Split

Day Trips

Wake up to the gentle morning light filtering through ancient stone corridors as you wander the maze of alleys inside Diocletian's Palace. Marvel at the peristyle and subterranean cellars, feeling centuries of history beneath your feet. Stop for a strong espresso at a hidden café tucked under Roman arches.

Cross the peristyle to visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and climb its bell tower for panoramic views over red-tiled roofs and the Adriatic. Explore the Temple of Jupiter and browse charming artisan stalls in the Old Town’s shaded squares. Indulge in a seafood lunch at a nearby konoba, sampling freshly caught Dalmatian specialties.

As dusk settles, watch street performers bring the palace’s stone walls to life with music and dance. Dine at an atmospheric courtyard restaurant illuminated by dinner candles and historic façade. Cap the night with a gelato stroll along the bustling Riva promenade, soaking in the lively local spirit.

Begin the day with a leisurely stroll along the sunlit Riva, the vibrant harbor front alive with locals practicing tai chi and vendors setting up their stalls. Pause at an outdoor café for a locally roasted coffee and a buttery burek while observing sleek yachts bobbing in the clear bay. The morning breeze carries the scent of salt and fresh pastries, inviting you to explore further.

Browse through souvenir shops and artisan stalls offering handcrafted jewelry and lavender products. Enjoy a light lunch of octopus salad at a sidewalk tavern while watching ferries depart to nearby islands. The afternoon sun sparkles on the water as palm trees cast dappled shade over lively benches.

As evening falls, the Riva transforms with strings of lights reflecting on the sea. Join the locals for an aperitivo at a chic bar terrace, savoring a chilled glass of Pošip wine. Cap the night under the stars with live music drifting across the promenade.

Head up to Marjan Hill at sunrise to hike through fragrant pine forests and spot graceful black crows perched on rocky outcrops. Pause at the Telegrin viewpoint for a sweeping panorama of Split’s red rooftops and the glittering Adriatic. The crisp air and gentle coastal breeze will awaken your senses before the city stirs below.

Continue along sun-dappled trails to reach secluded coves where you can swim in crystalline waters or relax on smooth pebbles. Pack a picnic with local cheese, olives, and prosciutto to enjoy at a shaded bench overlooking the sea. Explore hidden chapels and monuments scattered among the pines as afternoon light filters through the branches.

Descend to the village of Veli Varoš for an authentic Dalmatian dinner in a family-run konoba surrounded by vine-covered walls. Savor slow-cooked peka dishes and homemade raki under rustic lanterns. End the evening with a coastal walk, watching the sunset paint the horizon in warm hues.

Step into Split’s oldest museum to explore a rich collection of Roman artifacts, early Christian relics, and medieval treasures. Each gallery offers a window into centuries of Mediterranean culture, from intricately carved sarcophagi to ancient coins. Enjoy the hushed atmosphere as you trace the region’s layered history through carefully displayed exhibits.

Wander to nearby art galleries that showcase contemporary Croatian artists alongside traditional folk art. Engage with interactive installations or attend a spontaneous artist talk if timed just right. Refuel with a light lunch at a boho-chic café, sipping locally sourced tea and nibbling on artfully plated brioches.

Return to the museum’s courtyard for an open-air performance if available, where musicians reinterpret ancient melodies on modern instruments. Afterwards, dine at a nearby Michelin-recommended restaurant, sampling innovative Dalmatian fusion cuisine. Conclude the night with a leisurely walk back through the illuminated palms lining the boulevard.

Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the warm, shallow waters of Bacvice Beach, a local favorite just a short walk from the Old Town. Watch morning bathers play picigin, a traditional ball game in knee-deep water. Grab a smoothie or pastry from a beachfront kiosk and relax on soft sand as the sun rises.

Lounge under colorful umbrellas or join a beach volleyball game with friendly locals. Treat yourself to fresh seafood tacos or a cold craft beer at a seaside bar, the perfect midday pick-me-up. When the tide recedes, explore nearby coves for snorkeling and underwater photo opportunities.

As the sky shifts to pastel shades, dine at a bohemian beachfront restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and Dalmatian salads. Sip a Spritz while lounging on a hammock, listening to gentle waves lapping the shore. After nightfall, join a beach bonfire or wander back to Old Town to mingle in cozy wine bars.

Drive or hike up to Klis Fortress at the break of dawn to avoid crowds and witness golden light bathing the ancient ramparts. Imagine epic battles as you explore stone walls that date back to Illyrian times, with sweeping views of Split and the Adriatic beyond. Pause at the fortress café for a warm croissant and steaming coffee.

Descend to the surrounding village to wander narrow lanes lined with rustic stone houses. Enjoy a homemade lunch in a family-run tavern, sampling octopus under the bell, cooked peka style in a metal dome. Spend the afternoon visiting local craftsmen who produce olive oil, honey, and lace items.

Return to Split for dinner at a panoramic rooftop restaurant overlooking the fortress lit against the twilight sky. Sample a tasting menu featuring truffle-infused specialties and local wines. Top off the evening with a leisurely stroll through the nearby olive groves, the night air perfumed with herb blossoms.

Catch an early ferry to the sun-drenched island of Hvar, feeling the excitement build as the coastline recedes behind you. Disembark onto a palm-lined harbor and set off to explore stone-paved streets anchored by a 16th-century fortress. Sip café latte on a sunny terrace as fishermen unload their morning catch.

Cycle through fragrant lavender fields or charter a small boat to discover hidden sea caves along the crystal-clear coast. Lunch at a seaside taverna offers freshly grilled fish drizzled with olive oil, accompanied by a cool glass of local white wine. Spend the afternoon basking on remote beaches or wandering art galleries in quiet villages.

Watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon from a clifftop bar as street lights sparkle along the marina. Enjoy a fresh seafood risotto paired with an aromatic plavac mali at a renowned family-run konoba. Return to Split by late ferry, lulled by the gentle sounds of the Adriatic night.

Board a short ferry ride to Trogir, a UNESCO-listed town where medieval walls and towers create a perfect time capsule. Stroll the labyrinthine streets, marble bridges, and Venetian palaces before the midday crowds arrive. Stop at a pastel-painted café overlooking the canal for a morning punch (local fruit brandy) and sweet pastries.

Explore the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its intricate stone portal, then climb the bell tower for a panoramic view over orange rooftops and sailboats. Lunch at a family-owned konoba treats you to hearty pašticada with gnocchi and a glass of velvety red wine. Spend the afternoon browsing artisan shops for handcrafted souvenirs and lace goods.

Return to Split in time for the golden hour, or linger in Trogir for a waterfront dinner under twinkling lights. Savor salt-baked fish and hearty vegetable stews infused with rosemary. Ferry back to Split, enjoying the cool evening breeze and reflections of city lights on the water.

Kick off the day with a guided market tour at Pazar and Green Market stalls, sampling fresh figs, cheeses, and olives from local farmers. Learn about Dalmatian culinary traditions as you chat with friendly vendors surrounded by colorful produce. Finish with an espresso paired with a slice of sweet mandolat cake.

Drive into the nearby Dalmatian countryside to visit family-owned vineyards producing Plavac Mali and Pošip wines. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking followed by a tasting of robust reds and crisp whites. Lunch on a hilltop terrace features a rustic spread of prosciutto, cheese, olives, and freshly baked bread.

Return to Split for a progressive dinner at three local eateries, each serving a signature course from savory appetizers to decadent desserts. Pair each dish with a selected regional wine and listen to your guide recount humorous stories of local harvest festivals. Cap the night with a digestif at a cozy konoba tucked away in the Old Town.

Spend a leisurely morning exploring hidden backstreets of the Old Town, discovering tranquil squares and artisan shops before the crowds. Grab a coffee and pastry from a family-run bakery to fuel your day of adventure. Meander along city gates and ancient walls, capturing photos of ivy-covered facades.

Board a sleek sailboat for a private cruise around Split’s coastline, sipping on Prosecco as you glide past marbled cliffs and secluded bays. Drop anchor for a refreshing swim or snorkeling session in crystal waters. Enjoy a light lunch of cheese, charcuterie, and fresh fruit on deck as the sun warms your skin.

Watch a spectacular sunset over the Adriatic from the water, the sky ablaze in fiery hues. Once back onshore, dive into Split’s nightlife scene with craft cocktails at trendy rooftop bars and live Dalmatian guitar performances. Dance the night away or simply people-watch in a wine bar under lantern-lit groves for a perfect finale.