Split, a beautiful coastal city located in the heart of Croatia, offers plenty of opportunities for day trips. From stunning beaches to historic landmarks, the region is rich in natural and cultural wonders. Whether you're an adventurous traveler or a history buff, there's something for everyone in Split. In this article, we'll explore the 10 best daily trips from Split, Croatia.
Firstly some basic information about this beautiful and historical town. It was founded when Diocletian, the Roman emperor, decided to build in this area his monumental palace for retirement. It was 1700 ago! Diocletian's Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Split. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The palace complex covers an area of about 30,000 square meters and includes a number of impressive structures such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its rich history and see the intricate architecture up close.
Although Split itself offers a lot, regarding historical monuments, beaches, great restaurants, bars, and shopping malls, From it, you can take tours to nearby destinations, it will never be boring!
Krka National Park
This beautiful park is located about an hour's drive from Split or by a day trip organized by many agencies during the summer months. The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk. Visitors can take a pleasant walk through it or take a boat tour to explore the park's many attractions, such as the Franciscan Monastery of Visovac and the Krka Monastery. With many other historic sites, Krka is an ideal city-break trip at any time during the year.
Hvar Town
Hvar Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic Sea. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take a ferry or a speed boat from Split to Hvar and spend the day exploring the island's many attractions. Expect the trip to range between 1 hour (speed boat) and 3 hours (ferry+bus) if your destination is Hvar town. Some of the top sights in Hvar include the Hvar Fortress, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the oldest European theatre, and the nearby Pakleni Islands. To make the most out of your trip make sure to take a taxi boat in Hvar and explore one of the nearby islands. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, Hvar Town is among the most expensive locations on Adriatic Coast.
Blue Cave (Modra špilja)
Usually associated with the island Vis this astonishing natural wonder is located on the small unpopulated island of Bisevo, near Vis. The cave is known for its stunning blue waters, which are caused by sunlight reflecting off the white sandy bottom of the cave. A visit to the Cave can be organized from various locations including Split, Bol (Brač), Hvar Town, and Komiža (Vis). Due to its popularity expect to see a boat queue in front of the cave and to have limited time you can spend in the cave.
Trogir
Trogir is a historic town located just 30 minutes from Split. Because of its position, you can reach it by public transport from Split. The town is known for its well-preserved architecture and is home to several important landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the Kamerlengo Fortress. Visitors can explore the winding streets of Trogir and soak up the town's rich history. While here continue your ride to the nearby island Čiovo, which is connected by a bridge with the coast. On Čiovo you will find many beaches to spend the rest of the day on the beach.
Omis
Omis is a small town located about 25 kilometers south of Split. It's known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. As one of the biggest attractions available almost throughout the whole year, visitors can enjoy a kayak ride along the Cetina River, get an adrenaline boost from Zipline, or hike up to the top of Mosor Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. During summer, Omiš is mostly visited for a historic play of Pirate performance called Pirate Battle Omiš (Gusarska Bitka Omiš). It is a one-night event held only once a year, usually around the 20th of August. Why Pirates you ask? Well, over several centuries in the middle ages, pirates were a dominating force in this part of the Adriatic Sea.
Solta Island
Solta Island is a less popular island located just 50 minutes ferry ride from Split. The island is known for its tranquil beaches, picturesque villages, and traditional way of life. Visitors can take a bike tour around the island or explore the local olive groves and vineyards. Since it's less popular, you can still experience an authentic Mediterian atmosphere in smaller towns or at outskirt beaches.
Dubrovnik
This historic city doesn't need a special introduction. Known for its rich history and popular culture references (Game of Thrones) from 2022 it can be reached in about 3 hours from Split without crossing the border in Neum. During your car or bus trip, you will cross the newly built Pelješac bridge. As mentioned, the city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and is home to several important landmarks, including the Dubrovnik City Walls and the Rector's Palace. Expect the city to be very crowded during the summer months, but it is still very enjoyable. To make the most of your trip visit Srđ Hill with a funicular for a spectacular view or take a boat ride and explore nearby unpopulated islands.
Zlatni Rat, Bol (Brač)
One of the most popular destinations and well-known destinations in Croatia is Zlatni rat beach on the island of Brač. You can reach town Bol in which the beach is located by a ferry (Split - Supetar or Makarska - Sumartin) or with a speed boat from Split and other locations all the way up to Makarska. Zlatni Rat is a big beach so even though there will be a lot of people you will be able to find a good spot both in the shade or in the sun. In case you plan to go with a car or a scooter, on your way to Bol, make sure to stop at Vidova Gora. Not only that you will find some of the most authentic tavern (Konoba) restaurants in this area, but you will have an archipelago view from the highest island peak in the Adriatic Sea!
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina and just a couple of hours far from Split. It’s known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. The nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Old Bridge Museum explores the bridge’s long history. A narrow staircase leads up to the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque’s minaret for panoramic city views. Restaurants in Mostar offer great local food and vine.
Međugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Medjugorje is a town in "BiH" just half an hour from Mostar. It’s been an unofficial place of Catholic pilgrimage since the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared on Apparition Hill in 1981. It is also possible to climb the Apparition Hill. There is a “Queen of Peace” statue marking the site of the 1st apparition and one in front of the St. James Church. It is said that liquid drips from the “Risen Christ” statue near the church. More than 30 million people visited Medjugorje.
Need a personal guide or assistance? I am a licensed and professional tour guide, if you have the desire to explore the area better and learn more about its history and everyday life, you are welcome to contact me in the contact form below or on my Instagram profile Life in Split and we will have a great time together and share a lot of interesting and useful information! I am very passionate about my job and since I also travel a lot, I know how important it is to experience the destination the best way possible and enjoy really in it.
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