Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and one of the most visited destinations of this country. It’s the central and largest city in the Dalmatia region, the coastal part known for stunning coastline and beautiful islands. But how many days to spend in Split to explore all the Mediterranean city offers. In this article, we are going to look at multiple scenarios and how each period spent in Split might look like and what you would be able to see.
Split in Croatia is famous for its blend of history, culture, beaches, and island-hopping opportunities . Depending on what you’re looking to get out of your stay in it, even one day might be enough to explore the most tourist places in Split. But if you really want to experience the true vibe of this vibrant city and its way of life, we suggest staying in it for at least 2 days.
Is One Day in Split Enough? Let’s start with only one day in Split. Many people just pass through this city before they continue to some other parts of Croatia or to the Croatian islands . If that’s the case with you and you only have one day in Split , you can see the highlights and won’t have much time to explore beyond the city center.
What You Can Do In Split in One Day:
Explore Diocletian’s Palace , the heart of the Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Peristyle Square, St. Domnius Cathedral, and walk on the Riva Promenade .
Relax at Bačvice Beach or walk to Marjan Hill for best panoramic views of Split.
Take a walk in the Sustipan Park and unwind from the city crowd.
Enjoy dinner at one of the traditional Dalmatian konobas (tavern) .
Best option for: Cruise ship visitors or travelers passing through on their way to islands or other destinations in Croatia.
Two Days in Split: A Balanced Stay Two days in Split are a period in which you can already get to know the city a bit better. Apart from the historical attractions that can be seen in one day in Split, you’ll be able to explore some other nearby places or enjoy some activities in Split. You could even go on a day trip from Split and explore nearby islands . Here’s how 2 days in Split might look like:
Day 1: Exploring the City
Follow the one-day itinerary and explore the most famous places in Split.
Visit the Ethnographic Museum or Split City Museum for a deeper cultural experience.
End your first day with a seaside dinner at one of the restaurants with local cuisine.
Day 2: Outdoor and Coastal Activities
Take a half-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon or explore nearby Čiovo Island .
Try one of the adventure activities in Split such as sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Visit the Meštrović Gallery , a cultural location with works of Croatia’s most famous sculptor.
Best for: Travelers who want to experience Split’s history and vibe without being rushed.
Three to Four Days: The Ideal Split Experience With 3-4 days in Split, you can see and experience a lot. If we are to choose how many days to spend in Split, we would opt for a 3-day stay. Spending three or four days in Split will allow you to experience the city as well as some of the most famous places near it such as Krka National Park, Blue Cave on Biševo, and many more. Here’s what this time in Split could look like (first 2 days are the same as in the previous sections):
Day 3: Adding An Island-Hopping Adventure Day 4: Krka National Park or Omiš Adventure On the second day, we suggest choosing between 2 options – Krka National Park or Omiš. The choice is simple. If you want to try some of the best adventures in Croatia, choose Omiš . If you want to visit one of the most famous national parks in Croatia , choose Krka.
Option 1: Visit Krka National Park , famous for its waterfalls and stunning swimming spots near them.
Option 2: Go to Omiš for ziplining or rafting adventure on the Cetina River .
Relax at one of Split’s beaches like Kasjuni Beach or Bene Beach .
Best for: Travelers who want a well-rounded stay full of history, nature, and adventure .
Five to Seven Days: A Full Dalmatian Experience With seven days in SPlit, you already begin to feel like a local. Whole week in Split gives you the chance to fully explore the city and use it as the base for many day trips to some nearby attractions. Here are some ideas on how to fill these extra days in this beautiful city in Croatia.
Additional Activities for a Longer Stay in Split:
Visit Trogir , another UNESCO-listed medieval town that is just a short drive from Split.Take a wine tour in Kaštela or Brač Island .
Spend some extra time in Hvar Town
Take a ferry to Korčula , the place considered to be a birthplace of Marco Polo. Korčula Town is often nicknamed as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of its medieval architecture that somewhat resembles that of Dubrovnik.
Explore Biokovo Nature Park and its Skywalk viewpoint
Best option for: Anyone who wants to use Split as a base for exploring the best of Dalmatia .
How Many Days Should You Spend in Split? Do you already know how many days you’ll spend in Split? We hope this article helped plan your stay in the flower of the Mediterranean. Here’s how each of the periods looks summarized:
1 day – Enough for the highlights of the old part of Split.2 days – Great for experiencing Split’s history and a bit of its coastline.3-4 days – The perfect balance of city and exciting day trips that are available in Split.5-7 days – Perfect timeframe for those who want to explore beyond Split and visit nearby islands and national parks.
If you have enough time, we suggest spending at least 3 days in Split . We believe it’s the perfect balance and period in which you can experience both the city and some of the best nearby places. Since you’re probably in Croatia more than that, it will also leave you enough time to explore the rest of this beautiful country. Whatever you choose, we hope you’ll enjoy this vibrant city and experience its easygoing and relaxed way of living.
