Split boat trip tours include one or two stops at other places depending on the tour you choose.
If you’re short on time, this half-day Blue Lagoon tour includes a stop in Trogir and is very highly reviewed.
This half day tour is pretty much the same but includes Solta island too, if the above option is already booked.
If you’re keen to see the Blue Lagoon, there are also plenty of full-day Blue Lagoon Split tours.
This island hopping Blue Lagoon tour takes you to the Lagoon, Šolta island and Duga Bay. You’ll also get the chance to swim at Nečujam Bay which is the famous Split shipwreck tour stop.
This tour also includes lunch, drinks, stand up paddle board and snorkel equipment.
Cetina Gorge water activities and tours
Cetina River Canoeing
Of course the Adriatic coastline means everyone wants to enjoy the sea and boat tours while they’re here.
But there’s also plenty of opportunity to enjoy day trips from Split into the lush nature of inland Croatia.
The Cetina River Gorge is home to countless adrenaline-fuelled activities from canyoning and white water rafting to zip lining and kayaking.
I’ve not done all of these activities because I’m not a big adrenaline junkie, but you can see the full range of Cetina tours here.
The activity I have done on the river is river kayaking which was a much more sedate and calm activity than white water rafting!
We kayaked and cruised down the river in our group with one instructor. We were on the water for 3 hours with a stop around half way.
This is the Cetina River canoeing tour I did, there are so me gentle river rapid areas but during the summer the water level is so low that we were in water no deeper than 1 metre for most of the time!
We were picked up from Split and taken to the start point. There is also a secure watertight box supplied so you can keep your belongings safe - just don’t bring too much - phone and some water is fine!
They supply life vests and there are water suits available although it was so hot when we did it, I was just in workout shorts and a tshirt!
Split to Omis day trip
Omis
Omiš is a hub for many of the adrenaline fuelled activities in the Cetina River Gorge. While the calmer canoe activities are further up stream, the tumultuous gorge and high cliff faces make this the perfect base for rafting, zip lining and canyoning.
But whether you’re looking for adrenaline activities or not, Omiš itself is a beautiful town worth visiting.
Set at the foot of mountains that dominate the skyline right above the town, the quaint Old Town here is full of charming shops and cute bars and cafes.
Take in the views and enjoy everything the old town has to offer then head over to Omiš beach to enjoy some sunshine.
Omiš is most easily reached by car and is about 1 hour drive from Split.
Makarska Riviera
Makarska
A real hidden gem in Croatia, the Makarska Riviera gave me all the French Riviera vibes and I was honestly shocked I’d never heard of it before. Turns out it’s a favourite holiday destination for Croatians looking to escape the tourists elsewhere and other Europeans holiday here too.
The Riviera is made up of three main towns, Brela, Baska Voda and Makarska.
These towns are all about the charming beachfront, old stone harbours, quaint old towns, al fresco dining and of course beautiful beaches.
The first time I visited was just for a day trip and within a month I had already planned to return for an overnight stay in Makarska.
The drive takes around 1.5 hours so it’s definitely easier to have your own car or hire a vehicle to get here. However you can also get there by bus from Split bus station, there are several buses per day and tickets cost around 11 euros.
Winery Tour and Tasting from Split
Vučica
There are many boat tours and Split excursions that are a day trip including wine tasting at the end of a boat tour or waterfall tour etc but that isn’t really something I’m interested in if I want to drink good wine.
There are some very popular wine tours such as Putalj Winery. However, it costs about 120 euros and I’m no wine connoisseur so I didn't quite want to spend that much! (although you do get a lot for your money)
Instead I discovered a local wine that I loved called Vučica and the winery is just 20 minutes from Split, located in Kaštela.
I then discovered they do a tour which picks you up in Split and lasts for 2.5 hours, you try a red, white and rosé as well as trying their sweet Rakia and all accompanied with a charcuterie board of local meats, cheeses, bread, olive oil and olives.
They then take you back to Split Old Town again at the end.
All of this for just 39 euros!
I’ve loved this experience so much and it’s great value for money, I’ve actually been twice! Also they don’t export their wines but sell it for very cheap at the winery so it’s a great souvenir to take back with you.
Split Food Tour
Restaurant in the Palace
Another food and drink option but this one is within Split Old Town and leads you on a fascinating tour of the city’s historical and culinary delights!
Your guide is Dino, who’s local to Split, and as well as 6 food stops, he also has so much knowledge about the ancient and fascinating history of Split.
I did this tour after having been in Split for 3 months but I still hadn’t found traditional cuisine restaurants that I loved. This tour included 3 sit-down restaurants and 3 street-food styles.
All were restaurants I’d never been to before including the only restaurant in Split actually housed WITHIN the ancient city walls, a seafood restaurant (octopus salad was incredible!) and a traditional Konoba where I had the best beef dish of my life.
The tour lasts around 4 hours and takes place in the evening so it’s a great way to end the day and also means you don’t have to have the stress of deciding where to eat for dinner!
Mosor Mountain hiking tour from Split
I would usually love to recommend a hiking tour, but with the high temperatures in Split during the peak season, I really don’t recommend trying to do this tour in June - August because it’s too hot!
But if you’re also a hiking enthusiast like me, then this is the best option for hiking, just a 30 minute drive outside of Split.
You can either do this hike yourself, there’s a large car park at the trailhead near the village of Gornje Sitno. Find the car park here.
Alternatively, you can also do this hike with an experienced guide on this hiking tour from Split.
The tour takes you from the Riva in Split and up into the mountain air where you’ll be surrounded by towering rocky mountains and lush green nature.
You hike up to the mountain lodge and the nearby viewpoint before making your way back down. Total hiking time is around 4 hours.
Zadar
Zadar
Zadar is another coastal Croatian city that I loved and have kept returning to!
Zadar feels much less touristy and has a great mix of the traditional old town situated on an island and the lively young city connected to it by a bridge.
The drive from Split to Zadar is 1.5 hours.
Zadar was once the largest walled city in the Venetian Empire, so spend some time exploring the walled old town, walking along the town walls, climb the bell tower and see the Forum ruins.
The Sea Organ is also a really cool, unique spot in Zadar where the water and the wind flow in and out of a set of steps and create musical notes that sound like an organ.
Plitvice Tour from Split
The drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a pretty hefty 2.5 hours, but a day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular tour destinations in the whole of Croatia, so of course there are plenty of tour options to get you there easily!
There are a few well reviewed options to consider. This Plitvice Lakes tour from Split includes your park entry tickets and gives you plenty of free time to explore at your own pace before returning to Split.
This Plitvice tour from Split is basically the same but also includes a boat and/or train ride within the national park.
Vrana Lake
If you’re someone who’s more of a hidden gems and off the beaten path traveller, then you should think about a day trip to Vrana Lake.
This is the largest lake in Croatia, but it’s only 2 metres deep, it’s popular for swimming, sports fishing and hiking. It’s also a protected wildlife area, so it’s great for seeing beautiful native wildlife.
The nearby town is home to the best Turkish Coffee I’ve ever had (outside of Turkey) in the Heritage Hotel Masovica Han, plus you can even stay here overnight.
Read my Vrana day trip guide to find out more.
Day trips from Split to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
I was quite surprised to see there were full day trips to Dubrovnik from Split, especially because the drive from Split to Dubrovnik (and back again) is 3 hours each way!
This day tour from Split to Dubrovnik. is around 12 hours long and includes a guided tour of the city when you arrive in Dubrovnik and also some free time to explore as you wish before heading back to Split on the bus.
The tour guide is incredibly informative and entertaining and the 3 hour drive really isn’t too bad on a comfortable coach with AC, the views of the Adriatic on the way are stunning.
If you’re short on time, again this is a great option to see the two most popular well-known cities of Dubrovnik and Split. But if you have time, I’d really suggest spending a day or two longer in Dubrovnik to discover more of the city and explore at a slower pace.
Summary: The best day trips from Split and the best day tours from Split
This is definitely a much longer post than I intended it to be but there really are so many fantastic options for Croatia day trips from Split, whether you’re searching for island trips from Split, food and wine experiences or something more adrenaline filled.
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas for how to maximise your time in the beautiful city of Split, whether you’re exploring with your own vehicle or looking for the perfect day tour from Split.
I’ve been surprised and amazed at the day trips Split has to offer and there really is something for everyone whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or even solo - we’ve made loads of friends from doing these tours who we’ve met up with again in Split or stayed in contact with elsewhere in Europe.
Pin this for later to plan your future trip!
