Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and it’s famous for its history dating back to the Roman times. It’s often considered the most Mediterranean city in Croatia and a place where you can feel the easygoing and relaxed way of living. Split is a specific city, totally different from any other city in Croatia. It’s something you need to feel yourself to know what we are talking about. This article will be our guide for spending 3 days in Split.
We’ll discuss what places to visit in the city, but also include some day trip ideas to some of the nearby attractions and some of the most famous islands in Croatia. This Split 3-day itinerary will help you experience the best of this city. Not only is it one of the most visited places in Croatia, Split is also a great base for exploring places like Hvar and Brač Islands, Krka National Park, Omiš, and more. Most of the ferries for some of the most popular islands in Croatia leave from the ferry port in Split. Let’s explore this Mediterranean oasis.
Day 1: Exploring Split’s Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace
Our first day in Split will be all about the history and exploration of the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Exploring the city will take most of our first day which will look something like this.
Morning: Diocletian’s Palace & Historic Landmarks
We’ll start our day at Diocletian’s Palace , the heart of Split’s Old Town and the most famous attraction of this city.
Walk through Peristyle Square , visit St. Domnius Cathedral , and climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the Old Town.
Visit Pjaca Square and Marmont Street , famous places in SPlit and full of shops and local cafes.
Drink a coffee in a local cafe and feel the atmosphere of this vibrant city.
Afternoon: Riva Promenade & Marjan Hill
Our afternoon will be reserved for a relaxing walk on the Riva and walking to the Marjan Hill, the green oasis of Split city.
Enjoy a seaside lunch somewhere along the Riva Promenade , the central part of this city.
Take a hike or bike ride to Marjan Hill , a beautiful forest park with stunning viewpoints of the city and Adriatic Sea.
Evening: Sunset and Fine Dining
Relax with a drink at a rooftop bar or a secluded Old Town wine bar.
Enjoy dinner at one of the traditional Dalmatian konobas and try some of the local food specialities.
Day 2: Island-Hopping to Blue Cave & Hvar
A trip to Split wouldn’t be complete without the visit to beautiful nearby islands . In the first day of 3 days in Split, we explored the rich history of this city and explored most of the important historical places in the Old Town. Since Split is close to some of the most famous islands in Croatia such as Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta, and more, it would be a shame not to visit at least one of them.
For this occasion, we have decided to include a day trip from Split to Blue Cave, one of the most famous places of Croatian Islands . Blue Cave is located on the Biševo Island, a small island near the larger Vis Island.
Morning & Afternoon: Full-Day Blue Cave & Hvar Tour
Take a speedboat tour from Split to Blue Cave , one of the most famous natural wonders in Croatia.
Visit Stiniva Beach on Vis Island , often considered to be the most beautiful secluded beach in Croatia.
Explore Hvar Town , a famous island destination with a medieval fortress and rich history.
Swim and snorkel in the Pakleni Islands , an archipelago near Hvar Island.
Evening: Relax in Split
After returning to Split, relax with a casual dinner by the sea .
Take an evening walk through the Old Town , and feel the unique atmosphere of Split at night.
Day 3: Adventure or Nature Escape
On your final day of 3 days in Split, it’s time to enjoy some adventure or spend some time in the nature, whatever you would like more. As the adventure option, we have put the rafting on the nearby Cetina River, and as the nature activity, we suggest visiting Krka National Park from Split . City of Omiš is located just 40 minutes away from Split and it’s often considered to be the best place for adventure tours in Croatia. If you are into adventure, we suggest visiting it and trying activities like zipline in Omiš , via ferrata trail, kayaking, and more.
Option 1: Rafting on Cetina River
Travel to nearby Omiš , about 30-40 minutes from Split, and try a rafting adventure on the Cetina River .
Descend down the thrilling rapids and enjoy the stunning canyon landscapes .
Swim in the crystal-clear Cetina River pools and enjoy a refreshing nature experience .
This is considered to be one of the best white water rafting experiences in Croatia .
Option 2: Krka National Park & Waterfalls
Take a day trip to Krka National Park , a place with the beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation .
Walk the scenic wooden pathways around Skradinski Buk , the most famous waterfall of the Krka National Park .
Visit the picturesque town of Šibenik , known for its medieval buildings and UNESCO-listed cathedral.
Evening: Farewell to Split
It’s time to end our 3 days in Split. Although it might not seem like a long period, you can easily see that a lot can be experienced in Split in just 3 days. We’ll end our visit to the flower of the Mediterranean with dinner at one of the restaurants in Split and a cocktail on Bačvice Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Split.
End your trip to Split with a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant , and go through your memories of the previous 3 days.
Enjoy a final evening walk along Bačvice Beach and drink a farewell cocktail at one of the bars .
Before You Venture For 3 Days in Split
This Split 3-day itinerary is a combination of all things Split is famous for – history, adventure, and breathtaking island excursions . You are probably continuing your travel in Croatia after Split. If that’s the case, explore our blog and find other topics related to exploring Croatia and discover some of the best activities to enjoy. We hope this guide was helpful to you and you have a clearer image of how your stay in Split might look.
Enjoy your vacation in Croatia!