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A lot of people spend most of their time in Croatia in one of the big cities, such as Zagreb or Split. By doing so, those people are missing out on so many amazing things that Croatia has to offer. So what is the best way to discover the beauty of Croatia while still being able to party the night away in Split? Day trips! Here are some of the best day trips from Split.
Keep in mind that all of these little excursions can start as day trips, but they don’t have to stay that way. If you want to stay in any of these places longer, then book a place to stay for a night or two and go back whenever you want. You’re travelling. Enjoy yourself.
11. Hvar
The island of Hvar is a gorgeous place that is only a short boat ride from Split. Whether you are taking it slow on the ferry or jetting over on the Catamaran, it’s worth a visit.
The town of Hvar on the southwest side of the island is where the majority of boats dock at. It is the place to be if the party is your life. If you thought Split was a party town, then Hvar will astonish you as it puts Split to shame.
However, if partying isn’t your thing, it is still very likely that Hvar has something for you. From the fortress in the town of Hvar to the stunning beaches or even all the other towns that populate the island.
Either way, Hvar is worth a visit.
10. Omiš
The town of Omiš is a bit of a well-known secret. It is easily gotten to by a short bus ride, but yet it is almost never visited by the number of tourists or travellers it should be. An absolute shame seeing as it is one of the best day trips from Split.
Omiš itself is a small port and fishing town located in a small cove south of Split that holds a surprising number of things to see. They have every right to boast, seeing as they have a number of beautiful churches as well as not one, but two different fortresses that can be accessed from there.
Yet maybe churches and fortresses aren’t what you’re looking for. Obviously, Omiš has some really nice beaches as well as some tours for river rafting and canyoning. However, the most interesting thing about Omiš, at least in our opinion, is the history around it being a refuge for pirates.
The infamous Omiš pirates were the terror of the seas from Split to Dubrovnik in the Middle Ages. Even when the province of Dalmatia was conquered by the Venetians, Omiš remained fiercely independent.
9. Korčula
Korčula is a quaint little island located about halfway between Split and Dubrovnik. At first glance, there really doesn’t seem like much reason to go. However, it is a great reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-centric locales nearby.
Although Korčula attempts, and succeeds, to attract tourists from all over the world, the island primarily attracts Croatians looking for a bit of a getaway. Life here is at a much slower and chill pace than in Split, making it the perfect day if you want a day of relaxing.
However, Korčula isn’t only a place to go chill. The small city of Korčula, where the speedboat/catamaran ports, has a unique claim to fame. They claim that this small town is the birthplace of the famous adventurer, Marco Polo. Now, there is some debate about whether it’s true or not, but maybe you should take a day and go look. Decide for yourself.
8. Mostar
We’ve all seen those videos of people jumping off that old stone bridge into a river below. If you haven’t then check out the video.
Mostar is one of the most well-known locations in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as one of the best cheap places to visit post-pandemic. Although a tiny place in the middle of nowhere, there is still tons to do. Whether you want to jump off the bridge yourself, go for a walk through the town, have a shopping spree at the stalls or in the grand bazaar, or take a look at the ancient mosque, there is something for everyone.
The combination of absolutely cheap prices and the sheer amount of things to do in and around Mostar puts it among the best day trips from Split.
7. Trogir
The small town of Trogir is so easily and so often skipped over. The irony of this is that the Split airport is closer to Trogir than to Split.
One of the coolest things about Trogir is that the majority of the old town is on a tiny island in a little strait between the mainland and the Island of Čiovo. Also on this island is an old fort or castle that was once used to protect the area.
These days, you can actually pay less than 15 dollars/euros to go in and climb to the top of that little castle. From which you can see everything. It’s breathtaking.
6. Dubrovnik
Who wouldn’t want to go to Dubrovnik and walk the streets of King’s landing? Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, you can’t deny that Dubrovnik is something else the second you step foot in this city.
If Dubrovnik is not already in your plans of places that you’re going while in Croatia, then it should be. However, it can be quite expensive to stay there for an elongated time. Yet it’s easy and cheap to get there from Split by either boat or bus.
Dubrovnik and all it has to offer is easily one of the best day trips from Split.
5. Krka
If waterfalls are your thing, then Krka is one of the best places in Croatia to visit. Only about an hour and a half from Split, this national park is full of them. Yet for the best experience, you’ll want to go to Lozovac.
Once there, you can buy a ticket to the park that includes a boat ride to and from the main waterfall area. The lush forest and sheer mountainsides you’ll see on that boat ride alone make this place a must-visit, but they aren’t even the gems of Krka.
For once you get off the boat and walk a small distance you’ll see a set of large waterfalls, and this is only the beginning. Unfortunately, swimming in the basin is no longer an option, but if you hike around the park you’ll see numerous waterfalls. Plus, if you get tired you can stop at one of the huts for a break, a meal, and a delicious Croatian brewski.
4. The Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is truly one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. For ages, the only entrance was underwater until one man blew a small hole into the cave with dynamite.
Due to that, there is now a small entrance that can be used by boat. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here, but even so, the tour is phenomenal. There are no words to do the cave justice; Not even the video can cover its majesty. You’ll just have to go see it for yourself. How can you not when the tour is less than 15 Euros/USD?
3. Makarska
Makarska is by far one of the loveliest towns on the Dalmatian Coast. If you’re looking to relax and kick back, then it’s one of the best day trips from Split.
If you take the bus, you’ll get to see a lot of the coast as you head along the mountain range, past Omiš, to this small town. There is so much to do here, from the skywalk at the top of the mountain to scuba diving in the Adriatic.
So if you want to scuba dive in Croatia, this is one of the best places to do so.
2. Mljet
The Island of Mljet is not one most talk about. Even if you ask locals for recommendations, it is very unlikely that many will point you in this direction. Despite that, it is one of the hidden gems of Croatia.
This island holds one of the very few saltwater lakes in the world. Although you have to pay to enter the park, a cheap 10-15 Euro/USD, that ticket will also get you a two-way trip to the small island in the middle of the lake that holds a very nice “museum”.
An island in a saltwater lake on an island in the Adriatic Sea. It’s an experience that you will never forget, as you are even freely allowed to swim in the lake as much as you want. If you prefer, you can even rent a canoe or kayak by the hour and row around the lake yourself.
Mljet is an underrated-hidden gem that fully expresses the beauty of Croatia.
1. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a must-see. Especially if you’ve travelled as a couple. The combination of turquoises, cyans, and sapphire blues makes it hard to believe this place actually exists. Even when you are there seeing it with your own eyes.
If you’re lucky, you will see the lagoon come alive as the water shimmers and sparkles as the setting sun sets the world on fire. Don’t Miss out on The Blue Lagoon.
At The End Of The Day
Split is an incredible city with so many things to do. That being said, the majority seems to be centred around its nightlife. So if you’re in Split for a while, the daytime can be a bit lacklustre.
Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Split, then you should definitely consider checking out one of the best day trips from Split.
If you have a vehicle at your disposal, getting to most of these places will be easy. Most are even very accessible by bus. However, with a few of them, such as The Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, and Krka, it might be best to purchase a tour with one of the tour agencies all over Split. You can even potentially hit more than one of these places in one tour.
If you do choose to go that way, then be careful which agency you pick. Some of them can be shady. We would recommend Flarent if you want to book in person, or GetYourGuide if you want to book ahead of time. They have some of the best prices and the nicest guides.
Anyway, until next time, stay authentic, stay Nomadic, and let the world inscribe itself upon you more than you inscribe yourself upon it.