Simple Travel Plans

Dalmatian coast

Split

Split is a practical Dalmatian base with a walkable old centre, waterfront, ferries and day trips.

Why go

Why visit Split?

Split works well as a first base on the Dalmatian coast. The old centre, waterfront and ferry port sit close together, while nearby beaches and Marjan add options beyond the palace streets.

It also suits travellers planning island ferries or guided day trips. Trogir, Hvar, Omiš and Brač can all fit into a longer stay when connections work.

Guided tours

Popular tours in Split

A guided walk through the Roman palace and the old streets is a good start, before you explore on your own.

Split & Diocletian's Palace walking tour

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First visit

Highlights

  • Diocletian's Palace forms the heart of the old centre.
  • The Riva waterfront runs beside the historic streets.
  • The cathedral and Peristyle square sit within the palace area.
  • Marjan hill offers views and green space by foot or local bus.
  • Bačvice and other nearby beaches add time by the sea.
  • The market sits close to the old centre.

When to go

Best time to visit

Split works well through much of the year, while Krka tours are best from spring to autumn.

Split in winter

The city still works for a winter break, with the old centre walkable and buses keeping Split connected. Some island ferries run less often, and some seasonal restaurants, boat trips and hotels close, so check ferry dates before planning an island day.

Check Jadrolinija

Bus, ferry and on foot

Getting there

Long-distance buses connect Split with Zagreb, Zadar, Dubrovnik and other cities. The main bus station is beside the ferry port. Jadrolinija and TP Line run island ferries and catamarans, with routes changing by season.

Official information: Jadrolinija · TP Line · Arriva Croatia

Plan your route

Easy to combine with

Hvar

Hvar Town is a catamaran or ferry trip from Split’s ferry port, which is right beside the bus station. Some routes are seasonal and run less often in winter.

Šibenik and Krka

Long-distance buses link Split and Šibenik. Šibenik is the closest town to Krka National Park, so it works well as a base for a day at the waterfalls.

Guided tours

Book a tour

Tours that work well on a first visit. You book and pay on Viator.

The Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace in Split

Split & Diocletian's Palace walking tour

An easy guided walk through the Roman palace and the old streets around it.

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The Veliki Slap waterfall at Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes day trip from Split

A long but simple day. The guide and the transport are sorted for you.

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Skradinski buk waterfall in Krka National Park

Krka Waterfalls with food & wine

A day at the waterfalls with a local food and wine tasting. Best from spring to autumn.

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Split food tour

About four hours in a small group of up to 12 with a licensed guide, five eateries, water, a shot of rakija and a history walk. It meets at the red SPLIT sign on the Riva.

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Hvar town and the Pakleni islands seen from the fortress

Blue Cave and Hvar: 5 islands by speedboat

A full ten- to eleven-hour speedboat day visiting the Blue Cave, Komiža, Stiniva, Budikovac and Hvar Town. Lunch and the Blue Cave ticket are not included, and this is a long, fast boat day.

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More tours in Split

See more city tours, island trips and national-park day tours from Split.

See all Split tours

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Good to know

Short tips

  • Old Town and the Riva put you close to sights, restaurants and the port but can be busy.
  • Bačvice gives you a beach within walking distance of the centre.
  • Lučac and Manuš are quieter while still close to the old town.