Croatia has a long coastline, so this plan focuses on Split and nearby islands for a fun mix of cycling, swimming, kayaking and great coastal scenery. It keeps each day’s stops close together, with a single island day trip for a change of pace.
Budget
About €145–€265 per person, excluding accommodation; island ferry prices and activity costs vary by season and booking.
Best time to visit
May–June or September, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the coast is generally less crowded than in peak summer.
Split Old Town and Marjan
Get your bearings in the historic centre, then trade stone lanes for a rewarding ride and swim on the nearby Marjan peninsula.
Morning
Explore
Walk the palace lanes and see the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Golden Gate. The main sights are close together, so allow about 10 minutes on foot between them.
About €0–€10Afternoon
Cycle and swim on Marjan Hill
Walk about 15 minutes from the palace to rent a bike near the waterfront, then ride the peninsula paths and cool off at Kašjuni Beach. Allow roughly 15 minutes by bike between the hill’s viewpoints and the beach.
About €15–€30Evening
Dinner on the
Return from Kašjuni by taxi or bus in about 15–20 minutes and settle in for dinner along Split’s waterfront promenade.
About €20–€35
Split waterfront and sea kayaking
Keep the day around the harbour and Marjan, combining an active paddle with an easy waterfront evening.
Morning
Paddle along the Split coast
Join a guided sea-kayaking outing from the Marjan side of town, with time to paddle, snorkel and swim. From the Old Town, allow about 15 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes on foot to reach the usual launch area; confirm the meeting point with your operator.
About €40–€70Afternoon
Relax at
After kayaking, spend a relaxed couple of hours swimming or unwinding at this shaded cove. The launch area and beach are generally within about 10–20 minutes on foot, depending on the tour route.
About €0–€10Evening
Stroll and dine at
Head back toward the centre by taxi in about 15 minutes, then enjoy the fishing-harbour atmosphere and a seafood dinner near the .
About €20–€40
Hvar Town and island views
Take a fast boat to Hvar for a walk up to its hilltop fortress, followed by a swim and a low-key waterfront evening.
Morning
Take the ferry to Hvar
Walk about 10 minutes from Split’s Old Town to and take a passenger ferry to Hvar Town; the crossing is usually around an hour, depending on the service.
About €20–€40Afternoon
Hike to
From Hvar Town harbour, follow the uphill path to the fortress in about 20–30 minutes. Explore the views, then walk back down to town in roughly 15–20 minutes.
About €10–€15Evening
Swim near Hvar Town
Walk about 10–15 minutes from the harbour to the nearby shoreline for a final dip, then return to town for dinner and your booked ferry back to Split.
About €0–€10
Good to know
Ferries
Check seasonal ferry timetables and book Split–Hvar tickets ahead, especially in summer. Choose a sailing that leaves enough time for the return journey.
Sport and safety
Use a helmet when cycling, bring water and sun protection, and book sea kayaking with a reputable operator. Check wind and sea conditions before heading out.
Getting around
Split’s centre is very walkable. On Marjan, paths can be steep or uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time.
Costs
Croatia uses the euro. Tour, rental and ferry prices change with the season, so confirm current rates before booking.