Split is famous for its historic site, Roman influence throughout history, stunning coastline, relaxed way of living, and Hajduk. This city is known for many things, and it’s a famous destination that many people choose to visit when traveling to Croatia. When you have such a beautiful coastline, nearby islands, and an inland area, you know that some serious adventures can be enjoyed here. That’s why we decided to put our selection of the 5 best adventures in Split in this article.
We were adventure guides in Croatia for almost a decade, and we pretty much know all there is to know about adrenaline-driven vacations. It’s always good to add a bit of adventure to your holidays, no matter where you are. It makes you feel alive, and you end up with many more great memories than you’d get from lying on the beach. We’re going to present you with our top choices and put the links to the highest-rated adventures you can find online so you can easily explore further.
Let’s venture into adventure!
Why Choose Split for Outdoor Adventures?
Split is a great place for many things. It’s a perfect hub for exploring the nearby islands, national parks , and parts of the coastline. But it’s also a great base for enjoying many of the adventures you can do in Split or very close to it. Omiš Town, often considered to be the adventure capital of Croatia, is located just 30-40 minutes away from Split. And just there you can enjoy at least 10 great activities. We’ll include some Omiš adventures in this article, but we also wanted to include some other areas to make it more diverse.
Here’s why Split might be just the perfect base for adventure activities in Croatia:
Diverse Landscapes: You can find a lot of different landscapes in the Split area, from mountains and lush rivers to the stunning Adriatic Sea. More landscapes usually mean more adventure possibilities.
Perfect Climate: Split has a Mediterranean climate, which means warm, long, and sunny days. Just perfect for outdoor adventures.
Proximity to Nature: Split is the second largest city in Croatia, a real urban jungle. But it’s located near natural wonders like the Cetina River, the Biokovo Mountain , and the nearby islands such as Hvar, Brač, and Vis . Adventures in Split are plentiful.
Guided Tours Available: Split also has a wide range of organized guided adventure tours that are always accompanied by professional guides. Safety is the priority when it comes to adventure tours in Croatia.
Top 5 Adventure Activities in Split, Croatia
So we start with the real adventures in Split. We had to rule some out since we wanted to make this list nice and short. There are a lot more different adventure tours in Split and do explore if you haven’t found the one for you on this list. Also, we excluded some great adventures in Omiš from this list since we could easily fill the whole list just with them. Omiš is a perfect place for adventures, so explore it more if you’re a thrill-seeking kind of traveler.
Anyways, here’s our selection of the best Split adventure tours.
1. ATV Quad Safari with BBQ Lunch
We are starting with the exciting way to explore the countryside around Split through this Split ATV Quad Safari tour . It’s a fun off road activity in a Dalmatian landscape. Don’t expect a lot of wild driving since the safety of the participants is the first priority, and each of these tours is led by a licensed guide. But do expect a lot of great time and some serious fun.
What to Expect: Navigate through off-road trails, explore villages of the Dalmatian hinterland , and enjoy beautiful scenery while riding ATVs.
Highlights: Scenic views, off-road driving joy, and a delicious BBQ lunch to refuel after the adventure.
Who It’s For: Adventurers who enjoy off-road adventures, nature, and good food.
Activity suggestion:
2. Half-Day Rafting on Cetina River
We mentioned Omiš, and now we’re going to Omiš. We can’t leave rafting on the Cetina River from this list since it is one of the most popular adventure activities near Split.
What to Expect: Row through the clear river, enjoy gentle rapids, and serene natural surroundings.
Highlights: Scenic Cetina River Canyon , lush vegetation, and the thrill of riding rapids.
Who It’s For: Families, beginners, and anyone looking to try one of the most famous adventures in the Split area.
Activity suggestion:
3. Canyoning on the Cetina River
We are still on the Cetina River, the same river we did a rafting tour on. This activity is the most adventurous one on this list. Canyoning is a thrilling and somewhat challenging experience (but completely safe) that involves climbing, swimming, and sliding down the rocks or jumping from them.
What to Expect: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the upper part of Cetina River Canyon and navigate its waterfalls, natural pools, and narrow gorges.
Highlights: You’ll be abseiling down waterfalls, swimming through river pools, and enjoying in stunning canyon.
Who It’s For: Adventurous travelers looking for the ultimate adventure in Split.
Canyoning Types: There are 2 canyoning versions available – basic and extreme.
Activity suggestion:
4. Split Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
We were adventure guides for a long time in Croatia , and kayaking tours were the core of our business. We simply can’t exclude them from this list. They are maybe not the most adventurous option, but they will for sure result in some great time. Through kayaking, you can experience the Adriatic Sea near Split from a unique perspective and enjoy relaxed paddling.
What to Expect: Paddle along Split’s coastline, explore its features, and snorkel in the clear blue sea.
Highlights: Beautiful views of the city from the sea, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities.
Who It’s For: Nature lovers, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxing yet adventurous activity.
Activity suggestion:
5. River Tubing on Cetina River
You heard about rafting on the Cetina for sure. But did you hear about Cetina River Tubing? As we researched, we stumbled upon this new and unique activity on Croatian rivers. Unlike rafting, this adventure in the Split area will take you through the rapids of the Cetina River in a small inflatable tube. Sounds fun? It is fun!
What to Expect: Float down calm river sections on an inflatable tube, and enjoy the mild rapids and additional excitement they bring to this tour.
Highlights: Peaceful surroundings, gentle rapids, and a great way to explore and experience the Cetina River.
Who It’s For: Families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed water-based activity.
Activity suggestion:
Best Time for Adventure Activities in Split
Whenever you visit Split , you have the option to enjoy at least some of these activities (except maybe in winter). Here’s what to expect out of different parts of the year when it comes to adventures in Split:
Spring (April to June): The best weather for outdoor adventures in the Split area without the crowds.
Summer (July to August): Perfect time of the year for water-based activities, but expect more tourists on the tours.
Autumn (September to October): Mild weather and once again fewer crowds, a great period for most activities.
Safety Tips for Adventure Activities in Split
Safety first. But don’t worry, all of the activities we have included in this article are completely safe, and there is really not much to bring with you since all the equipment is provided. Still, here are some recommendations on what to wear and bring with you to these adventures:
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Comfortable and stretchy sports clothes are best for water and outdoor activities.
Bring Sunscreen and Water: Staying hydrated and protected from the strong sun is essential, especially if doing these tours during summer.
Listen to Your Guides: Always follow the instructions for a safe and memorable experience.
Before You Venture to any of the Split Adventure Tours
Ready for the adventure in Split ? Do you already have your favorite? We hope that this article gave you an idea of some of the best activities you can try. Do add a bit of adventure to your holidays in Split and end up with the best vacation ever. When it comes to adventures in Croatia, Split is one of the best places and it has such a diverse range of different experiences.
Enjoy your adventures in Split!