Split boat tours review: Comprehensive guide to Dalmatian cruises covering group tours, private trips, five islands adventures with 2025 prices and tips
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Sea Tours from Split: where people usually sail and why it's a convenient and popular starting point for day mini-cruises
For those who dream of traveling through Dalmatia, I’m happy to share my experience of Sea adventures in Split. Over the years of traveling, I’ve become convinced that this is the best starting point for exploring the Adriatic Sea and picturesque islands.
By the way, about what it means to travel comfortably when choosing convenient transportation options. For example, during our last trip, as always, we used the GetTransfer service for the airport-to-city transfer. It cost only 47 euros, which is a very low price, especially compared to other options. Economical expenses are one of the reasons I love GetTransfer, but not the only one.
What are the other advantages?
- Pre-determined cost
- No additional fees
- Personal approach from the driver who meets you at the airport
View of Split’s passenger maritime station
As for our journey’s starting point, I don’t mention Split by chance. First of all, because of its phenomenal location. In an hour you can reach the charming island of Hvar, in 50 minutes – find yourself on the beaches of Brač, and in two hours – reach picturesque Vis. From my own experience, I can say that no other Croatian port has such a concentration of wonderful destinations.
Compared to other cities we’ve visited, Split wins on all parameters. For example, in Makarska, although it’s beautiful, the choice of cruise companies is significantly smaller, and the port infrastructure isn’t as developed. And Zadar, while offering wonderful tours to Kornati National Park, is located farther from the popular Dalmatian islands. Dubrovnik, with all its beauty, mostly offers more expensive and longer Sea journeys.
In Split, both classic routes and themed ones are available. You can choose:
- A historical cruise visiting ancient settlements
- A wine tour with local beverage tastings
- Or even a romantic Sunset cruise with dinner on board
They’ve also thought about families with children – ecological tours with dolphin watching will be interesting for both adults and children.
The wide choice among operators allows you to select the most comfortable conditions. I’m personally also attracted by the ease of reaching such interesting places as the Blue Cave on Biševo Island and Krka National Park (but that’s not about Sea mini-cruises, so I’ll cover this national park from Split in another article).
By the way, I recommend paying attention to departure times: in the morning the Sea is usually calmer, and you can enjoy a smooth journey. If you need the best price offer, consider combined tours – this will help save money and get maximum impressions.
What Sea Tours can you choose in Split: my experience and prices
Sea Tours from Split are a wonderful opportunity to explore local islands, feel the atmosphere of the Adriatic, and enjoy the beauty of nature. But how do you choose the best option for yourself? Below I’ll tell you about tour types and their price ranges.
- I’ll start with the most common among tours – group Tours. This is the most accessible and convenient format for those who want to see several islands in one day. Tours are designed for groups of 15 to 50 people. The most popular destinations for such Tours are the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis, as well as visiting the famous Blue Cave. Tour prices range from 45 to 80 euros per person and often include lunch and a multilingual guide. Since these are group trips, they have a clearly defined schedule, so tourists don’t need to worry that something will be forgotten or missed.
- For those who desire a more personalized approach, there’s the option of small group Tours. These tours are usually designed for 8-12 people, which allows for a more flexible and convenient route. For example, you can go to Hvar island for wine tasting, or enjoy a sunset cruise with lunch, or a speedboat trip that allows you to visit up to five different islands in one day (from my experience, this is not only interesting but also quite economical). Such tours cost from 90 to 150 euros per person and include additional benefits such as more comfortable transportation and personal service, making the journey more comfortable.
- The real gem of Sea adventures is private tours. Here, travelers create their own route: exploring remote bays, enjoying fishing, or simply relaxing on the boat. For such pleasure, you’ll have to pay from 400 to 1200 euros, but tours are designed for groups of up to 8 people, so if you split the cost, the prices are almost the same. But the vacation time differs in a pleasant way – almost all day.
- In addition to these main formats, there are also specialized tours (group sizes depend on which direction you choose). How do they differ from those I listed above? Simply, they’re for those who want something more interesting and active. For example, you can go on a diving tour (from 120 to 200 euros per person), or on ecological tours with dolphin watching (from 80 to 120 euros). For photography lovers, sunset photo tours are popular (from 70 to 100 euros per person).
- And for those who want to get everything at once, there are combined Tours costing from 75 to 120 euros. What do they offer? Imagine, island exploration in the morning, and after lunch a walk through a national park or studying ancient settlements. That is, several different locations in one day. Tours have diverse programs that always change and are never banal.
Price List of Tours from Split
| Type of Tour | Group Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Group Tours | 15–50 people | 45–80 EUR per person |
| Private Tours | up to 8 people | 400–1200 EUR per boat |
| Specialized Tours | Various group sizes | 70–200 EUR per person |
| Combined Tours | 15–30 people | 75–120 EUR per person |
| Small Group Tours | 8–12 people | 90–150 EUR per person |
Table 1 – prices by tour types
But I want to add that seasonal price fluctuations are also an important factor. In high season (June-August), prices can increase by 20-30%. If traveling in the off-season, for example in May or September, you should expect additional discounts and special offers. In winter, the choice of tours is limited, and the focus shifts to private Tours due to fewer tourists.
It should be considered that the choice of tour type depends on the destination. There are objects that are better viewed in a small group, for example, the Blue Cave. And this is understandable, because the space is small, and a large group would create a crowd. But you can go to Brač with a larger group. The developed infrastructure allows for accepting a sufficient number of tourists without feeling uncomfortable.
So, everyone will find something for themselves here: from affordable group Tours to luxurious private tours. The main thing is to determine your own priorities and choose the option that best matches your wishes and budget.
Sea Tours and routes: everything you need to know
Now let’s talk about what Sea travel options are available in Split, as this is one of the main reasons why people choose a vacation at this resort. You know, I’ve tried many tour formats, and each has its own charm, so I’ll tell you about the most exciting ones.
Route to Hvar and Pakleni
Let’s start with the famous island of Hvar and the neighboring Pakleni archipelago. Hvar attracts with its Venetian architecture, particularly the Španjola fortress (Fortica), which proudly towers over the city.
The Pakleni Islands are an archipelago of 16 small islands. The water here amazes with its purity and transparency. Therefore, this is one of the best places for snorkeling among those I’ve had the chance to visit.
The journey to Hvar and Pakleni is quite a popular route among tourists, because of how successfully it combines historical heritage and luxurious beaches. I’ve repeatedly heard positive feedback from those to whom I recommended this place. Usually such a tour includes visiting Hvar’s lavender fields (season falls in June-July) and visiting the cozy bays of neighboring islands.
The ancient streets and architecture of Hvar town are enchanting
Route to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island (via Vis Island)
Another route worth attention is Vis Island and the Blue Cave. The Blue Grotto on Biševo Island truly mesmerizes: sunlight, penetrating through the water, creates a stunning blue glow. And the town of Vis, one of the oldest settlements in Croatia, founded in the 4th century BC. It’s like a portal to antiquity, attracting the attention of those who are fascinated by past times and love ancient architecture.
Here natural and historical monuments are harmoniously combined: the city still preserves Greek and Roman ruins, as well as military bunkers from the Yugoslav era. And another interesting fact is that there are many local wineries on the island where you can taste delicious wine.
The Blue Cave on Biševo Island. I think here it’s clear without words why the cave is called “blue”
Route to Brač Island
One cannot overlook the island of Brač, the closest to Split. Its main pearl is the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which changes shape depending on wind and currents (such a phenomenon can rarely be seen anywhere).
The medieval town of Bol is also located on the island. There I recommend looking at the old Dominican church and Dragon’s Cave, which is located near the settlement. Ancient olive groves and quarries add color to the route.
And this is part of Zlatni Rat beach on Brač Island
Route through Kornati National Park
Another gem is Kornati National Park, which attracts both nature lovers and photographers. An archipelago of 89 islands, known as the “Sea labyrinth,” is famous for its unique geological formations and rich marine life, making it an ideal place for diving. And ancient Roman ruins and early Christian churches add cultural value to this route. I took very beautiful photos here, so I recommend bringing a camera.
Route to Trogir + Čiovo Island
And finally, a wonderful route to Trogir and Čiovo Island. Trogir is a true museum city under UNESCO protection, where you can enjoy medieval architecture, particularly St. Lawrence Cathedral and Kamerlengo fortress. Čiovo Island, thanks to its picturesque fishing villages, adds even more charm to this route.
I recommend not only looking at the monuments but also trying the seafood delicacies prepared in Čiovo. I was impressed by the risotto. It’s rice with seafood. First of all, it’s delicious. And secondly, it’s black because they add cuttlefish ink to the dish.
The area is also suitable for diving. Underwater you can see the ancient sunken ship “Pajo.”
Why do I like these particular places? Because they differ in diversity thanks to rich historical heritage, unique natural wonders, gastronomic opportunities, and variety of activities.
And impressions change depending on the chosen visiting time. Spring and autumn attract fewer tourists and allow more enjoyment of historical monuments, while summer offers plenty of opportunities for Sea entertainment and beach holidays. So it will be interesting at any time.
What types of Sea Tours are there
Tour operators offer many options to satisfy any needs: a more peaceful, secluded vacation, or the most active day possible.
I want to focus in more detail on choosing the type of Tour based on group size, budget, and personal preferences.
- I’ll start with the most common – group Tours for 15-40 people. They are the most popular due to the good price-quality ratio. I personally started my acquaintance with Split with them, and it’s a wonderful option for the first time. For quite affordable 45-80 euros, tourists get a full day at Sea with lunch and a guide. Usually such tours take place on large boats that head to the Blue Cave, to Brač, Hvar and Šolta islands, and to Kornati National Park. I can say that the day will be well-planned, so all that’s required from vacationers is to stick to the schedule. Group Tours are a way to visit beautiful places without hassle.
- For those who want more freedom and personal attention, I recommend small group tours (8-12 people). Yes, they’re more expensive – 80-120 euros, but the enjoyment is greater! My favorite route is the five-island tour, where you can visit Hvar, Biševo, Vis, Budikovac, and Ravnik. Another interesting tour is to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. For wine connoisseurs, I can suggest visiting Brač with a Tour to wineries. These tours include more personalized service: travel on speedboats, more detailed guide narration, and more time at each stop.
- But for special occasions, for example, a family celebration or romantic trip, I recommend private Tours (up to 8 people). For a price of 200-500 euros per person, the client gets a completely individual route, professional guide, and premium service on a luxury yacht. You can head to cozy remote bays or to islands of your choice. By the way, a great idea for a celebration: combine a Sea cruise with visiting wine cellars.
- For active vacation lovers, there are specialized tours designed for 6-15 people. Their cost will be from 90 to 150 euros. This includes diving tours for beginners and experts in Kornati National Park, or fishing tours with professional equipment with local fishermen near Šolta or Pakleni. During diving you can see Vis’s underwater caves and sunken ships. And after fishing, it’s so delicious to visit fish soup or fried fish you cooked yourself. Such a day will be intense and unforgettable.
- Young people will be interested in Sunset & Party tours for 15-30 people visiting the best bars along the coast. I especially recommend the evening cruise around Split or night tour to Hvar. Fun dancing with a DJ on board, sunset swimming, plus drinks included – what could be better?
- For those traveling with children, there are special family tours (up to 15 people) for 70-110 euros for adults and 35-55 euros for children. My family friends most enjoy routes to Brač, visiting Zlatni Rat beach, a peaceful tour to Trogir, and a trip to Šolta with a picnic. On these three routes, the smallest details are thought out for the convenience of parents and children: safe swimming areas, entertainment program, and children’s menu.
- And my personal favorite – eco-tours (cost 85-130 euros, for 8-12 people). Routes are offered to Kornati or Telašćica National Park, as well as to remote islands of the archipelago. Imagine: a professional ecologist talks about local nature, crystal-clear water overboard where you can see underwater life. The vessel seems to glide on the surface, and dolphins play nearby. Incredible impressions!
By the way, about prices in different seasons. In summer (especially in July-August) they’re slightly higher. Therefore, it’s better to take advantage of early booking discounts. There are also group discounts for all types of tours. Additionally, hotel transfer is possible. You’ll usually have to pay extra for it separately. And you need to keep in mind – some tours aren’t conducted in winter, so it’s better to check in advance.
My opinion: which Sea Tour destinations are worth paying attention to
After getting acquainted with the charming islands of the Adriatic, let’s talk about how best to visit them: with a tour group or on your own? Over the years of traveling, I’ve tried different options and want to share my observations that will help save time and money.
When it’s better to take a Tour
There are places where an organized Tour is definitely worth its money. For example, a tour to the Blue Cave with a visit to Hvar. It costs 60-80 euros, and it’s a very good price, because believe me, attempts to organize this independently can be quite exhausting.
We once decided to go on our own, ran around with transfers, and in the end spent even more. Moreover, you can only get into the cave with official boats. As part of a tour, all the logistics and nuances are already thought out, and the price turns out cheaper considering all additional costs for tickets and boats.
The same applies to the Pakleni Islands – here choosing an Tour is worth it 100%. There’s no regular connection to the islands, and to visit the best bays you’ll need a boat. Therefore, the “island hopping” format (tour of several islands at once) that tour operators offer is very convenient.
Among this format, I also recommend the “Five Island Tour” Tour, because in one day you’ll see the maximum and save on transport between islands, getting access to remote bays. Independent logistics will take a lot of time and nerves.
Worth going independently
However, there are destinations where I definitely recommend independent travel. For example, the route to Brač, specifically Bol – this is a classic example of profitable independent travel. Regular ferry connections and a direct road from the port to Zlatni Rat beach facilitate logistics, and the ferry cost of about 10 euros round trip is much more profitable than a Tour that costs 45-60 euros.
The same with Hvar town – if there’s no plan to visit other islands, then a ferry ticket for 16 euros both ways will be a smarter decision than a Tour for 50-70 euros. Plus, you get the opportunity to stay for a party or dedicate more time to exploring cozy streets.
To Trogir, it’s easy to get by bus (3-4 euros), and a guide’s services aren’t really needed in this case. You can combine the walk with beach vacation to your taste. Therefore, it’s not worth paying for an organized Tour.
Where to buy ferry tickets?
The best option is the Jadrolinija company. It has the most affordable prices.
- To Hvar you can get for 6.5-8 euros one way;
- To Brač even cheaper – 4.5-6 euros.
- If you’re heading to Vis, prepare 8-10 euros;
- Catamarans are slightly more expensive but faster – so add another 2-3 euros to these prices.
It’s important to know that in low season, the ferry schedule may be limited.
Separately, I want to mention special cases. If diving is in your plans – I don’t recommend thinking about independent adventures. Professional supervision is necessary both for safety and for real diving enjoyment. But for party lovers, a sunset tour is more suitable – when you don’t need to think about the return trip, and drinks are included in the price.
So, independent trips to Brač or Hvar will save 30-50 euros per person, but you need to account for planning time and possible delays.
Also, the choice depends on the vacationers themselves, the group composition, age, and preferences. Diving tours and active Tours suit adults. With children, organized tours are more convenient. For experienced travelers, I recommend independent routes, and for beginners, it’s better to start with group Tours.
It’s also important to remember weather and season. In low season, a tour is better because there are fewer ferries and logistics are more complicated. In bad weather, Tour organizers often offer rescheduling. This is convenient and economical.
My opinion: in which cases is it worth taking Tours to the Blue Cave with visits to Hvar, Vis, Biševo, Pakleni and Budikovac Islands from Split, and in which cases is it worth going independently by ferry
Next, I want to share my experience regarding visiting one of Croatia’s most charming landmarks – the Blue Cave and neighboring islands. I went on an organized Tour because by my calculations, going independently turned out to be difficult and expensive. Judge for yourself.
Cost of Independent Travel
- A ferry ticket from Split to Vis costs 9 euros one way.
- From Vis you’ll have to get to Komiža, from where boats depart to Biševo Island and the Blue Cave. Entry to the cave is a separate story, as you can only get there on special boats. A place on the boat costs 15 euros.
- Next, to visit other islands, you’ll need additional transfer. Each transfer costs money and time.
- In the end, an independent trip can cost 100-120 euros, not to mention having to constantly worry about schedules and transfers.
Organized Tour: Impressions and Prices
Now about my organized Tour.
We chose a tour to five islands. It included Hvar, Vis, Biševo with the Blue Cave, Pakleni Islands, and Budilovac. And this is the first plus: almost all the main pearls in “one package.”
We departed from Split and for 11 hours explored picturesque islands. Only 12 people in the group. No crowds, everything clearly heard and visible.
I especially want to note the guide. He was truly knowledgeable about the area and told things quite interestingly.
The route was thought out to the smallest details, all logistics well-developed. So I just enjoyed the trip. There was even time to swim with masks. I got great impressions and a Sea of pleasure, which cost 120 euros.
I want to recommend a few more Tours similar to ours that we also saved for ourselves (from which we chose the one I just told you about):
- Private 11-hour tour to 5 islands and the Blue Cave. Designed for a group of up to 7 people. Plenty of time to explore monuments, gastronomic delights at local restaurants, shopping, and beach relaxation. You can regulate time at each location independently. Cost – 950 euros per boat, which doesn’t significantly exceed the price of a group Tour for one person.
- 11-hour small group trip to the Blue Cave, Hvar, and five islands with visits to Mamma Mia filming locations. Many photo stops. Among the highlights – Srebreni, Komiža, and the Blue Lagoon. Cost – 145 euros per person.
- Small group 10-hour trip to the Blue Cave and 5 islands with a 2.5-hour walk through Hvar. The Tour’s feature – the opportunity to visit Stupišće missile base and Limestone Caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Vacationers also await swimming and snorkeling. Cost for adults 88 euros off-season and 134 euros in season.
My advice: book Tours in advance and choose morning tours. In the morning hours, the Blue Cave looks most spectacular thanks to the play of sunlight in the water. And you must clarify whether the entrance ticket to the cave, lunch, or snorkeling equipment is included in the price – this will make the trip even more pleasant.
To note: the most popular Tour locations on Hvar Island
Hvar is not just one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands located near Split, but a true cultural center of the Adriatic. That’s why I want to share with you the most popular Tour locations worth visiting during your trip.
City Center
Let’s start with Hvar town center, where the main square Trg Svetog Stjepana is located. This square is the heart of the island and impresses with its architectural beauty.
Here you can see St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stjepana crkva) from the 15th century, surrounded by historical palaces and buildings that create the unique atmosphere of a Mediterranean city (views as if from a movie). I’d recommend stopping here for a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.
Panoramic view of Hvar town and its port
Španjola Fortress (Tvrđava Španjola)
You definitely should climb up to Španjola fortress, built in the 16th century. From here, a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, harbor, and Pakleni Islands opens up. In the fortress, you can also see an interesting collection of ancient amphoras.
Stari Grad (Old Town)
Next, it’s worth heading to Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town, founded by ancient Greeks in 384 BC. About an hour is needed to view the center.
Near the town, you should definitely visit Stari Grad Plain (Starigradsko polje). This is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the land division system from ancient times has been preserved.
Moreover, I strongly recommend visiting the village of Vrboska, which got the nickname “little Venice” due to numerous bridges and canals. Here you can see the ancient fortified church of St. Mary (Sveta Marija crkva), which was built back in the 16th century. This place is located near Stari Grad Plain and is simply ideal for those seeking peace and coziness.
Franciscan Monastery (Franjevački samostan)
Another place definitely worth visiting is the Franciscan monastery in Hvar town, known for its library and art collection, as well as a 300-year-old cypress in the monastery garden.
Grapčeva Karst Cave (Grapčeva kraška špilja)
Another incredible natural location is Grapčeva karst cave. This archaeological monument with impressive stalactites and stalagmites preserves artifacts from the Neolithic period and is interesting for both historians and those who simply love natural beauty.
Grapčeva Cave on Hvar Island. In our travels we’ve seen more beautiful caves, but we still liked this one
Brusje
Nature lovers should definitely visit the lavender fields around Brusje village, which bloom best in June and July. This place is famous for producing lavender oil and souvenirs (I recommend buying a bottle for an unforgettable aroma).
Incredibly beautiful lavender fields on Hvar Island
Dubovica Beach (Plaža Dubovica)
And you can’t complete a trip around Hvar without visiting Dubovica beach – one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. White pebbles and turquoise water create an incredibly beautiful picture, and access to the beach through olive groves adds even more romance.
It turned out that Dubovica beach is quite popular among vacationers. Here you can meet both many people from Croatia itself and tourists
Pakleni Archipelago
One cannot overlook the islands of the Pakleni archipelago, the largest among them being St. Clement Island (Sveti Klement). This place is famous for its cozy Palmižana and Vinogradice beaches, which have become favorites for snorkeling lovers.
Each of these places has its unique atmosphere. To feel it, I recommend planning Tours for early morning or late evening, when there are fewer tourists and you can fully enjoy these wonders.
And this is the view from Hvar of the Pakleni Islands archipelago
If you decide to visit Hvar Island and not only, as part of a tour group, then I recommend the following Tours:
- Secluded corners along the Adriatic Sea coast during an all-day catamaran cruise with lunch and drinks on board to Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Islands: costs 72 euros year-round.
- Blue Cave all-inclusive Tour with BBQ lunch on equipped boat costing 206 euros, lasting 10 hours
Tours to Blue Lagoon and Islands: Drvenik Veli, Šolta, Čiovo
I want to separately tell you about various tours to Blue Lagoon and islands such as Drvenik Veli, Šolta, and Čiovo, because it’s a real variety of impressions available from Split.
Each island has its features: in Drvenik Veli you can enjoy swimming in Blue Lagoon and snorkeling, on Šolta – visit authentic fishing villages and taste local delicacies, and Čiovo offers beach relaxation and historical monuments.
Classic Boat Tour
Let’s start with classic “Blue Lagoon & Three Islands” tours. This is a whole day of adventure that starts from Split and leads to Drvenik Veli, where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lagoon. Then tourists head to Šolta, where you can visit authentic fishing villages and taste local delicacies. The journey ends on Čiovo Island, ideal for beach relaxation and visiting historical monuments.
Such a tour costs from 60 to 80 euros for adults and from 30 to 40 euros for children, including lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Here are several variants of this Tour:
- Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Tour on speedboat with small group. Cost 80 euros, duration 5 hours
- Exploring charming Trogir city, famous Blue Lagoon and Šolta Island during speedboat Tour from Split (has high rating), which costs 80 euros and lasts 5 hours
- Boat tour to Blue Lagoon and islands, including water activities and lunch. Costs 65 euros and lasts 8 hours
Private Yacht
If a tourist wants something more exclusive, it’s worth paying attention to a private yacht tour. An ideal option for those who want to create their own route, stop where they want, and enjoy the company of loved ones. The duration of such tours usually varies from 8 to 12 hours, and the cost starts from 600 to 900 euros per yacht (for 8-10 people). For this money, travelers get premium service: champagne, gourmet snacks, and personal approach.
Speed Boat
For those who want to try something more active, choose a speed boat tour. This option allows a smaller group (6-8 people) to reach two islands of choice in 5-6 hours and immerse themselves in swimming and snorkeling. Prices for such a tour vary from 90 to 120 euros per person.
Large Ship
A good rest for little money is helped by the budget option with a large ship, which is very popular among tourists. The duration of this tour usually lasts a full day. Groups can be up to 50 people, and lunch and drinks are more standard. The cost of such Tours ranges between 45-55 euros for adults.
Sunset Tour
Separately, it’s worth mentioning sunset tours, which are especially popular in the evening when the water takes on a magical shade. They start after 4:00 PM and last until sunset. This is a wonderful option for romantics. The cost is 70-90 euros and includes dinner with wine.
A few useful tips when planning a trip to Blue Lagoon
I want to focus on additional options and advice.
All tours offer early booking discounts, usually 10-15% of the cost. And in peak season (falls in July-August) prices can increase by 10-20%, so it’s worth booking a place in advance to get the best conditions.
In addition, many tours offer additional activities such as fishing, diving, or windsurfing, which can be ordered for an extra fee.
Weather conditions sometimes affect the route and schedule, but operators usually offer alternatives or refunds in case of unfavorable conditions.
Top 10 locations on Brač Island: from Zlatni Rat to Ancient Monasteries
Let’s talk about the most charming corners of Brač Island that are definitely worth seeing.
- First of all, one cannot overlook the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which I mentioned above. Visiting Zlatni Rat is like getting on the cover of a travel magazine, where crystal-clear water washes the shores of a picturesque place.
- After the beach, I recommend climbing the Vidova Gora viewpoint – this is the highest point of the Adriatic islands, reaching a height of 778 meters. This cliff is an excellent place to enjoy panoramic views of Zlatni Rat, Hvar Island, and the mainland coast. You can reach the observation deck by both car and hiking trail, making this place easily accessible to visitors.
- A special place on my list is occupied by Blaca Wilderness (Pustinja Blaca) – a 16th-century monastery complex built right into the cliff. To get there, you’ll have to walk about 45 minutes up a steep path, but believe me – it’s worth it (comfortable shoes are a must). The church, ancient library, and even an observatory create an incredible atmosphere of past centuries.
In this photo you can clearly see how the monastery continues to enter the cliff. Personally, such architectural solutions have always impressed me, and we’ve encountered them rarely
4. Regarding settlements, I recommend visiting Supetar – this is the island’s main port, impressive with its charming waterfront, ancient churches, and typical Dalmatian architecture. Supetar also has an interesting old town with narrow streets where you can feel the atmosphere of true Dalmatian life.
5. Bol town is the oldest coastal settlement on the island, known for its vineyards and wine cellars. The famous Wine Road is located here, where visitors can taste local wines.
The waterfront of Bol town on Brač Island
- Dol village is an authentic village in the center of the island, known for its traditional architecture, olive groves, and restaurants with local cuisine. Here you can see real island life and enjoy traditional dishes.
- Museum of Brač Island in Škrip (Museum of Brac). Škrip is the island’s oldest settlement, and this is where the museum is located. The exhibition tells about the area’s history, especially about stone processing traditions. For me, this was an interesting way to delve into local culture.
- There’s also an interesting place on Brač called Dragon’s Cave, which I already mentioned in the article. This is a 15th-century cave monastery with reliefs, among which is an image of a dragon. To get there, you need to obtain permission in advance from tourist offices, so it’s best to choose an organized Tour. The climb to the cave is not easy (you need comfortable clothes and shoes), but the atmosphere of this place is truly unique.
The Dragon’s Cave has very interesting walls, as if someone carved on them
9. Brač Quarries This is a place where the famous Brač stone is extracted, from which the White House in Washington and Diocletian’s Palace in Split were built. The tour of the quarries was very educational: you can observe how masters work and learn about the history of this craft.
10. And finally – Lovrečina beach. This is a rare sandy beach for Croatia, near which you can see the ruins of a 5th-century early Christian basilica. A wonderful place to end the day.
Panoramic view of Lovrečina beach and ruins located near it
All these places are very interesting and special in different ways. I’ve selected several Tours that combine visiting some locations and can be useful if time is limited:
- Discover secluded corners along the Adriatic Sea coast during an all-day catamaran cruise with lunch and drinks on board costing 72 euros (unchanged throughout the year). This tour only partially covers Brač during the journey but gives 1.5 hours to explore the island and is suitable if you want to see as much as possible in the Adriatic.
- A unique journey: one-day cruise to Brač Island with lunch, professional crew, and cabin, costing 270 euros (season and off-season) . This is an Tour for more detailed study of the area and island bays. Combines cruise and swimming with a walk around Brač.
From my own experience, I recommend visiting these places early in the morning or closer to evening, especially in the summer season, to avoid heat and tourist crowds. You also need to bring comfortable shoes – they’ll be needed for walks through ancient streets and mountain trails.
My opinion: when it's worth taking Tours to 3-5 Islands from Split, and in which cases It's worth thinking carefully
And finally, I want to talk about when it’s worth choosing a Tour to 3-5 islands from Split, and when it’s better to consider independent travel.
When is it worth choosing organized Tours in Split?
- If you only have 1-2 days in Split, a Tour is a real lifesaver. For 60-80 euros you can get maximum impressions. Logistics, route planning – this has already been taken care of. Traveling in the high season (July-August), it’s worth considering that ferries are often overcrowded and tickets may be sold out. An organized tour guarantees comfortable transportation, and you won’t have to rack your brain looking for available accommodation.
- When traveling with children or elderly relatives, organized Tours provide comfortable and carefree relaxation. Convenient transport, well-thought-out schedule, and constant guide accompaniment – all these aspects make the trip more pleasant. Don’t forget that the Tour cost includes meals and other conveniences.
When Is It Better to Organize Independent Travel in Split?
- If you plan to stay longer, say 5 days or more, traveling alone works out more economically. For example, ferry tickets Split-Hvar cost 11-13 euros, Split-Brač – 8-10 euros, Split-Vis – 15-17 euros. In the off-season (May, September) you can also enjoy traveling at lower prices, avoiding tourist crowds.
- For those who like to plan independently and create a flexible schedule for themselves, travel without Tours may turn out to be a better option. It gives the opportunity to linger on a favorite island, visit places off tourist routes, and get acquainted with local culture. However, you need to prepare for additional expenses such as transfers to/from ports, vehicle rental on islands, and meals.
Regarding practical advice:
- In July-August, it’s best to buy ferry tickets online in advance on the Jadrolinija website.
- To some remote islands like Vis, ferries may run less frequently, especially in off-season.
- If you plan to visit famous places such as the Blue Cave in Biševo, an organized Tour is a convenient option due to complex logistics and the need for precise timing.
So, the choice between an organized Tour and independent travel entirely depends on individual vacation style, available time, and visiting season.