Published on Feb 08, 2025 6 min read

Best Day Trips From Split for Travelers

Split, Croatia, is a lovely city with beautiful beaches, but at the same time, it is an ideal place to start to discover the area. The attractions of Split are rich and varied—starting with the ancient Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and continuing with beautiful coast and islands, which provide excellent opportunities for one-day excursions, which allow tourists to get acquainted with the most interesting sights of Croatia: natural attractions, history, and culture. From mountain hiking through the greens of several national parks to exploring the listed towns of UNESCO or simply relaxing on secluded islands, there is something for everyone in the region around the city of Split. In this guide, we will tell you about the best day trips from Split so you don’t miss these Croatian highlights.

Top Day Trips From Split

Krka National Park

Stunning Waterfalls and Nature Trails

Natural beauty and the location of the park are most famous for the remarkable waterfalls, such as the Skradinski Buk. Tourists can also go trekking with well-developed paths that take them through countryside savannah with clear water lakes and waterfalls. The park provides a chance of swimming in some parts of the park with the water being as clear as crystal. This is the world of greenery, fauna, and flora combined with the water streams to make it one of the best places for tourism in Croatia.

Rich Flora and Fauna

Besides unique waterfalls, the Krka National Park holds a great number of plant and animal species. There are more than two hundred bird species in the park, so lovers of early morning birding will find the place perfect for that. It has numerous Mediterranean plants, and the areas with a dense population of trees are excellent for nature enthusiasts. From the historical point of view, it is also important, as there are old water mills, and the monastery built in the XIV century on the island of Visovac is situated in the park.

Hvar Island

Charming Town of Hvar

Hvar is a place for history and luxury seekers, and the island of Hvar is one of the most beautiful islands in the region. The town of Hvar boasts of well-marked cobblestone streets and active paved squares, and history permeated by architectural designs. There are ancient buildings: the Hvar Cathedral, which was built in the beginning of the 16th century, and the Loggia, a building in Renaissance style. The fortification called Hvar Fortress is placed on the town’s point, and shooting a dense view of the town, the port, and adjacent islands is available from there. Hvar is a beautiful day trip that also happens to be historically rich.

Relaxing Beaches and Hidden Coves

Although Hvar has great history to offer, the seascape with its beautiful beaches and coves is just as impressive. For a more private visit, try to go to the mountainous Dubovica, a small bay with cliffs on site, or Pokonji Dol beach, with azure water perfect for swimming and tanning. For those in search of a more adventurous day, arrangements can be made for a boat ride that will take you through the lesser-known areas of the island, including secluded coves and grottos, giving you the chance to get away from the masses that fill other parts of the island.

Trogir

UNESCO World Heritage Old Town

Trogir is on the Croatian list of cultural heritage sites and is recognized by UNESCO as well because of the medieval architecture of the town. The old town has a network of some small and narrow roads with houses and buildings in Romanesque and Venetian styles. A must-see is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Apart from the stunning architecture, this place is also known for its mysteries. The Kamerlengo Fortress, while not very big, offers great vantage points of the town and the shoreline along the coast of the island. Trogir is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in the Split region because it is a historic place.

Seafront and Local Cuisine

The coastal area of Trogir is ideal for an evening walk, shopping, and just enjoying the people around; the promenades with a number of cafes and restaurants offering seafood and other Croatian traditional recipes. Savor homemade specialties of Dalmatian cuisine, such as peka—meat and vegetables baked under a bell—while watching the marina scenery. Trogir is a place that is unique in that you can both really experience the culture of Croatia while also feasting on some of the country’s finest cuisine, making it a perfect day trip destination for both history geeks and food enthusiasts alike.

Vis Island

Vis Island is a small island in Croatia that has not been commercialized; thus, it has experienced little tourist development. While other islands are packed with tourists, Vis is relatively untouched, so the travelers get a real taste of what it is like. This place contains lovely fishing villages, olive trees, and vineyards on the island. Travel here is best for anyone who does not like crowded places because the pace of life here is relatively slow. See the ethnographic site in Vis or Komiža to learn more about the life of local people on the islands.

Šibenik

Another place that tops the list of must-visit sites is Šibenik, which is also near Split. Its medieval streets and aged buildings create a very distinct view of Croatia’s history. St. James Cathedral is a listed building, or World Heritage site, as it is referred to as, owing to its unique architectural features and aesthetic stone sculptures. This is especially true given that it is situated in the city of Split, and those interested in seeing the fortress can be treated to a view of the city as well as the Adriatic. Šibenik is a place where it seems like history has been actually alive, and the stories of the buildings still can be heard.

Conclusion

Croatia is full of hidden gems, and Split serves as the perfect base for exploring them. From the tranquil beauty of Krka National Park and Vis Island to the rich history of Trogir and Šibenik, each day trip offers something unique. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach, these nearby attractions provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your Split experience. Take the time to explore these stunning locations and create memories that will last a lifetime.