10 day trips from Split

If you are travelling to Split this summer, and you want to explore the area, or at least go on some one day trips in the surroundings, but you are still not sure about where to go, take a look at our suggestions for 10 best day trips from Split!

1) Trogir

Just a 30-minutes drive from Split, Trogir is a hidden gem (on the UNESCO world heritage list). This small romantic coastal town (located on an island, but connected by bridge) will surprise you with its history and heritage.

Trogir can be easily reached from Split, and here are some options:

• Take a direct bus line that departs every 30 minutes from the main bus station in the harbour or the local bus number 37, that makes several stops along the way, in the town of Kastela and at the airport. The local bus is a bit cheaper option, but not significantly; it departs every 30 minutes from the second largest bus station in Split, and it needs approx. one hour to reach Trogir.
• By car: You can drive to Trogir along the coastal road from Split, the ride might take 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic (during summer months, you might expect traffic jams on the highway so it is sometimes better to go along the old road through Kastela town).
• However, there is one other interesting option to reach Trogir from Split, and it is the Bura Line boat that departs from Split harbour and will take you to the center of Trogir in just 1 hour (and for the same price as the bus) plus you will experience a small sailing trip!

2) Šibenik

Šibenik is definitely worth visiting. One of the oldest cities in Croatia (dating back to 11th century) is most famous for the Cathedral of st. James (on the UNESCO world heritage list) with an interesting exterior, containing sculpted human heads made after unknown individuals that were living in Šibenik at the time (15th or 16th century). St. Michael’s fortress is another interesting historic monument. Built in the Middle Ages, on a nearby hill, it provides some breathtaking views over the city and the surroundings. The fortress is now the most prestigious venue for numerous open-air concerts and summer festivals.

Getting to Šibenik from Split, here are the options:

• Cheapest option is to take a bus from Split bus station to Šibenik, that should take you about 2 hours, in Šibenik you will get off at the bus station which is located within walking distance of the old town and the Cathedral.

• If you have a car at your disposal, you can drive to Šibenik via highway in about 1 hour alternatively, you can take the picturesque coastal road, due to traffic, this way might take you 30 minutes longer. Parking is available close to the old town.

• Last option is to take an organized day trip from Split to Šibenik; often these tours also include a visit to the national park Krka.

3) Zadar

Zadar is most famous for the Sea Organ that uses wind and waves to create music. Apart from that, you can visit the Church of St. Donatus (from 9th century – largest Pre-romanesque building in Croatia).

Getting from Split to Zadar:

• Cheapest option is bus from Split bus station to Zadar, travel time is about 3 hours, the bus station in Zadar is located 1.5 km walking distance or a short city bus ride from the old town.

• If you drive by car following the highway, the trip should take you about 1 hour and 40 minutes, if you follow the toll free coastal road duration is about 2.5-3 hours. Parking is available around the old town.

• During summer season you have various day trip from Split to Zadar like e.g a sunset trip where you can see the famous light show at the Greeting to the Sun.

4) National Park Krka

This is a day trip definitely worth taking, and you can even swim at the specific places inside the park (at Skradinski buk and Roški slap waterfalls!). Take a boat tour around the NP and enjoy the nature at its finest.

Getting from Split to Krka NP:

• The best and cheapest option is to take the bus from the main bus station in Split harbour. In just about one and a half hours you will get to the National Park.

• If you would like to go there with a guide, you can always find organised excursions to Krka and they sometimes even include a visit to Šibenik.

• By car: Drive along the highway (following the signs for Šibenik) till you see the exit sign for Šibenik (you will pass through a toll station when you exit the highway) and then take the regional road following the signs for Krka, until you reach the main entrance Lozovac. There you will find the parking lot and the NP reception   

5) National Park Plitvice lakes

Plitvice lakes National Park is the most famous NP in Croatia. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1979. The park features 16 lakes (divided into Upper and Lower lakes), two waterfalls and some endemic species. It is not allowed to swim in the lakes, but you can still enjoy the amazing nature, hikes and boat ride around the park.

Getting to Plitvice Lakes from Split:

• The cheapest option is to reach Plitvice lakes by bus from the main bus station in Split harbour. It takes about 4 – 5 hours to get there. Although it may sound a bit long, it is definitely worth taking the ride.

• By car: Drive along the highway till you reach the exit for Plitvice National Park (you will see a large sign so you can’t miss it)

• There are also guided excursions from Split, if you prefer organised tours.

6) Brač – Bol

Brač is the second closest island in Split archipelago and can be reached by ferry or catamaran from Split harbour. The ferry ride takes about 50 minutes to the main port of Supetar which is the biggest town on the island. You can stay there for the day and swim at a number of small beaches; there are also coffee shops, restaurants and souvenir stands all around the town. Or you can take the island bus and go to Bol, another famous place on the other side of the island. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes, but once you get there you will forget about the long ride. Check out the most famous beach Zlatni rat, known as the surfers paradise!    

7) Hvar

The town of Hvar on the island of Hvar is an increasingly popular destination for both tourists and locals. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear blue sea, vibrant nightlife, romantic sunsets, gourmet seafood… the list is endless.

• You can reach Hvar by catamaran from Split harbour but try to book the tickets in advance since they sell really fast.  

• Another option is to take the ferry from Split harbour to Stari Grad town on the island Hvar, and then take the bus to the town of Hvar. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours and the bus another half an hour.  

8) Dubrovnik

Although it sounds a bit unbelievable to be able to go there and back in one day, a lot of people that don’t plan on staying the night in Dubrovnik, decide to visit this most famous Croatian town just for the day.

Getting from Split to Dubrovnik:

• You can reach Dubrovnik by bus, from the main bus station in Split in just over 4 hours. It is the cheapest and relatively fast way to get there.

• If you are travelling by car, you can drive along the highway, just follow the signs for Dubrovnik. You will pass through Croatia-Bosnia border crossing at Neum city, so make sure you have all the necessary documents.

9) Mostar

Located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, this small town will surprise you with its cultural heritage. Make sure to try the famous čevapčići and enjoy the ritual of drinking the traditional Bosnian coffee (often mistaken for turkish coffee, which is different in preparation but similar in serving). Take a walk around the eastern part of town, through narrow streets and traditional souvenir shops, down to the famous Mostar bridge.

Getting from Split to Mostar:

• It takes just about 4 hours by bus from Split to Mostar and the bus tickets are pretty cheap, so this is a trip worth taking.

• If you are travelling by car, you can take the highway, and make sure to have all the necessary documents since you will cross the Croatia-Bosnia border.

10) Međugorje

For those interested in religion, Međugorje is a place worth visiting as a location of Marian apparition. Our Lady of Međugorje is the official title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared to six Herzegovinian children in 1981.

Getting from Split to Međugorje:

• The bus ride from Split to Međugorje takes just about 3 hours, but since the buses are not so frequent, it might not be possible to go there and back in one day, using regional buses.

• If you are travelling by car, just drive along the highway; Međugorje is only half an hour away from the Bijača border crossing.

• Don’t forget to take your IDs or passports with you on this day trip, since Međugorje is located in Bosnia & Herzegovina which means you will be crossing the border to get there.

Although all of these places are easily reachable by bus and/or catamaran, you can always rent a car or bus (if you are travelling as a group).

From Split, you additionally have day trip options to the Blue Cave on island Bisevo, Blue Lagoon on island Drvenik Veli (usually you can find these options from travel agencies offering day trips by speedboats from Split harbour).

You can as well go to island Solta (by ferry from Split harbour), or if you prefer to visit some interesting inland areas, there is the beautiful Cetina river where you can go rafting, canoeing, zip-line riding etc. Plus, the Cetina river canyon is famous for being the filming location of Karl May’s Winnetou from the 1960s.

If you are a big fan of Game of Thrones series, you might want to check out some filming locations in Split and surroundings, like the Klis fortress (known as Meereen) and Žrnovnica water mill (set for the famous scene where Grey Worm watches Missandei bathe).

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