How Many Days in Split? A Guide to Planning Your Stay

Split, Croatia, is a center of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, dating back over 1,700 years. Beyond the UNESCO Heritage Site and Game of Thrones filming locations, be sure to explore the many beaches, nearby islands and national parks. But how many days should you spend in this vibrant city? The answer depends on what you want to experience. Here’s is our breakdown of top activities and tours to help you decide how long to stay in Split on your vacation in Croatia.

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How Many Days in Split?

Based on our experience, the ideal length for a stay in Split for 1st timers is 3-4 days. This allows you time to explore Split and neighboring Trogir, as well as 1 or 2 day trips to nearby islands and Krka National Park. We know that not everyone can spend this long in Split though, so we’ve included options to make the most of 1, 2, 3-4, or 5 or more days in Split.

• One Day in Split: A Quick Stopover
• Two Days in Split: A Balanced Experience
• Three to Four Days in Split: The Ideal Stay
• Five or More Days: Island-Hopping and Adventures

What to Read Before You Go to Split

• “A Traveller’s History of Croatia” by Benjamin Curtis – A concise and engaging history of Croatia, ranging from the Greek and Roman times through their independence in the late 20th century. This book is perfect for those looking for context on Split and Croatia as a whole.
• “The Hired Man” by Aminatta Forna – A novel set in a small town Croatia that explores the aftermath of war, and the town’s hidden war secrets. This is an incredibly insightful novel, providing perspective on Croatian culture and history.
• “The Tiger’s Wife” by Téa Obreht – A beautifully woven novel that blends folklore and history from the Balkans, giving a deep sense of the region’s past and present.
• “Black Lamb and Grey Falcon” by Rebecca West – Rebecca West made multiple trips to Yugoslavia prior to WWII. The resulting travel journal is considered one of the best books about the Balkans, offering cultural commentary and historical insight.

One Day in Split: A Quick Stopover

If you’re on a tight schedule, explore the main highlights of Split in one full day. If possible, spend the night in Split so that you can explore in the evening and early morning hours, when crowds are at their thinnest.

• Diocletian’s Palace – Wander through this UNESCO-listed Roman palace, built in the 3rd century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. This is the heart of Split. Don’t miss the Game of Thrones filming locations as you wander through the palace and old town Split..
• Riva Promenade – Enjoy a coffee along the waterfront and soak in the Dalmatian atmosphere.
• Marjan Hill Viewpoint – Climb up for a breathtaking view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
• Bačvice Beach – If time allows, take a quick dip in the sea. Or watch locals play the traditional ball game of picigin. This beach is almost always crowded, but it is convenient to town. Kašjuni Beach is a quieter option for those looking to get away from the crowds.

A single day is just enough time to scratch the surface of Split. If you are only in town for one day, we’d recommend taking a walking tour to ensure you make the most of this short time.

Best Split City Walking Tour (with Game of Thrones Locations Visit)

Discover the historical heart of Split with a guided walking tour through the ancient streets. This tour typically includes stops at the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, with the Cathedral of Saint Dominius, the Golden Gate, and the Temple of Jupiter. Check availability for your walking tour below:

Two Days in Split: A Balanced Experience

Two days in Split allows you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace while enjoying additional activities and visiting neighboring Trogir.

 Day 1:

• Follow the one-day itinerary, but take more time exploring Diocletian’s Palace and its underground cellars.
• Visit Jupiter’s Temple and Saint Dominius Cathedral, climbing the bell tower for panoramic views.
• Take time to explore Varoš, the old fishermen’s district, which is less crowded with tourists.
• Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local konoba (traditional tavern), such as Konoba Varoš.

Day 2:

• Explore Meštrović Gallery, featuring sculptures by Croatia’s most famous artist.
• Take a morning stroll or food tour through the Green Market (Pazar) to experience local flavors.
• Relax at Kašjuni Beach, a quieter alternative to Bačvice.
• Try a wine tasting session featuring Dalmatian wines.
• Take a half-day trip to Trogir, a charming medieval town and UNESCO-Heritage site just 30 minutes away by ferry or bus.

For those who prefer to avoid the crowds while in Split, we’d suggest a variation of these first two days with our 2-day itinerary to avoid the crowds.

Pro tip: Those seeking a more tranquil stay should look into whether Split or Trogir is a better base for your explorations in this area. After personally staying in both towns, we created our guide on Split vs. Trogir to help you decide which base is better for you.

Top Half-Day Tour from Split to Trogir

This half-day tour kicks off with a 1.5 hour tour of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Then, take the short trip over to Trogir, where you’ll have a guided 1 hour tour. Wind your way through Trogir’s labyrinth of narrow streets, picturesque squares, and landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its intricate Radovan’s Portal. Following the tour, enjoy an hour of free time exploring Trogir’s seaside setting and well-preserved Venetian architecture. Check availability of this 1/2 day Trogir tour below:

Three to Four Days in Split: The Ideal Stay

3–4 days in Split gives you time to fully enjoy the city and take advantage of nearby attractions, still having time to relax. Follow the 2 day itinerary above for your first few days. For days 3 and 4, we’ve included a few of the top day trips from Split that are just a short trip from Split. In the evenings, enjoy live music and cocktails along the Riva or take an evening kayak tour to get a different perspective on the city.

Day 3: Day Trip to Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of our favorite day trips from Split. Experience the magic of Krka National Park, known for its cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls; trails for walks, hiking or biking; and areas for swimming. Unfortunately, swimming near the base of the falls is no longer allowed. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit the monastery on an island in the park as well as archaeological ruins of a former Roman military camp. This is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

For those who would like to tour independently, we’d suggest renting a car for the 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minute drive to the park (see our car rental tips here). From there, you can get around by boat and/or on foot or bike. For those who prefer to avoid renting a car and driving in Split, consider taking the top full-day tour to Krka National Park, which includes a stop at Primosten on the way home.

Top Full-Day Tour Krka National Park with Boat Cruise & Swimming

This full-day tour starts with an air conditioned bus ride to the Skradin entrance of the park (roughly 75-90 minutes). Take a 30 minute boat ride to visit to the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall. Enjoy 3 hours total in the park, giving you plenty of time to explore. Afterwards, make a stop at Primosten, where you’ll have a few hours to explore the old town, relax on the beaches, or enjoy a wine tasting.

Day 4: Explore the Nearby Islands

A wide variety of boat trips are available from Split. For those who enjoy a slower pace, we’d recommend:

• Rent kayaks or take a kayak tour to explore the coast around Split and Trogir; or
• Take the ferry or bus from Split to Trogir, rent bikes, and explore Ciovo Island and its quiet beaches;
• Hop on a ferry to Bol on Brač and explore the incredible hikes, beaches, monasteries, and old town of Bol. For those who enjoy hiking, you can hike up to the top of Vidova Gora leaving from Bol’s ferry terminal (no buses or transfers needed).
• Take a full day sailing tour from Split to Šolta Island and Brač Island, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring both islands.

For those wanting some more action, consider a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, Blue Cave, and Hvar, enjoying crystal-clear swimming spots.

Best Full-Day Boat Tour from Split

The top rated day tour from Split is the Blue Cave, Hvar and 5 Islands Tour. Enjoy a speedboat tour to 5 islands and the Blue lagoon. Enjoy the mesmerizing colors of the Blue Cave on Biševo Island, where sunlight creates a blue glowing effect in the water. Stop by the fishing village of Komiza, a Mamma Mia filming location. Spend time exploring famous Hvar town, with its narrow streets and cobblestone squares. This tour is ideal for those who want to see the highlights of the Adriatic islands around Split in one day, while enjoying swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful waters.

Five or More Days: Island-Hopping and Adventures

If you have five or more days, use Split as a base for exploring islands and national parks that are a little further away. Some of the top day trips to consider include:

• Take a day trip to visit the islands of Hvar or Šolta, exploring the old towns and stunning beaches. Don’t miss opportunities for wine, honey, and olive oil tasting. Take ferries to explore on your own, or take the top Split Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour.
• Cetina River Adventure: Try a 4-6 hour Cetina River Rafting Tour (with optional cliff Jumping) for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls: Head a bit further afield into Bosnia and Herzegovina for a Full-Day Tour to Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Enjoy a Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park, which includes a visit to the park’s cascading lakes and waterfalls, connected by wooden walkways. Enjoy a relaxing boat or train ride through the park and visit the limestone canyon at the end of the lakes.
• Ston and the Peninsula: The Split & Trogir Pelješac Peninsula Food & Wine Tour takes you first to Ston, where you can tour the Saltworks and see the Wall of Ston. Enjoy an oyster sampling in Mali Ston, followed by a winery visit, where you’ll sample Plavac Mali and other local wines, such as Grk.

Top Split Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour:

Enjoy a relaxing day cruising the Adriatic Sea with a swimming cruise. Explore Hvar town with a guide, and have some time to explore the narrow streets on your own. Cruise the islands and make stops to swim in 3 bays. These include Brač, Hvar and Pakleni islands & Šolta. Enjoy a light lunch and unlimited drinks onboard. This is the perfect way to unwind and soak up Croatia’s coastal beauty.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Perfect Number of Days in Split?

If Split is your main destination, 3–4 days is the ideal time for your stay. For those planning to visit multiple destinations in Croatia, 2 days will still allow you to experience the essence of this historic coastal gem and it’s neighbor, Trogir.

• 1 day: A quick but rushed glimpse of this UNESCO Treasure.
• 2 days: A well-balanced visit to explore Split and nearby Trogir.
• 3–4 days: The ideal stay including visits nearby islands and parks.
• 5 or more days: Perfect for island-hopping and outdoor adventures.

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