Split itinerary – best things to do in Split in 1, 3, 5 & 7 days

I’ve been to Split more times than I can count (the first time I was still a baby!) and I can’t recommend it enough. This is one of my favorite cities in Croatia and I even entertained the thought of moving here! With each visit I keep discovering new beautiful corners, hip new bars as well as returning to some of my favorites, like the old city center.

With the below Split itineraries I’ll be sharing my insider’s tips and take you on the perfect journey through this amazing town. Whether you only have a day or a whole week, this city has so much to offer. From history and culture to adventure and parties, Split’s got it all.

Split itinerary overview – the best of Split, Croatia

Split attracts a very diverse crowd and I tried to reflect that in the below itineraries. If you only want to explore the historic core, then one day in Split will be enough for you. However, if you have more time at your disposal the 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries are perfect for you. You’ll notice that the longer the itinerary, the more of the surroundings you’ll be able to explore.

I’m giving you plenty of information with links to other relevant articles for each place or activity whenever I mention it for the first time. But since these activities sometimes repeat for different itineraries I left those as a list and you can refer back up for more info when needed.

How many days in Split?

Three days in Split is the perfect amount of time to visit the city. It will allow you to see all Split highlights and to explore the surroundings.

When it comes to what to do in Split you’ll be spoilt for choice and you can easily spend a whole week here. However, if this is your first (or only) time in Croatia and you have more than three days at your disposal, I would actually recommend you use this time to hop over to Hvar for a few days and follow this Hvar itinerary.

If you chose to base yourself in Split for the whole duration of your stay then the 5 and 7-day Split itineraries will work great for you as they account for day trips from Split to the surrounding islands and attractions nearby.

Where to stay in Split

When looking for your accommodation in Split I recommend you pick something within walking distance of Diocletian’s Palace. You can choose to base yourself in the old city center, Veli Varos (a quiet neighborhood full of delicious restaurants), or closer to Bavcice beach if you prefer to stay next to the sea and nightlife.

I’ve written a whole article on the best places to stay in Split which will help you choose the best hotel (and area) to base yourself in Split.

When picking where to stay in Split, remember that parking can be a serious issue. If you’re traveling by car this is a major consideration and something you should check before booking.

Also keep in mind that Split, while often marketed as a beach destination, is primarily a port and the beaches are not as nice as on the surrounding islands and in the bays further out of town. If you’re after a beach destination I highly recommend you hop over to Hvar island and check out these amazing beaches.

1 day Split itinerary

If you only have one day in Split you’ll want to make the most of it. There are basically two ways you can go about it depending on what travel style suits you best and what else you’ve included in your Croatia itinerary.

A) spend the full day in Split old town, take it slow, linger over lunch and really take in the views. Enjoy a coffee, an ice cream, and just tune into the Croatian fjaka vibe.

B) Have an early start, zip through the old town, and grab lunch on the go so that you can spend the rest of the day on a boat tour.

Whichever option you choose make sure to check out my Split travel guide to the old town for more details on what to see and do in town.

The most noteworthy places to visit in Split are:

• Explore the Diocletian’s Palace including:
  • The Peristyle
  • The Vestibule
  • The Podrumi
• Take in the views from Marjan Hill
• Stroll down the Riva
• Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius
• Meander the stone streets

A) The chill way to spend 1 day in Split

I’m all about taking my time and really experiencing a destination. If you can, I recommend you take your time in the old town and really make the most of your Split sightseeing. Enjoy a slow lunch and sit down for refreshments whenever you please, you’re on holiday after all!

Spend the day exploring the Diocletian’s Palace, take in the views from Marjan Hill and in the afternoon visit Klis Fortress. This walking tour of the old town is the perfect way to discover Split. Or, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, consider booking this GOT tour which will take you to the fortress and show you all the filming locations in town.

Read next: Best things to do in Split Old Town

B) Exploring beyond Split in one day

If you’re on a short timeline, then packing as much as possible into a day is crucial. If your Croatia itinerary does not include much beach time and you’re not planning any island hopping then I recommend you book this Blue Lagoon boat trip and make the most of your time in Split. Then come back to Split Old Town in the evening for some sightseeing and a nice dinner. For the ultimate evening experience of the city book this evening walking tour.

Read next: Your guide to the Blue Lagoon, Croatia

3 days in Split itinerary

This is the perfect way to explore Split in 3 days and can be easily adapted for a weekend in Split. This itinerary lets you venture out of the city and you’ll get some much-needed beach time too.

Day 1 – Split Old town & Marjan Forest Park

Explore the Diocletian’s Palace

Start the day early if you wish to beat the crowds and heat in the old town. The Diocletian’s Palace is the most famous attraction and a must see in Split. Do not miss out on the highlights; The Peristyle, The Vestibule and The Podrumi.

Read next: Best things to do in Split Old Town

Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius

Just off of the Peristyle you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Domnius (Sveti Duje). This is the oldest still standing Catholic cathedral in the world and while it’s history and architecture are certainly impressive, the best part is the view from the bell tower (57m).

Meander the stone streets of Split and discover the many squares

Split’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is almost exclusively pedestrian. Made up of breathtaking Roman remains and charming cobblestone alleyway, Split boasts a lively bar scene, quirky shops, fantastic restaurants, an array of museums and art galleries and one of my favorite waterfronts (Riva) in Croatia.

Split city center was also used for the filming of GOT. If you’re true fan you’ll recognize many of it’s corners from the series and I highly recommend you book this Game of thrones tour which will show you all the filming locations in town and take you to Klis Fortress as well.

Book your guided tour:
Split walking tour
Game of Thrones tour with Klis Fortress

Grab lunch in town

Sit down for lunch at Konoba Korta or any other restaurant that catches your attention. Order some spritz to cool down and refresh after all the walking. Take your time to enjoy the meal.

Views & beaches in Marjan Forest Park

After lunch, it’s time for some views and relaxing on the beach.

At the very edge of Split Old town sits Marjan Forest Park and it takes up a big part of the peninsula NW of town. The park is massive and it could be described as a maze of walking paths, countless staircases and Mediterranean nature.

The views from Marjan Hill are especially gorgeous and you don’t even have to hike all the way to the top to see the city from above. The first viewpoint (Prva vidilica na Marjanu) offers the best views in town and you can grab a refreshing drink while you take in the views from the cafe at the viewpoint.

There are different paths leading up the hill but taking the Marjan Hill Stairs is the easiest and fastest one, just be prepared to get a little sweaty as it’s over 300 steps.

Continue down the other side and head over to the waterfront. The trees in the park offer a welcome relief from the heat of town and there is plenty of beaches for you to choose from. I highly recommend Kasjuni Beach and Beach Bene.

Mediterranean dinner

After a relaxing afternoon at the beach it’s time for a shower and some food. While you might be tempted to sit down at one of the restaurants at the waterfront, you’ll probably get better food and better service a couple of streets inland.

Stroll down the Riva

Preferably ice cream in hand. Split has one of the largest and nicest Rivas in Croatia and I just love strolling here in the evenings. The waterfront is closed for traffic and lined with palm trees. The large promenade is perfect for evening walks, during the day you can find some shade in the long narrow park that runs along the promenade or sit back in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Day 2 – Blue Lagoon, Trogir and Klis Fortress

Blue Lagoon tour

There are several Blue Lagoons in Croatia, but the most stunning one (the one you want to visit) is located just a short boat ride from Split. Blue Lagoon is the popular name for Krknjasi Bay, an incredibly blue bay at Drvenik Veliki island which is further sheltered by the islets of Mali (small) Krknjas and Veli (large) Krknjas.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous lagoons in Croatia and an absolute must on your Croatia trip. It takes the color blue to an entirely new level and it is the perfect place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe and enjoy one of Nature’s finest creations.

While all boat tours stop at Trogir and the Blue Lagoon, some take you to an additional island too. Solta is the most popular stop but there are tours that stop at Ciovo or Brac as well. Below are my top recommendations for you to choose from. The half-day tour will get you back to Split in time for you to squeeze in an evening visit to Klis Fortress.

BOOK YOUR TOUR:

Private speedboat tour (8h, 4 islands – Trogir, Blue Lagoon, Solta, Brac)
Group full-day tour (8h, 3 islands – Trogir, Solta, Blue Lagoon)
Group half-day tour (5h, 3 islands – Blue Lagoon, Trogir, Ciovo)

Read next: Your guide to the Blue Lagoon in Croatia

Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress is a medieval fortress located about 20min North of Split. Perched on top of the hill it offers stunning views in all directions. This fort has a very strategic position and historically it served as a major source of defense against the Ottomans. Today it is most famous as a GOT filming location for Meereen. If you’re a fan I highly recommend this GOT tour.

Location: Klis Fortress
Opening times: 8:30am–10pm MON – SUN
Entrance fees: 75 kn per adult

Day 3 – Omis and Cetina river

A mere 35 minutes drive south of Split is where the beautiful Cetina river meets the sea. Cetina carved its path through a scenic rocky canyon and Omis was built at the mouth of the river with a stunning fort perched on top of the cliffside.

This area offers something for everyone, from superb fish restaurants and vibrant cafes in Omis to adventure-filled activities on the river, to more forts, history and architecture. The choice is yours. To help you filter through all the options, here are my top recommendations for activities in Omis and Cetina:

Book your Omis adventure:
Omiš and River Cetina Boat Tour
ZipLine over Cetina Canyon
Half-Day Rafting on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
Canyoning on Cetina River
ATV Off Road Tour
Via Ferrata Omis

Food for thought: You might have seen photos of the Cetina springs which look like a cat’s (or dragon’s) eye from above. The springs are indeed stunning but that is a 1.5h drive inland towards Knin. If you have your own wheels you can squeeze this in but be aware that there is not much else into that direction and you’ll be done with the springs in less than 30 minutes. Is 3h drive really worth the 30min jaw-drop and freezing dip? For me it was, but not everyone is as crazy as I am. Alternatively you can turn this into a 6h mountain biking adventure and book this bike tour.

5-day Split itinerary

This 5-day Split itinerary builds up on the 3-day itinerary, meaning the first three days will be exactly the same as above while the fourth and fifth day will be spent exploring beyond Split and will take you to Hvar island and Krka National Park.

Day 1 – Split Old town and Marjan Hill

Book your guided tour:
Split walking tour
Game of Thrones tour with Klis Fortress

Day 2 – Blue Lagoon, Trogir and Klis Fortress

Book your guided tour:
Private speedboat tour (8h, 4 islands – Trogir, Blue Lagoon, Solta, Brac)
Group full-day tour (8h, 3 islands – Trogir, Solta, Blue Lagoon)
Group half-day tour (5h, 3 islands – Blue Lagoon, Trogir, Ciovo)

Read next: Your guide to the Blue Lagoon in Croatia

Day 3 – Omis and Cetina river

Book your Omis adventure:
Omiš and River Cetina Boat Tour
ZipLine over Cetina Canyon
Half-Day Rafting on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
Canyoning on Cetina River
ATV Off Road Tour
Via Ferrata Omis

Day 4 – Hvar Island

Hvar island really feels like home to me and I honestly believe this is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. Ideally, you’d spend more than one day here but even a few hours will be enough for you to fall in love with Hvar.

You can hop on a ferry, rent a scooter or car and explore Hvar on your own. If you’re short on time you can even do this speedboat tour that combines Hvar and the Blue Cave.

Book your car ferry.

Book a speedboat to Hvar.

Book a catamaran tour to Hvar & Pakleni Islands

Hire a 125cc scooter on Hvar

Rent a quad bike on Hvar

Day 5 – Krka National Park

If Plitvice Lakes National Park has all the lakes, then Krka National Park has all the waterfalls, and then some. Krka NP is best known for Skradinski Buk, but the National Park is so much more than this! Just make sure to book your Krka NP entrance ticket or tour

Opening times: times vary depending on season and entrance. Skradinski Buk is open 8AM – 8PM in summer.

Entrance fees: fees vary depending on season, starting at 50kn in winter and all the way up to 200kn in summer per adult ticket.

Get your Krka NP admission ticket

Beyond Skradinski Buk

From Skradinski Buk you can hop on a boat, drive or walk up to the 22.5m high Roski Slap, next to it you can visit the Necklaces which is a network of small cascades, backwaters and islets. From here you can climb up the 500+. steps to Ozidana pecina cave from where you can take in the views and explore the karst cave. If you’re visiting in Spring when water is plentiful, consider taking the detour to the tallest waterfall in the park – Manojlovac waterfall.

Read next: Krka National Park guide

Another popular highlight of Krka NP is Visovac Island where you can visit a little monastery and enjoy the gardens. To be perfectly honest, I found this bit a little boring and enjoyed the views of the island more than actually visiting the island.

Book your Krka waterfalls day trip:
Krka waterfalls and Sibenik – ticket and lunch INCLUDED
Sibenik, Krka Waterfalls and Skradin
Krka Waterfalls with Food & Wine Tasting

7-day Split itinerary

Building on the 5-day itinerary, this week-long program adds some more island hopping and beach time to the mix.

Day 1 – Split Old town and Marjan Hill

Book your guided tour:
Split walking tour
Game of Thrones tour with Klis Fortress

Day 2 – Blue Lagoon, Trogir and Klis Fortress

Book your guided tour:
Private speedboat tour (8h, 4 islands – Trogir, Blue Lagoon, Solta, Brac)
Group full-day tour (8h, 3 islands – Trogir, Solta, Blue Lagoon)
Group half-day tour (5h, 3 islands – Blue Lagoon, Trogir, Ciovo)

Read next: Your guide to the Blue Lagoon in Croatia

Day 3 – Omis and Cetina river

Book your Omis adventure:
Omiš and River Cetina Boat Tour
ZipLine over Cetina Canyon
Half-Day Rafting on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
Canyoning on Cetina River
ATV Off Road Tour
Via Ferrata Omis

Day 4 – Hvar island

Book your Hvar trip:
Book your car ferry.
Book a speedboat to Hvar.
Book a catamaran tour to Hvar & Pakleni Islands
Hire a 125cc scooter on Hvar
Rent a quad bike on Hvar

Read next: Hvar travel guides

Day 5 – Krka National Park

Book your Krka waterfalls day trip:
Krka waterfalls and Sibenik – ticket and lunch INCLUDED
Sibenik, Krka Waterfalls and Skradin
Krka Waterfalls with Food & Wine Tasting

Read next: Krka National Park guide

Day 6 – Vis & Blue Cave or Makarska Riviera and Biokovo

Depending on your other plans for your time in Croatia and your mood, I’m giving you two options on how to spend this day.

Vis & Blue Cave

I’ll be honest, I’m only adding this in because the Blue Cave is a major tourist attraction in Croatia and a bucket-list item for many. And yes, it certainly is a memorable sight and a wonder of nature. But boy the hassle to get there from Split!

Read next: Your guide to visiting the Blue Cave

The drive from Split to Vis (wherte the Blue Cave is located) is quite long and speedboats aren’t really known for smooth sailing but luckily, most tour operators will add more stops to the trip in order to break up the long boat journey. Still, I’d recommend you book a trip with a bigger boat in order to have a more comfortable trip.

Keep in mind that the waiting times to enter the cave can get pretty long and you’ll only get a few minutes inside.

If you have the option of staying on Hvar for a few nights I’d highly recommend you do this Blue Cave tour from Hvar instead.

Book your day trip to the Blue Cave:
Five Island Speedboat Tour
All-inclusive Gastro Blue Cave Tour
Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, Vis and Hvar Islands

Makarska Riviera & Biokovo

Just a short drive south of Split town you’ll find the most breathtaking coastline in Croatia. Stretching from Brela all the way to Gradac, Makarska Riviera is my favorite beach destination in Croatia. Here you’ll find approximately 60 kilometers of gorgeous secluded bays, clear blue waters, endless pine forests, and best of all, the impressive Biolkovo mountains overlooking it all.

Let’s beat the masses and start the day up in the mountains. Located at an elevation of 1228 m, Skywalk Biokovo offers breathtaking views over the whole riviera, the nearby islands, and on a clear day all the way to Italy. Take in the views and fresh mountain air, then spot your favorite bay – that’s where you’re going next!

The scenic coastline of Makarska Riviera offers countless beach opportunities, with Punta Rata beach and Nugal beach taking the crown. Grab a towel, sunscreen, snacks and some water, and go beach hopping in paradise. Keep in mind that many of the beaches in Makarska do not have any amenities or bars so take with you everything you might need.

Book your trip to Makarska
Makarska & Mostar from Split
Skywalk Biokovo and White Water Rafting from Split
Biokovo Skywalk from Makarska
Biokovo Nature Park Hiking tour from Makarska
Beginner Diving in Brela
Scooter rental in Makarska

Day 7 – Brac Island

Brac is among the most popular islands in Croatia, and for a good reason! That reason being Golden Horn beach (Zlatni Rat), the poster child of Croatia tourism. This gorgeous beach keeps changing shape and it might appear as a sandy beach, but in reality, it’s made of tiny little pebbles that dance around with the tide.

Book your day trip to Brac:
Sailing Cruise to Brac and Solta
Hvar, Brac & Pakleni islands cruise 

Beyond Golden Horn in Bol, other highlights on Brac Island include:

• Vidova Gora lookout, the highest point of the Croatian islands
• Dragon’s Cave (Zmajeva Spilja)
• Stonemasonry School & quarries
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing

Getting to Split, Croatia

Split is very well connected with all major cities in Croatia and the main port for the ferries to the surrounding islands. You can reach Split by boat, bus, train or plane. If you decide to drive to Split keep in mind that the old town is pedestrian only and there is a serious parking shortage in town. It’s a good idea to check your parking options before booking your accommodation.

By plane

Resnik Airport is a 30-45min drive from Split airport to Split old town. There is a public bus (37 or 38) that will get you close to the old city center but if you have luggage or want to catch a ferry then this shuttle bus is a better solution for you.

Best time to visit Split, Croatia

Like most of Croatia, Split gets really busy and extremely hot in summer which is considered to be high season. Personally, I prefer Split in late spring or early autumn when the temperatures are milder and the crowds smaller.

If you have to visit in summer make sure to start your Split old town visit in the early morning before the crowds hit the town and the scorching sun heats up the city.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer. It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive. I believe you’ll have a much better experience visiting Split in late spring or early Autumn.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).