Things to Do in Split: Old Town, Beaches and Krka Waterfalls

Split quickly became one of our favorite places in Croatia. We stayed for a week in an Airbnb on Okrug Gornji, a quiet area right on the water, and spent our days exploring the Old Town, swimming at nearby beaches and taking day trips along the coast. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxing by the sea.

Exploring Split’s Old Town

Split’s Old Town is built around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century. We spent hours wandering through its narrow stone streets, hidden courtyards and small squares filled with cafés and shops.

One of our favorite afternoons was playing a scavenger hunt game through the Old Town. It was a fun way to see more of the city and discover details we would have missed on our own. Afterward, we stopped for burgers nearby, which turned out to be some of the best we had in Croatia..

    • Beaches Around Split

    We stayed on Okrug Gornji, so most of our beach days were spent just outside our Airbnb. The water was calm, clear and perfect for morning swims.

    We also visited a few other beaches nearby:

    • Plažinovica Beach → Right by our Airbnb, quiet and easy for swimming.
    • Copacabana Beach (Čiovo Island) → A livelier spot with restaurants, bars and places to rent chairs or umbrellas.
    • Kuzmića Beach → A local favorite with shallow water, perfect for relaxing afternoons.
    • Tatinje Beach → A little harder to reach but worth it for the clear water and fewer crowds.

    For a full guide to Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, including the best ones near Split, check out our Best Beaches in Croatia post.

    Day Trip to Krka Waterfalls

    One of the highlights of our week in Split was a day trip to Krka National Park, about an hour and a half away. The waterfalls are beautiful, and the park has walking paths, shaded picnic areas and swimming spots where you can cool off.

    We spent most of the day hiking, swimming and taking photos around the falls. If you visit in summer, get there early. Parking fills up quickly and the trails can get busy by midday.

    • 📍 Location: Krka National Park, near Šibenik
    🎟️ Tickets: Around €40 adults, €10 children
    ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
    🔗 Official Website

    • Where to Eat in Split

    We cooked most of our meals at the Airbnb, but we did try a few local spots we loved:

    Konoba Nikola
    📍 Ivana pl. Zajca 2
    Fresh seafood and traditional Dalmatian dishes, all made with local ingredients.
    🔗 Website

    Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar
    📍 Domaldova ul. 8
    A stylish dinner spot with modern Croatian food and an amazing local wine list.
    🔗 Website

    Know Before You Go

    Getting There: Fly into Split Airport, take a ferry or drive along the coastal route.
    Best Time to Visit: May, June and September for warm weather and fewer crowds.
    Currency: Euro (€) since 2023; previously Croatian Kuna.
    Language: Croatian, but English is widely spoken.
    Day Trips: Krka Waterfalls, Brač Island and Hvar are easy to reach from Split.

    Planning More Croatia Travel?

    Looking to explore more of Croatia? Check out these guides:
    Things to Do in Dubrovnik – City walls, Lokrum Island and hidden beaches
    Best Beaches in Croatia – Hidden gems along the Adriatic coast
    Things to Do in Zagreb –How to plan the perfect trip