Split rewards at least 3–4 days — enough time to explore Diocletian's Palace properly, do 2 island day trips and venture to Krka or Trogir. The palace can be explored independently any time (it's always open), but a guided tour adds enormous value to understanding what you're looking at.
Day 1 — Diocletian's Palace
Arrive and walk into the palace without a tour first — get lost in the labyrinthine streets, find the subterranean chambers (Vestibulum), the Peristyle square and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (the world's oldest cathedral, built inside the emperor's mausoleum). Then join an afternoon guided tour for context. Evening dinner in the palace — dining in 1,700-year-old Roman walls is the quintessential Split experience.
Day 2 — Blue Cave & 5 Islands
Early morning departure on a full-day speedboat tour to the Blue Cave on Biševo island (extraordinary blue light effect — arrive before 11am for best colour), Stiniva beach (one of Europe's most beautiful coves — a narrow cleft in the cliffs opening to a tiny pebble beach), Hvar island and 2 others. Book this at least a week ahead — it's the most popular excursion from Split and sells out daily in summer.
Day 3 — Hvar Island
Catamaran to Hvar (1 hour) for a full day — the medieval fortress (Fortica) with the finest view of the Pakleni islands below, the lavender fields outside town, seafood lunch at a konoba, and the famous afternoon beach club scene at the Pakleni islands (water taxi from Hvar town). Return to Split by evening ferry.
Day 4 — Krka Waterfalls
Half-day to full-day trip to Krka National Park (1.5 hours from Split) — travertine waterfalls, emerald pools and a 2km boardwalk walk to Skradinski Buk, the most spectacular waterfall. The Franciscan monastery on the island of Visovac (boat trip from the park entrance) is a worthwhile addition. Return to Split for afternoon.
Day 5 (Optional) — Trogir & Departure
Trogir is 30 minutes from Split by bus (€2.50) — a perfectly preserved Venetian medieval city on an island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The Cathedral of St Lawrence has one of the finest Romanesque portals in the Adriatic. Easy half-morning before departure from Split Airport (45 minutes from city centre).
Essential Split Tips
- ✔ Palace exploration: Explore the palace on your own first — it functions as a living city, with no entry gates or barriers
- ✔ Blue Cave booking: Book the Blue Cave tour at least a week ahead in July–August — it sells out every day
- ✔ Island timing: Take early morning catamarans to Hvar — the island gets very crowded with day-trippers from 11am
- ✔ Transport: Split Bus Station and Ferry Terminal are adjacent — very easy to connect between bus, ferry and catamaran
- ✔ Car rental: Not needed for the city but useful for exploring the Dalmatian hinterland and wine country
FAQs
How many days should I spend in Split?
3–4 days for the city and 2 island day trips. 5 days if you want to add Krka and Trogir.
Is Split worth visiting without islands?
Yes — Diocletian's Palace alone justifies the trip. But the islands are so accessible and so beautiful that it would be a real shame to miss them.
What is Split's best restaurant?
The palace area has excellent spots but also tourist traps. For the best food, head to the Manuš or Varoš neighbourhoods above the old town.