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Best Things to Do in Split by Car: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s get one thing straight right away: Split is absolutely stunning. The ancient Diocletian’s Palace, the bustling Riva promenade, the smell of fresh seafood wafting from the local konobas—it’s a Mediterranean dream. But here is the secret that most tourists don’t realize until it’s too late: the true magic of Dalmatia isn’t just inside the city walls. It’s out there, waiting for you on the open road.

If you rely solely on public buses or expensive organized tours, you are going to miss out on the hidden coves, the quiet medieval villages, and the breathtaking viewpoints that make this region so special. You’ll be stuck on someone else’s schedule, rushing through attractions with fifty other people. That’s not a vacation; that’s a chore.

By choosing to rent a car in Split, you unlock a completely different level of travel. You get to be the captain of your own adventure. Want to stay an extra hour at that secluded beach? Do it. Want to pull over to take a photo of the sunset over the Adriatic? No problem. In this guide, I’m going to share the absolute best things to do in Split by car, giving you the ultimate road trip itinerary that will make your friends back home incredibly jealous.

Start Here: Exploring Split's Historic Center (Park and Walk)

Before we hit the highway, you absolutely must experience the heart of Split. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in and around the ancient Diocletian’s Palace. This isn’t a museum where you just look at ruins; it’s a living, breathing city where locals still live, shop, and drink coffee among 1,700-year-old Roman columns.

Because the historic center is a strict pedestrian-only zone, your rental car won't help you here. The smart move is to park your car just outside the center. There are several paid parking lots near the ferry port or along the Riva that are perfect for a few hours. Once parked, wander through the Peristyle Square, climb the Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower for a panoramic view, and grab a gelato on the promenade.

Spend your first morning soaking in the city vibe. But by the afternoon, it’s time to escape the crowds, turn the key in the ignition, and see what Dalmatia is really about.

Day Trip 1: The Magic of Krka National Park

If you only take one day trip from Split, make it Krka National Park. Located just about an hour’s drive northwest of the city, Krka is famous for its series of seven spectacular waterfalls, the most famous being Skradinski Buk. It is a lush, green paradise of emerald pools and cascading water.

Why you need a car: Yes, there are bus tours to Krka. But they arrive right in the middle of the day when the park is packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. With your own rental car, you can leave Split early in the morning, cruise up the A1 highway, and arrive at the park gates right when they open. You’ll have the wooden boardwalks and the viewpoints almost entirely to yourself. It’s a completely different, much more magical experience.

Drive to the town of Skradin, park your car, and take the scenic boat ride into the park. After you’ve marveled at the waterfalls, use your car to explore the wider park area, including the peaceful Roški Slap waterfall and the Visovac Monastery, situated on a tiny island in the middle of a lake—places the big tour buses rarely go.

Day Trip 2: Time Travel in Trogir and Primošten

Just a short 30-minute drive west of Split lies Trogir, a town so perfectly preserved it feels like a movie set. Set on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges, Trogir’s entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a maze of narrow, polished stone streets, Renaissance palaces, and hidden courtyards.

The Road Trip Advantage: After spending the morning exploring Trogir’s Cathedral of St. Lawrence and sipping coffee on the waterfront, don’t head back to Split just yet. Keep driving north along the spectacular D8 coastal road for another 30 minutes until you reach Primošten. This incredibly photogenic town is situated on a small peninsula and is famous for its sprawling vineyards and some of the best beaches in the region. The drive itself, with the Adriatic Sea sparkling on your left, is worth the rental car price alone.

Day Trip 3: Adrenaline and Views in Omiš

Head about 45 minutes south of Split, and the landscape changes dramatically. The mountains suddenly plunge directly into the sea, and nestled in the gorge where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic is the town of Omiš. Historically a haven for pirates, today Omiš is the adventure capital of Dalmatia.

Why you need a car: Getting to Omiš by local bus is possible, but it’s slow and often crowded. With a car, the drive down the coast is a joy. Once there, you can hike up to the Mirabella Fortress for insane views, or if you’re feeling brave, book a zip-lining tour across the Cetina River canyon. Having a car also means you can drive up into the canyon itself, stopping at local riverside restaurants (like Radmanove Mlinice) for a traditional peka meal—a slow-cooked meat and potato dish that is an absolute must-try.

Day Trip 4: The Breathtaking Makarska Riviera

If your idea of a perfect vacation involves finding the most beautiful beaches in Europe, point your car south towards the Makarska Riviera. This 60-kilometer stretch of coastline, sitting at the foot of the towering Biokovo mountain range, is postcard-perfect.

The Road Trip Advantage: The main town of Makarska is great, but the real treasures are the small villages and hidden coves along the way. Drive to Brela and visit the famous Punta Rata beach, known for the iconic Brela Stone rising out of the sea. Because you have a car, you can beach-hop. Spend two hours in Baška Voda, drive 15 minutes down the road to Tučepi for lunch, and finish the afternoon watching the sunset from a secluded pebble beach you found just by pulling over.

Finding the Hidden Beaches (Accessible Only by Car)

Let’s be real: the beaches right in Split (like Bačvice) are fun, but they get incredibly crowded. If you want that crystal-clear, turquoise water and a spot on the pebbles where you aren’t touching elbows with a stranger, you need to drive.

• Kasjuni Beach: Just a short drive to the western edge of the Marjan Peninsula, this beach offers a great beach bar, stunning views of the pine-covered hills, and much clearer water than the city beaches.
• Stiniva Cove (Vis Island): Okay, you’ll need to take your car on a ferry to Vis Island for this one, but it’s worth it. You drive across the island, park at the top of a cliff, and hike down to one of the most spectacular, enclosed pebble beaches in the world.
• Vruja Beach: Located on the Makarska Riviera, this is a true hidden gem. You have to park your car on the side of the D8 highway and walk down a steep path. Because it requires a bit of effort (and a car to get to the trailhead), it remains peaceful even in mid-August.

A Quick Note on Driving in Dalmatia

If you’re nervous about driving in a foreign country, don’t be. Driving in Croatia is generally very easy and safe. The main highways (like the A1) are modern, wide, and well-maintained. The coastal road (D8) is winding and requires your attention, but the views are so spectacular you won’t want to drive fast anyway.

The only real challenge is parking in the historic centers of older towns. The golden rule? Don’t try to drive into the old towns. Look for the blue "P" signs indicating public parking lots just outside the pedestrian zones, park your car, and enjoy the walk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it worth renting a car in Split?

Absolutely. While you don't need a car for the days you spend entirely inside Split's old town, having a rental car is essential if you want to visit Krka National Park, Trogir, Omiš, or the Makarska Riviera without the hassle and expense of organized tours or unreliable public transport.

2. Can I take my rental car on a ferry to the islands?

Yes, you can take your car on the Jadrolinija ferries to islands like Hvar, Brač, and Vis. However, you must inform your rental company beforehand, as you will likely need to purchase additional ferry insurance to ensure the vehicle is covered while at sea.

3. Are the roads around Split safe?

Yes, the roads are very safe and well-maintained. The A1 highway is excellent, and the D8 coastal road, while winding, is perfectly safe if you adhere to the speed limits and drive defensively. Just watch out for local drivers who might overtake you aggressively.

4. Where is the best place to park in Split?

Do not attempt to drive into the Diocletian's Palace area (it's pedestrian-only). The best places to park are the large paid lots near the ferry port, the parking areas along the Riva (though these fill up fast), or the garages just outside the city center. Always pay for your parking to avoid hefty fines.

5. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If your driver's license is issued by an EU country, you do not need an IDP. If you are visiting from outside the EU (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia), an IDP is legally required in Croatia, and rental companies may ask to see it before handing over the keys.

6. What is the best time of year for a Dalmatian road trip?

The shoulder seasons—May, June, September, and October—are the absolute best times. The weather is warm enough for swimming, but the roads and attractions are far less crowded than in July and August, making driving and parking much more enjoyable.

Related Articles

• Car Rental Split: Your Complete Guide to Exploring Dalmatia
• Car Rental Split Airport (SPU): Everything You Need to Know
• How to Drive in Split & Dalmatia: The Complete Guide for Tourists

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