If you’re the type of traveler who thrives on jam-packed days and adventure-filled itineraries, Split, Croatia will rock your world.
Split has the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, a bell tower with stunning views, speedboat and glow-in-the-dark paddle board tours, nearby islands like Hvar and Brac, and world-class waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes and Krka.
I spent over a month in Croatia doing a volunteer exchange on the nearby island of Hvar, so I explored Split on multiple occasions. I discovered how truly well-rounded this city is and even learned about some hidden treasures that not many tourists know about.
I’m here to create that same experience for you! In this guide to the 51 best things to do in Split, Croatia, I’ll dive into every inch of the city and its surrounding attractions.
First Things First, What is Split Like, and Where is it in Croatia?
Split is often the starting point for many Croatian itineraries. It is in the coastal heart of the Dalmatian Coast and the second largest city in Croatia.
Sandwiched between the sparkling Adriatic Sea and dramatic mountains, Split’s history spans over 1,700 years. While highlighting its unique history, the city also combines a modern energy compared to other cities in Croatia like Dubrovnik.
Split’s crown jewel, Dioceltian’s Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world – essentially an ancient fortress that now buzzes with cafes, shops, and lively streets.
Split has also become an adventure traveler’s playground, with great hikes on Marjan Hill, water activities aplenty, island hopping, and ziplining day trips.
It is truly one of the best places to visit in Croatia!
You May Also Like: The BEST 4 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary: A Full Guide
The 51 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia
Things to Do in Split Old Town
Split’s Old Town is the beating historic heart of the city. It has a maze of cobblestone streets, ancient bell towers, and hidden corners. All of which is backdropped by the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic and sailboats right beside it.
Walking down Split’s Riva promenade was the first thing I did after arriving in Croatia and within seconds I could feel the magic of this country. If you’re wondering what to see in Split, Old Town’s attractions should be top of your list.
1. Tour Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is the centerpiece of Split. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
You can explore the Palace by wandering its labyrinth of streets with hidden cafes and shops.
Make sure to see:
- Jupiter Tower – a small temple-turned-baptistery that has an intricately carved stone ceiling.
- The Vestibule – an impressive domed structure that once was the palace’s grand entryway. Local singers often take advantage of the unique acoustics here, singing traditional klapa music.
- Silver Gate – This is one of the main Roman gates into the Diocletian Palace and old town today.
Location | Cost: Free with entry fees into specific landmarks. You can purchase the all-access ticket for 55 kuna to enter Jupiter Tower, St. Dominus Cathedral, the Bel Tower, the Crypt, and the Treasury. | Hours: The Palace grounds are open at all times
2. People Watch in People’s Square (Pjaca)
This small square is just outside Diocletian’s palace walls.
It is a bustling square surrounded by Venetian-style architecture and cafes. People’s Square is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch to people-watch and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere.
Viva’s Bar is a great spot with an outdoor patio in the square. They are open for breakfast, coffee, lunch, and drinks at night.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All times
3. Climb the Cathedral Bell Tower
For the best views of Split, climb to the top of the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum. There are about 200 steep stairs to get to the top, but it is soooo worth it.
This was my favourite thing to do in Split’s old town. You’ll have great views of the orange roofs of the city, the harbour, and nearby islands.
Location | Cost: 30 Kuna or included in all-access ticket | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm, closed on Sundays
4. Explore the Palace Cellars
Beneath Diocletian’s Palace lies a labyrinth of ancient cellars, perfectly preserved. Today, they host small shops, exhibits, and occasionally events. If you are looking for where to buy souvenirs in Split, this is a great spot.
Location | Cost: Free to enter the section with shops, €8 if you want to explore them further (I don’t think it’s worth it) | Hours: 8:30 am to 8 pm daily
5. Walk the Waterside Riva Promenade
The Riva is the Split’s stunning waterfront promenade, where people gather to enjoy the sea breeze, sip coffee, or grab a bite to eat.
Lined with palm trees and some of the best shops and restaurants in Split, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching or unwinding after a day of exploring.
I loved slowly wandering up and down the promenade, eating fresh gelato, and enjoying the views.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All times
6. Take a Walking Tour of Split’s Old Town
I really recommend doing a walking tour of Split’s Old Town if you want to learn more about the city’s history. A local guide will tell you the stories of Roman emperors, Venetian rulers, and how this is reflected in Split today.
We didn’t end up doing a walking tour in Split and I regretted it. After doing a walking tour in Dubrovnik, I realized how valuable it is to get the context behind everything you see in these ancient cities.
Walking tours are free in Split, with an expected tip of around €10. Here is one of the best walking tour companies in Split.
Learn More About Split Walking Tours: Guru Walk Split
7. Visit Split’s City Museum
The City Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits to tell the history of Split. It stretches through history from Roman times to modern day.
Split’s City Museum showcases paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and old armor and weapons to paint a picture of Split over time.
The museum is located in a Gothic palace, right beside Diocletian’s Palace. I’m not the biggest history nut, but I loved seeing the beautiful ancient artifacts.
Location | Cost: 20 Kuna | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
8. Visit Split’s Archaeological Museum
As Croatia’s oldest museum, this site is filled with ancient Roman mosaics, pottery, and ancient jewelry. If you are fascinated by history, you’ll definitely want to visit the Archaeological museum to dive deeper into the region’s past.
Location | Cost: €8 | Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 2 pm and 3 pm – 8 pm. Saturday 9 – 2 pm. Closed on Sundays.
9. Explore Marmont Street (Marmontova ulica)
One of Split’s pedestrian streets, Marmontova Ulica is elegantly lined with shining marble stones. It is the main shopping street in Split, lined with boutiques, galleries, and charming cafes.
Marmont Street is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break to soak up the local atmosphere.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times
10. Visit the Church of St. Francis (Crkva sv. Frane)
The Church of St. Francis is located on the Western end of the Riva Promenade. It has a beautiful interior with artwork and altars dating back several hundred years.
Originally built in 1237, the church is a great spot for those interested in religious history and spirituality. Its quiet courtyard also provides a peaceful reprieve from the busy streets of Split’s old town.
Location | Cost: Free but donations are appreciated. | Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Friday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm and 5 pm – 6:30 pm.
11. Stroll Through Fruit Square (Radic Brothers’ Square) and see Milesi Palace
Fruit Square is a small, picturesque square in the middle of Split’s old town. It is known for its beautiful architecture and the most notable Milesi Palace which exhibits Baroque style architecture.
The square gets its name from being a central spot where locals would gather to sell fruits and vegetables years ago. Today, it is instead filled with local cafes and shops, making it another great spot to grab lunch and enjoy the view.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times.
12. Shop at the Green Market (Pazar)
Located right beside Silver Gate, Split’s Green Market is an experience of sensory overload. It is a local food market, selling produce, local cheeses, honey, and handmade goods.
The market is filled with locals providing a great look into life in Split. The best time to visit for the most bustling activity is between 6:30 am – 12 pm.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: 6 am – 2 pm daily.
13. Visit Let Me Pass Street (Pusti me proć)
This narrow alley is a quirky feature of Split’s Old Town and a fun photo opportunity. Its name, which translates to “Let Me Pass,” should speak for itself, with the narrowest section being only a metre wide.
It is considered one of the narrowest streets in the world. Lined with historic stone buildings and cobbled stones, walking through Let Me Pass Street makes for a unique experience in the old town.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times
14. Take a Bike Tour Around Split’s Old Town
If you are interested in a more active twist on a typical walking tour of Split’s old town, then try biking.
A guided bike tour of Split brings you to its most historic streets and scenic spots while learning about the history and current culture directly from a local guide. You’ll bike through the old town, exploring Silver Gate and Green Market, and then venture past to discover Marjan Hill and other highlights of Split.
Biking tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground in a single tour. I recommend doing them at the start of your time in Split to get a feel for the city’s layout and learn what you might want to explore more.
Book the Best: Biking Tour of Split’s Old Town and Beyond
15. Check out the Split Synagogue
The Split Synagogue is a historically significant Sephardic Synagogue and one of the oldest in Europe. It is relatively modest but provides a great story into Split’s heritage.
If you are interested in Jewish history, this is a great thing to do in Split’s Old Town.
Location | Cost: Free but donations are appreciated. | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Monday – Friday. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
16. Visit Split’s Treasury Cathedral
Split’s Treasury Cathedral is part of the ancient Diocletian’s Palace. The entrance is where you buy the all-access ticket for the palace, right across from the bell tower.
The treasury has over 3 floors of ancient Roman artifacts with an original Roman temple displayed on the first floor. There are sculptures, paintings, old coins, books, and more important relics from the medieval history of Split.
If you are interested in Roman and medieval history specifically, the treasury cathedral is the best spot in town.
Location | Cost: 25 kuna or included in the 55 kuna all-access ticket | Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 2 pm, Sundays 12 pm – 6 pm.
17. Visit Split’s Fish Market (Peskarija)
Located near Marmontova Street in old town, Split’s Fish Market is one of the most lively local experiences to have in the city. Rows of stalls in this open-air market sell the freshest Adriatic seafood, from sardines to squid and shrimp.
The Split Fish Market has operated for over a century and strangely enough is famous for its odor-free environment thanks to some nearby sulfur springs. Visiting early in the morning between 6 am – noon is typically best for seeing the bustle of locals and restaurant owners shopping for the day’s catch.
If you’re a foodie, want to discover unusual things to do in Split, or like immersing yourself in local cultures, don’t miss the Split Fish Market.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: Daily 6 am – 1 pm except Saturdays 7 am – 1 pm.
Things to Do Around Split (Outside Old Town)
Outside of the Old Town, Split has incredible beaches, historic neighbourhoods, adrenaline-pumping activities, and more. I highly recommend exploring the wider city to make the most of your Adriatic adventure.
18. Stroll Through Veli Varoš (the Oldest Neighborhood in Split)
Veli Varos is located on a steep hillside covered in stone houses, narrow alleys, and quaint courtyards. As the oldest neighbourhood in Split, you can find houses dating back hundreds of years. There is even a church that was built in the 11th century.
Strolling through Veli Varos feels like you’ve stepped back in time and gives you a great glimpse into the past of Split’s working class.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times
19. Visit the Mestrovic Gallery
If you like art, you shouldn’t miss this stunning gallery dedicated to Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most famous sculptor.
The gallery is part of a beautiful villa that overlooks the Adriatic. It showcases his works and includes a nearby chapel that features his wooden carvings.
Location | Cost: €12 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
20. Hike to Vidilica Café on Marjan Hill for Panoramic Views
A short but steep walk up to the top of Marjan Hill is one of the best things to do in Split. The walk up the beautiful pathway has extraordinary views over the city and its harbour. It takes about 2 miles (3.2 km) of walking round trip.
At the top of the hill, the Vidilica Cafe is the perfect spot to grab lunch and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in Split. The restaurant is known for its view but also has great reviews for its food and drinks.
Location | Cost: Cost of whatever food/drinks you order. | Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm daily.
21. Relax or Play Picigin at Bačvice Beach
Bacvice Beach is the most popular beach in Split, a short walk from the old town. It is a sandy beach with shallow waters.
Due to its popularity, this beach has a lively atmosphere with nearby bars, parties, and lots of people. It is particularly known as a great spot to play a local game of Picigin. The game is played in shallow water with the objective to continuously hit the small ball into the air without letting it fall.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All times.
22. Experience the Nightlife in Split
Split’s nightlife is legendary.
It’s not only known as one of the best party destinations in Croatia but in all of Europe. Split has laid-back bars and epic nightclubs like Hula Hula Beach Club and Carpe Diem.
You can dance under the stars and sip cocktails by the sea while meeting tons of other travelers. Some of the best local nightlife spots include:
- Lvxor – In the Peristyle square in Old town. Lvxor is a great spot to sit and enjoy a drink while listening to live music by Split’s best young musicians. It has a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Charlie’s Bar – Popular amongst the backpackers, it has cheap drinks and gets really packed.
- Central Club – A very spacious, popular tourist club that is right in the city centre.
- InBOX Bar – The biggest open-air bar in the city centre that hosts the wildest party in Split.
- Bacvice Club – On the left side of Bacvice Beach, this is one of the most popular places to party in Split. It has cage dancers and techno music.
23. Join a Pub Crawl in Split
Split is famous for its pub crawls. If you want to make the most of the nightlife in Split, these guided tours take you to a number of the city’s best bars and clubs with a group of other travelers.
This is a great way to make friends, especially if you are a solo traveller. You can sign up for a pub crawl in advance online and most of the local hostels sell tickets for them.
Book the Best: Pub Crawl in Split, Croatia
24. Take a Guided Sea Kayaking Tour Around Split’s Coast
I highly recommend getting out on the water when visiting Split, Croatia. It’s a great way to get unique views of the city and enjoy the bright blue Adriatic waters.
Sea kayaking tours are popular in Split. They take you along the coastline to discover hidden beaches, caves, and more. You can choose between a regular kayak tour during the day, or my personal favourite, opt for a sunset kayaking tour to enjoy the golden hour light.
The first tour option below lasts about 4 hours, covering 4 miles (7km) of the coast. You’ll get to relax, swim, snorkel, and even try cliff jumping with the new friends you made from the group.
Book the Adventurous: Guided Sea Kayaking Tour in Split with Cliff Jumping
Book the Best: Sunset Guided Kayaking Tour in Split with Wine Tasting
25. Catch a Soccer (Football) Match at Poljud Stadium
For soccer fans and those who love to glimpse the local life, Poljud Stadium is a must-see in Split. The stadium was built in the 1970s and features an exciting atmosphere during the games.
You can catch a Hajduk game, the Croatian football league, in the stadium. The schedule for the matches is found here.
Location | Cost: Ranging from €4 to €50 per person depending on seats | Hours: Schedule
26. Swim (or Climb) at Kasjuni Beach
Kasjuni Beach is known as one of Split’s most scenic beaches, backing onto the cliffs of Marjan Hill. It is a pebble beach but you can rent lounge chairs from the nearby bar, which also has drinks and snacks.
The waters at this beach are clean, calm, and sparkling blue so it is a great spot to swim. There is also some great shady spots along the cliffs on the beach to relax.
If you seek adventure, Kasjuni Beach is also known for its deep-water solo rock climbing. This sport consists of scaling cliff faces without a rope with the water to catch you if you fall.
Cliff jumping along the coast into the clear water is also popular at Kasjuni Beach. You can join a tour that combines rock climbing with cliff jumping to get the full thrill. The climbs range from 2 metres (6.5 feet) to 10 metres (32 feet tall). You’ll get to use a pair of climbing shoes and have an experienced guide with you.
Book the Best: Deep-Water Solo Rock Climbing and Cliff Jumping at Kasjuni Beach
27. Go On a Glow in the Dark Night SUP Tour
Paddle boarding is a popular activity to do in Split because of its calm blue waters. To add an exciting spin on it, try going out at night with a SUP that lights up with neon colours.
The special SUP boards light up the water around and beneath you while paddling. You’ll get to witness the setting sun and then once it gets dark, the neon lights attract small fish and jellyfish.
Book the Best: Night SUP Glow Tour from Stobrec Beach in Split
28. Wine Tasting in Split
Croatia has a rich wine culture with a history over 2,500 years old. Sample the local varieties like Plavac Mali or Posip on a wine tasting tour of the local wine bars and vineyards.
A nice bonus to joining a wine tour is that you can find ones that bring you to local family wineries where you can get an authentic feel of Croatian culture.
In this incredible tour below, you’ll sample local snacks, enjoy views of the Bay of Kaštela and Split, and be hosted in a traditional Dalmatian vineyard. You’ll learn more about the wine-making traditions and sample five different wines.
Book the Best: Traditional Vineyard and Wine Tasting Experience From Split
29. Watch a Movie by the Water at Bacvice Open Air Cinema
Also known as Ljetno Kino Bačvice, this open-air cinema hosts outdoor movie screenings overlooking the Ovčice and Bačvice bays. This is one of the only spots you can enjoy a cinematic experience outside in all of Croatia.
The cinema sells snacks and drinks and screens a combination of American and European films. You’ll find a variety of small indie films and screenings of big worldwide hits like Indiana Jones and the Barbie Movie. You can check the schedule for upcoming screenings here.
Location | Cost: €6 for American movies and €5 for others. | Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:30 pm – midnight.
30. Explore the Klis Fortress
Klis Fortress is on a hilltop just outside of Split. It is a must-see for those who adore history and want to escape some of the crowds in Split.
The fortress has excellent views of Split and its surrounding area. It is also a great place to learn about the strategic importance of the city’s defence throughout history.
Location | Cost: €10 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily.
31. Relax at Sustipan Park
Sustipan Park is a peaceful green oasis on a cliffside above the Adriatic Sea. It was once a cemetery, but now provides spectacular views of Split’s coastline and nearby islands.
It is a great spot to picnic and escape the city’s bustling energy.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times.
32. Rent a Jet-Ski at Znjan Beach
Znjan is the largest beach in Split. It is a pebble beach with several restaurants, bars, and shops with water sport rentals, including jet skis.
Znjan is a family oriented beach and can get really crowded in the summer. But if you are interested in whipping around on a jet ski, this is a great place to do it.
Jet ski rentals start at about €200. You don’t need to reserve them in advance and can find rentals from signs posted along the beach. There are public changerooms and bathrooms onsite, including outdoor showers.
Location | Cost: €200+ | Hours: Any time during the day.
33. Via Ferrata in Split’s Mountains
Many people don’t know that Split is actually surrounded by white mountains. Located only 15-minutes from Split’s city centre, you can scale the south side of Perun Mountain on a Via Ferrata route.
What is Via Ferrata? It is a combination of hiking and rock climbing with fixed cables and ladders built into the cliff-side. Perun Via Ferrata’s course takes you to heights of over 441 metres (1,447 feet)! There is hiking involved as well.
Via Ferrata is a safe and fun way to get a unique perspective of Split.
Book the Best: Perun Via Ferrata Tour
34. Sunbathe at Firule Beach
Firule Beach is one of the few beaches in Split that has sandy shores. It is a small but beautiful beach in a cove. The beach is popular amongst locals so it’ll have a more authentic vibe. There are restaurants nearby and a marina to stroll along the parked boats.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times
35. Visit the Hidden Gem Bene Beach
Bene Beach is one of Split’s most picturesque swimming spots. It is located on the Northern side of Marjan Hill with pine forests surrounding the peaceful cove.
Bene Beach has a natural rock platform with ladders built into it to get into the calm turquoise waters. It has lots of shady spots from the nearby forest, which creates a relaxing and unique setting.
Location | Cost: Free | Hours: All Times
36. Try Scuba Diving in Split’s Clear Waters
The Adriatic waters along Split’s coast are stunningly clear and filled with marine life. There is a great tour that offers complete beginners the opportunity to try scuba diving for the first time to discover the underwater world.
You’ll go over some basic training at the Diving Centre and then enter a beautiful bay with shallow and sheltered waters. It has no waves and is filled with marine life. You’ll practice breathing in the shallow bay first and then be brought further out into the Adriatic Sea.
You’ll be with a skilled instructor the whole time to help you feel secure in your underwater experience.
Book the Best: “Discover Scuba Diving” Tour in Split
38. Enjoy Peace at Trstenik Beach
Trstenik Beach is considered one of the quieter and well-kept beaches in Split. It is maintained by the nearby Radisson Resort but is open to the public with sunbeds and parasols available. The water is really clear and there are several beach bars and restaurants along the beach.
Half/Full Day Trips from Split
Split is located central to a lot of other epic places in Croatia, including small off-the-beaten-path towns, stunning islands, and national parks. These half and full day trips include some of the best activities to do in Croatia that use Split as its base.
39. Try Zip Lining in the Kozjak Mountains
Kozjak Mountain is one of the tall white mountains surrounding Split, towering 779 metres (2,500) tall. You can join an epic 3 hour tour that bring you zipping through Kozjack’s foothills with views over Split, the Adriatic, Salona, Trogir, the Dalmatia islands, and more.
There are 6 zip lines total, reaching a total length of 2500 metres (8202 feet). There is also a 90 metre (294 foot) suspension bridge through the forest.
Book the Best: Zipline Excursion in the Kozjak Mountains near Split
40. Visit the Stunning Historic Town of Trogir
Trogir is a medieval town about 30 minutes from Split. A picturesque town filled with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and Venetian-era architecture, Trogir is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In my opinion, Trogir is not talked about enough on lists of the best things to do in Split. Wander the waterfront promenade, visit the Kamerlengo Fortress, and enjoy a meal in its quaint squares.
How to get to Trogir from Split?
If you don’t have a rental car, you can take the bus or ferry. Bus 37 is the cheapest option but leaves from the Sukoisanska bus hub which is 1.5 km walk from the city centre.
Ferries leave from Split’s port and take about 60 minutes to get to Trogir. It costs €8 and you can check the schedule here.
41. Take an Extreme Canyoning Trip on the Cetina River
The Cetina River runs through the mountains of Croatia into the Adriatic Sea through the nearby town of Omis. Omis is about 45 minutes away and is a popular destination for excursions from Split.
The Cetina River is known for its epic canyoning! Canyoning excursions combine hiking, sliding down rapids, swimming in natural pools, exploring natural tunels, and even rappeling down waterfalls up to 20 metres (65 feet). You’ll even have the option to cliff jump from up to 10 metres (32 feet).
Book the Best: Extreme Canyoning on the Cetina River near Split
42. Explore Omis Old Town and Velika Plaza Beach
On the topic of Omis, this was one of my favourite places to visit in Croatia. It is a truly unique town wedged between two towering white mountain peaks with a blue river streaming through it. The old town is a historic stronghold for pirates. It once defended against the Ottomans from the Starigrad Fortress that stands high on a mountain peak above the town. It is small but has excellent restaurants and is beautifully backed by the surrounding mountains.
One of the best things to do during a day trip to Omis is spend some time at Velika Plaza beach. The beach was my favourite of all the ones we visited in Croatia because of the mountain views, sandy shores, and clear shallow waters.
You May Also Like: 25 BEST Things to Do in Omis, Croatia This Summer
43. See the Roman Ruins at Salona
Once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona is now an archaeological site featuring amphitheaters, basilicas, and ancient baths. Salona is only 5 km from Split and worth half a day to explore its main highlights:
- Amphitheater: Built in 2nd Century A.D. this Roman site once held up to 18,000 spectators.
- City Walls and Gates: You can see the remnants of Salona’s defensive walls and gates, including the Porta Caesarea.
- Early Christian Basilica: Salona is also significant for its early Christian history, featuring a basilica and several martyr burial sites.
- Bathhouses and Forums: Visitors can explore the ruins of Roman bathhouses, the forum, and other public structures that give insight into daily life in the ancient city.
44. Take a Boat Trip to Blue Cave
Blue Cave is a popular natural wonder off the coast of Split. Boats take tourists to see the glowing blue light shining inside this wondrous cave on Bisevo Island.
Most guided boat tours combine a trip to Blue Cave with some stops on the nearby islands like Vis, Hvar, and the Green Cave for swimming and snorkeling.
This popular tour takes you on a full-day speedboat tour to see Hvar, Ravnik, Budikovac, Vis, and Biševo, including a stop at the Blue Cave, Komiza fishing villages, Stiniva Cove for Snorkelling, and Hvar town. It’s your best bang for your buck and also includes stops at famous locations where Mamma Mia was filmed.
Book the Best: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia and Hvar – 5 Islands Speedboat Tour
45. Take a Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is one of Croatia’s most famous national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is filled with cascading waterfalls and unique turquoise lakes all connected by wooden boardwalks that weave through the park.
Most day trips to visit Plitvice leave from Split, taking about 2.5 hours drive through the mountains each way. With the longer drive, it is best to visit Plitvice on a guided tour.
Book the Best: Guided Tour of the Plitvice Lakes from Split
46. Visit Krka National Park
Often thought of as an alternative to Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park is another spot with cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools. There was once a time you could swim in the pools, however, due to its recent popularity, this is no longer allowed.
Joining a guided tour includes time to explore the boardwalks weaving through waterfalls and pools in the park and a boat ride to Skradin. Skradin has a great history and a beautiful beach to swim at.
Book the Best: Krka National Park with Boat Ride and Swimming
47. Enjoy a Day Trip to Hvar
Hvar is one of the many islands off Croatia’s coast and the most accessible from Split. Hvar Island is filled with stunning towns, the most popular being “Hvar Town.”
Hvar town is where most day trippers go. It is known for its nightlife, charming old town filled with dining options, and beautiful beaches. Climb to the top of the Spanjola Fortress for the best views over Hvar, wander its narrow old town streets, and walk the waterfront promenade.
It is easy to do a self-guided day trip to Hvar from Split. There are both ferries and catamarans that run to and from daily.
Catamarans are the best option to getting to and from Hvar Town. They take only 1 hour as opposed to 2 hours and drop you directly in Hvar Town, whereas the ferries drop off in Stari Grad (a 30 minute bus ride). They cost about €20 each way, whereas the ferries cost between €8 – €25 (depending on the line) and require bus or taxi fares.
48. Go White Water Rafting From Split
Another popular tour from Split is a white-water rafting excursion on the Cetina River. The Cetina River descends through Croatia’s tall white mountains, canyons, and out into the Adriatic Sea.
White water rafting on the Cetina River consists of a 10 km (6 mile) route that takes about 3 hours. You’ll pass some gorgeous spots and even stop for swimming and cliff jumping.
Book the Best: Rafting Excursion on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
49. Take a Day Trip to Solta Island
Solta Island is a 1 hour ferry ride from Split and a hidden gem that not many people experience. It is known for its quiet coves, olive groves, and small fishing villages that still remain untouched from the tourist trail.
On a day trip to Solta make sure to see one of the islands main towns, Stomorska, for its cafe-lined streets and peaceful beaches. Check out Beach Gornja Krusica for a day of quiet sunbathing on its pebble shores and swimming in its turquoise cove. Or head to Beach Sipova to enjoy its quiet sandy shores in a sheltered cove with hardly anyone else in sight.
50. Take a Day Trip to Brac
Brac is one of Croatia’s well-known islands and the largest off the coast of Split. The island is more rugged and great for outdoor enthusiasts. There is the famous Zlatni Rat Beach which has a horn-shaped pebble beach, where you can windsurf or swim. It has Vidova Gora, the highest mountain peak on the Croatian islands. You can climb to the top of it for views of the Adriatic and neighbouring islands. It is also known for its white limestone landscape that gives it a unique natural beauty.
There are direct ferries from Split to Brac, leaving every 90 minutes in the summer. They bring you to its main city, Bol, which is the jumping off point for Brac’s adventures.
51. Go Jet Skiing to Ciovo Island
Croatia has over a thousand beautiful islands, with many of them easily accessible off of its coast. One of those stunning islands is called Ciovo, with adorable orange-roofed towns, clear beaches, and beautiful coastline cliffs.
Rather than visiting Ciovo by boat, take a thrilling jet-ski excursion. You’ll start on a jet-boat shooting through the water to Ciovo and experiencing some spinning tricks on the way. After arriving, you’ll drive your own jet ski to explore the island’s turquoise waters.
Book the Best: Jet Ski Excursion to Ciovo from Split
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Plan Your Trip to Croatia – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond Croatia.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Croatia and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Split tours by Manawa here.
Final Thoughts on the 51 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia
Split is a city where history and modern life blend seamlessly. From wandering the Roman Empire masterpiece of Diocletian’s Palace to island hopping the Adriatic, Split has something for everyone. When deciding what to do in Split, you’ll have these 51 incredible adventures to fill up your itinerary!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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