Are you looking for day trips from Split, Croatia? This is the guide for you!
Split is a coastal city located along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.
There are so many things to do and see in Split, but taking a day trip provides a way to experience the country a little further.
I visited Split this summer and had an amazing experience exploring the country outside of the city!
Some of my favorite day trips include Plitvice Lakes National Park (a classic) and the lovely island of Korcula.
There are tons of guided day trips you can quickly sign up for, or create your own trip with public transit or a rental car!
During my Croatia trip, my friend and I rented a car, which provided us flexibility to explore the country at our own pace.
However, if I were solo traveling in Split, I would probably sign up for inclusive tours!
I have used my personal experience paired with some of the most highly rated day tours from Split to create this detailed list of 10 day trips from Split!
Some of the best day trips from Split include Krka Waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Omis, Hvar, the 5-island tour, and Mostar.
Let’s dive in, and book an amazing day trip from Split!
10 Day Trips From Split
Island
1. Hvar
Hvar is one of the most popular day trips from Split.
Thanks to its close location, it’s easy to hop on a ferry to Hvar for the day and return to Split by evening.
There are also several organized day tours you can sign up for.
Each of these day tours include different things, like swimming stops or combined visits to the blue lagoon or additional islands.
Hvar is known as a more extravagant island as celebrities are known to vacation here.
I did not personally visit Hvar, and chose to build Korcula and Brac into my Croatia itinerary.
2. Brac
Brac is the next closest island to Split.
A day trip from Split to Brač Island offers a mix of beach time, coastal charm, and relaxed island vibes.
You can easily hop on a ferry at Port of Split and explore Brac for the day.
Most tours or ferries head to Bol, where you’ll find Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of Croatia’s most famous beaches.
Its unique shape shifts with the wind and tides, and the water is perfect for swimming or windsurfing.
The boat ride takes about an hour by catamaran or speedboat. Some guided trips also include stops in Milna or a local winery.
Brac is an easy getaway for balancing of activity with downtime, minus the long journey.
3. Korcula
I’ll be totally forward here that Korcula was one of my favorite places I visited on my entire Croatia trip.
Korcula is located about two hours by ferry from Split.
They have morning and evening ferry availability, so it’s possible to plan a day trip. Korcula is the island stop after Brac on the ferry schedule.
I am absolutely enthralled with Korcula for a variety of reasons.
First of all, the town of Lumbarda is very local and has deep roots and family tradition in its wine-making history.
That means you will see gorgeous vineyards spilling across island hills with the Adriatic Sea and a mountainous backdrop… does an island get any more scenic?
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4. Blue Lagoon
A day trip from Split to the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular boat excursions for good reason.
Most tours last 4–6 hours and include stops at the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veli Island, the charming village of Maslinica on Šolta, and sometimes a swimming break near Čiovo.
Speedboats are the typical transport, keeping travel time short—around 30 minutes each way.
The Blue Lagoon itself is known for crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Tours usually include snorkeling gear, a guide, and sometimes drinks or snacks.
It’s an easy, scenic escape from the city, especially on a hot summer day!
5. 5-Islands Tour
Pressed for time, and want to experience the most in one day? The 5-island tour really packs a punch!
Visiting 5 islands in one day sure is value for the money.
Highlights include the famous Blue Cave on Biševo (weather permitting), the stunning Stiniva Cove on Vis, the Blue Lagoon near Budikovac, and the lively town of Hvar.
You’ll also stop at the Pakleni Islands for swimming or lunch.
Travel is by small-group speedboat, which means fast rides, open seas, and plenty of sun.
Note that you will spend lots of time in transit and less time at each of these places.
I prefer slow travel when possible, but this might work the best for you if you are trying to see a lot during a limited time!
I love that they have multiple swim stops, and this day trip from Split really looks like great value for the money.
City
6. Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
You know how I feel about Bosnia & Herzegovina.
This is one of my favorite countries EVER, but you can find more about that in another post.
Taking a day trip to Mostar from Split is ideal because Mostar is only located two hours away by car or bus. You’ll of course need to take into account a bit of time at the border crossing,
You’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge (Stari Most), cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and lively bazaars.
Many tours include a local guide who explains the city’s complex past and cultural mix.
It’s a full but enriching day that gives you a deeper look at the Balkan region beyond Croatia’s coast.
Tip: Alternatively, spend one night in Mostar to enjoy the town at a more relaxed pace.
This also provides you early morning and night exploring options, away from peak tour bus arrival times.
You can book a public transit bus from Split that takes about 4 hours each way.
7. Dubrovnik
Craving Croatia city life from a different angle? Spend the day in Croatia’s capital city, Dubrovnik.
A guided day trip from Split to Dubrovnik is long but worth it if you’re short on time.
The drive takes about 3.5 hours each way, including a brief border crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Once in Dubrovnik, guided tours typically focus on the UNESCO-listed Old Town—think city walls, Stradun, and Game of Thrones filming sites.
You’ll also get some free time to explore or grab lunch with a view.
It’s a jam-packed day, but ideal if Dubrovnik is a bucket-list spot and you’re based in Split!
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Adventure
8. Krka Waterfalls
Krka National Park makes for an amazing day trip from Split!
Krka features scenic trails, wooden footbridges, and the famous (and ginormous!) Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Some tours add extras like a wine tasting or free time for lunch.
It’s a great choice if you want nature, history, and a break from the coast—all in one day.
While you can sign up for a combined trip with Plitvice Lakes, I recommend not rushing either national park and giving each a separate trip if you have the time.
During my Croatia trip, I stayed in Mrzlin Grad Hotel near Plitvice National Park which made it easy to visit both national parks without returning back to Split each day.
9. Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is by far one of the most popular things to do in Croatia.
The turquoise blue pools filled with waterfalls upon waterfalls feel completely unreal.
There are so many walking trails throughout the park, in addition to complimentary boat rides that bring you to different trail points!
Talk about a one-of-a-kind national park experience.
10. Omis
Oh, sweet Omis! Omis was one of my favorite towns from my Croatia itinerary when I visited over the summer.
You can join a rafting or ziplining tour that picks you up in Split and brings you to Omis for the adventure.
Alternatively, hop on a ferry or rent a car for the day because Omis is only one hour away from Split!
Conclusion
Whether you love the beach, hiking, new cities, or waterfalls, there are so many amazing day trips from Split to choose from.
My favorites are Mostar and Korcula, even though I enjoyed having more than a full day in each of these locations.
You really can’t miss Plitvice or Krka, because you just can’t find this vibrant blue water everywhere.
No matter where you choose to day trip from Split, you are in store for incredible scenery and a beautiful adventure.
