Split-Dalmatia County is the largest county in Croatia by area and one of the most visited regions in the Mediterranean. Located along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea, it encompasses the historic city of Split with its UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, the charming medieval town of Trogir (also UNESCO-listed), the glamorous island of Hvar, the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač island, and the scenic Makarska Riviera. The county stretches from the Cetina River canyon in the north to the Neretva delta in the south, bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east. With over 1,700 km of coastline and more than 300 islands, islets and reefs, Split-Dalmatia offers world-class beaches, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Roman ruins, medieval architecture, outstanding seafood cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and exceptional natural landscapes including the Biokovo mountain range.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is Croatia's most visited national park and one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular natural attractions. The Krka River forms a series of extraordinary travertine waterfalls and cascades over 45km, culminating in the iconic Skradinski Buk - 17 cascades descending 46 meters through moss-covered rocks and lush vegetation. A boat ride on the river is included in the park ticket. The island monastery of Visovac (15th-century Franciscan) and the Roski Slap falls are additional highlights.
Highlights: Skradinski Buk waterfall system · Visovac Island Franciscan monastery (boat tour) · Roski Slap waterfall · River canyon boat tour · Medieval fortress of Krka (Nečven) · Rich bird and wildlife
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The stunning Ottoman-influenced city of Mostar and its iconic rebuilt Stari Most (Old Bridge) is one of the most rewarding day trips from Split. The bridge, reconstructed in 2004 after its destruction during the Bosnian War, spans the turquoise Neretva River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old bazaar (Kujundžiluk) is one of the best preserved Ottoman marketplaces in the region. Brave divers still leap from the bridge as a local tradition.
Highlights: Stari Most (Old Bridge) - UNESCO World Heritage · Kujundžiluk bazaar (Ottoman marketplace) · Traditional diver jumps from the bridge · Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque · Local Bosnian cuisine (ćevapi, burek, baklava) · War History Museum · Kravice Waterfalls (nearby detour)
Hvar Island
Croatia's sunniest island (2,724 sunshine hours/year) is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. A day trip from Split allows exploration of Hvar Town's stunning harbor and Renaissance architecture, the magnificent Fortica fortress, boat excursion to the Pakleni Islands, lavender fields in the interior (June), and a taste of the island's legendary food and bar scene. The island is undeniably glamorous but has genuine historical and natural depth beneath the yacht-and-cocktail surface.
Highlights: Hvar Town harbor and piazza (largest in Dalmatia) · Fortica fortress with panoramic views · Pakleni Islands (water taxi excursion) · Lavender fields (June) · Sunset at Hula Hula bar · Stari Grad (Pharos - ancient Greek colony) · Cathedral of St. Stephen
Trogir UNESCO Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir is one of Dalmatia's gems and makes an excellent half-day or full-day excursion from Split. The medieval island-town has a remarkable concentration of Romanesque-Gothic architecture including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its famous 13th-century Radovan's Portal, the Kamerlengo Fortress, Church of St. Nicholas with its famous Gothic relief, and a picturesque network of medieval streets. Less touristy than Dubrovnik but comparably beautiful.
Highlights: Cathedral of St. Lawrence - Radovan's Portal · Kamerlengo Fortress and tower · Church of St. Nicholas - Gothic relief · City Loggia · Medieval streets and courtyards · Waterfront promenade and restaurants · Views to Čiovo island and bridges
Blue Cave and Vis Island (Boat Excursion)
One of the most popular day excursions from Split, typically combining the otherworldly Blue Cave on Biševo island with stops at Vis island, the Green Cave (Stiniva or similar), and Hvar island. The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) is a sea cave where refracted sunlight turns the water and interior an electric blue - one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary natural sights. Best visited between 11am-12pm on sunny days.
Highlights: Blue Cave - electric blue light phenomenon · Green Cave snorkeling · Stiniva Cove (voted Europe's best beach 2016) · Vis Town and Komiža fishing village · Pakleni Islands swim stop
Brač Island and Zlatni Rat Beach
Croatia's most iconic beach, the horn-shaped shingle of Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) near Bol on Brač island, is an easy and rewarding day trip from Split. The island also offers the summit hike to Vidova Gora (778m, highest Adriatic island peak), stone quarry history (Diocletian's Palace was built from Brač limestone), olive oil tasting, and the charming fishing town of Supetar.
Highlights: Zlatni Rat beach - Croatia's most famous · Vidova Gora summit (778m, optional hike) · Bol old town · Brač marble quarries (Pučišća) · Local olive oil tasting · Windsurfing (Zlatni Rat is a top windsurfing spot)
Dubrovnik
Croatia's most famous city, with its perfectly preserved medieval walled old town and stunning Adriatic setting, is manageable as a long day trip from Split. The city walls walk (2km), Stradun pedestrian street, Rector's Palace, Fort Lovrijenac, and the Lokrum island boat trip are highlights. Famous as a Game of Thrones filming location (King's Landing). Note: Dubrovnik is very crowded and expensive in July-August, and the long drive makes this a tiring day trip.
Highlights: City walls walk (2km circuit) · Stradun - main marble street · Rector's Palace · Fort Lovrijenac · Cable car to Srđ mountain for panoramic views · Lokrum island (boat trip, botanic garden, Game of Thrones) · Old Town restaurants
Omiš and Cetina River Canyon
The dramatic pirate town of Omiš wedged between cliff walls at the mouth of the Cetina River canyon, is an excellent half-day excursion combining history, adventure, and stunning scenery. The medieval Mirabela fortress perches dramatically above the town, the Cetina canyon offers rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining, and traditional inland konobas serve freshwater trout and lamb. A perfect complement to coastal sightseeing.
Highlights: Mirabela and Starigrad fortresses · Cetina River canyon · White-water rafting (seasonal) · Zip-line over the canyon · Traditional konoba lunch · Pirate heritage history · Cetina river swimming holes
Multi-day tours from Split-Dalmatia County
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from Split-Dalmatia CountyWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.