The harbour near Split Croatia's RIVA Promenade. In the foreground is a line up of colourful small speed boats bobbing in the water. In the background is a clear view of Split's Old Town walls and blue sky above.

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4 DAYS IN SPLIT CROATIA: A PERFECT ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMER VISITORS!

 

PLANNING A 4 DAY ITINERARY TO SPLIT CROATIA?


You’ve come to the right place! We’ve just come back from spending a wonderful 4 days in Split.

Split is one of those places that completely surprised us. A sun-soaked coastal city built around an ancient Roman palace, where you can wander historic alleyways one minute, be swimming in turquoise water the next and sipping a glass of bubbly while swaying to live music by evening.

Having 4 days here puts you at a real advantage. You can slow things down and actually enjoy being there, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.

Here’s the exact itinerary we followed, tweaked to perfection from our recent on-the-ground experience. It’s packed with all the best things to do in Split, plus a few hidden gems we found along the way.

Sound good? Let’s do it! 🀩

Planning your trip to Split?
Start here:

πŸ›©οΈ Skyscanner β†— to find the best flight deals into Split Airport (SPU).
πŸ›οΈ Booking.com β†— to browse the best places to stay in Split.
🎟️ Viator.com β†— to book unforgettable tours, like island hopping.
πŸ›‘οΈ Staysure β†— for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).

4 DAYS IN SPLIT CROATIA ITINERARY

DAY 1: EXPLORE OLD TOWN, RIVA PROMENADE & DIOCLETIANS PALACE

Stunning full view of Split's Riva Promenade at sunset, with pastel coloured sky and soft reflections off the water. It looks like it could be a still painting.
Split’s Riva Promenade at sunset, taken from here across the harbour. Photograph by Jordie.


ARRIVE INTO SPLIT AIRPORT
Fly into Split Airport (SPU) early this morning. Check Skyscanner for flight deals.

Book an UBER as soon as you land or hop in a waiting taxi. From the airport, it’s a 30 minute Uber into Split’s city centre.

πŸ’‘ All pick-ups are from here, under the large bridge. Just turn right coming out of the airport and follow the road.

Β© Photography copyrights reserved by Diocletian’s Gem ZF
The view from the apartment window!! Photo by Jordie.

WHERE WE STAYED IN SPLIT πŸ’€
(and recommend!)
Diocletian’s Gem Apartment β†— – Modern, comfortable apartment inside Diocletian’s Palace walls, ideal location with epic square views. Large SPAR supermarket nearby.

πŸŽ₯ We filmed a full room tour, watch it here!

Fun fact, our son took his first steps here πŸ₯Ή


EXPLORE SPLIT’S OLD TOWN
We’re not going full pelt today. Take your time settling in after travelling, then head out to get your bearings around the heart of the city, especially Split’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Wander through its alleyway labyrinths, admire the Roman architecture and grab a bench along the palm-tree lined Riva Promenade for sea views to watch the world go by.

Split has no shortage of ice cream spots, but for the very best, head to Gelateria Emiliana in Old Town. Their mango and passion fruit flavour was unreaI – I genuinely could’ve eaten two back-to-back! 🀣

Walking through the Riva Promenade seating area, with white benches and towering palm trees lined either side.
Riva Promenade’s seating area. To the left, dozens of restaurants. To the right, the bustling harbour and waterfront. Photo by Jordie.
A zoomed in photo showing the stark contrast of architecture along Split Croatia's Riva Promenade, with a modern restaurant set against the ancient Roman architecture of Diocletian's Palace walls.
I LOVED the architecture contrasts around Diocletian’s walls and the RIVA Promenade. Photo by Jordie.
Get delightfully lost in and around Split Old Town’s maze of stone alleys. Photo by Liam.


DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE FOR LIVE MUSIC
In the early evening, make your way to Diocletian’s Palace main square. There’s usually an acoustic band playing outside LVXOR cafΓ© and restaurant, and the atmosphere here was just incredible and wholesome.

Grab one of the cushions laid out on the steps, sit back and soak it all in, glass of bubbly in hand!

Acoustic guitarists outside LXVOR cafΓ© and restaurant inside Diocletian's Palace main square in Split Croatia. The vibe is cosy and atmospheric in the early evening, spectators sat on cushions dotted around the Palace steps.
An acoustic guitarist duo outside LVXOR cafΓ© in Diocletian’s Palace. Photo by Jordie.
A nighttime close up of a restaurant set within Diocletian's Palace walls in Split, Croatia.
An acoustic guitarist duo outside LVXOR cafΓ© in Diocletian’s Palace. Photo by Jordie.

DAY 2: TELEGRIN VIEWPOINT, MARJAN HILL FOREST PARK & KASJUNI BEACH


EARLY VISIT TO DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE (OPTIONAL)
If you were wondering last night, β€œIs there ever a time when Diocletian’s Palace’s main square isn’t absolutely flooded with people?”

The answer is yes. Around 6am.

For those wanting to, head out bright and early for a people-free photo, or to enjoy it in the peace and quiet. My son was up at the crack of dawn anyway, so I made the most of it! πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

A young blonde woman holding her young son looking up in awe at the sun-drenched Diocletian's Palace courtyard tower in the early morning in Split, Croatia. There are no other people in sight.
I’m not a morning person by any means, but capturing this photo made the early start worth it! Photo taken by my trusty retractable tripod with long-range Bluetooth remote.
Quiet streets of Split Croatia's Old Town near Diocletian's Palace on a blue skied early morning
Early morning is the perfect time to wander the quiet streets, and have Old Town all to yourself. Photo by Jordie.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Before heading home, try to squeeze in 1 day in Trogir β†—

πŸ—ΊοΈ Just a weekend? 2 day Split itinerary β†—
πŸ—ΊοΈ One less day? 3 day Split itinerary β†—
πŸ—ΊοΈ Extend into a road trip: 7 day Croatia itinerary β†—

πŸ—ΊοΈ Discover more of Croatia: 3 day Dubrovnik itinerary β†—

πŸ‡­πŸ‡· See all our Croatia travel guides β†—


TELEGRIN VIEWPOINT, MARJAN HILL FOREST PARK
Beat the heat with an early walk up to Telegrin Viewpoint, the highest point in Marjan Hill Forest Park, Split’s green oasis to the West of the city.

At the top, you’ll get epic 360 views and plenty of benches to sit, chill… or just recover from the uphill walk up!! 🀣

Vast panoramic views of Split Croatia and distant Adriatic Sea from Telegrin Viewpoint, the highest point in the middle of Marjan Hill Forest Park.
Stunning views across the Adriatic Sea and beyond from Telegrin Viewpoint, Marjan Hill Forest Park’s highest point. Photo by Jordie.
Vast panoramic views of Split Croatia and distant Adriatic Sea from Telegrin Viewpoint, the highest point in the middle of Marjan Hill Forest Park.
Telegrin Viewpoint is a large courtyard like space, room for plenty of people. The views are 360! Photo by Jordie.


From Telegrin, it’s a much easier 50-minute downhill walk through the forest out towards Kasjuni Beach.

This part of the walk is honestly stunning, with turquoise water, dramatic cliff edges and almost Tuscany-style trees!!

The idyllic walk down from Marjan Hill Forest Park down to Kasjuni Beach, passing the parks rugged cliff-faces on the right hand side, and deep blue Adriatic Sea on the left hand side.
After seeing Church of St Jerome, continue to follow this road down until you reach Kasjuni Beach. Photo by Jordie.

πŸ’‘ On route, don’t miss seeing Karepica’s Tower, carved into the cliff, and the Church of St. Jerome right next to it.

This screenshot from Google Maps explains it perfectly! Location here.


KASJUNI BEACH
Throw down your towel or rent a sunbed at Joe’s Beach Lounge & Bar and spend a few blissful hours here.

Kasjuni is by far Split’s most beautiful beach, a distinctive boomerang shaped bay made up of of smooth pebbles and calm, turquoise water that’s perfectly safe for swimming!

Approaching the stunning boomerang shaped Kasjuni beach, Split's best local beach on the mainland. Shown surrounded by vibrant fauna and bright turquoise blue sea.
The WOW moment you see Kasjuni Beach in all its glory, walking down from Marjan Hill Forest Park. Photo by Jordie.

πŸ’‘ Joe’s Beach Lounge & Bar (on Kasjuni Beach) was cash only when we visited, definitely bring some just in case.

πŸ’‘ This pebbled beach is beautiful, but BRUTAL on bare feet. Bring your flip flops, or a pair of rubber beach shoes!

A young boy splashing in the crystal clear waters on the pebbled Kasjuni Beach, the most beautiful beach in Split Croatia.
Evidence why Kasjuni Beach is the most beautiful beach in Split. Palm trees, shallow crystal clear water – can’t ask for more! 🀩


LATE LUNCH AT BASTA
Try to grab a waterside table with views back to Old Town πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

From Kasjuni, walk or UBER back over to Split, making a late lunch pit stop at Gourmet Bar Basta along Split’s southern yacht-lined harbour. It’s really modern round this area!

Basta is known for their wood-fired pizzas with thin, crispy bases and massive portions. Exactly what you want after a beach morning.

Sitting at Gourmet Bar Basta on an outside table looking back at Old Town in Split Croatia.
At BASTA, try to grab a table near the water for views of Old Town. Photo by Jordie.

After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up Split’s quirky corners. Some fun ideas, walk the ridiculously narrow β€œLet Me Pass” alley, or rub the shiny big toe of the Gregory of Nin statue for a bit of (apparently) some good luck!

EVENING EXPERIENCE (OPTIONAL)
If you’ve still got energy, this is also a great time to squeeze in a late afternoon or evening experience, like:
1. Split Sunset Cruise With Live Music β†—
2. Glowing Stand-Up Paddle Experience in Split β†—
3. Transparent Kayak Glow Tour in Split β†—

Keep a close look-out for quirky details like this, a floating door to nowhere in Split’s Old Town walls.
Young blonde woman smiling posing in the "Let Me Pass" tight alleyway in Split Croatia's Old Town, just wide enough for one person to get through.
The “Let Me Pass” alleyway in Split Croatia’s Old Town, just wide enough for one person to get through! Photo by Liam.

DAY 3: ISLAND HOPPING BOAT TRIP (FULL DAY)


(FULL DAY) ISLAND HOPPING BOAT TRIP
Today is the perfect day to get out of Split and explore a bit further afield.

There are hundreds of day tours to choose from here. I remember feeling so overwhelmed, scrolling endlessly.

To save you from going down that rabbit hole, we’ve narrowed it down to the “Top 3” we originally found, based on the itinerary and consistently high reviews:

​Makarska 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn and “Little Venice” ↗​ Explore three stunning islands by premium speedboat, with Blue Lagoon swims, hidden less-touristy spots, a stop in Hvar’s β€œLittle Venice” and direct drop-off at Zlatni Rat beach (Golden Horn) – which is a must see 🀩

​Luxury Blue Cave (BiΕ‘evo), Hvar & Vis Boat Tour from Split ↗​ This is the classic island hopping experience with caves, hidden bays and some of the most beautiful water you’ll see.

​Exclusive Blue Lagoon Luxury Boat Tour from Split ↗​Snorkel in the Blue Lagoon, wander the cobbled streets of nearby Trogir and unwind in the quieter bays of Ε olta Island.

DAY 4: FIRULE BEACH & MARJAN HILL LOOKOUT


FIRULE BEACH DAY (LOCAL FAVOURITE)
Just a 15 minute waterside stroll from Old Town, Firule Beach is Split’s only sandy beach and a real local favourite! We were pretty much the only tourists there, which I loved.

It felt really authentic, with Croatian families just going about their day, often playing picigin – which I learnt is an iconic local ball game that originated at Split’s Bačvice Beach!

The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly, with shallow, calm water that’s perfect for swimming. The sea is crystal clear, although you might wade through a bit of seaweed at the shoreline.

There are also a few handy extras like showers and even a tap with drinkable water.

πŸ’‘ If you get hungry, head up the steps to either Tennis CafΓ© (drinks and pastries) or Caffe Bar Mythos, which serves food after 2pm (card payments over €15).

First glimpse of Firule Beach across the cove. Photo by Jordie.


SUNSET AT MARJAN HILL LOOKOUT

Wrap up your 4 days in Split with sunset views over Old Town.

Don’t worry, while there are a few steps to reach Marjan Hill Lookout, it’s nowhere near as intense as the climb to Telegrin.

It’s the most popular and easiest viewpoint to reach. Start at the staircase here and you’ll be at the terrace within minutes.

Marjan Hill Lookout in Split Croatia at sunset. The sky is a mix of warm yellow and blue hues.
Pictured: The main Marjan Hill Lookout spot. It’s pretty small, so can get a little crowded! Photo by Jordie.

πŸ’‘ For a quieter spot, head just behind the main lookout and follow the slightly inclining, bench-lined path. This bench especially has the best city vantage point while sitting down!

A close up of the epic views of Split, Croatia Old Town you can see from the Marjan Hill Lookout at sunset.
Pictured: Head up this hilly path for a quieter experience, and enjoy this vantage point from one of its many benches. Photo by Jordie.

FINAL THOUGHTS: 4 DAYS IN SPLIT ITINERARY

And there you have it! An epic 4 days in Split itinerary, packed with only the good stuff and a perfect plan for first time visitors.

You’ve got the best of everything here. Ancient Roman history, buzzing Old Town streets, crystal-clear water, scenic viewpoints, wind down time at gorgeous local beaches and unforgettable island hopping days.

One of the best things about having 4 days in Split is the balance. You’re not rushing around ticking boxes, you actually get time to slow down, soak it all in and enjoy those little moments.

Feel free to tweak the order of the days to suit your trip, whether that’s working around weather, tours or just how you’re feeling.

We hope you found this itinerary helpful. You are going to have the BEST time in Split, we’re genuinely excited for you! Please do get in touch at hello@theflainstravel.com if you follow this guide, we’d love to hear from you!! 😊

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:

πŸ›©οΈπŸ’Έ
​Skyscanner​ for the best flight deals
Easy to compare, clean, uncluttered website.

πŸ›οΈβœ¨
Booking.com​ to stay somewhere amazing
Most free cancellation on anything from glamping to luxury stays.

πŸ‚πŸΌπŸͺ‚πŸ›ΆπŸ¬
Viator​ for unforgettable experiences
All the best tours & activities in one easy place! Free cancellation on most.

πŸ›‘οΈπŸ«ΆπŸΌ
Staysure Travel Insurance​ to feel safe & confident
Easy, stress-free, reliable insurance with excellent customer service. (UK only)

OR…

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.