The city of Split is very close to many spectacular places one should visit when in Croatia like the islands of Brač and Hvar, Krka National Park, Omiš, Dubrovnik, the island of Korčula and many other, so day trips to some of these destinations is a must do. Split is well connected with all inhabited central and south Dalmatian islands with several daily ferries and fast boat lines. But there are also numerous travel agencies that you can easily find in the center of the old city if you prefer an organized day trip. So here are the best places for a day trip from Split.

Bol, Island of Brač

Visiting the island of Brač is kind of a must when in Dalmatia, especially because of its world famous beach Zlatni rat located near the small charming town of Bol. Bol is a small town situated on the southern coast of the island of Brac, under the Vidova Gora mountain (778m), which is the highest top of the Adriatic islands. It is the oldest town on the island dating back to 12th century. Its popularity is due to one of the most beautiful and breathtaking beaches on the Mediterranean – Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), which is located 2 km from the center of the town. This pebble stone beach has a unique shape and it stretches more than 500 meters into the sea, whose cape is changing its position, turning from the west to the east depending on the sea current and the wind. There are 10 km of small pebble beaches along the coast of the island, where you can enjoy the breathtaking nature and crystal clear sea. Bol is one of the leading destinations in Croatia and the winner of the title Absolute Champion of Croatian Tourism for 2009, 2010 and 2011, but the interesting fact is that Bol was a Champion of Adriatic Tourism back in 1965 and from that date has won this title 17 times.

Read more about Bol here.

Hvar, Island of Hvar

Hvar is an island off the coast of southern Croatia. It is the longest island of more than 1200 Croatian islands and the one with the most hours of sunshine in Europe. Town Hvar is an ancient city and a port, situated in a bay on the southern coast of the island. It is a protected Cultural Heritage area. With its story, architecture, Mediterranean landscape, crystal clear sea, untouched bays with beautiful pebble and sand beaches Island and town Hvar will definitely enchant you. It is one of the most visited Croatian destinations. Hvar is a perfect holiday destination for couples, families and young people in search of active holidays and rich nightlife. Town Hvar is a popular destination for many international celebrities, sailors and active young people. Read more about Hvar here.

Read more about Hvar here.

Vis, Island of Vis

Vis is a small island in Central Dalmatia, known for its stunning landscape, amazing caves, beautiful beaches like the Stiniva beach, cultural heritage and gourmet delights. It is a perfect place for those in search of relaxation, excellent food, and wine. The island’s two largest settlements are the town of Vis and Komiža, where you can discover the island’s rich cultural heritage as it has been inhabited since the Neolithic period.  In the 4th century BC, the Greek tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse founded the colony Issa, on the island. After which, the island became an independent polis founding its own colonies, but it didn’t last long. Just as in other parts of Dalmatia, over the centuries, the island was under the rule of many different empires that have left a legacy which is still evident.

Read more about Vis here.

The Island of Šolta

Šolta is an island situated in the Dalmatia region, just south of the city if Split and west of the island of Brač. It is a small island with a population of only 1700 inhabitants. The island is a perfect destination for all those in search of a crystal clear sea, secluded beaches, and delicious fresh food offering ideal conditions for a relaxing and quiet holiday. As a tourist destination Šolta is interesting to nature lovers and sailors as well as to diving, sport fishing, and hunting lovers.

Read more about Šolta here.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of eight Croatian National parks (Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni, Kornati Islands, Mljet, Paklenica, Risnjak, Northern Velebit and Krka) and it is named after the river Krka that it encloses. It is located in central Dalmatia, near the city of Šibenik. It was proclaimed a national park back in 1985. The Krka National Park is a vast, mainly unchanged region of extraordinary natural value and includes many preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. The national park Krka has more than 850 different plants, over 200 species of birds and fish and 18 species of bats. It has Europe’s second most concentrated areas of lavender per square km in Europe, therefore a high frequency of wasps and bees in the area. Krka is also home to a first hydroelectric power station in Europe. Skradinski Buk waterfall is one of two main waterfalls on Krka river, although there are seven amazing waterfalls on Krka river.Roški Slap is the second main waterfall on Krka river, particularly appealing due to its cascades. There is a road over the waterfall which dates back to Roman times. One of the main attractions other than the waterfalls is a small island of Visovac.

Read more about Krka National Park here.

Trogir

Trogir is a small historic town situated on the Adriatic coast, just 30 km west of the city of Split, founded in the 3rd century BC by the Greek colonists. Its historic center has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997 and it is one of the best preserved Romanesque – Gothic towns in Europe. Trogir’s historic core, situated on a small island, with its orthogonal street plan which dates back to the Hellenistic period, treasures a high concentration of historic monuments from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Read more about Trogir here.

Omiš

Omiš is a charming Central Dalmatian town located just 25 kilometers southeast of Split. It is famous for its rich history, amazing landscapes and as one of the best places in Croatia for adventure holidays. The area was permanently inhabited more than 2000 years ago when the locals living on the other side of the mountain started to move and build their houses near the sea. In medieval times Omiš was famous for its pirates, who ruled the seas from Split to Dubrovnik, taking a fee from all the ships sailing the channel of Brač in front of Omiš. Many foreign attackers tried to conquer Omiš, like the Turks and Venetians. Venetians attacked the famous Corsairs of Almissa (from lat. Omiš) several times without success, until the late 13th century, when the Pope organized another crusade against Omiš pirates and finally won. Uner the Venetian rule, Omiš gained its present appearance, except the town walls, which were pulled down after the fall of the Venetian Republic.

Read more about Omiš here.

Šibenik

Šibenik is a historic town located in the Croatian region of Dalmatia. Unlike other cities in Dalmatia, Šibenik was founded by the Croats on a strategic place where Krka river flows into the Adriatic sea. This small, but absolutely fascinating town will leave you great memories as it has so much to offer. Beautiful narrow streets and small squares, peaceful bay and hidden beaches, kind people and good food, nearby islands and national park will make your vacation unforgettable.

Read more about Šibenik here.

Zadar

Zadar is a small town on the Dalmatian coast, but nevertheless, it is known for its rich and tumultuous history. It is a monument on its own offering an amazing opportunity to its visitors to dive into the remains of ancient settlements, old churches, and ruins. Zadar won the title for The Best European Destination in 2016 and as it can be assumed it is a popular touristic spot. It is also a magical place to enjoy one of the most beautiful and scenic sunsets in Europe. Alfred Hitchcock during his stay in Zadar in 1964 said: “Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, Florida, applauded at every evening”.

Read more about Zadar here.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a small town situated on the Dalmatian coast. Since 1979 it is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. This beautiful old town has been nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic” and every year attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. Dubrovnik is an all year round destination, visited by many international celebrities and one of the most popular Mediterranean cruising destinations. Dubrovnik was chosen as a location for filming many international movies and TV series like “Game of Thrones”, “Casanova”, “The Secret Invasion” (1964), “Captain America” (1990), Star Wars Rogue One (2016) etc. So if you want to enjoy some amazing history, but also beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, breathtaking atmosphere and delicious local food, Dubrovnik is the perfect top destination for you.

Read more about Dubrovnik here.

Stjepan Hauser and Luka Štulić play the famous “Chariots of Fire” theme, a 1981 musical score by Greek composer Vangelis for the British film Chariots of Fire. Stjepan and Luka filmed the video on the beautiful beach of Zlatni rat on a sunny, windy day, performing the famous musical theme that accompanies two athletes competing at the Olympics in 1924.

The song is off their latest album Score, released on March 21, 2017.

Enjoy the video!

“Indagare has a 30 percent increase in trip bookings to Croatia for travel this summer, compared with summer 2016, and Expedia.com has seen air ticket demand to the country double from last summer. Mr. Alexander of Protravel International said that he has planned several dozen private trips to Croatia for travel this summer — the most he has ever done. The country has a multifaceted appeal as a vacation destination, he said. “The beaches are fantastic, the food is delicious, and there’s culture and history,” he said. In addition, Mr. Alexander said that many of his clients who are headed to Croatia in the coming months have told him that, at a time when terrorist attacks around the world seem to be increasingly commonplace, Croatia is perceived as being “safe.”” – writes  The New York Times.

Read the full article here.

Ingredients

300 g rice
500 g squid or cuttlefish
250 g gamberetti (optional)
2 sacs of squid ink
2 garlic cloves
2 onions
2 dl red wine
700 ml fish stock
1 tbs chopped fresh parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper
Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Remove innards from squid by pulling tentacles from the body and carefully remove the ink sac. Place the sacs in a glass with some extra virgin olive oil.
Remove the skin, wings, backbone, and eyes. Wash and cut the squid into smaller pieces (1cm).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with high sides and add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook shortly until golden brown, then add the squid bits.
Cook for ca 2 minutes, tossing occasionally, then add the wine.
When wine evaporates, add the rice and cook, stirring constantly until it turns opaque.
Gradually add the stock and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
After 5 minutes, add squid ink, stir well and proceed by adding the rest of fish stock.
When the rice is cooked, remove from the fire, add parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Serve with parmesan cheese.

Additional tips

• Short-grain rice has a high starch content and tends to absorb less liquid, resulting in a delicious, creamy risotto. We recommend you to use Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone nano variety.
• Fish stock must be cold and added gradually.
• Stir the risotto frequently.

“Croatia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but Zlatni Rat stands out for its striking and unusual shape (which actually changes depending on the current). Though it looks like a golden sand beach, its shoreline is made up of smooth, tiny pebbles and stretches out for half a mile on either side of the tip. It’s not just a place to lounge: Zlatni Rat is also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.” writes cntraveler.

Zlatni rat beach is situated on the southern coast of the Island of Brac, less than 2 km from a beautiful town of Bol. There is a lovely promenade under the pine trees shade leading from the town to the beach, along which you can find many other small beaches, restaurants, bars and playgrounds for children. Zlatni rat’s elegance and allure have made it the symbol of both the island and Croatia. This fascinating 500 meters long pebble beach has a unique shape, like a tongue that stretches into the sea. The curiosity about this beach is that it changes its shape and position, depending on the wind, tide and the current. The pine tree grove which borders the beach is home to the remnants of a Roman Villa Rustica, which included a swimming pool. Zlatni rat beach is protected by the government of Croatia as a geomorphological monument.

“Travellers to Croatia tend to make a beeline for the Adriatic delights of the country’s extensive coastline, but its flourishing inland capital shouldn’t be overlooked. Zagreb is at once cosmopolitan and edgy, with its heady mix of Brutalist architecture and sun-splashed Austro-Hungarian squares brimming with coffee drinkers.” writes Lonely Planet.

Being for a long time in the shade of more attractive coastal cities, during the last two years Zagreb became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia and this is another important recognition for this amazing city, after winning the title for the Best European Christmas Market for two years in a row. Judges described Zagreb as being ‘both cosmopolitan and edgy’ and underlined that with its newly opened airport it has never been cheaper or easier to get to.

“Zagreb tops our list because it ticks all of these boxes. Croatia is one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now but many people head straight to the coast, meaning they miss out on visiting a city that has a dynamic cultural offering, a thriving food and drink scene, and is now easier to reach than ever before.” – said Tom Hall, (Lonely Planet’s editorial director and spokesperson).

Lonely Planet’s hotlist of  European destinations you need to see in 2017

1. Zagreb, Croatia
2. Gotland, Sweden
3. Galicia, Spain
4. Northern Montenegro
5. Leeds, UK
6. Alentejo, Portugal
7. Northern Germany
8. Moldova
9. Pafos, Cyprus
10. Le Havre, France

Read more about Zagreb here.

Split                07:30
Bol                   08:25
Makarska       09:05
Korčula           10:20
Mljet                11:20
Dubrovnik      12:00

Dubrovnik      16:00
Mljet                16:50
Korčula           17:40
Makarska       18:45
Bol                   19:25
Split                 20:30

There is also Jadrolinija catamaran line that connects Split – Bol – Hvar – Korčula – Dubrovnik from 09.06 – 18.09.

Dubrovnik     07:15
Korčula          09:15
Hvar               10:45
Bol                  11:40
Split                12:30

Split                15:45
Bol                  16:50
Hvar               17:45
Korčula          19:15
Dubrovnik     21:00

09.06. departure only from Split, no departure from Dubrovnik
18.06. departure only from Dubrovnik, no departure from Split

“With just barely 1,100 inhabitants, sleepy Mljet is a place of serenity and tranquility. Almost 90% of the island is covered in forest, and a huge national park offers miles of scenic walking trails.” – the Insider travel about the island of Mljet.

The island of Mljet will offer you a scenery that will remain imprinted on your mind forever. It is a perfect place for those in search of a unique experience. Especially the National Park which is one of the most spectacular national parks in Croatia and it is well worth visiting.

“Vis, the furthest island from the Croatian mainland, is known for fabulous local wine, fresh seafood, and exciting nightlife activities. Its dramatic scenery evokes an aura of mystery that would fit a James Bond hideaway.” – the Insider travel about the island of Vis.

Vis is a small island in Central Dalmatia, known for its stunning landscape, amazing caves, beautiful beaches like the Stiniva beach, cultural heritage and gourmet delights. It is a perfect place for those in search of relaxation, excellent food, and wine. The island’s two largest settlements are the town of Vis and Komiža, where you can discover the rich cultural heritage of the island as it has been inhabited since the Neolithic period.

Zagreb

Zagreb along with Dubrovnik is the most visited destination in Croatia during the winter. The beautiful and charming Croatian capital was for many years in the shade of other popular destination, but after it earned a recognition for the best Christmas Market in Europe for two years in a row it suddenly became one of the most requested destinations in Croatia. Zagreb is definitely one of the Europe’s most underrated cities, as it has so much to offer. Read more about Zagreb and why it should be your next holiday destination here.

Opatija

Opatija has been a popular touristic summer and winter destination since the 19th century when nobles and aristocrats used to enjoy its calmness and beauty and it preserved that reputation ‘till today. The first hotel ever built along the Adriatic coast was Hotel Quarnero in Opatija, built in 1884. As we previously stated, Opatija is one of the few places in Croatia to attract tourists all year round, not only for its beauty but also for the popular and luxurious wellness offers. Many events are organized during the whole year which traditionally ends with “Winter in Opatija”, a rich program with many events such as the Chocolate Festival and the Ice magic. Read more about Opatija here.

Dubrovnik

This beautiful old town has been nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic” and every year attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. Dubrovnik is an all year round destination, visited by many international celebrities and one of the most popular Mediterranean cruising destinations. Depending on your preferences, you can visit Dubrovnik during the summer so you could also enjoy in spectacular beaches and amazing summer vibe, but we must admit that in summer days it is quite overcrowded, so if you don’t like the queues and crowds, avoid summer months. During the winter, Dubrovnik doesn’t loose its charm, on the contrary, it becomes more magical. A few years ago, CNN listed Dubrovnik as one of top ten cities in the world to spend New Year’s Eve along with New York, Tokyo, London…  Read more about Dubrovnik.

Split

Split, just as the Croatian capital, was for many years one of the most underrated destinations in Croatia. It is an important passenger hub and a gateway to central-Dalmatian islands, so it was seen just a transit place when visiting famous Croatian destinations such as Bol or Hvar. But fortunately, in the last decade, Split became one of the most important destinations in Dalmatia, as tourist discovered it magnetic charm and friendly atmosphere, other than rich history, as Split was founded more than 1700 years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian who left the great legacy behind. Read more about Split.

Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park is one of the most desirable destinations in Croatia, and if you’ve ever visited the park, then you surely know why. The park circles a chain of lakes linked by waterfalls and underground tunnels that disappear and reemerge in dramatic fashion amid lush foliage and unusually tame and photogenic wildlife.
The particularity of these breathtaking lakes is that they change colors repeatedly during the day and it depends on the quantity of organism and minerals contained in them and the position of the sun. The colors go from turquoise, blue, light green and sometimes even gray. Plitvice National Park is a magical pristine world of woodland, lakes, waterfalls and caverns. Read more about Plitvice National Park.

Ingredients:

320 g rice
400 g shrimp tails
1 onion
1 garlic clove
1,5 l fish or vegetable stock
40 g tomato paste
150 ml dry white wine
20 g butter
1 tbs chopped fresh parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Preparation:

Peel the shrimp shells, devein the tails with a tip of a knife and rinse them under the cold running water.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with high sides and add the finely chopped onion and garlic.
Fry shortly until golden brown, then add shrimp tails.
Cook for ca 2 minutes, tossing occasionally until shrimps turn opaque, then add the wine.
When wine evaporates, add the rice and cook, stirring constantly until it turns opaque.
Add the tomato paste and stir well.
Gradually add the stock and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Cook until rice is al dente.
Stir in chopped parsley and butter, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.

Additional tips

• Short-grain rice has a high starch content and tends to absorb less liquid, resulting in a delicious, creamy risotto. We recommend you to use Arborio, Carnaroli or Vialone nano variety.
• Vegetable stock must be cold and added gradually.
• Stir the risotto frequently.
• You can make this risotto more appetizing by adding calamari.