Split and Brač, Croatia: things to do, when to go and how to get there

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Split is an entry point to Dalmatia and the islands. Its old core formed inside Diocletian’s Palace, where walking routes pass through inhabited streets and monuments with their own entrances. the Marjan peninsula and nearby sites let you alternate architecture, archaeology and scenery.

Trogir adds another historic centre, on a small island linked to the mainland by bridges. The cathedral complex and the coastal fortress can be seen in a day trip. Brač requires a sea crossing: in Bol, the Zlatni rat spit and the relief of Vidova gora justify staying more than one night.

Planning depends on distinguishing vehicle ferries from passenger catamarans. The arrival port may require further road travel across the island.

This destination brings together 3 cities: Split, Trogir, Bol.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Split and Brač is

Contornos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Split and Brač

✈ Zračna luka Split (SPU), in Kaštela · 24 km to Split

Confirm before booking. SPU serves the region. From Split, check passenger boats and ferries to Brač.

Suggested arrival point: Split

Split-Dalmácia · Split and Brač Capital Suggested arrival point

Split

Split is organized around the Palace of Diocletian, a Roman core transformed into a neighborhood. The Cathedral of São Dômnio lies within that complex, while Marjan offers trails on a wooded peninsula. Nearby, Salona and Klis add archaeology and fortifications. The port connects the city to the islands of Dalmatia.

Split-Dalmácia · Split and Brač

Trogir

Trogir has a historic center concentrated on a small island connected by bridges. The Cathedral of São Lourenço and the Kamerlengo Fortress let you combine religious sculpture and coastal defenses on the same walk. The streets between the two sites are part of the urban ensemble recognized as a World Heritage site.

Split-Dalmácia · Split and Brač

Bol

Bol lies on the south coast of Brač and serves as a base for Zlatni rat beach and the Vidova gora viewpoint. The beach’s pebble strip extends west of town; the mountain requires a dedicated outing. The central harbour and coastal promenade allow exploration of the lower part on foot.

The local experience

Things to do in Split and Brač

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Historic ensemble

Dioklecijanova palača

The Dioklecijanova palača forms the old core of Split. The Roman palace was incorporated into the city: streets, passages and later-period buildings occupy the original structure. The visit takes place between public spaces and sections with separate entrances, rather than following a single circuit of rooms.

Trogir · Split-Dalmácia · Cathedral

Katedrala sv. Lovre

The Katedrala sv. Lovre stands in Trogir’s historic centre on a small island linked by bridges to the mainland. The building brings together Romanesque, Gothic and later phases. The sculpted portal is one of the features that justify dedicating a visit to the church.

Bol · Split-Dalmácia · Beach

Zlatni rat

Zlatni rat is the pebble spit that juts into the sea west of Bol’s centre on the island of Brač. Its shape results from wave and current action, so the tip can change form. The well‑known aerial image does not correspond to the angle seen by someone walking on the beach.

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Cathedral

Katedrala sv. Dujma

The Katedrala sv. Dujma occupies the former mausoleum of Diocletian, inside the palace of Split. The change of use preserved a Roman structure at the center of a religious complex. The cathedral can be perceived both by its ancient volume and by the elements added over time.

See 6 more places in Split and Brač

Trogir · Split-Dalmácia · Fortress

Kula Kamerlengo

The Kula Kamerlengo occupies the edge of Trogir’s historic core by the water. The stone enclosure features walls and towers that contrast with the narrow streets and the cathedral square. The visit reveals the island town’s relationship with its maritime approaches.

Bol · Split-Dalmácia · Mountain and viewpoint

Vidova gora

Vidova gora is a rise on the island of Brač above the coast of Bol. From the top, the landscape relates the island, the sea and the Zlatni rat spit, which appears at a smaller scale. The visit helps explain why the beach’s shape is more recognisable from elevated views.

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Park and viewpoint

Park šuma Marjan

Park šuma Marjan occupies a wooded peninsula to the west of Split’s center. The tree-covered area contrasts with the dense streets of the palace and offers views of the city and sea from a different elevation. The outing can be a short climb to a viewpoint or a longer walk along the park’s trails.

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Fortress

Tvrđava Klis

Tvrđava Klis follows a rocky ridge inland near Split. Its elongated form adapts to the terrain, with walls and enclosures laid out on different levels. The location helps to understand the link between inland routes and the plain that reaches the sea.

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Archaeological site

Salona

Salona is the archaeological site of the Roman city located in Solin, in the surroundings of Split. The ruins occupy an open area that allows you to perceive the extent of an ancient urban centre outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. It is a different experience from walking through a lived-in neighbourhood.

Split · Split-Dalmácia · Archaeological site

Velika i Mala Crljivica

Velika i Mala Crljivica brings together funerary areas with stećci, the medieval stone monuments found in parts of the Balkans. The site is located in the Cista Velika region, inland from Split-Dalmatia, and is part of a world heritage composed of components in different countries.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

May, June and September are usually suitable for historic centres. June to September typically has more tourist boat services; July and August are hotter and busier.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Six to eight days for Split, Trogir and Bol, allowing time for crossings and excursions in the surrounding area.

Which city to stay in

In Split, look for accommodation near the centre to combine walks and the harbour; in the inner streets, consider stairs and luggage. Trogir allows staying next to the historic core. In Bol, the centre eases boarding and the western strip brings you closer to Zlatni rat.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Split and Brač

How to combine Split, Trogir and Brač?

Explore the mainland by road and reserve nights in Bol so the crossing doesn’t use up the whole beach day.

Does Brač require a car on the ferry?

Not necessarily. There are passenger services depending on the season; with a car, check the ports served by vehicle ferries.

How many nights to spend in Bol?

Two or three nights allow you to separate Zlatni rat, Vidova gora and the island arrival.

Can a car rented on the mainland go to Brač?

Check the permission in the rental contract and book a ferry route that carries vehicles; passenger catamarans do not support that plan.

Split and Brač

A region to enjoyat your own pace.