Split, the pearl of the Dalmatian coast, offers a unique experience that blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a lover of ancient architecture, a fan of island life, or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of pristine nature, this city has something to offer every kind of traveler. With our detailed guide, you will discover how to spend 3 unforgettable days in Split, exploring its wonders and savoring the authentic essence of Croatia.
- 3-Day Itinerary in Split
- Day 1 in Split
- Diocletian’s Palace
- The Peristyle
- The Podrum Underground Market
- St. Domnius Cathedral and the Bell Tower
- Marjan Hill
- The Riva Waterfront
- Bačvice Beach
- Day 2 in Split
- Biševo
- Vis
- Ravnik
- Budikovac
- Hvar
- Day 3 in Split
- Trogir
- Krka National Park
- Plitvice Lakes
- Mostar
- When to visit Split
- How to Get Around Split
- Where to Stay in Split
Imagine strolling along the millenary walls of the Diocletian’s Palace, admiring the architectural ingenuity of the Romans and breathing in the unique atmosphere of this city. Or enjoying a boat trip among the islands of the Adriatic, swimming in crystal-clear waters and discovering hidden corners of paradise. And also, getting lost in the alleys of the Old Town, tasting the authentic flavors of the local cuisine and meeting the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants.
Whether you are an experienced traveler or a novice, our guide will lead you through a well-structured itinerary, full of tips and advice to make your experience in Split truly unforgettable. Get ready to discover a side of Croatia that will certainly leave an indelible memory.
3-Day Itinerary in Split
You will be surprised by how many places you can visit in just 72 hours in Split. Despite being a large city popular with tourists, you won’t need too much time to say you have fully experienced it. While you could set off on your own and gradually discover all the attractions, your visit will be much easier with the help of our travel itinerary for Split. Not only will you explore the most historic and beautiful places of ancient Split, but you will also venture beyond the city limits. Split is indeed a perfect base from which to explore the coast and nearby islands.
Before starting with the actual itinerary, however, we want to remind you to purchase a travel insurance. You never know what might happen and, trust us, you won’t want to end up with thousands of euros in medical expenses to pay. Heymondo offers travel insurance with a 10% discount for FullTravel readers. Now that we have covered this important topic, let’s return to our Split guide. We will show you what to do in Split in 3 days for a truly unforgettable visit to this beautiful Croatian city.
It makes sense to start your visit exploring the top attractions of Split’s Old Town, around the Diocletian’s Palace, then move on to nearby points of interest.
If you are in a hurry. You can deepen your knowledge of Split and Diocletian’s Palace with a guided walking tour.
Diocletian’s Palace
One of the most interesting facts about Split is that the Old Town originated from a single ancient Roman palace. Built as the retirement residence for Emperor Diocletian, this fortified palace occupied much of the area that is now the city center. Despite changes over the centuries, it is still clear where the Diocletian’s Palace once stood. Entering the palace, you pass through one of the four city gates, such as the Bronze Gate, which connects it to the waterfront. We will cover specific places to visit inside later, but some general points of interest include the Old Town Hall, Fruit Square, and People’s Square (Pjaca). These locations will give you a great sense of the city’s captivating Venetian architecture.
The Peristyle
Every visit to Split should include a stop at the main square of the Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle. This is an ideal place to realize how the city looked in ancient Roman times. The Peristyle features not only ancient architecture but also a couple of sphinx statues that Diocletian himself brought to Split from Egypt. Tourists like to sit at its sides, soaking up the ancient atmosphere. It is also common to watch Roman reenactments on the balcony of the Vestibulum, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time.
The Podrum Underground Market
Descend the stairs from the Peristyle beneath the Vestibulum to find Podrum, Split’s atmospheric underground market. Although many of the goods now sold here are souvenirs for tourists, it’s hard to deny the ambiance of this labyrinth of ancient cellars. As you walk, look up at the stone arches and columns supporting the ancient monuments above you.
St. Domnius Cathedral and the Bell Tower
It is a short walk from the Peristyle to the St. Domnius Cathedral, another of Split’s major landmarks. Originally a mausoleum for Diocletian, the cathedral is part ancient Roman temple, part Catholic church. It was built in 305 AD, making it one of the oldest structures of any Christian church in the world. While it’s worth spending some time admiring the ancient cathedral, the best thing to do here is to climb the bell tower. You will be rewarded with the best views over Split as you look down at the Diocletian’s Palace, the waterfront, and Marjan Hill.
Marjan Hill
For a nature escape, all you need to do is reach Marjan Hill, overlooking the city center. A block from the waterfront, there is a long staircase that gradually leads you to the top of the hill, passing first through residential areas and eventually reaching a privileged viewpoint at Telegrin Peak. From here you can admire not only Split but also the stunning Dalmatian coast stretching before you. The parks winding around Marjan Hill are not only perfect for pleasant walks but also host several chapels and a couple of beaches, such as the Kašjuni beach.
The Riva Waterfront
The perfect way to end your first day in Split is with a stroll along the Riva, the city’s elegant waterfront. Paved in marble and lined with palm trees, it is exactly the kind of beautiful seaside promenade you would expect on the Dalmatian coast. Sit at one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking this popular street and watch the ferries and yachts departing the city. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful sunset in one of Croatia’s most picturesque locations.
Bačvice Beach
If you simply cannot wait to find some sand and dive into the warm waters of the Adriatic, head to Bačvice Beach. This is one of the most popular and accessible beaches in Split, located just behind the ferry terminal. You will definitely find more picturesque beaches along the coast and on the islands, but this city beach is the very essence of local spirit and will suit you just fine for the moment.
With a long weekend in Split, you will have enough time not only to see the city but also to savor its beautiful surroundings. The best way to cover a wide area is to take a five-island tour, which will show you some of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal locations. You will usually visit Hvar, Biševo, Vis, Ravnik, and Budikovac. The tour departs from Split and goes towards the Blue Cave and the Five Islands.
Not to be missed. Numerous travel agencies in Split offer the possibility to book a five-island tour, but this specific itinerary is very popular and sells out quickly. If you plan to visit Split during the high season, it is advisable to secure your spot with an early online reservation. Here you can book your place for the tour. Alternatively, you can choose to take the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands tour with lunch and hidden bay.
Biševo
A visit to the small island of Biševo, which is the farthest of these five islands from Split, focuses on the enchanting Blue Cave. Although it is one of many caves on Biševo, this flooded marine cavern is illuminated underwater at certain times of the day, giving it an ethereal glow and luminescence that you can observe from your boat.
Vis
The next stop is the largest island of Vis, where you dock in the picturesque fishing village of Komiža. With its stone buildings and Mediterranean architecture, Komiža is an ideal place for strolling. Further along the coast, you will make a stop at Stiniva Bay, a secluded beach perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Ravnik
Ravnik, one of the small islands off the coast of Vis, is known for the Green Cave. Unlike the Blue Cave, the Green Cave is illuminated by a small opening in the ceiling that, combined with the algae on the walls, gives the cave a breathtaking green glow.
Budikovac
Right next to Ravnik, you will find the island of Budikovac and its beautiful Blue Lagoon. The shallow and crystal-clear waters make it a popular stop for swimming and snorkeling. The lagoon is hidden among three tiny islands, so you can enjoy its intimacy while admiring the local marine life.
Hvar
Hvar, the largest and most popular tourist destination among the Croatian islands, is the last stop of the five-island tour, allowing you to explore its wonderful harbor and historic monuments. Two places not to be missed are the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Overlooking Fortress. It is worth climbing up to the fortress for the breathtaking views of Hvar and the nearby islands.
Even though you could spend more time visiting attractions or relaxing on Split’s beaches, don’t miss the chance to see more of the region with another day trip. You might be surprised at how many of these day trips from Split touch essential places on our ultimate Balkan itinerary.
Trogir
Located just north of Split along the coast, the picturesque town of Trogir is an easy day trip. In a way, it is a smaller and less crowded version of Split, boasting various Venetian-style buildings. With a short walk through the Old Town, you can see many charming historic buildings and the marina crowded with yachts. Besides visiting the Kamerlengo Castle (hard to miss), you’ll want to look for beaches such as Rožac and Okrug Gornji.
Krka National Park
Besides its coastline, another feature Croatia is famous for is its enchanting waterfalls. One of the most visited waterfall sites is the Krka National Park, located just northwest of the city of Šibenik. Home to seven waterfalls flowing over small cliffs covered with lush vegetation, Krka is a breathtaking natural spectacle. You can even swim in the freshwater pools below the waterfalls. Another common activity here is hiking on the numerous nature trails that cross the park. You can book a Krka National Park day tour here.
Plitvice Lakes
Another famous place to admire waterfalls in Croatia is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which makes for a great day trip from Split despite being considerably farther than Krka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 16 lakes, each with a waterfall flowing into the next. With the beauty of each waterfall, the vibrant colors of the water, and the breathtaking surrounding nature, the Plitvice Lakes are truly enchanting.
You can stroll on the elevated trails crossing the lakes or hike along the tree line, then enjoy a boat ride across the park’s largest lake. Click here to book a Plitvice Lakes day tour.
Mostar
You don’t necessarily have to limit yourself to Croatia when planning day trips from Split. In fact, one of the best excursions is just across the border in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar hosts a charming Old Town on both banks of the Neretva River, where you can see local youth diving into the river from the famous Old Bridge (Stari Most). While wandering through the Old Town streets and the Kujundžiluk Bazaar, don’t miss the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and its fantastic river views. There are also wonderful points of interest just outside the city, like the Blagaj Monastery and the Počitelj Castle. You can book a Mostar day tour here.
It should be clear how much there is to see and do around Split in three days. It’s evident that Split is one of Croatia’s most beloved destinations for a very good reason.
When to visit Split
Choosing the right time to visit Split can make the difference between a simply pleasant experience and an unforgettable adventure. As in many tourist destinations, the time of year you choose to travel affects various aspects of the stay, such as the weather, available activities, and costs. Summer is undoubtedly the most popular season to visit Split and the Dalmatian coast. Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for activities like swimming, sailing, and outdoor dining. However, being peak season, accommodation prices tend to double or even triple compared to the winter period. If your main goal is to save money, it might be more convenient to opt for a trip during the low season.
However, not all of Split’s best attractions are available year-round. If you choose to visit the city in winter, you might find fewer crowds, but some activities such as swimming, sailing, and trips to the surrounding islands may not be available. The months of May, September, and October represent an ideal option for those who want a compromise between pleasant weather and lower tourist influx. During this part of the season, temperatures are still perfect for a dip in the sea, activities are open, and prices do not reach summer peaks.
How to Get Around Split
Exploring Split on your own is not particularly complicated. This is especially true for the city itself, but day trips nearby are also easily manageable. Most of the attractions you will visit are concentrated in the historic center, so you can comfortably get around on foot. When you decide to venture on excursions outside the city, you can rely on tour companies or use public transportation. Frequent local and regional buses will take you to most of the destinations you want to reach along the mainland coast. To reach the islands, you can choose between regular ferries or, if you prefer a more expensive but faster option, hydrofoils.
Use Booking FullTravel to easily compare and book bus, ferry, or train tickets to and from Split. You have a couple of options to get to the city center from Split Airport. The cheapest is to take bus line 37, which connects Trogir and Split and takes about 40 minutes to reach the main bus station. Alternatively, there is a slightly faster shuttle service that operates with some frequency.
Where to Stay in Split
As an important tourist destination, Split offers a wide range of accommodations. Choosing among the best lodging options in Split is simply a matter of budget and travel style. As for the area to stay in, the best option is undoubtedly the Old Town. Most of the tourist attractions are concentrated in this area, inside and around the Diocletian’s Palace, making it the most convenient base to access places of interest, transportation, and restaurants.
You won’t find more refined accommodation than the luxurious Villa Harmony, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town and the Bačvice beach. You will be enchanted by the beautiful rooms and suites of this idyllic hotel, the outdoor pool, and the on-site restaurant and bar. You can also find plenty of mid-range options in Split. A great example is Rooms Tomic, a cozy bed & breakfast right on the edge of the Old Town. With its inner patio and friendly owners, this small place feels like a refuge from the lively city center life. For other accommodation options in Split, check out our Booking.
