The Best Day Trips from Split, Croatia
One of Split's greatest strengths as a base is its connectivity. Ferries, catamarans, and buses radiate outward to some of the most beautiful destinations in the entire Adriatic. Here are the best day trips you can make from Split.
Hvar Island
Travel time: ~1 hour by catamaran | Best for: Beaches, lavender fields, nightlife, historic town.
Hvar Town is arguably Croatia's most glamorous destination — a beautiful harbour surrounded by Renaissance architecture, hilltop fortresses, and brilliant blue water. The island's interior is blanketed with lavender and vineyards. Day trips are easy via regular catamaran from Split's ferry terminal. Book return tickets in advance during July and August.
Brač Island & Zlatni Rat Beach
Travel time: ~50 minutes by ferry to Supetar | Best for: Beaches, swimming, the famous "Golden Horn".
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) near the town of Bol is Croatia's most photographed beach — a distinctive shingle spit that changes shape with the currents. Take the ferry to Supetar and then a local bus to Bol. Combine it with a visit to the Dominican monastery and excellent local wineries.
Krka National Park
Travel time: ~1.5 hours by bus or car | Best for: Nature, waterfalls, swimming (where permitted).
Krka National Park is one of Croatia's most visited natural attractions, featuring a series of dramatic waterfalls on the Krka River. The most popular section is Skradinski Buk. Organised day tours depart from Split regularly, or you can take a bus to Šibenik and connect to the park. Check current swimming regulations — rules have changed in recent years.
Dubrovnik
Travel time: ~3 hours by bus | ~2.5 hours by catamaran (seasonal) | Best for: UNESCO old city, iconic walls, Game of Thrones sites.
Dubrovnik is a long but doable day trip from Split. The UNESCO-listed old city with its famous walls, the Stradun promenade, and views over the Adriatic justify the journey. Note that Dubrovnik is extremely busy in peak season — consider visiting on a weekday and arriving early.
Vis Island
Travel time: ~2.25 hours by ferry | Best for: Off-the-beaten-path, authentic Dalmatia, Blue Cave access.
Further out than Hvar or Brač, Vis remains one of Croatia's least-developed islands — and all the better for it. The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) on nearby Biševo is typically accessed via Vis. The island also has outstanding restaurants and crystal-clear coves.
Šibenik & the Old Town
Travel time: ~1 hour by bus | Best for: Medieval architecture, UNESCO cathedral, less-touristy atmosphere.
Šibenik's Cathedral of St James is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the region. The old town is far less crowded than Dubrovnik and authentically Croatian.
Day Trip Comparison
| Destination | Travel Time | Transport | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hvar | ~1 hr | Catamaran | Beaches & nightlife |
| Brač (Zlatni Rat) | ~50 min + bus | Ferry + bus | Iconic beach |
| Krka NP | ~1.5 hrs | Bus/car/tour | Waterfalls |
| Dubrovnik | ~3 hrs | Bus/catamaran | Walled old city |
| Vis | ~2.25 hrs | Ferry | Blue Cave, seclusion |
| Šibenik | ~1 hr | Bus | UNESCO cathedral |