Split is the easiest base on the Croatian coast for active days out. Within an hour or two are a river canyon, a coastal mountain range, a national park, island peaks and sea caves. Most of these can be done independently by car or bus, and for river and sea activities licensed operators run guided trips with equipment. In summer, start early: heat and traffic both build quickly by late morning.
Cetina River: rafting and canyoning near Omiš
The Cetina River reaches the sea at Omiš, about 25 km south-east of Split, after cutting a deep canyon through the mountains. The upper stretches are used for rafting and kayaking, and side canyons for canyoning. The river is mostly gentle in summer, which makes rafting suitable for beginners and older children, while canyoning involves jumping, sliding and abseiling and suits fitter adults.
Book with a licensed operator that provides helmets, life jackets and transport to the put-in. Water levels drop in late summer, so trips may be slower and include more paddling. Omiš itself has two small fortresses above town; the climb to Fortica (Starigrad) is steep and exposed, so go early or late.
Biokovo: mountain roads and the Skywalk
The Biokovo range rises directly behind the Makarska Riviera, about an hour's drive south-east of Split. A narrow, winding road climbs through Biokovo Nature Park to Sveti Jure, at 1,762 metres the highest peak of the range. On the way is the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass-floored horseshoe platform projecting over the cliffs above Makarska, opened in 2020.
The park charges an entrance fee and limits vehicle numbers on the road in summer, with time slots, so check the nature park's website and buy in advance. Hikers can climb from the coastal villages instead, but these are long, steep, shadeless ascents best started at dawn with plenty of water.
Krka National Park
Krka's waterfalls are about an hour north of Split by car. Skradinski Buk, the park's best-known series of travertine cascades, is reached from Skradin by boat or from the Lozovac entrance. Boardwalks and paths loop through the falls. Swimming at Skradinski Buk has been banned since 2021 to protect the travertine.
For a more active visit, go beyond Skradinski Buk to the park's quieter upper reaches, including Roški Slap, or combine the falls with a boat trip to Visovac Island and its Franciscan monastery. Tickets are much more expensive in summer than in the shoulder seasons; check the park's price list before you go.
Klis Fortress and Kozjak
Klis Fortress sits on a ridge pass above Split, about 20 minutes away by car or local bus. It controlled the route between the coast and the interior for centuries and was used as a filming location for Meereen in Game of Thrones. Walk the ramparts for views over Split and the islands.
Behind it, the Kozjak ridge offers marked hiking trails with wide sea views. Paths are rocky and exposed, so wear proper footwear and avoid midday in summer.
Brač: Vidova Gora
Car ferries cross from Split to Supetar on Brač in under an hour. From there it is a drive or a long hike to Vidova Gora, at 778 metres the highest point of any Adriatic island. From the top you look straight down on Zlatni Rat, the beach near Bol that changes shape with wind and currents. Hikers can walk up from Bol on a steep marked trail; allow most of a day and carry water.
Vis and the Blue Cave
The island of Vis lies further out, reached from Split by car ferry or catamaran. Off its south-west coast is Biševo, home of the Blue Cave (Modra špilja), where sunlight entering under the water lights the cave in blue on calm, sunny mornings. Entry is by small boat only and visits are regulated, so trips can be cancelled in rough seas. Most visitors go on organised speedboat tours from Split or Vis Town; check whether cave entry tickets are included in the price.
Practical tips
- Book ahead in summer for rafting, canyoning, Biokovo road slots and island ferries.
- Go early: heat, crowds and traffic all build by late morning.
- Carry water and sun protection: there is little shade on Biokovo, Kozjak or Vidova Gora.
- Check the wind: strong bura or jugo can cancel boat trips and make mountain roads unpleasant.
