Split rewards a well-planned island strategy — the Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour is the standout day trip but sells out daily in summer. Book it as soon as you confirm your dates. Base yourself in or near Diocletian's Palace for the most extraordinary starting point.
✔ Blue Cave & 5 Islands speedboat tour — sells out daily in summer, book the moment you confirm dates
✔ Hvar catamaran return ticket — buy return ticket on arrival in Hvar, morning sailings fill first
✔ Accommodation in the palace area — very limited, book 4–6 weeks ahead in peak season
Day 1 — Diocletian's Palace & Old Town
Arrive and walk directly to Diocletian's Palace — the best introduction is through the Golden Gate (north entrance) and into the medieval lanes that have grown up inside the ancient walls. The Peristyle (the central Roman courtyard, now surrounded by cafés and used for summer concerts), the Cathedral (originally Diocletian's mausoleum — the baptistery outside it is one of the finest Roman temples in the Mediterranean), the Vestibule (the domed entrance hall to the emperor's private apartments — extraordinary acoustics, often used by a cappella groups) and the underground cellars (€10 — the best-preserved section of the Roman palace structure). Evening: Riva seafront promenade for sunset, then dinner in the side streets of the palace rather than the expensive promenade restaurants.
Day 2 — Blue Cave & 5 Islands
Full day speedboat tour (departs Split harbour 8am). The five islands in sequence: Blue Cave on Biševo island (the cave is only illuminated when morning sunlight enters through the underwater entrance — go before 11am for the best effect, the cave turns electric blue), Hvar Town (2 hours — the old town, the fortress above and the lavender market), the Green Cave on Ravnik island, Stiniva Cove on Vis (a dramatic sea-level cove reached through a narrow rock gap — the most beautiful beach in Croatia by popular vote), and Vis town (brief stop, local wine). Return to Split by 6–7pm. This is the single best day available from Split — book it as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Day 3 — Hvar Island (Independent)
Morning Krilo catamaran to Hvar Town (1 hour, €15 return). Hvar Town: the main square (Trg Svetog Stjepana — one of the largest Renaissance squares in Dalmatia), the Cathedral, the Arsenal and the Hektorović Theatre (1612 — the oldest community theatre in Croatia), the Franciscan Monastery. The Spanjola Fortress above the town for panoramic views over Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and the Adriatic. Afternoon: rent a small boat or take a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands (5 minutes offshore) — several small islands with clear-water coves and beach bars. Return catamaran to Split in the evening. Buy the return ticket on arrival in Hvar — the popular evening sailings fill up.
Day 4 — Brač Island & Zlatni Rat
Morning ferry to Supetar on Brač island (50 minutes, €9 return). Rent a scooter or hire a car on the island for the 30-minute drive to Zlatni Rat (Bol) — the famous golden "horn" beach that changes shape with the currents, jutting into the Adriatic at a perfect angle. One of Croatia's most photographed beaches. Windsurfing is excellent off the cape. The old town of Bol has a good Dominikanski Monastery. Return to Supetar and ferry back to Split. Alternative: the Blue Cave tour covers 5 islands but some visitors prefer Brač for a more relaxed beach day.
Day 5 — Trogir & Krka Waterfalls
Morning: Trogir (30km west of Split, €3 bus, 40 minutes) — a UNESCO-listed medieval city on a small island connected to the mainland and to the larger island of Čiovo by bridges. The Cathedral of St Lawrence (13th century, Romanesque portal by Radovan is one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture in the Adriatic), the Kamerlengo Fortress and the extraordinary density of medieval architecture in a very compact space. Afternoon: Krka National Park (90 minutes north of Split by bus or car) — the Skradinski Buk waterfall, a series of tufa limestone cascades with swimming pools below. The most visited national park in Croatia — arrive early or visit after 3pm for manageable crowds. Book online to skip the ticket queue.
Essential Tips
- ✔ Blue Cave tour: book before you arrive — it sells out every single day in July–August
- ✔ Hvar return catamaran: buy the return ticket immediately on arrival — evening sailings fill up
- ✔ Diocletian's Palace cellars (€10): worth seeing — the best preserved section of the Roman structure
- ✔ Zlatni Rat beach on Brač: bring water shoes — the famous pebble beach is uncomfortable without them
- ✔ Trogir: easiest by bus from Split station (€3, 40 minutes) — parking in Trogir is very limited
- ✔ The Riva seafront restaurants are significantly overpriced — one block back, prices halve
FAQs
How many days do you need in Split?
3 days covers the Palace, Blue Cave and Hvar. 4 days adds Brač. 5 days adds Trogir and Krka. Most visitors wish they had allocated more days than planned.
Is the Blue Cave worth it?
Yes — one of the Mediterranean's natural wonders. The speedboat tour format (covering 5 islands) is the best way to see it. Book it before anything else.
Can you do Split and Dubrovnik in one trip?
Yes — the most popular Croatia itinerary is 3–4 nights Split and 2 nights Dubrovnik. The catamaran between them (3.5 hours via Hvar) is excellent.
Is Split safe?
Very safe — one of Croatia's safest cities. Standard urban precautions apply near the busy Riva in peak season.
What is the best beach near Split?
Bačvice (10-minute walk from the old town, unique shallow pebble cove), Kasjuni (a secluded bay on the Marjan peninsula, 20 minutes by bike), or Zlatni Rat on Brač (1.5 hours by ferry — the most photographed beach in Croatia).