Last updated on July 4th, 2026 at 03:03 pm
Split’s spectacular coastal setting means you’re truly spoilt for choice when in comes to day trips from Split, I highly recommend elevating your stay by visiting the scenic islands, dreamy cascading waterfalls or wandering nearby UNESCO-listed heritage towns like ancient Trogir a unmissable town on the coast!
I’ve visited Split more times in Croatia than anywhere else, it’s a wonderful city and incredible base to stay for a few days with easy access to some of the regions top highlights, including picturesque Krka National Park with an abundance of nature and the stunning azure-like waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of my personal favourite experiences for discovering private islands and secret coves!
And because Split is so well situated, you don’t even have to travel far to reach any of these places, especially if you have chosen central accommodation in Split, you can easily include a well-planned day trip from Split, truly I always leave one day when visiting in Split to explore the incredible region, here’s my pick of the best day trips from Split, the ones that are absolutely worth your time!
Best Day Trips From Split (My Top Picks)!
Short on time? These are the day trips from Split I’d personally recommend booking first!
- Blue Lagoon – best overall Split boat trip!
- Krka National Park – best scenery & quiet escape!
- Trogir Heritage Town – best cultural experience!
Visiting Split between June and September? The best boat tours often sell out several days ahead – especially private tours!
1. BLUE LAGOON
A Blue Lagoon island-hopping boat trips is easily one of the best summer day trips from Split and my favourite day out on the water for exploring beautiful natural bays and swimming in the clearest azure-like waters with lovely scenery – all just 30 minutes from the coastline – a must when visiting Split for the first time!
Typically you’ll hop around Maslinica and two or three other unspoilt tiny islands and bays of Krknjaši Blue Lagoon by speedboat, personally I opted for a superior private boat for more flexibility and space, which is by far the best way to explore the island’s secluded bays without suffering crowded boat tours, this is the relaxed alternative, which makes the whole experience feel a lot more elevated and calm! Check availability for this private Blue Lagoon boat trip!
I especially prefer the morning tour when the water is more tranquil and blue, and stopping by Skoy for an Aperol Spritz – a chic boutique beach club on the Blue Lagoon Islands – and for now a little hidden gem only accessible by private boat! If you couple this idyllic morning with an pleasant afternoon of lunching on the riviera and you have yourself the perfect day in Split!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I recommend booking a private tour which allows you to see more hidden gems away from the tourist trail and explore at a relaxed pace – with no waiting around! We chose this private boat tour, which included exclusive swim spots, shade and a brand new boat, if you’re solo, this premium small group tour is ideal!
View prices & dates for the private Blue Lagoon boat trip here!
My favourite day trip from Split: If I could only recommend one experience, it would be the stylish private Blue Lagoon boat trip. It felt far more relaxed and exclusive than the larger speedboat tours, and swimming in the quiet coves around Krknjaši was honestly one of my favourite things to do in the region.
2. HVAR ISLAND
Hvar is a beautiful Island and one of the islands I visit frequently, the heritage town, glam Venetian Rivera, fortress and upscale restaurants are an irresistible combination, this is an premium island that has it all, which makes it super popular across the summer months – it boasts the sunniest destination in Croatia!
And while I usually recommend 4 or 5 nights on Hvar, if Split is your only destination, you can explore some of the best things to do in Hvar Town in one day to get a feel for it including wandering Hvar’s Old Town, seeing the spectacular view from the Fortress and lunching on the waterfront – I do recommend going with a plan to make the most of it!
Day trips from Split to Hvar can be organised several ways, it’s just over an hours journey from Split’s port and you arrive directly on the Riviera where most of the town’s highlights will be a 10 minutes walk away, including the town square and cathedral, be sure to walk along the coastal path to Beach Club Hvar!
Hvar is often paired with the Pakleni Islands – a group of 14 picturesque islands just 20 minutes from Hvar peppered with stunning bays and a few boutique spots for a drink – and the best way to experience both is by booking a superior boat tour from Split that seamlessly takes you to the most scenic areas!
How To Get There
• Ferry from Split port (direct 1hr 15 each way)
• Luxury private tour (private & organised)
Hvar Island is one of the easiest day trips from Split and for a more elevated experience, I recommend a private tour, where you’ll visit the Pakleni Islands best scenery and boutique beach clubs as well as gorgeous Hvar Town and more gems along the way, you’ll have the whole boat to yourselves, this luxurious private tour is my top pick – a larger boat for comfort, if budget allows!
The ferry runs up to 14 times per day in summer (which is usually full and must be booked in advance) this is an option if you only want to explore Hvar Town and it’s nearby small pebble beaches or clubs.
See this summer’s availability for the private Hvar & Pakleni Islands luxury boat tour!
3. BRAC ISLAND
Brač is the largest Dalmatian Island between Split and Hvar and is known the world over for its incredible Golden Horn beach – you are likely to have seen this striking image above, it’s one of the most iconic attractions in Croatia and well worth visiting for relaxing day trips from Split, especially if you choose to sail!
Golden Horn beach, also known as Zlatni Rat and pretty coastal town Bol are two of the main spots to visit on this island, and they are literally next to one another, you can walk between them in 20 minutes, which makes Brac Island one of the best day trips from Split if you prefer to spend your time swimming and sunbathing!
Most boats and ferries arrive directly to Bol Town, only 50 minutes from Split’s port, where you can admire this cute town and grab a coffee, there’s also plenty of lovely spots for lunch facing the sea along this shoreline, but you’ll need water shoes to move around as this beach is pebbly!
Brac and it’s Golden Horn beach is suitable for everyone, it’s family friendly and in summer there’s often floating devices, sunbeds and parasols available to rent to make your beach day even better!
How To Get There
• Ferry from Split port (direct 50 minutes each-way)
• Sailing trip (private & luxury)
Similarly to Hvar, you can book the ferry online from Split to Bol, which runs 5-6 times per day, and it only takes 50 minutes, but if you’re looking for an wonderful experience, I recommend this private sailing trip, which takes groups of up to 6 around Brac island, stopping at beautiful quiet bays, taking in the islands breath-taking scenery enroute and visiting spots only accessible to private boats – trust me the scenery is spectacular – even better than sitting on the beach!
Check out the full details of this private Brac Island sailing trip!
4. FIVE ISLAND TOUR (Blue Cave, Mama Mia, Hvar)
A full day boat trip to see the Blue Cave, Hvar and Vis is one of the most popular day trips from Split for those with a shorter timeframe to explore the region and while I normally recommend reserving the larger Dalmatian Islands for separate visits, if you are keen to see a few of the highlights you can take a island-hopping tour – but it goes without saying this is fast paced, rather bouncy and only just scratches the surface of what these Islands offer!
You’ll see some real gems including the illuminous Blue Cave and iconic Stinva Beach on Vis Island – dubbed as James Bond beach, a fantastic large white pebbled beach flanked by dramatic cliffs, it’s a must-see (and swim) – and can only be reached by boat in which you will swim to shore for added excitement!
Another attraction of this tour, where you normally have a couple of hours free-time is Hvar Town, a stop that always blows everyone away, it’s perfect for lunch and a wander through the picturesque town, sometimes you also have the chance to visit one of the Pakleni Islands for a drink – (I recommend dreamy Laganini beach bar if you head to Palmizana Bay) – yes this is a whirlwind of sights, but also a lot of fun!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I recommend this organised and highly rated 5 Islands boat tour, which lets you visit multiple islands such as Hvar and Vis, swim in hidden coves and explore the Blue Cave all in one day. You can choose small group or private – which is the ideal option for groups of four or more!
Reserve your spot on the Island-hopping boat trip here!
5. KRKA NATIONAL PARK
Krka National Park is one of the best places to visit from Split for nature lovers, it really is a beautiful part of the region with cascading waterfalls, crystal clear turquoise-coloured pools, lakes and lush forest surrounds and nearby there’s rolling vineyards for wine-tasting, which makes it one of my favourite summer’s day trips from Split!
Visiting Krka takes you an hour inland from Split to the National Park beauty spot, a popular area to visit by tour, which often includes a stop at a hidden gem winery and while you may only get to walk around a section of the waterfalls due to the nature of the terrain, you will see the main picturesque highlights, especially around June time when the falls are at their best!
I visited Krka with this private group tour, which included some really incredible scenery, wine tasting in the vineyards in nearby Skradin and a truly authentic experience that not many visitors of Split get to see – this is where a superior tour comes in very useful when exploring unfamiliar remote spots!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I recommend this very special private Krka and wine tour from Split, which includes return transport, entrance to Krka National Park and free time to explore, plus wine tasting with lunch at the wonderful vineyard in Skradin – all your logistics are taken care of for a easy day out!
Explore this Krka Falls & wine tasting experience!
6. UNESCO TROGIR OLD TOWN
Trogir is a must do day trip if you’re staying in Split, this charming heritage town with UNESCO status is only 35 minutes away and you’ll get to see of the best preserved medieval towns of the region, a real gem that captivates with its rich heritage centre and gorgeous palm-tree-lined Riviera, perfect for romantics and explorers!
I recommend taking a morning or afternoon to see the highlights, the town is blessed with beautiful architecture, narrow cobbled lanes, boutiques, a cathedral overlooking the central square and a wonderful Riva to rival Split’s – truly, Trogir Old Town is small but beautiful, (just like Cavtat and Hvar Town) making day trips from Split to Trogir one of the best!
I’ve visited Trogir many times, it’s one of my favourite place to walk around and an alternative place to stay, if you prefer a cuter town and more cosy atmospheres, there’s some lovely boutique hotels in Trogir, that aside it’s a fantastic option if you want something relaxed, easy to get to and half-day friendly, especially if you have a tighter Split itinerary, it will only take up 4 or 5 hours of your time including a lunch at hidden gem FRANKA!
How To Get There
Trogir is just 35 minutes from Split by car, (rental or taxi), a taxi is around €40 each way – from the end of Split’s Riva – less than this if you book a Uber, which are plentiful in this area. It’s the quickest way to arrive, and drops you right at the drawbridge to the town – a cool entrance indeed!
If you plan on taking the bus – book it in advance with Omio (it’s around €10 each way) from the man station opposite Split’s port – don’t get a local bus – it takes a very long time with all the stops and is often very crowded!
I have detailed all my Cavtat tips in this full Split to Trogir day trip guide!
Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik Summary:
- Best overall: Blue Lagoon private boat
- Best luxury: Hvar & Pakleni Islands
- Best scenery: Krka Falls & vineyards
- Best adventure: Island-hopping
- Best cultural: Trogir UNESCO town
- Best half-day: Blue Lagoon Private boat
TIPS FOR PLANNING DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT CROATIA!
When To Visit
For the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, May to June or September to October are the best months to visit Split, especially for boat tours from Split for swimming (warmest is September). July and August are the hottest and busiest months – if you’re visiting, a private boat trip will be a wonderful escape!
Best Time To Book
Split is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Croatia, if you’ve got your eye on a top-rated tour, such as Hvar, sailing Brac or Blue Lagoon, it’s best to lock it in at least 1-2 weeks in advance for peak summer, check availability for your dates today!
Hiring A Car In Split
If you need car hire in Split, I recommend Discover Cars; they are reliable and compare rates for the best price! Car hire is economical in Croatia; however, parking near heritage towns needs some advance planning!
Check Tour Timings
Some of the full-day tours could last around 10-12 hours, especially the island-hopping tours to Vis and the Blue Cave, half-day tours to places nearer to Split like the Blue Lagoon or Trogir are also brilliant options and work better with shorter Split itineraries!
Morning Boat Tours
If you’re planning a half-day boat trip from Split, aim for a morning departure – the sea is a lot calmer, the light is perfect for photos, and you’ll arrive before the midday rush, especially for places closer to Split like the Blue Lagoon or Brac Island
Pack The Essentials!
- Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (for rocky beaches)
- Waterproof phone case for boat trips
- Sunscreen and water bottles.
- Cash & Cards
- Phone charger for the longer days!
- Trainers for National Parks
If you’re looking for more incredible island-hopping ideas, check out my guide to the Best Private Boat Tours from Split!
DAY TRIPS SPLIT CROATIA: FAQ
What is the best day trip from Split, Croatia?
The best day trip from Split Croatia is a boat trip around the nearby beautiful Blue Lagoon, which includes swimming in clear turquoise waters, discovering scenic bays, hidden boutique beach bars and more!
Not a fan of the water? UNESCO Heritage Town Trogir is a wonderful ancient town with a gorgeous Venetian water front, old town and wonderful restaurants – a must visit from Split!
Can you do day trips from Split to Hvar?
Yes, it’s possible to do day trips from Split to Hvar to see the main highlights, although it might feel a bit rushed and once you arrive, I can guarantee you will wish it was longer! There are lots of things to do in Hvar Town, it’s beautiful, and a 4-5 night stay is ideal!
Can you do a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik?
No, a day trip from Split to Dubrovnik would not be worthwhile, as the journey takes around four hours one way, you will not see much at all given the timings. Dubrovnik Old Town and the peninsula are best explored over a few days, here’s where to stay in Dubrovnik!
Can you do a day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, but it is a very long journey, almost 3 to 3.5 hours each way, and Plitvice Lakes needs a full day to get around it! I recommend staying a night at Plitvice or visiting as part of a road trip!
What are the best boat trips from Split?
The best boat trips from Split include island hopping around the Blue Lagoon, visiting Solta Island and sailing the island of Brac. Check out the best experiences in my boat trip guide from Split here!
Still planning your Split itinerary?
If you’re still planning how to spend your time in Split, the Blue Lagoon private boat trip and a visit to Krka National Park’s waterfalls really do offer the perfect balance; they’re two of the absolute best day trips from Split, for a reason! I’ve also shared the best things to do and a perfect 3 day itinerary!
- Where To Stay In Split Croatia – the best areas & boutique hotels
- Best Things To Do In Split Croatia – must-see sights, experiences & highlights
- 3 Days In Split – a perfectly paced itinerary for first-time visitors
- Private Boat Tours From Split – island hopping to Hvar, Brač & beyond!
- Best Places To Stay In Trogir Croatia – best areas & boutique hotels
- Best Things To Do In Trogir Old Town – heritage sights, restaurants & more!
SAVE & SHARE: BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT CROATIA!
Best Day Trips from Split Croatia, You’ll Love! | 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.
Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!