Split is one of those cities that can be a perfect 1-day stop… or an easy 5-day base for island trips and day tours. The best number of days depends on whether you want to just see the Old Town or also explore beaches, islands, waterfalls, and nearby UNESCO towns.
Below is a simple, realistic guide to help you plan your time in Split — with 1 to 5-day itineraries you can follow without stress.
Quick Answer: How Many Days Are Enough for Split?
- 1 day in Split → enough for the Old Town + Diocletian’s Palace + sunset
- 2 days → adds beaches + viewpoints + a slower pace
- 3 days → the “sweet spot” (Split + 1 day trip)
- 4 days → Split + islands + waterfalls OR Trogir
- 5 days → best if you want Split as your base for exploring Dalmatia
If it’s your first time, we recommend 3 days in Split.
Jump to your itinerary
1 Day in Split Itinerary (Best for Cruise Stops & Quick Visits)
Morning: Old Town + Diocletian’s Palace
Split’s heart is Diocletian’s Palace, and it’s not just a monument — people literally live and work inside it.
Must-see highlights:
- Peristyle Square
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius area
- Palace basements (great even in hot weather)
Midday: Riva Promenade + lunch
Take a walk along the Riva (waterfront promenade) and grab lunch at our favourite Riva spot, Brasserie on 7.
Afternoon: Gelatto + Marjan viewpoint (short walk)
Walk around the old town and enjoy what is dubbed the best gelato in town, at Gelateria Emiliana (they bake their own cones!). If you want a quick “wow” moment without a long hike, head towards Marjan Hill viewpoints for city + sea views. Enjoy coffee or drinks overlooking Split at Terasa Vidilica.
Evening: Sunset + cocktails
Split at sunset is magic. Head over to Znjan beach area for dinner and cocktails at Palma Beach Club and finish with a relaxed walk after dinner.
Quick optional stop in the Old Town (5 minutes):
If you want a small, meaningful souvenir made in Split (and easy to pack), stop by Break Time Croatia — our nautical-inspired jewelry atelier in the historic center.
Find us: Trogirska 8 Split Old Town
Google Maps: Open directions
Tip: Many designs can be engraved (perfect last-minute gift).
2 Days in Split Itinerary (Old Town + Beach Time)
Day 1: Old Town essentials
Follow the 1-day itinerary above (but slower).
Day 2: Beaches + Split like a local
Morning: Znjan beach
After being closed for a couple of years for a complete redo, Znjan promenade (a few minutes Uber drive from old town) has finally opened end of 2025 and it is quickly becoming the IT beach area of Split. With an ample promenade, sports activities, bars, restaurants and beach clubs, you will not get bored. Our recommendation is Palma Beach Club.
Midday: coffee break + shopping in Old Town
Split is best experienced on foot — this is a great day to browse local boutiques and pick up gifts before day trips begin.
- You’re not rushing
- You’ll avoid last-day panic
- You can wear your purchase immediately 😉
Evening: Dinner + Old Town atmosphere
Split’s evenings are all about relaxed walks, people-watching, and that warm Mediterranean vibe. Pro tip: book dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bistro (they have live acoustic music each evening in the summer).
3 Days in Split Itinerary (The Best Choice for First-Time Visitors)
This is the ideal Split trip if you want culture + beach + one big excursion.
Day 1: Old Town + Diocletian’s Palace
See the Palace, the basements, Peristyle, and enjoy the Riva at sunset.
Day 2: Beach day + viewpoints + local exploring
Swim at Znjan beach and add a viewpoint walk toward Marjan.
Day 3: Pick ONE day trip
Best day trips from Split (choose one):
- Trogir (UNESCO town, super close)
- Krka National Park (waterfalls)
- Hvar or Brač (island day trip)
- Blue Lagoon (boat trip)
Tip: In summer, tours can sell out fast — book early. If you choose Hvar, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and include in your plans the short hike up to the Hvar Fortress, for stunning views of the whole bay and beyond (bonus, there is a small cafe bar up top so you can enjoy an icecream or cold drink before going back down).
4 Days in Split Itinerary (Split + 2 Excursions)
With 4 days, you can experience Split properly and still explore beyond.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: Old Town + Palace + Riva
- Day 2: Beach day + Marjan viewpoints
- Day 3: Day trip (Krka or Trogir)
- Day 4: Island day trip (Hvar/Brač) or a boat excursion
Perfect for: travelers who want Split as a base but don’t want to constantly pack/unpack.
Tip: If you choose Brač island for your day trip, take your swimsuit and enjoy the most famous beach in Croatia, Zlatni Rat, which changes shape with the shift of the marine currents. And also do not miss the Vidova Gora viewpoint. You can thank me later!
5 Days in Split Itinerary (The “Do It All” Plan)
5 days is great if you want to slow down and still fit in the best highlights.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: Old Town + Palace
- Day 2: Beach + viewpoints
- Day 3: Krka waterfalls (or Plitvice if you’re ambitious)
- Day 4: Island day trip
- Day 5: Relaxed Split day + souvenir time
Tip: If you rent a car to visit Krka national park, make sure to also stop in Šibenik, for a stroll around the old town and a stop at the oldest and most impressive fortress in town, Saint Michael Fortress. Wear comfortable shoes, plenty of stone stairs to climb. After your Krka park visit, head over to Zadar, for the most impressive sunset right in the area of Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun. Our suggestion is to stop for dinner at Pinčo Tapas & Wine Bar Zadar
Best Time to Visit Split (Quick Guide)
- May–June: warm, beautiful, not too crowded
- July–August: peak season, hot + busy (book tours in advance)
- September: perfect weather + fewer crowds
- April & October: quieter, great for sightseeing and easy walks
Tourist Tips for Split (Worth Knowing)
Is Split walkable?
Yes — Split Old Town is compact and walkable, and most highlights are close together. Comfortable shoes help because some streets are smooth stone and can be slippery, especially after rain.
Do you need a car in Split?
Not for the city itself. For islands and day trips, ferries and organized tours are easy. A car is mainly useful if you plan multiple inland stops on your own schedule.
Is Split good for shopping?
Yes — especially for locally made jewelry & gifts, Croatian design pieces, and gourmet souvenirs like olive oil.
Local tip before you leave Split:
Do your souvenir shopping before your final day — Split gets crowded, and you’ll enjoy it more when you’re not stressed.
If you’d like a keepsake connected to the sea and Croatia, you can find Break Time Croatia in Split Old Town — nautical-inspired pieces, and engraving on many designs.
FAQ: Planning Your Days in Split
How many days in Split do you need?
Most visitors find 3 days is ideal: one day for the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace, one day for beaches and viewpoints, and one day for a day trip (Krka, Trogir, or an island).
Is 1 day enough in Split?
Yes. One day is enough to see the highlights of Split Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva promenade, and enjoy sunset — but it will feel a bit rushed.
Is Split worth 2 days?
Yes. With 2 days you can cover the Old Town on day one and add beach time plus a viewpoint walk (Marjan area) on day two.
What is the best Split itinerary for 3 days?
A great 3-day Split itinerary is: Day 1 Old Town + Diocletian’s Palace, Day 2 beaches + Marjan viewpoints, Day 3 a day trip such as Krka waterfalls, Trogir, or an island tour.
How many days in Split is enough for day trips?
If you want to include day trips, plan at least 3 days. With 4–5 days you can comfortably fit two excursions, such as Krka or Trogir plus an island day trip.
Is Split walkable for tourists?
Yes. Split Old Town is compact and walkable, and many top sights are close together. Comfortable shoes help because some streets are smooth stone and can be slippery.
Do you need a car in Split?
Not for the city itself. You can explore Split on foot and use ferries or tours for islands and day trips. A car is mainly useful if you plan multiple inland stops on your own schedule.
What are the best day trips from Split?
Popular day trips from Split include Krka National Park (waterfalls), Trogir (UNESCO town), and island trips to Hvar or Brač. Boat tours to the Blue Lagoon are also common.
What is the best time to visit Split, Croatia?
Many travelers prefer May–June and September for warm weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season with higher temperatures and more visitors, so booking tours early is recommended.
