Split, Croatia: A 5-Day Adventure on a Budget!

Experience the beauty of Split without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visit Split, Croatia on a budget by exploring its beaches, parks, and markets. Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, go for a walk or a bike ride in nearby Marjan Forest Park, and check out the open-air market Pazar where you can find fresh produce and local souvenirs. Stay in budget-friendly hostels or apartments and dine on local cuisine at affordable restaurants.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Historic Split

  • Start the day with a visit to Diocletian's Palace, an ancient Roman fortress turned into a vibrant city center.
  • Wander through the narrow alleys, marveling at the Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
  • Check out the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, a 7th-century masterpiece built in honor of the city's patron saint.
  • Stop by the Ethnographic Museum, where you can learn more about local customs and traditions.
  • End the day with a traditional Croatian dinner at Konoba Varos, a cozy restaurant serving seafood specialties.
  • For accommodation, stay at the Hostel Split Backpackers, which offers clean and comfortable dorms at an affordable price.
Day 2

Beach Day

  • Take a ferry to Brač Island and spend the day soaking up the sun at Zlatni Rat beach.
  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
  • Relax at one of the beach bars and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beer.
  • Visit the Bol Marina and admire the colorful fishing boats while indulging in a seafood feast.
  • Catch the sunset and snap some epic Insta-worthy shots before heading back to Split.
Day 3

Cultural Immersion

  • Visit the Mestrovic Gallery and admire the sculptures and paintings of Ivan Mestrovic, one of Croatia's most famous artists.
  • Take a cooking class with Cook in Split and learn how to make traditional Croatian dishes like peka and soparnik.
  • Stroll through the Green Market and sample local produce and delicacies like olive oil, cheese, and prosciutto.
  • Take a walk along Riva, the city's bustling waterfront promenade and grab an ice cream from Luka Ice Cream.
  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Konoba Matejuska, a family-run restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood.
  • Stay at Hotel Luxe, a stylish and affordable option located in the heart of the city.
Day 4

Nature Exploration

  • Drive to Krka National Park and hike through the lush forest to reach the stunning waterfalls.
  • Swim in the crystal clear water beneath the falls and take a boat tour around the park.
  • Visit the Skradinski Buk Waterfall and learn about the park's wildlife and history at the visitor center.
  • Take a scenic drive back to Split and stop at a roadside cafe for a coffee or beer.
  • Enjoy a dinner at Fife Restaurant, a local eatery known for its grilled meat and fish dishes.
Day 5

Island Hopping

  • Take a ferry to Hvar Island and explore the charming town of Hvar.
  • Hike up to the fortress for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Paklinski Islands.
  • Swim at one of the island's pristine beaches and soak in the Mediterranean sun.
  • Savor a lunch at Fig Cakes & Wine, a cozy cafe offering a variety of delicious cakes, sandwiches, and local wine.
  • Take the ferry back to Split and enjoy a sunset cocktail at O'Hara Music Club before calling it a day.
  • Stay at Hostel Sveti Kriz, a cozy and affordable hostel located near the city center and the beach.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Split, Croatia by plane is to fly into Split Airport, also known as Resnik Airport, which is located about 24 kilometers from the city center. There are numerous airlines that offer flights to this airport with connections to major European cities as well as other destinations around the world.

Car

Driving to Split can be a great option if you have the time and flexibility to explore the surrounding area. The city is easily accessible from major highways in Croatia, with a journey time of around four and a half hours from Zagreb. It is also possible to rent a car at Split Airport or in the city center.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Split from other major European cities. However, it is possible to take a train to Zagreb and then transfer to a bus or another mode of transportation to reach Split. Zagreb Central Station is the main train station in the city.

Boat

Recently, Split has become a popular destination for cruise ships, with many companies offering routes that include the city as a port of call. The Split Ferry Port is a bustling hub for passenger ferries that connect the city to various nearby islands, as well as other cities along the Croatian coast.

Bus

Taking a bus to Split is a popular and affordable option, with many companies offering regular services to and from the city. Some of the most well-known operators include Flixbus, Eurolines, and Croatia Bus. The main bus station in Split is Autobusni Kolodvor, which is located in the city center.

Destination

Split

Welcome to our guide to Split, the city that sounds like a breakup but is actually quite charming. Get ready for stunning coastal views and more gelato shops than you thought humanly possible.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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