The port of Split is a perfect place to begin a private boat trip to the nearby islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis or Solta. Brač is the nearest large island to Split – a patchwork landscape of rolling mountains, olive groves, vineyards, and palm lined harbour towns.

Many boat trips dock in the main town of Supertar where honey-hued houses with coloured shutters line a promenade of traditional restaurants. It’s a charming town to visit with beautiful churches, a smattering of museums and quaint pave side cafes and shops.

Alternatively, venture a little further to the quaint seaside town of Bol. Here, you can swim and sun worship on the world-famous Zlatni rat Beach with white sands and clear turquoise waters, visit Blaca Monastery, sip fine local wine and observe stone sculptures dotted around the town centre.

The neighbouring island of Hvar can also be reached in a little over an hour from Split. This lively island is famous for its history, rich culture and buzzing nightlife. During your trip, sample the signature dish of the island “gregada” – a hearty fish and potato stew, enjoy a day-time beach party or follow in the footsteps of ancient Greeks taking a stroll around Stari Grad. 

Medieval Šibenik is located an hour’s drive from Split along the Adriatic coast. Tiled terracotta rooftops, bougainvillea strewn streets, cafes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites await in this historic coastal city.

Wander along cobbled streets to see the Old Town Hall or enjoy a boat trip to St. Nicholas Fortress. It was the site of a Benedictine Monastery before it became a defence system for the Venetian Republic. The city is home to four fortresses in total including the hilltop fortress of St. John and St. Michael’s Fortress hosting events throughout the year in an outdoor theatre.

Another highlight is The Count’s Palace and Šibenik Museum near the cathedral. It was built during Venetian rule as residence for the governor, and today houses an interesting museum showcasing relics, sculptures and coin collections discovered in the area.

A few kilometres from Šibenik, Krka National Park thrills with scenic mountain backdrops, rivers and ancient forests. The park’s main attractions are its waterfalls, in particular Skradinski buk, a collection of 17 cascades surrounded by cypress trees and pines.

Venture down the river to picnic next to restored water mills or try to identify some of the bird species that call the park home including Bonelli’s eagle and the peregrine falcon.

If you fancy wild swimming, head towards Roski slap waterfall. With a 22 metre drop and crystalline blue pools nearby, it’s the perfect place to cool off after a hiking or biking expedition.

Boat trips can be taken to Visovac Island in the park, or you can make a stop at 14th century Krka Monastery. The Romanesque structure features relics, frescoes and mysterious catacombs hidden beneath the church. Krka National Park is easy to reach on a combined day trip from Šibenik in around 15 minutes or it takes just over an hour from Split by bus, car, or guided tour. 

Set along 800 metres of beachfront, five-star Le Meridien Lav, Split boasts uninterrupted views of the Dalmatian coast. Spacious, modern guest rooms are light and bright, decorated with splashes of blue, bringing colours of the outside indoors. It’s a space for total relaxation with private balconies overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea and nearby islands.

Following a day of exploration you can pamper yourself with a massage or facial at RE: CUPERA Wellness & Spa, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor swimming pools or book a luxury yacht charter from the hotel’s marina. For activity lovers, the hotel also has tennis, scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing.

A selection of dining options invite you to savour the flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy grilled meat, fish, and barbeques at 7 Palms Restaurant and Italian gastronomy at Conlemani Restaurant. If you prefer to feast on international dishes, craft beer or signature cocktails, gather with friends at uber-trendy Gooshter Beach Club or the Underside Pub showing live sporting events.

Discover Spilt's nearby attractions including the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, Cathedral of Saint Domnius and The Riva, the city’s palm-fringed promenade with chic cafes, restaurants and cultural events.