If you are planning to spend four days in Split, Croatia, you are in for an enriching holiday. This itinerary highlights the must-see attractions both within the city center and its surrounds.
Split boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Beyond its urban landscape, you will find beautiful islands with pristine beaches and scenic countryside ripe for exploration. Conveniently, Split is only a two-hour flight from the UK, making it an ideal destination for a refreshing long weekend.
Situated along the Croatian coast, nestled between Zagreb to the north and Dubrovnik to the south, Split overlooks the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Four days is an optimal timeframe to immerse yourself in the city, discovering its captivating castles, delightful ice cream parlors, and nearby islands that are just a short ferry ride away.
To maximize your experience in this charming coastal city, here is a thoughtfully curated four-day itinerary for Split.
Accommodation in Split
For a truly convenient stay, opting for central accommodations in Split is highly recommended. This ensures that you remain within walking distance of numerous delightful ice cream shops and historical sites. Additionally, should you wish to visit one of the nearby islands for a day, the ferry port is easily accessible.
Alternatively, consider staying outside of Split in nearby locales such as Trogir or Podstrana. Both are just a few miles from Split and offer great options if you prefer a quieter environment. Taxis are readily available for easy access to Split, should you need them. However, please note that traffic on the route from Podstrana to Split can occasionally be congested, especially during rush hour, so allow an extra 30 minutes for travel during these times.
Begin your Split journey as many travelers do, with a tour of the city’s seminal historic sights.
Exploring Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town
To familiarize yourself with Split, embark on a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town. Regardless of your historical inclinations, the city’s past will undoubtedly captivate you.
Constructed in the 4th century between 295–305 CE under the orders of an emperor, Diocletian’s Palace served as a grand retirement residence, with portions dedicated to military use as well. Its sheer scale contributes significantly to the character of modern-day Split.
Recognized as the most well-preserved Roman palace in the world, Diocletian’s Palace encompasses the city center itself. Ensure to explore the cellars of the palace and the Peristyle, the central square of the palace, which acts as the grand entrance to the emperor’s quarters.
The essence of a location can often be captured through its culinary offerings. Influenced largely by Italian culture, Split’s cuisine features an array of gelato and traditional Dalmatian dishes. A culinary tour will allow you to savor authentic dishes such as salted anchovies, rafiol cake, locally sourced prosciutto, and Dalmatian Peka. I recommend scheduling this tour early in your visit to receive suggestions for other culinary experiences during your time in Split.
Climbing Marjan Hill
Later in your first day, experience an alternate viewpoint of Split by climbing the 100 steps to Marjan Hill, which provides breathtaking vistas of the city.
From Split’s waterfront promenade, seek out Senjska ul, a seemingly residential street that leads uphill. Continue walking, and you will encounter an observation point offering expansive views. There’s also a bar perched at the top, perfect for a refreshing beverage post-hike!
Island Discoveries on Day Two
On the second day, consider exploring the surrounding islands, such as Brac, Hvar, and Vis. Notably, Brac is particularly accessible, with a ferry ride from Split taking only an hour. This island is ripe for discovery.
If you choose to rent a car, you can navigate the island at your own pace. Important activities include participating in an olive oil tour, ascending Vidova Gora for panoramic views, and unwinding at Golden Horn Beach, one of Croatia’s most famed coastal stretches.
For a more relaxed option, consider booking a tour that encompasses both Brac and Solta. This excursion includes a couple of hours on Brac for swimming in the azure Adriatic Sea, followed by a leisurely sail to Solta for additional sunbathing or exploration, before returning to Split.
Upon your return to Split, take some time to refresh before venturing out for drinks in the evening!
Return to the Peristyle, the historic square at the entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. By day, it is a site steeped in history, while by night, it morphs into a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike revel in live music with wine in hand, perched on historic steps.
After dinner one evening, we stumbled upon this lively scene and were drawn in to partake. The experience left us with cherished memories, making it worthwhile to visit for at least a drink. The staff at Cafe and Restaurant Lvxor are attentive and offer a diverse selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Day Three Options: Makarska or Trogir
Day three presents two enticing options: a trip to Makarska and Biokovo National Park, or a visit to the historic town of Trogir.
A trip to Makarska and Biokovo Nature Park is a delightful way to experience the region. Biokovo, the mountain that houses the park, offers breathtaking hiking and cycling trails. The highlight is the Skywalk Biokovo, perched at 1228 meters above sea level, featuring a striking glass floor that provides an exhilarating vantage point over the sea.
Makarska is another picturesque coastal town along the Dalmatian coast. Don’t miss the Malacological Museum, housed in a Franciscan Monastery, showcasing an extensive collection of over 3,000 shell specimens from around the globe, including pieces donated by Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco.
While this day trip takes roughly 90 minutes from Split, I suggest renting a car for the journey to maintain flexibility and ease of exploration throughout Biokovo National Park and Makarska. Be sure to secure tickets for Biokovo National Park ahead of your visit.
Alternatively, you could explore Trogir, which is highly recommended for its proximity to Split. Numerous organized tours are available for easy access. A guided tour also allows for a deeper understanding of this exquisite Croatian gem.
Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is connected to the mainland via a small bridge and is replete with stunning Venetian architecture. Key sites include the central area dotted with churches, the city gate, and the iconic Cathedral.
Even without a structured tour, wandering through the narrow streets or alongside the waterfront, enjoying some gelato, is an enjoyable way to experience Trogir’s charm. It is a picturesque destination in its own right.
Some tours provide options to combine a visit to Trogir with snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon, offering a glimpse of seclusion at Labaduza island. This is an excellent option for multi-site exploration.
While a dedicated tour to Trogir yields insightful cultural context, you may also opt for a taxi or bus to explore independently.
One of the most remarkable experiences I had in Split was horseback riding in Podstrana. I highly suggest incorporating this into your itinerary. This activity typically spans about three hours, allowing flexibility to either ride in the morning or opt for a scenic sunset ride. Located approximately 30 minutes from Split, this experience provides a unique perspective on the landscape, coupled with breathtaking coastal views.
Your guide will instruct you on riding techniques before you embark on a picturesque journey through the trails.
This four-day itinerary in Split presents a well-rounded glimpse of what the city has to offer. Should you wish to extend your visit, consider taking a day to relax in Split instead of venturing to Makarska; you are on holiday after all!
