Split is Croatia's second city and its most compelling — a living, working city built around a Roman emperor's 1,700-year-old palace, with extraordinary island day trips on the doorstep. Here are the 8 best things to do in Split in 2026.
✔ Diocletian's Palace — explore without a tour first, then join a guided one
✔ Blue Cave & 5 Islands — the best day trip from Split, book weeks ahead
✔ Hvar — 1 hour by catamaran, world-class
✔ Krka National Park — the best waterfall experience in Croatia
Diocletian's Palace
A 1,700-year-old Roman emperor's retirement palace where 3,000 people still live and work inside the walls — apartments, restaurants, bars and a cathedral built inside a mausoleum. Walk through it without a tour first; then join a guided tour to understand what you're seeing.
Check Availability →Hvar Island Day Trip
Catamaran from Split to Hvar takes 1 hour — one of Croatia's most beautiful islands, with a medieval fortress, lavender fields, crystal-clear bays and outstanding seafood. Easily done as a day trip or stay overnight for the nightlife.
Check Availability →Blue Cave & 5 Islands Tour
Full-day speedboat tour visiting the Blue Cave on Biševo island (extraordinary blue light effect), Stiniva cove (one of Europe's most beautiful beaches), Hvar and 2 other islands. The most popular day trip from Split — book well ahead.
Check Availability →Krka Waterfalls Day Trip
The Krka National Park, 1.5 hours from Split — travertine waterfalls, emerald pools and the beautiful lake walk to Skradinski Buk. One of Croatia's finest natural attractions and excellent as a day trip from Split.
Check Availability →Trogir Half-Day Trip
The small UNESCO-listed city of Trogir is 30 minutes from Split by bus — a perfectly preserved medieval island-city connected to the mainland by a bridge, with a stunning Venetian-era cathedral. An easy half-day trip.
Check Availability →Split Walking Food Tour
Peka lamb (slow-cooked under a bell), fresh Adriatic fish, local prstaci clams, Dalmatian prosciutto and local wine — Split's food scene is excellent. A guided food walk through the palace markets and the Meštrović-influenced culinary quarter.
Check Availability →Mosor Mountain Hiking
The Mosor mountain range rises directly behind Split — trails accessible from the city lead to peaks with extraordinary views of the Dalmatian coast and islands. A guided half-day hiking tour explores the medieval villages and stone ruins along the ridge.
Check Availability →Rafting on the Cetina River
White-water rafting on the Cetina River canyon, 45 minutes from Split — 10km of rapids through dramatic limestone gorges, with a zip-line option at the end. One of the best active experiences in Dalmatia.
Check Availability →Book Split Tours Before They Sell Out
Blue Cave and island tours fill weeks ahead — compare now
View All Split Tours →FAQs
How many days do you need in Split?
3–4 days covers Split and at least 2 island day trips. A week gives you time for Hvar, Krka, Trogir and possibly Vis.
Is Split better than Dubrovnik?
Split is more authentic and better value. Dubrovnik is more dramatic scenically. Both are excellent — most Croatia itineraries include both.
What is the best day trip from Split?
The Blue Cave & 5 Islands speedboat tour is the most popular. Hvar is the best single-island day trip. Krka is the best natural attraction day trip.