Top day trips from Split by ferry
🌊Discover the beauty of the Adriatic in a day
Split isn’t just a pretty face, it’s Croatia’s coastal queen with ancient swagger, sea views for days, and enough Roman ruins to make your history teacher cry tears of joy. But as gorgeous as Split is, you might be itching to see what else is out there.
One moment you're sipping coffee in Diocletian’s Palace, the next you're on a boat headed for a paradise island, a sleepy coastal town, or maybe a beach that’s only accessible by sea (and yes, it's just as dreamy as it sounds).
So, where can you head on day trip from Split? We’ve rounded up the best ferry-friendly destinations that you can easily hit in a day, meaning no stress, no car rentals, just vibes and boat rides.
Let’s get you out there!
Day trip to Brač from Split
What better way of changing pace than a day trip from Split to Brač? This stunning island off the Dalmatian coast is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting amazing beaches, high peaks and some of the most beautiful villages in Croatia.
Getting to Brač by ferry is straightforward. In the summer, you can hop on the daily ferries from Split to reach Bol in just under 1 hour. There you will find the world-famous Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn, is a short walk from the island’s main port town. You can also get a better view if you hike to the top of Vidova Gora.
For a more relaxed experience, you can opt to travel to the northern parts of the island, at Milna and Sutivan. There you will find low-key swimming spots like Pasika and Lučice Bay, as well rocky and pebbled coves perfect for snorkeling. For a bit of family-friendly adventure, you can the Sutivan Nature Park has a mini-zoo, botanic gardens, and bike trails.
The daily ferries from Split to Milna run year-round and take about 30 minutes to reach the coastal town, while the Split-Sutivan route usually operates less frequently, from May to November.
The idyllic sands of Zlatni Rat are on the southern coast of Brač
Explore Hvar from Split
If there’s one day trip from Split that combines glam vibes, turquoise swims, and postcard villages, it’s Hvar. The island's got a serious reputation which it has more than earned: think sunshine-soaked beaches, a buzzing nightlife, and that unmistakable Riviera charm.
Start with a morning ferry from Split, and you’ll be in Hvar Town before your sunscreen even sets in. Stroll the marble streets, check out the 13th-century fort for those killer views, then chill at a beach bar with a cold drink in hand. Or do the reverse. We’re not judging.
Ferries from Split to Hvar run almost 20 times a day during peak season, making it an easy and flexible getaway. The ride takes just about 55 minutes, so you’ve got loads of time to soak up the good life before heading back.
Good to know: while Hvar has its fair share of amazing beaches, the nearby Pakleni Islands are worth a visit for its pine forests and secluded coves.
Welcome to Hvar!
Travel from Split to Makarska
Makarska might just be Split’s cooler, but less hyped cousin, making it an ideal spot for a day trip and one of the most family-friendly destinations in Croatia. Think long sandy streches, palm-lined promenades, and a dramatic mountain backdrop that looks straight out of a fantasy movie.
You’ll hop on a ferry from Split in the morning, dock in Makarska, and boom: you're in vacation mode! You can start off at a relaxed pace and lounge on pebbled beaches, then explore the old town's charming streets and or visit the quirky Sea Shell Museum.
If you are looking to shift gears, Makarska brings the vibes without the fuss. You can hike up to the viewpoint on St. Peter’s Peninsula or rent a kayak and paddle along the crystal-clear coast.
During the summer, from June to September, there is normally 1 daily ferry to Makarska with the trip taking about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The Makarska coastline is full of secluded coves
Plan an adventure in Korčula from Split
Korčula has been called a “mini Dubrovnik” and while the comparison is fair (hello, medieval walls and terracotta roofs), this island has a personality all its own. It’s elegant, mellow, and with just the right amount of that mysterious Adriatic feel.
From Split, ferries to Korčula operate up to 7 times per day in the summer. Most arrive at the island’s main port near the old town, however, there are also less frequent ferries to Prigradica, on the northern coast.
In any case, with the ferry ride lasting about 2 hours, you can hit the ground running (or, you know, meandering). Pack your comfy walking shoes and get ready to explore Korčula’s cobbled alleys and grab some fresh seafood like a modern Marco Polo for the afternoon.
Tip: if you want to squeeze in a trip to the beach, make sure it is Pupnatska Luka, about 15 km south of Korčula town.
Split - Prigradica from €10.35
Strolling through Korčula's Old Town
Visit Mljet from Split
Need a break from the buzz? Then Mljet is your guy. This lush, forest-covered island is the spot for a nature-first day trip from Split, without traffic or crowds, just peace, pines, and dreamy emerald lakes.
Hop on the ferry and you can spend the day hiking through Mljet National Park, kayaking on the lakes, or just floating in silence. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can also rent a bike, which is the best way to explore the park’s secret corners.
However you approach it, Mljet is one of those places where time genuinely slows down, allowing you to deeply connect with nature.
The ferry from Split to Mljet usually heads to Pomena once a day, from April to October, and the ride clocks in at around 3 hours. Not bad for escaping to another world!
The sunset view from Montokuc is nothing short of spectacular
Day trip from Split to Dubrovnik
Ok, so Dubrovnik is not technically an island. But is it an epic day trip from Split? Absolutely. And if you’ve never walked the city walls or lost yourself in the alleys of King’s Landing (yep, that one), then it’s time to make it happen.
Ferries from Split to Dubrovnik are usually available up to 5 times per day during the high season. The ride takes around 4.5 hours, which is perfect for a lazy coffee and some coastal views before the adventure begins.
Once there, you’ve got options: history, food, cliffside bars, and beaches with water so clear it feels filtered. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan wanting to check out iconic filming locations in Croatia or just a sucker for UNESCO-listed beauty, Dubrovnik’s got you covered.
Tip: don’t miss the Buža Bar, it’s literally built into the cliffside and has one of the best sunset views around.
Next stop, Dubrovnik!
If you want to discover more ideas for day trips from Split, you can check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries. Find up-to-date ferry routes from Split and plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in the Adriatic Sea with no hidden costs!
