Best Things to do in Split, Croatia
The second-largest city in Croatia after the capital Zagreb, Split is a coastal city with ancient roots and modern ambitions. From its stunning historical architecture and world-renowned landmarks to its awe-inspiring natural surroundings, it’s a travel destination that leaves nobody unimpressed.
Split is often described as the Pearl of the Adriatic both by its visitors and citizens. In this article, we will share with you some of the most important information about the city and things to do in Split from a local insider perspective.
As we are travel experts and living in Split, we have decided to help you to make the most out of your trip to Split.
As one of the main hubs for tourism in Croatia, Split has an excellent selection of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses that cater to visitors worldwide. Whether you’re just visiting for the day or have a few days to spend in Split, we’ll help you make the most of your time there – and maybe even plan a return trip!
Things to do in Split
Split is conveniently located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of the most beautiful sites in the country that you can easily reach by various forms of transport. Moreover, Split itself is easy to travel to, and flights come in from the majority of European capitals and largest cities.
The best travel destinations in Europe all have a great range of activities to choose from and Split is no exception. Some of our favorites that we simply must tell you more about include:
- going on day trips from Split to other nearby places
- discovering Split by foot on walking tours
- going on a boat ride to explore Split’s surroundings
- experiencing fun adventures both on land as well as in the water and the air.
Day Trips from Split
If you spend a few days in Split and want to expand your horizons beyond the city walls, you should consider going on day trips. The ideal day trips from Split are steeped in history, filled with breathtaking views, and allow you to immerse yourself in all the good things Croatia has to offer.
- Trogir
Not only is Trogir one of the easiest places to reach from Split, but it’s also renowned for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steeped in history, glazed by warm sunshine, and surrounded by the blue water, it’s a place that’ll impress even the most demanding travelers.
- Mostar and Herzegovina Tour
The scenic route of this day trip will let you travel across the border taking you through picturesque villages of rural Bosnia and Herzegovina. Experience medieval charm and thousand-year history in Počitelj and head on to Mostar where the east meets the west.
Marvel at the wondrous Stari Most bridge over the river Neretva and roam the oriental streets filled with friendly people, alluring buildings, and the scent of great local food and aromatic coffee. Before heading back, you’ll stop at the Kravica Waterfall – a lush, almost tropical, paradise unlike any other in Europe.
- Krka Waterfalls Wanderers
A must-see experience while in this part of Croatia is visiting the Krka National Park. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the park from Split. The park is named after the river that runs through the park and forms its majestic landscape.
On this day trip from Split, you can expect a magical time spent outdoors enjoying the blue waters and unbelievably beautiful waterfalls – take a picture here, and your friends won’t believe you’re still in Europe! But it’s not just the nature here that fills you with admiration; authentically renovated stone buildings let you take a peek inside the village life as it was hundreds of years ago.
Dubrovnik day trips from Split
Dubrovnik, known for its magnificent terracotta-colored Old Town, has been one of the top travel destinations in Europe for years. What made it even more famous in the last decade was the TV series Game of Thrones. If you ever watched it, you’ll instantly recognize Dubrovnik – it was one of the filming locations. When visiting, you can step in the characters’ shoes and see the filming locations up close.
Driving from Split to Dubrovnik takes approximately 3–4 hours based on your choice of transport. For day trips, you can enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned ride that takes you straight from Split to Dubrovnik. Then you can spend a couple of hours exploring this wondrous place which also holds a UNESCO World Heritage site status.
While visiting Dubrovnik, you’ll want to stop at a local restaurant and munch on some of the delicious food. Did you know you can also take a cable car up to Mount Srđ which will give you a panoramic view of the whole city?
Plitvice lakes day trips from Split
Nature lovers visiting Split will not want to miss the opportunity to visit The Plitvice Lakes – the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. It is yet another destination that can proudly call itself a UNESCO World Heritage site from as far back as 1979.
The paradise-like national park isn’t just stunning in images you may have seen online. It truly is as magnificent, if not more, in real life. Lush greenery, rugged rocks, and the most beautiful waters running through – that’s what you can expect to see here.
The park offers some beautiful hikes with exceptional viewpoints, each more unique than the other. And this place is one that you can enjoy not just from the land but also from the water – a boat ride will open up new perspectives for you to enjoy the sensational surroundings. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?
Bear in mind when you visit The Plitvice Lakes, booking in advance is an absolute must, and booking a day trip from Split is your best bet as it’ll allow you to skip waiting in lines and will provide you with a well-planned itinerary for the whole day.
Walking tours in Split
Going on a walking tour is probably one of the best ways to get to know a new city you visit. In particular on the first or second day upon your arrival. This way, you can get a great first impression and all the insider tips that will let you plan your days – where to go, what to do, and see.
Depending on the city, walking tours can be led by local enthusiasts, tour guides, or historians – sometimes even all in one. These people are not only passionate about their city of expertise but can also let you know all the best facts and hidden gems in your destination.
As Dalmatia’s largest city, Split has a rich and eventful history. During the walking tour in Split, you’ll learn about all the notable historical events that took place here, and how they shaped the city – not in a dry and boring way but through first-hand experience walking through the city and witnessing all the landmarks right there, in front of you.
Boat tours in Split
We’ve already covered how much there is to see and do in and around Split, but this Dalmatian city is unimaginable without the azure waters encircling it. And so, it wouldn’t be a complete trip if you didn’t also go on the water to get some wind in your hair, sun on your skin, and views that’ll make your jaw drop.
Once in Split, you’ll want to plan a day of island-hopping – you can visit the nearby islands Vis and Hvar and stop to see the famous Blue Cave. Excited to take a dip in the clear blue waters? Boat tours in Split also often include snorkeling, so bring your swimsuit.
Visit the famous Stiniva Bay and take pictures that’ll bring you a lifetime of memories. Drop by the Pakleni Islands archipelago surrounded by crystal clear waters and enjoy the spectacular view. If you’re thrilled by the idea of being on or near the water, then this experience is one you simply cannot miss. Pro tip: if you visit with friends or family, you can easily book a private boat tour to enjoy your time in a company of your choice.
Adventure tours from Split
It’s a common misconception that you either go to places for their natural and historical charm or for thrilling adventures. Split is one of those places where you can have it all. After days spent wandering through the ancient streets and beautiful nature around the city, there’s always more to discover here.
- Ziplining adventure near Split
If you plan to visit the Krka National Park, you’ll want to stop by the Čikola river canyon – its rugged beauty is thrilling within itself, but what if we said you can zipline through it? There are three zip lines, each with a different length but equally exciting. Buckle in and securely speed through the canyon at a speed of up to 70 km per hour.
- Extreme canyoning near Split
Another mind-blowing adventure for nature enthusiasts will be the extreme canyoning tour that incorporates elements of various thrilling activities – from walking and hiking to sliding down the rapids and rappelling near a waterfall. The best part about this? You don’t need previous experience in extreme sports to enjoy it. Make sure you’re full of adventurous spirit and wear the right clothes to fully enjoy activities that may make your knees tremble but provide you with the most exhilarating memories.
- Poljud stadium skywalk adventure in Split
Urban adventure lovers can enjoy a stadium skywalk without leaving the city. Enjoy a highly unique panoramic view unlike anywhere else while getting a well-deserved adrenaline rush. It may not be for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are well worth it. You’ll be able to learn about the history of the Poljud stadium and enjoy a free fall rope jump at the end of your tour. Worry not, as you’ll be in the presence of highly experienced guides.
Enjoy your Split holiday
The Central Dalmatia region is a combination of powerful nature and cultural and historical heritage with indelible traces of different civilizations. The center of the region is Split, located on the Adriatic coast in central Dalmatia.
Split is the second-largest Croatian city and the best place to show the original Dalmatian life.
As a Mediterranean city, with a small-town vibe, noisy streets, and easy-going locals, we are sure it will be love at the first sight.
With such an abundance of things to do, it is no wonder why so many people choose to visit Split when they come to Croatia. For those visiting for the first time, it’s a fantastic gateway to the rest of the country. Know this – once you visit, you’ll be eager to return and experience more of Croatian hospitality and the country’s unmatched natural beauty.
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