Planning a 3-Day Itinerary Split Croatia? That is what this guide does for you. From the top must-see attractions and places to eat, it’s about the kind of day trips you could make to the islands nearby.
There are plenty of things to do-from ancient ruins to taking a splash in crystal-clear waters. Here’s your ultimate 3-day itinerary for Split Croatia.
Key Takeaways:
- Day 1: Discover the historic Old Town of Split, visit Diocletian’s Palace, and enjoy panoramic views from Marjan Hill.
- Day 2: Go on an island-hopping adventure to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. Swim, snorkel, and relax on private beaches.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Krka National Park and the charming medieval town of Trogir. Enjoy beautiful waterfalls and historic sites.
- Ideal for couples looking to explore Split’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant nightlife in just three days.
- Extend your trip with nearby excursions to Dubrovnik, Šibenik, or Blue Cave for a 7-day Split itinerary.
Day 1: See the Historic Old Town and Cultural Heritage of Split
Start from Morning in Diocletian’s Palace
Your journey takes off in the very heart of the country: Diocletian’s Palace, the emblazoned landmark in Split and UNESCO World Heritage. Built in the 4th century AD, this gigantic palace was a retirement home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
You will walk through the narrow streets in the maze to the impressive stone buildings, ruins of ancient days, and extraordinary courtyards.
Don’t miss:
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius: Originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, it is the world’s oldest cathedral. Take in Split city views from atop its bell tower.
- Peristyle Square: A stunning open courtyard – great for photos and people-watching.
- Substructures (Basement Halls): These underground halls, crammed full of arches and columns, are a great place to escape the midday sun.
Afternoon: Lunch and Marjan Hill
For lunch, go to the Riva Promenade. Grab a seat at a waterfront café or restaurant and try fresh seafood or pašticada, what the Croats have brought from Osijek as their version of the slow-cooked beef stew.
Spend the afternoon visiting Marjan Hill, a verdant park on a little peninsula located about two miles west of the city.
What to Do:
- Hike up or bike up to Marjan Hill for panoramic views of Split and the islands strewn across the Adriatic Sea.
- Small hill chapels and churches: St. Nicholas Church, St. Jerome Church.
- Take a coffee break at Vidilica Café with a panorama view of Split.
Evening: Walking tour around People’s Square (Pjaca).
In the evening, visit the People’s Square (Pjaca), surrounded by very beautiful Venetian-style buildings. It is full of locals and tourists during the night.
You can walk to the Fruit Square (Trg Braće Radić), with its Venetian tower and Marko Marulić’s statue – a famous Croatian poet.
For dinner, dine at one of the many restaurants in Old Town. Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar stands out for its Mediterranean and local specialties. Finish your day with a glass of Croatian wine.
Day 2: Isla Hopping Adventure from Split
Morning: Ferry to Hvar Island
Island hop on the second day. Take an early morning ferry ride from Split to Hvar Island top destination in Croatia.
Being renowned for its picturesque harbor, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere, Hvar may be spent on a day trip.
Places to visit in Hvar:
- Spanjola Fortress-Walk up to this 16th-century fortress and enjoy the panoramic view of Hvar Town and the surrounding Pakleni Islands.
- View the town of Hvar, which winds through narrow streets and fewer narrow squares, and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Afternoon: Visit Pakleni Islands
After visiting Hvar, a short boat ride will take you to the Pakleni Islands which is a series of small uninhabited islands perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing
Things to do:
- Rent a kayak and sail around the islands at your own pace.
- Snorkel in the crystal waters and see the marine thrive.
- Enjoy sunbathing on one of the private beaches.
Night: Return to Split, go out and discover the city’s nightlife
Return to Split by evening and stroll along Riva before discovering what nightlife Split has to offer. Head to some of the energetic city bars or clubs like Charlie’s Bar or Fabrique Pub.
Day 3: Day Excursions from Split to Krka National Park and Trogir
Morning: Krka National Park
On your last day, take an excursion to Krka National Park. It takes about an hour to drive from Split. Known for its chain of stepping waterfalls, the fantastic Skradinski Buk waterfall is not to be missed.
One can swim in the clear waters, walk on the wooden pathways, and admire the fortressed areas of the park.
Tips for Visiting:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk on uneven paths.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to take a dip in the waterfall pools.
Afternoon: Charming Town of Trogir
Drive after Krka to the neighboring town of Trogir – the small medieval town comes with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lovely squares.
Top Attractions in Trogir:
- Trogir Cathedral: Enjoy the beauty of the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and its famous Radovan’s Portal.
- Kamerlengo Fortress: Have a nice walk along the old walls with the marina and old town views.
- Riva Promenade in Trogir: Sit at the promenade in one of the cafes and follow the coming in of the boats.
Evening: Dinner and Farewell Walk in Split
Return to Split in the evening for a farewell dinner. Choose a restaurant with a view, namely one such as Fife which offers a grill menu within some traditional Croatian fare and, of course, beautiful views over the harbor.
End your trip with a final promenade along the Riva Promenade or drop by the Split Green Market to pick up a few souvenirs.
FAQs about 3-Day Itinerary Split Croatia
How many days should you give to Split and Dubrovnik?
If you want to see everything and have time for day trips, you should spend at least 3 days in Split and 2 days in Dubrovnik.
How to spend 1 day in Split?
If you are in Split for 1 day, let’s focus on Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill, and a walk along the Riva Promenade.
Is 6 days in Split, Croatia too long?
Yes, using 6 days to explore Split, you’ll have time to see the city and go on day trips to nearby islands and national parks of Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks.
Can I go island hopping for 3 days in Croatia?
Yes, Split is an ideal base to explore for a 3-day island-hopping adventure. Experience islands like Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Islands.
Are there any split itinerary options for longer stays?
If you have more time, a Split itinerary for 7 days can include trips to Dubrovnik, Šibenik, and the Blue Cave, hence, allowing for a richer experience of Croatia’s multifaceted coastline as well as more leisurely days.
Conclusion:
Plan the Best 3-Day Itinerary Split Croatia. With this Split, Croatia 3-day itinerary, you can cover the historical parts of the city, fun island-hopping adventures, and nature’s splendor.
If you have additional days, you can extend your tour by including a Split 4-day itinerary or a Split 7-day itinerary to visit more attractions around that region.
For example, you may also prefer day trips from Split visiting Dubrovnik or other areas of the Croatian coastline.
