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Croatia’s Dalmatian coast holds more than just the charm of Split. If you are planning to explore beyond the main city, there are many places to visit near Split that can easily be reached without a long journey. The region is packed with medieval towns, ancient Roman ruins, peaceful islands, and riverside villages, each offering something different from what you find inside Split. You can swim in turquoise bays, walk through historic fortresses, or enjoy local seafood in quiet harbours. These spots are worth your time. Every direction from Split leads to something memorable.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Split
Each of these places to visit near Split offers a different side of Dalmatia, whether you want history, nature, or just a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Split.
1. Trogir
Photo: VitVit / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best places to visit near Split, Trogir gives you a compact yet striking experience of medieval architecture and coastal charm. The town sits on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges, and as you walk through its tight cobbled lanes, you’ll notice how stone houses, bell towers, Venetian palaces, and everything are built close together. St. Lawrence Cathedral, especially its Romanesque portal carved by Master Radovan, is worth more than a glance. You can walk the old city walls, sit by the Kamerlengo Fortress watching boats drift by, or step inside small art galleries tucked behind arched doors.
Distance From Split: 26.9 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: €5 / ₹500
Major Attractions: Kamerlengo Fortress, St. Lawrence Cathedral, Cipiko Palace
2. Krka National Park
Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons
Krka is one of the most dramatic places to see near Split if you want to combine waterfalls, walking trails, and cultural landmarks in a single trip. The park is known for Skradinski Buk, a wide waterfall that stretches over natural travertine barriers, surrounded by wooden boardwalks. You can follow the marked trail through forested sections, pass by small mills and viewing points, and stop at Roski Slap for quieter scenery with fewer crowds. Along the way, you’ll come across remains of watermills, stone houses, and the Krka Monastery, which is built above Roman catacombs.
Distance From Split: 84.1 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Cost: €20 – 40 / ₹2000 – 4000
Major Attractions: Skradinski Buk waterfall, Roski Slap, Krka Monastery
3. Šibenik
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Among all places to visit near Split, Šibenik offers a mix of heritage and sea views without the crowds of larger cities. What sets it apart is that it was founded by Croats, not Greeks or Romans, making its urban history unique. At its heart is the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO-listed site built entirely of stone, without any binding materials. It took over a hundred years to complete and features sculpted faces of ordinary citizens along the walls. From there, steep lanes take you up to St. Michael’s Fortress, which overlooks both the old town and the bay. You can also explore Barone Fortress, which includes interactive exhibits on Šibenik’s medieval past.
Distance From Split: 82.4 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: €6 / ₹600 (St. James Cathedral) & €10 / ₹1000 (Fortress)
Major Attractions: St. James Cathedral (UNESCO), St. Michael’s Fortress, Medieval Garden
4. Omiš
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Omiš is one of the most action-filled tourist attractions near Split for those interested in outdoor activities, along with heritage sites. The town sits between the cliffs of the Cetina Canyon and the Adriatic, which creates a natural setting for both hiking and water sports. You can begin by walking the stone steps to Mirabella Fortress, where defensive loopholes offer a narrow view of the sea, once used to watch for pirates. For a steeper challenge, the hike to Fortress Starigrad gives you a wider panorama of the coastline. The Cetina River runs through the heart of Omiš, and local operators offer rafting routes through rapid sections, as well as canyoning tours that include rope descents.
Distance From Split: 25.3 km
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Cost: €3 / ₹300 ( Mirabella Fortress) & €4/ ₹400 (Fortress Starigrad)
Major Attractions: Cetina River Canyon, Fortress Mirabella, rafting tours
5. Blue Lagoon
Photo: Sergii Gulenok / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for calm water and clean, quiet surroundings, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions near Split for a half-day trip. The lagoon sits between three islets near the island of Drvenik Veli, and its clear blue shallows are ideal for snorkeling. The seabed here is mostly white sand mixed with pebbles, which keeps the water looking bright and almost transparent. You’ll spot small schools of fish, sea urchins clinging to rock patches, and occasional starfish in the deeper parts. Most people visit by joining a boat tour that includes a swim stop and sometimes lunch on board or at a small konoba (local restaurant).
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
Cost: €40 – 70 / ₹4000 – 7000 (Boat tour)
Major Attractions: Snorkelling, crystal-clear sea, secluded beaches
6. Hvar Island
Photo: Boris Tylevich / Wikimedia Commons
Hvar remains one of the most well-known places to visit near Split, and it offers much more than just nightlife or yacht-filled harbors. Hvar Town itself is built in stone, with long marble paths that reflect the sunlight and lead you past historic buildings, open squares, and high-end shops. Above the town sits the Fortica Fortress, which takes about fifteen minutes to reach on foot but gives a wide view over the rooftops and the nearby Pakleni Islands. The island also has quieter corners. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has a laid-back feel, with family-run restaurants and vineyard-lined streets.
Distance From Split: 54.1 km
Cost: €6 – 20 / ₹600 – 2000 (ferr)
Major Attractions: Fortica Fortress, Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands
7. Klis Fortress
Photo: Piotr Musioł / Unsplash
Klis Fortress gives a direct connection to the region’s medieval past. The fortress stretches along a narrow ridge and was once the stronghold of Croatian dukes and kings defending against Ottoman invasions. As you move through its stone gates and look over the outer walls, you’ll understand why this spot was so difficult to conquer. The upper section of the fortress contains an old chapel, barracks, and storage areas, all preserved with historical signage. On clear days, the fortress gives a full view of Split, the surrounding mountains, and even nearby islands. The area surrounding the fortress is quiet, with walking paths leading to olive groves and hillside homes.
Distance From Split: 19.5 km
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Cost: €10 / ₹1000 for adults & €3 / ₹300 for children
Major Attractions: Game of Thrones filming site, panoramic views, museum exhibits
8. Solin
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Solin, the modern name for ancient Salona, is one of the most historically significant places to visit near Split, especially if you’re interested in Roman history that goes beyond museums. The site covers a wide area just outside the town center, with open ruins spread across fields and quiet walking paths lined with Mediterranean shrubs. You can walk through the semi-excavated amphitheatre, explore the remains of Roman baths, and see carved sarcophagi and early Christian basilicas built directly over older Roman structures. Some of the gate towers still show original brickwork patterns, and fragments of floor mosaics remain in the central areas.
Distance From Split: 6.6 km
Cost: €4 / ₹400 (entry fee)
Major Attractions: Ancient Roman ruins, amphitheatre, basilicas
9. Makarska
Photo: Silverije / Wikimedia Commons
Makarska is one of the most scenic places to visit near Split if you want a mix of seaside relaxation and mountain views in the same spot. The town curves around a protected bay, backed by the towering Biokovo mountain range, creating a landscape that shifts from beach to cliff within minutes. The main promenade is lined with pine trees, stone benches, and cafés that serve fresh seafood and local wine. Just a few minutes inland, you’ll find the entrance to the Biokovo Nature Park, which leads to the Skywalk, a glass platform that projects out over the slope and offers views of islands and coastline far below.
Distance From Split: 84.2 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: €3 – 5 / ₹300 – 500 (museum entry fee)
Major Attractions: Biokovo Skywalk, Makarska beach promenade, Franciscan Monastery
10. Zlatni Rat
Zlatni Rat is one of the most photographed places to visit near Split, and the shape of this golden spit of land changes slightly with the wind and current. Located near the town of Bol on Brač Island, the beach stretches into the Adriatic like a triangle of pale pebbles, flanked by clear water on both sides. The unique formation isn’t artificial, it’s entirely made of natural stone smoothed by centuries of waves. Windsurfers favour the western edge, where stronger currents create ideal conditions, while the opposite side stays calm for swimming and snorkeling. You can also walk a forest trail that leads to the Dominican Monastery of Bol.
Distance From Split: 70.1 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: €5 – 20 / ₹500 – 2000 (ferry)
Major Attractions: Shifting golden beach, windsurfing, Vidova Gora viewpoint
Each of these places to visit near Split offers ancient cities, clear bays, river canyons, and hillside fortresses—all easily reachable without complicated planning. Discover Roman amphitheaters, island beaches, mountain trails, or stone villages just outside the city. Whether wandering through quiet ruins, joining a boat tour, or hiking for panoramic views, these spots provide variety to fill your days. For the best experience, spread visits over several days. Explore more with TripXL across Croatia and beyond.
Cover Photo: Geio Tischler / Unsplash
