3 Day Split Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days in Split, Croatia

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering how to spend 3 days in Split?

Split is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything – historic charm, coastal views, fresh seafood, and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned!

I visited Split as part of a one week Croatia trip with my best friend and was surprised by how much I fell in love with it! Between climbing Marjan Hill for panoramic views, wandering the ancient corridors of Diocletian’s Palace, and soaking up the sun on the Adriatic, these three days quickly became some of my favorites from the whole trip!

In this blog post, I will cover exactly how to spend 3 days in Split, Croatia. I’ve included all the details you’ll need, like how to get there, where to stay, what to do each day, and how to fit in day trips to places like Hvar or Krka National Park. Plus, I’ve noted a few mistakes I made along the way so you can avoid them!

This 3 day Split itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone planning a weeklong adventure through Croatia who wants to see the most of Split without feeling rushed. If you’re short on time but still want to make the most of your trip, this guide will help you do just that!

So whether you’re drawn to ancient architecture, delicious cuisine, or chasing Game of Thrones film locations, Split is the perfect addition to your Croatia itinerary!

How to Get to Split

Before we get into this 3 Day Split itinerary, let’s talk about how to get to Split, Croatia!

If you are traveling from the USA, you will likely have a connection in western Europe on your way to Split. For example, London, Dublin, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam are possible layovers, depending on the airline.

Direct flights from the USA to Split are limited, but seasonal routes may be available during peak travel seasons.

I personally flew from Orlando to Dublin since I was flying on Aer Lingus. From Dublin, it was a quick 3 hours to Croatia! Luckily, Split has its own international airport (SPU) with plenty of flights arriving daily from all over Europe.

This means reaching Split is super easy for travelers within Europe! European airlines such as Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Split from cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin.

Besides flying, you can also reach Split by car if you are planning a road trip throughout Croatia! We decided not to rent a car (more on this in the next section).

Trains, unfortunately, are not common along the Adriatic Coast like in other parts of Europe.

✈️ Quick tip on international flights: The flight situation for US travelers can feel overwhelming. My Passport to Confidence guide covers exactly this: when to start searching, how to use Google Flights’ price calendar, and how to find the best deal. Plus travel insurance, money, visas, packing, and more. Just $7, instant download!

Getting Around Split

Once you land in Split, the next step is figuring out how to get from the airport to your accommodation and how to get around the city once you’re there.

The Split Airport is located about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) west of the city center (It’s actually closer to the town of Trogir!). Once you arrive at the airport, you have a few options for getting to the city center.

The drive from the airport to the city typically takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

If you are planning a road trip throughout Croatia, you can rent a car at the Split airport for your journey.

However, keep in mind that Split Old Town is pedestrian-only, so you will need to find a parking garage outside of the city center to keep your car at, which can be pricey. This is why we opted for private transportation during our 7 day Croatia itinerary to get between cities!

If you don’t want to rent a car, there are still plenty of options! For budget travelers, there is an airport bus that runs daily for as low as 8 euros. You can also take a taxi; however, I don’t recommend this, as we got scammed with high prices in a Split taxi!

Instead, I recommend just booking a private shuttle through Viator. For less than $40, you can have a private driver waiting for you upon arrival and take the stress out of finding a ride!

Once you’re in the city, you won’t need a car. Split is super walkable, especially the Old Town and Riva area. Everything is close together, and strolling the cobblestone streets is half the fun!

Where to Stay in Split

Now that you know how to get to Split, I want to touch on where to stay! When visiting cities in Croatia like Split and Dubrovnik, I highly recommend skipping a hotel and opting for an apartment rental instead!

Because these cities are so old, there are no major hotels in the main city center / Old Towns. So, if you want to be close to the action, you’ll need to stay in an apartment!

You can find apartment rentals on VRBO or Booking.com, as you can see on the map below!

The above map is zoomed in on Old Town Split, so any accommodation in this area will put you near the best bars, restaurants, and attractions in Split. However, here are some specific recommendations:

• Modern Apartment with Balcony: Outskirts of Old Town, clean and bright room with terrace
• Roomy Apartment with Sea View: Located on the Riva, larger rooms than normal!
• Luxurious Apartment with Hot Tub: Right in the middle of Old Town, luxurious studio, plenty of space!

A quick note for American travelers: European apartments (especially bathrooms!) tend to be smaller than what you might be used to. If you’re traveling with more than two people, double-check the square footage and sleeping arrangements.

Overall, we loved staying right in Old Town! It made it so easy to explore on foot and soak up the local vibe.

Day 1: Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill & Riva Waterfront

Now it is time to get into the details of this 3 Day Split Itinerary!! This itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in Split, so you have either arrived the night before or early on your first day.

Explore Diocletian’s Palace

Start your first morning in Split by grabbing coffee and breakfast at D16 coffee in Old Town, Then, head straight to Diocletian’s Palace (the earlier the better!).

Built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this sprawling palace served as a residence for the retired emperor and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the heart of Split, the palace features grandiose architecture and impressive defensive walls.

Entry to the Palace is mostly free since it’s an open air historical site accessible to the public. However, certain areas within the palace have separate entry fees, such as the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the underground substructures.

We wandered around on our own and still enjoyed it, but I actually wish we had taken a guided walking tour! There’s so much rich history packed into this place, and having a local guide explain what you’re seeing would’ve brought it to life in a much more memorable way.

If I were to do it again, I’d book a guided Diocletian’s Palace tour or full Old Town tour like this one, especially since it costs less than $20!

P.S. If you are a Game of Thrones lover, you’ll want to check out the basement of Diocletian’s Palace! You can read more about why in my Game of Thrones Croatia Guide!

Marjan Hill for Lunch with a View

After you’re done exploring the Palace, it’s time to get outside of the city center and grab some lunch!

Make your way over to Marjan Hill, which is a quick, 10-15 minute walk from the Palace. Head out towards the Riva Waterfront and walk west until you reach the bend in the road. Look for the little stairs and the sign that says “Marjan”.

After a short, easy climb up a few sets of stairs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of Split! About halfway up the hill, there is a restaurant that makes the perfect lunch spot – Teraca Vidilica.

We hung out here for a couple of hours enjoying spritzes and the breeze! It was the perfect midday break, and there are incredible views of Split right in front of the restaurant.

Wander the Riva Waterfront

After lunch, either continue your climb upwards for more views of Split, or make your way back down to sea level.

Spend the late afternoon and evening walking along the Riva Waterfront, a palm-lined promenade filled with outdoor patios, street performers, and harbor views.

Grab dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade, enjoy the ocean breeze, and soak in the atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy your first night in Croatia.

Depending on the time, I also highly recommend heading to the east side of the Riva to watch the sunset. We stopped for drinks at ROOF 68 and the vibes were incredible! We got to watch the sunset above the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous ocean views.

Day 2: Island Hopping Tour OR Hvar Only

Option 1: Island Hopping Boat Tour

On your second day in Split, I highly recommend getting out on the water and exploring one (or a few) of the neighboring islands in the Adriatic! One of the best parts about Split vs Dubrovnik is the amount of incredible islands right off the coast that you can explore on a day trip.

We decided to book a 5-Island Boat Tour to Blue Cave through GetYourGuide, and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our trip! If you’re up for an action-packed day filled with adventure, this tour is 100% worth it.

• A boat ride to the famous Blue Cave (the water color here doesn’t even look real!)
• Free time to explore Komiža on the island of Vis (a charming fishing village where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed)
• Swimming at the stunning Stiniva Cove – which was so fun but a lot of swimming!
• Lunch and beach time on the beautiful Pakleni Islands – absolutely STUNNING! I need to come back here one day
• Wandering the gorgeous streets of Hvar Town with just enough time to grab a cocktail and go for a swim by the harbor

The tour lasts about 11 hours, so it makes for a very long day. In addition, you’ll be on a small, open Zodiac-style boat the entire time.

It’s definitely not a cushy yacht cruise – you WILL get wet, be exposed to the sun, and feel the bumps of the open sea. But that raw, adventurous vibe was half the fun!

Pro tip: Pack a long sleeve beach cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag to keep your stuff safe from splashes!

We loved how much ground we covered during the day and how each stop felt different. No two islands looked or felt the same. Plus, our boat crew was amazing and kept everything running smoothly while giving us fun tidbits about the islands along the way!

If you want to maximize your time and see as much as possible with limited days in Split, this boat tour is hands down the best way to do it. I would absolutely do it again.

Important: This is an extremely popular tour, especially during the peak summer months. Book it in advance to make sure it doesn’t sell out! ⚓

Option 2: Hvar Only Day Trip

Another option for your second day in Croatia is just visiting the island of Hvar. While the tour above includes a stop in Hvar, it’s not enough time to explore the entire island, and there is so much to see and do!

So, if a long day on a speedboat doesn’t sound appealing, another great option is to take the ferry and spend the whole day just exploring Hvar Island.

In the summer months, there are multiple ferries from Split to Hvar each day. The journey takes around an hour and costs as low as 25 euros, depending on the day.

Check out the ferry schedule and pricing for your dates on Omio here! ⛴️

Once you’re on Hvar, you can spend your day however you choose. I highly recommend climbing to the top of the Hvar Fortress for panoramic views of Hvar to start!

The views from the top are absolutely incredible. You get a full panoramic sweep of the town, harbor, and surrounding islands. If you’re visiting during the summer, try to do the climb early in the morning before it gets too hot, or save it for sunset for even better lighting!

You can also wander around the Square and Cathedral of St. Stephen in Hvar Town. Grab some lunch at one of the patio promenades and enjoy the beautiful views. We loved grabbing an espresso martini and people watching here.

In the afternoon, if you’re craving some beach time, head over to Pokonji Dol Beach, which is just a short walk from the port. The beach itself is beautiful (although rocky like most Croatian beaches, so bring water shoes if you can!).

Because we were short on time, we actually found a little sunbathing dock right off the harbor and went for a swim there instead. It ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of our day! And of course, grab a gelato when you’re done!

If you decide to stick around for sunset, head over to Hula Hula Beach Bar. It’s a super popular spot for sunset drinks, with DJs, loungers, and a really fun, beachy vibe. Definitely one of those places where you could easily stay for “just one drink” and end up hanging out for hours!

Day 3: Beach Day OR Krka National Park + Watch the Sunset

On your last day in Split, you have a few different options depending on how you’re feeling—whether you want to relax by the water or squeeze in one last Croatian adventure.

Option 1: Hit The Beach

If you’re ready for a slower day, Split has some great beaches nearby where you can unwind. Hitting the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Split, especially during the summer months!

Start your morning by exploring a bit more of the city. If you haven’t yet, wander through the Split Green Market (locally known as Pazar) to browse local produce, souvenirs, and Croatian treats.

It’s a great spot to pick up some last-minute gifts or snacks for the beach.

In the afternoon, head to one of the beautiful Split beaches. If you’ve never been to Europe before, it’s important to know that most European beaches are not sandy, but rocky. So bring water shoes like these Reef sandals!

Two of the most visited beaches around Split are Bacvice Beach and Ježinac Beach. These are both just outside the city center and very popular, especially in the summer months.

Another option is Raddison Blu Beach, named after the Raddison Blu Hotel on its shores, and located less than 10 minutes from Old Town Split! You don’t need to be a hotel guest to access the public part of the beach.

In addition to the public beach, you can also check out the luxurious Mistral Beach Club at the Raddison hotel. During the summer months (typically May through October), they have a bar, cabana rentals, sun loungers, and sometimes a DJ!

Unfortunately when we visited, the Beach Club was closed for renovations, so we just visited the public beach. In September, the water was still a bit cold, but there was barely anyone at the beach, so it felt like we had it all to ourselves!

Option 2: Explore Krka National Park

If you don’t want to “waste” a day relaxing on the beach, another very popular activity to do in Split is take a day trip to Krka National Park!

Located just over an hour from Split, Krka is famous for its series of stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green landscapes.

The most popular spot inside the park is Skradinski Buk, a massive, multi-tiered waterfall that looks straight out of a postcard.

Unfortunately, swimming was banned directly at Skradinski Buk starting in 2021 to help protect the ecosystem, but other areas like Roški Slap still allow swimming, depending on conditions and time of year.

Throughout the park, you can explore a series of wooden walkways that wind through the trees and over the streams, offering incredible photo ops around every corner. It’s an easy, relatively flat walk that’s suitable for most fitness levels.

You can get to Krka by rental car, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry, it’s still very accessible!

There are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from Split to Krka. You can book half day trips for as low as $20 USD.

Some of the longer tours bundle Krka with a stop in the adorable town of Skradin, where you can grab lunch or do a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

If we’d had one more day, this is exactly the kind of tour I would have booked! I am bummed we missed out on this experience.

Watch the Sunset

To wrap up your last night in Split, make sure you carve out time to watch the sunset, the perfect way to end your trip!

If you’re visiting during the summer, one fun option is to book a sunset kayaking tour. These tours usually take you along the coastline of Split, giving you a totally different perspective of the city and Marjan Hill from the water.

Most tours last about 3 hours, include a quick snorkeling break, and cost around 50 euros. If you’re someone who loves being on the water like me, this is a really memorable way to squeeze in one last bit of adventure before you leave!

Even though we didn’t get a chance to do a sunset kayak on this trip, it’s high on my list for next time!

For those that want to stay on land, I recommend heading to Kasjuni Beach, which is located on the far west side of Marjan Hill. It’s a quick 5-10 minute drive from Old Town Split. Thanks to the beach’s location, this is an epic spot to watch the sunset!

We grabbed a cabana in front of Joe’s Beach Lounge and Bar, which sits right along Kasjuni Beach. You can also grab a table at the main restaurant for drinks and dinner.

Watching the sun slowly set over the Adriatic, cocktail in hand, was the most relaxing one of the most beautiful moments of our entire Croatia trip!

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my guide on how to spend 3 days in Split, Croatia!

As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Split, and it also makes a great base for day trips throughout Croatia.

The mix of ancient Roman ruins, island-hopping adventures, relaxed coastal vibes, and insanely good food made it a place I genuinely didn’t want to leave! We packed a lot into three days, but it never felt rushed, and I hope this itinerary helps you do the same!

If you have less than 3 days in Split, I recommend cutting out the day trips and focusing on exploring Old Town and the surrounding neighborhoods.

And now that you know exactly how to spend your time in Split, check out my guide on Best Things to Do in Split!

Read More Croatia Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🇭🇷
Should You Visit Croatia In September? Here’s What To Expect
Split Or Dubrovnik: Which City In Croatia Should You Visit?
7 Day Croatia Itinerary: ULTIMATE Croatia Itinerary For First Timers
3 Day Split Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days In Split, Croatia
13 Unique Things To Do In Split, Croatia On Your First Visit
Is The Blue Cave Tour From Split Worth It? Full Guide!
5 Ways To Get From Split To Dubrovnik: A Detailed Guide
How To Spend 2 Days In Dubrovnik: PERFECT Dubrovnik Itinerary!
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik For First-Timers (With Map!)
15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Game Of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide: Locations, Tours, & More
How To Plan A Game Of Thrones Croatia Trip: Film Locations, Episodes, & Tours

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