Introduction: Captivating Split
Do a simple Google search on Croatia and see the images. It unveils a mesmerizing tapestry of picturesque landscapes. These images left me captivated – catalyst to add Croatia to our recent Central Europe and Balkans trip.
We dedicated 5 days in and around Split, a charming town that boasts a history dating back to the Roman era, harmoniously blending historical significance with modern allure. Nestled against a backdrop of azure waters, Split beckons with not only its tales of antiquity but also a treasure trove of natural wonders, including pristine beaches, idyllic islands, enigmatic caves, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Day 1: Arrival and Immersion
We started our drive to Split from Lake Bled in Slovenia. Covering a distance of 500 km, we completed the drive in six hours. Unlike our experiences in other European countries, the expressway in Croatia was pleasantly sparse. This could possibly be attributed to the absence of major urban centers to the south of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city.
Upon arrival, we spent the remainder of our day to exploring Split. The highlight undoubtedly was Diocletian’s Palace, an architectural marvel from the Roman era. Meandering through the charming streets of old Split was a delightful experience, culminating our day with a leisurely stroll along the Riva Promenade.
Day 2: Natural landscape at Krka National Park
Just an hour’s drive from Split lies the Krka National Park, a haven of natural splendour that harmoniously blends tranquil lakes, majestic waterfalls, meandering rivers, inviting boardwalks, verdant trails, and historical marvels. The park’s atmosphere is simply electric, heightened by its awe-inspiring viewpoints that offer vistas beyond imagination.
We spent the day enjoying the amazing beauty of Krka. We were amazed by the stunning waterfall at Skradinski Buk. The flowing water was a truly impressive sight. We also loved the calming waterfalls at Raski Slap and the peaceful Visovac Monastery views.
Day 3: 5 Islands tour adventure
Split boasts an enchanting coastline adorned with a myriad of alluring islands, each a gem waiting to be explored. The 5 Island tour gave us a glimpse of the beauty of sea side of Split.
The amazing Blue Cave was like a magical journey, its surreal beauty unlike anything on Earth. We also visited Hvar and Vis Islands, where old buildings told stories from the past. Stiniva Bay’s blue water and the lovely Palkeni Islands made a strong impression, their blue waters creating memories we’ll always remember.
Curious for more? Embark on a visual journey through this captivating video.
Day 4: Unveiling Historical Treasures of Trogir
Our initial two days in Split were a whirlwind of activity, encompassing the remarkable Krka National Park adventure and the captivating 5 Island tour. To restore a sense of tranquility, our third day was dedicated to the charming town of Trogir, a mere 45-minute drive from Split. Here, we meandered through its historic streets at a leisurely pace, absorbing its rich heritage in a state of utter relaxation.
As the day gradually transitioned into evening, we embraced the opportunity to ascend Marjan Hill, a rejuvenating short hike that granted us panoramic views of Split’s scenic vistas.
Day 5: Stunning “Plitvice Lakes”
We broke the extensive 8-hour journey from Split to Vienna at Plaintive Lakes – the most beautiful place in Croatia.
Beginning our day in Split, we set forth on the road, and after approximately 2.5 hours of driving, the ethereal beauty of Plitvice Lakes unfolded before us. Nestling ourselves into a cozy Home stay, we promptly embarked on a mesmerizing exploration of the National Park, an endeavor that consumed the entirety of the day.
Experience the full story in motion—check out this captivating video!
Practical Tips: Navigating Split with Ease
- Croatia’s recent inclusion in the Schengen zone and its adoption of the Euro starting from January 2023 have significantly streamlined the travel experience for those outside Europe.
- While Split tends to swell with crowds during the summer months, our April visit unveiled a serene side. There was no competition for car parking, entry to the tourist places and booking tours.
- Language was never a concern for us as we could manage with English at most places.
- We had planned 5 island tour on the second day, but it was cancelled due to bad weather. Since we were flexible with our plans, we could swap that trip with Krka and go on the 5 Island tour on the third day.
- Both Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes demand a fair amount of walking, necessitating a reasonable level of fitness.
- 5 islands tour is on a speed boat with no cover. It could be very hot on a summer day, but in April, we had to battle with the cold winds.
- Vegetarian food was not a problem in Split as there were many options.
- It is convenient to have your own or rental car. Else, you can take organised tours.
Last point: Mostar in Bosnia
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Split, the captivating city of Mostar beckons as an enticing day-trip destination. Although Bosnia lies beyond the Schengen zone, the need for a separate visa is waived if one holds a Schengen visa. We had multiple-entry Schengen visa and the necessary permits for our car to venture outside the Schengen and EU territories. But the prospect of undertaking a five-hour drive and navigating four immigration posts for just a fleeting stay was daunting.
Recognising the extensive journey required, coupled with the limited time in the country, we opted not to go for a hurried visit to Bosnia.
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