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Day trips from Dalmatia

Best Day Trips from Dalmatia 2026

The day trips from Dalmatia that repay the journey — with transport, timing, and cost for each.

By Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park from Split and Dubrovnik Old Town from Split. This guide profiles 12+ day trips in Dalmatia, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Dalmatia is Croatia's most celebrated coastal region, stretching along the eastern Adriatic from Zadar in the north to the Bay of Kotor in the south. Defined by a dramatic limestone coastline, more than 1,000 islands and islets, and a string of UNESCO-listed historic cities, Dalmatia offers one of Europe's most compelling blends of ancient civilization and natural beauty.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

130km from Split

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Car (fastest; park own lot €7/day), or bus from Split bus station (Autotrans/FlixBus daily departures)
60km from Split

Krka National Park from Split

Car (A1 motorway to Šibenik exit), or organised day tours departing Split harbour
230km by road; 160 nautical miles by sea

Dubrovnik Old Town from Split

Bus (FlixBus/Arriva; buy in advance), car (A1 then coastal road), or summer fast boat from Split
60km by sea

Hvar Island from Split

Jadrolinija/Kapetan Luka catamaran from Split harbour to Hvar Town (5–8 daily in summer, €6–8 / ~$6.50–8.70)
14km from Split across the channel

Brač Island from Split

Car ferry from Split to Supetar (Jadrolinija; departs hourly in summer; €5 / ~$5.40 per person). Bus from Supetar to Bol (35 min, €4 / ~$4.35).
90km by road

Korčula from Dubrovnik

Jadrolinija catamaran from Dubrovnik (summer, 2h), or bus to Orebić then short ferry (€2 / ~$2.20)
160km from Split; 140km from Dubrovnik

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Car (Croatian–BiH border crossing; no special documents needed for EU/UK/US). Day trips by bus or minivan from Split and Dubrovnik.
8–22km from Dubrovnik

Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

Jadrolinija local ferry from Gruž harbour (€5–7 / ~$5.40–7.60 per island). 3-island day tour boats also depart from Old Port (€45–65 / ~$49–71 including lunch)
90km from Dubrovnik

Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Car (Croatian–Montenegro border crossing; toll bridge at Prevlaka). Day tours from Dubrovnik by minibus.
100km west of Dubrovnik

Mljet Island from Dubrovnik

Jadrolinija catamaran from Dubrovnik to Polače or Sobra (daily in summer). Bicycle rental at Polače port.
27km from Split

Trogir from Split

Bus 37 from Split bus station (departures every 20–30 min; €3 / ~$3.25). Taxi (€20 / ~$22). Water taxi in summer.
50km from Split (by sea)

Vis Island from Split

Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Vis (2.5h daily, €9 / ~$9.80). Kapetan Luka catamaran (summer, 2h).

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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