3 Days In Split Croatia: A Perfect Split Itinerary!

Looking to spend 3 days in Split Croatia? Here’s your perfect 3 day Split itinerary, a place I have visited many times and love!

Split is one of the most popular coastal cities in Croatia – thanks to its easy access to the Dalmatian Islands and handy international airport! But it’s more than a layover, Split offers a stunning Riviera, top-class restaurants, impressive architecture and best of all, an incredible old town!

As well as being beautiful and vibrant, Split has many attractions nearby that you’ll want to explore, truly, I have stopped in Split several times and always find the region so fascinating!

I’ve put together this perfect 3 day Split itinerary for first-time visitors and anyone who wants to make the most of their time. You’ll get the full low-down on where to stay and what to do, plus valuable insider tips from a seasoned Croatia traveller!

So, from Diocletian’s Palace to Marjan Hill’s beaches to the Riviera, here’s how to spend 3 Days In Split Croatia!

Planning your trip to Split, last minute?

Here’s a few activities and top hotel recommendations to book before you get to Split, so you don’t miss out!!

Best Experiences & Attractions

• Island Hopping – amazing day with highlights of the best islands!
• Sunset Sailing Trip – incredible sunset evening on Split’s Riviera with drinks!
• Blue Lagoon – experience turquoise waters and unspoilt islands!!

Top 3 Hotels in Split!

• Hotel Ambasador Split – luxurious quality hotel on the Riviera with stunning old town and sea views – and rooftop pool!
• Golden Gate Luxury Rooms – super stylish rooms, amazing UNESCO location along the Palace Walls!
• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – a beautifully refurbished luxury heritage hotel set within a charming old town location!

WHAT TO DO IN SPLIT CROATIA IN 3 DAYS

3 Days In Split Itinerary: Day 1

Explore Diocletian’s Palace

Start your 3 days in Split by exploring UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace in the Old Town, it’s the heart and soul of Split and full of history and character!

Wandering around is the best way to get your bearings, it’s an integral part of Split, you’ll see beams, Roman pillars, arches and tunnels from the 4th Century AD and these days the ‘open air palace’ houses restaurants, cafes and boutiques!

It’s easy to get around and mostly free, but you can also learn a lot more if you go on a guided walking tour of the Diocletian’s Palace. There’s so much history here and a local guide would really bring the ruins to life. I think for a top-rated tour and less than €20, it’s worth booking!

Climb Up Dominus Cathedral Bell Tower

One of things I recommend doing in the old town is climbing up the Cathedral Bell Tower for the views, even if cathedral’s don’t interest you the view might!

In my opinion, it’s the best view in Split, a clear shot over the orange rooftops, but you must be good with climbing stairs as there’s a lot of them, from stone steps to rickety metal ones!

You can buy your entry tickets at the base of the tower, they are only €3.50 and there’s a few other bits and pieces of history to see as well!

Have Lunch at Uje Oil

After a couple of hours exploring the old town and climbing up the bell tower, it’s time for a fantastic lunch at Uje Oil!

Split has a great restaurant and cafe scene, but knowing which to pick out of the plethora of options is key to having a great meal, but don’t worry I’ve done a lot of the work for you! Uje Oil Restaurant is in the middle of the atmospheric old town with a terrace on a picturesque cobbled street.

Try the olive oil tasting menu or the fig and ricotta flat bread with local wine – it’s all delicious, I have eaten here many times, but the opening hours are sporadic!

Note: Another excellent choice if Uje Restaurant is closed is the Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar, also in the old town and provides very tasty light lunch bites with excellent wine!

Stroll Along Riva Promenade

Split’s Riva is amazing, it’s my favourite spot to stroll! The prom is filled with tall palm trees and snazzy terraces of restaurants and bar-cafes with sea-facing views and a nice sea breeze!

Along the waterfront, there are small market stalls selling all kinds of knick-knacks and souvenirs to browse. Pro Tip! The Green Market on a Saturday has a much better choice!

You’ll walk up and down here often during your 3 days in Split, it’s so alluring with attractive Venetian-esque buildings and flower-filled terraces and conveniently, it leads straight through to Diocletian’s Palace – it’s as if they planned it.

Visit Colourful Republic Square

Pop in to Republic Square (also known as Trg Republike) on your way to Marjan Hill (more on that below), it’s an wonderful square with colourful buildings and restaurants!

It is one of the largest and main squares in Split and often holds outdoor concerts in the summer, which transforms the area. In between, it’s a nice spot for a wander, admiring the beautiful buildings and maybe stopping for a drink on a sunny terrace!

Walk Up Marjan Hill Viewpoint

Marjan Hill is your last sight-seeing stop of the day, it’s at the end of the Riva and Republic Square, it’s the main panoramic viewpoint and natural park in Split.

Look for the ‘Marjan’ sign at the end of the Riva as this is where you will start your climb up the steps, but don’t worry the walk itself is pretty easy and in the late afternoon the sun will not be as hot!

You’ll get to the top within a 20-minute uphill walk– don’t forget to take pictures of the Mediterranean scenes along the way and listen out for the birds and crickets!

As well as the panoramic views there’s a restaurant, Vidilica Terrace where you can reward yourself with a glass of wine – don’t miss this off your Split Croatia itinerary!

Riva Sunset Drinks At Olive Tree

A pre-dinner sunset drink at Olive Tree is one of my favourite things to do in Split! It’s in the centre of the Riva with cool Mediterranean looks – including olive trees, chairs and tables that face the palm trees and sea.

I recommend ordering a cocktail as this is what the Olive Tree does best, it’s such a good vibe and fantastic spot to sit and watch the sunset! Side note, the food is terrible – see my restaurant picks for better choices!

Evening Meal At Restaurant Zoi – Amazing Rooftop Terrace

After your sunset drink continue your evening at a top restaurant in Split Croatia! Zoi is an elegant restaurant with a rooftop terrace over-looking the Riva, it’s a perfect retreat away from the bustle and tourists of the old town.

Boasting a romantic ambience, Zoi offers an à la carte menu, which changes often – so it’s hard to recommend a dish, but I had a very tasty risotto and they specialise in seafood! Enjoy the atmosphere and sea breeze!

You’ll have to reserve a table on the terrace, this restaurant is popular!

3 Days In Split Itinerary: Day 2

Breakfast At Brasserie No 7 – Seaview Terrace

On the morning of your day 2 Split Croatia itinerary you should treat yourself to an amazing breakfast at Brasserie No 7 right along the best part of the Riva! Enjoy the seaview and flower-filled terrace as you dive into pancakes with fruit, egg-white omelettes, acai bowls, fresh coffee and more!

Brasserie No 7 is the best restaurant in Split Croatia, for breakfast! It has been a favourite of mine for a long time, it’s one of the reasons why I love visiting Split so much, I always include this terrace in my Split itinerary! It’s such a gorgeous start to the day and the breakfast menu runs until midday, so you can linger – hurrah!!

Browse Pazar Market Stalls

After breakfast, head towards Split’s main open-air market – Pazar Market (also known as Green Market). You’ll find it just to the east wall of the Palace, it’s a great place to do a little souvenir shopping and the atmosphere is quite fun, you get to see a bit of the local life in action.

It’s open all day every Saturday and it sells all sorts from clothes to hats to honey and lavender-related things – Croatians LOVE lavender!

I’m not a huge shopper when away, but I did get the white dress that’s featured in many of the photos in this post, I’m often complimented on it! It was a great purchase, but don’t haggle, I tried this and was promptly told off – (You are saving the price of a coffee, she shouted!!) oh never mind…..

Relax At Split Beaches

At this point in your 3 days in Split itinerary, you will already have seen the best things to do in the area, so I recommend hitting Split’s beaches for a few hours in the afternoon, depending on how you’re feeling!

Marjan Hill is a good spot for beaches, my favourite’s are Kasjuni Beach (featuring Jo’s beach club with cabanas for hire) and Kastelet Beach, which is quieter, but this all very much depends on the day and month you’re visiting!

You can catch the number 12 bus from the end of the Riva to Marjan Hill beaches or an €5 Uber. Alternatively, you can visit the best beach club in the area for a little luxury, Mistral beach and restaurant, which belongs to the Radisson Blu!

Sunset Sailing

Any trip deserves a sunset sail and this intimate sunset sailing trip around Split’s coastline and Marjan Hill is the best! You get free-flowing drinks and music with a backdrop of Diocletian’s Palace, it is well worth doing and as you only sail for around 2 hours it slots perfectly into your evening!

On our sunset sailing experience, there were just 7 of us and we had a great time with our friendly host – who brought delicious local wine on board and truly the sunsets are magical at Marjan Hill!

Wine & Tapas At Bokeria

For your second evening, I highly recommend reserving a table at our favourite tapas restaurant in Split Croatia! Bokeria wine and tapas is phenomenal, the lush decor, ‘drinks wall’ and ambience are unbeatable!

Grab a table outside on the attractive patio with a lovely setting and order a few starters and tapas to share with an Aperol Spritz and definitely the homemade bread. Honestly, it is so good I’ve been to this place multiple times and the evenings are particularly special!

3 Days In Split Itinerary: Day 3

Take A Day Trip From Split

As day one and two of your 3 days in Split itinerary are centred around exploring the old town and Marjan Hill, a day trip to the waterfalls or islands are the perfect way to spend your last day in Split!

You have many options, and a lot of Croatian Islands at your disposal, but I recommend one of the three below!

A Day Trip To Krka National Park

Krka is a stunning natural wonder that offers cascading waterfalls, crystal clear water swimming pools, lakes and lush forest surrounds! Only an hour from Split, Krka National Park is an idyllic spot to walk around or swim!

I recommend making a day out of it by visiting the nearby vineyards as well. This organised Krka tour includes a boat trip across the lake and a stop in Skradin vineyards for wine and local charcuterie tastings!

Krka National Park and the surrounding area, is tricky to organise yourself, I’ve tried and we ended up paying a fortune in taxis and wasted time waiting around! So, to save the hassle, I strongly suggest booking a Krka tour for an easy and nature-filled day out from Split!

Island-hopping Boat Tour From Split

Island-hopping around the gorgeous islands is one of my personal favourite Split day trips from Split, it’s a perfect introduction to the islands!

Hopping between islands and spending some time on each is also great if you really want to maximise your time in Split by visiting the best islands in one day!

On this 5 Islands Boat Tour, you’ll visit Blue Cave, Vis Island’s Komiza (Mama Mia film location) and iconic Stiniva Beach, the Pakleni Islands and super glam Hvar Town, these really are the highlights of the area!

This full-day 11-hour island hopping excursion is excellent value for money, so if you want to really see as much as possible this boat tour is the best option!

Pro Tip! Speedboats are a very common way of getting around the islands in Croatia and I thoroughly recommend it for a great day out!

Good To Know: This is a hugely popular small group tour, especially during the peak summer months. Book it in advance to secure your spot!

A Day Trip To Trogir & Blue Lagoon

Trogir is a beautiful heritage town less than an hour from Split, and it even bears striking similarities to Split along the waterfront. Truly, the whole area is postcard perfect, there’s plenty of charm in the cobbled old town, including squares and lanes filled with cafes, boutiques and terraces!

On a day trip from Split, you’ll definitely have time for a drink on the waterfront, explore the ancient old town and enjoy the views, however, Trogir is super small and I recommend combining a trip to Trogir with the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon!

We decided to book this private speed boat tour and it ended up being the best decision for us, an adventurous day with a beautiful heritage town and scenic, unspoilt islands!

One of the highlights was snorkelling a shipwreck and visiting the beaches of Solta Island, this scenic area is absolutely stunning and can only be visited from Split – I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again!

Tip! Your private Blue Lagoon tour lasts approximately 10 hours and can be fully customised, we actually stopped in Trogir a little longer and chose an incredible lunch spot on Solta Island with the help of our wonderful host!

Looking for more incredible day trip ideas? Check out my complete guide to the most luxurious day trips from Split Croatia!

Finish With Drinks At Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar

After a full day of exploring and adventure with whichever day trip you end up choosing, you’ve earned a few drinks in Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar! I found this place buried in the old town and instantly loved it, the ambience is spot on!

If you’re looking for nightlife in Split Croatia, you can’t go wrong with this cool little jazz bar that sometimes has live jazz musicians! It’s super friendly and the drinks menu is excellent!

3 Days In Split, Croatia – Useful Travel Tips!

Where To Stay In Split, Croatia

Now that you have more of an overview of Split, you’ll need to know where to stay in Split! Split has a lot of accommodation choices, but the best central locations are the atmospheric Old Town, including Diocletian’s Palace, Riva and Veli Varos.

After staying so many times, I have a good idea which hotels, apartments and boutiques are the best places to stay; here are my top choices!

• Hotel Ambasador Split – luxurious quality hotel on the Riviera with stunning old town and sea views – and an amazing rooftop pool!
• Golden Gate Luxury Rooms – super stylish and spacious rooms, amazing UNESCO location literally along the Palace Walls!
• Split Finest Apartment 1 – my favourite apartment where I’ve stayed on three trips, right on the Riva with a balcony and high-spec renovations!
• Golden Palace Apartment – a great apartment within the atmospheric Palace, stone wall features and 5-star touches.
• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – a beautifully refurbished luxury heritage hotel set within a fantastic old town location.

Note: You can walk to everywhere featured in this 3 day in Split itinerary, which is why I always suggest staying in the old town – the most central and best area in Split!

For more accommodation details check out my complete guide; Where To Stay In Split: Best Areas, Hotels, Boutiques & More!

When To Visit Split Croatia

Overall, the best time to visit Split is from May until late September, this is when the weather is warm and sunny and Split is at its most vibrant!

There’s much more to do in summer, such as boat trips and beach days! July and August are the peak months and super busy with visiting tourists and to be honest, probably best avoided if you can help it!

How To Get To Split Croatia

Split’s airport is a major transfer hub, and it’s very accessible whether your travelling from the UK or USA! The airport is around 40 minutes from the centre of Split old town.

The best way to get from Split’s Airport to your accommodation is to order a private transfer with Viator. For around €28, you can have a private driver waiting for you upon arrival to take the stress out of finding a taxi!

If you’re arriving by bus, train or ferry, the stations and port are next door to each other and only a short walk into the old town – don’t forget to book your ferry in advance!

How To Get Around Split Croatia

Split is a very walkable city, the old town is pedestrianised and there’s a long promenade to stroll! To get to the beaches, you can easily take an inexpensive Uber, but don’t grab a white taxi, they are very overpriced – unless you have picked a good driver to haggle and agree a price beforehand!

Are you planning a road trip around Croatia? I recommend hiring a car from the airport, you can then park outside of the old town and visit nearby places like Trogir right away!

3 DAYS IN SPLIT CROATIA FAQ

Is 3 days in Split enough?

If you are in Split to see the highlights and maybe do an excursion to a nearby gem like Krka Falls, Trogir or the Blue Lagoon, then I think 3 days is enough time in Split. I suggest adding more days in Split if it’s your only destination in Croatia, so you can see more of the beautiful Croatian Islands and relax!

Is Split in Croatia nice?

Yes, Split is a very nice coastal city in Croatia! It is a wonderful mix of history, charm and elegance! I have stayed in Split many times and wouldn’t hesitate to stop again, and I’m very picky!!

Is there a ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?

spYes! Three companies run high-speed ferry Split to Dubrovnik routes, passenger-only ferries: Jadrolinija, TP line and Krilo, the journey is between 4.5-6 hours. You can use Omio to book any of these options!

Is Split Croatia worth visiting?

Yes, Split is definitely worth visiting, not only is it a gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, but a wonderful city in its own right. I highly recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Split Croatia!

What to do in Split for 3 days?

If you only have 3 days in Split Croatia, you can certainly see the Diocletian’s Palace, climb up the Cathedral’s Bell Tower for views, visit the vibrant Riva waterfront and Marjan Hill, hit the beach and go on a day trip! There’s a lot you can do with 3 days in Split!

If you’re looking for more things to see and do in Seville for 3 days or longer, check out my post; 24 VERY BEST Things Do To In Split Croatia For Your First Visit!

3 DAYS IN SPLIT CROATIA: FINAL THOUGHTS

So that’s a wrap on my 3 days in Split itinerary! As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in 3 days – and longer if you include beach time and visiting the islands!

And now that you know exactly how to spend 3 Days in Split, check out my guide on the 24 VERY BEST Things to Do in Split!

Liked this post? Please leave a comment in the box below – or you can BUY ME A COFFEE!

Plan your Split Croatia itinerary!

Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Split Croatia!

• Booking.com for the best boutique rates
• Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
• Viator for luxurious experiences
• TripAdvisor for the latest reviews
• Discover Cars – best car rentals and rates for Europe
• Omio – booking ferries across Europe

Read Next:

• Where To Stay In Split, Croatia: Best Areas, Apartments, Boutiques & Luxury Hotels
• 7 VERY BEST Hotels In Split Croatia On The Beach
• 24 VERY BEST Things To Do In Split, Croatia For Your First Visit!
• The BEST Beaches Of Split, Croatia: A Complete Guide
• 6 Luxury Day Trips From Split Croatia, You’ll Love!
• 8 Best Private Boat Tours Split Offers For Island-Hopping Bliss!
• Trogir: A Wonderful Day Trip From Split
• How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik: The Complete Guide

LIKED THIS POST? PIN IT!

3 Days In Split Croatia Itinerary! A Perfect 3 day Split Itinerary | Pin For Later

This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.