After settling into your accommodation, wander through the atmospheric Varos neighborhood to sip a leisurely coffee at a tucked-away café like Konoba Fotić and browse local bakeries for fresh pastries. Continue with a relaxed stroll up to the Marjan Hill viewpoint for sweeping views over Split and the Adriatic — perfect for orienting yourself and snapping photos before lunch, with easy walking paths and shaded benches to keep the start of your day low-key and comfortable.
As the afternoon unfolds, dive into the heartbeat of Split with a self-guided wander through Diocletian’s Palace corridors—visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower for panoramic city views and peek into the charming Peristyle square where street musicians often play. Afterward, stroll down to the waterfront Riva promenade to watch the golden light on the harbor, pause for a seafood plate and local white wine at a terrace restaurant like Zrno Soli or Bokeria, and catch a relaxed sunset ferry vibe for tomorrow’s island hop.
As twilight settles, wander toward the atmospheric Veli Varoš fishing quarter to dine at a family-run konoba like Konoba Matejuška, sampling grilled Adriatic fish and buzara-style shellfish while locals share relaxed conversation. After dinner, take a short stroll to the lively Peristil-adjacent Piazzetta to enjoy an espresso or gelato on a terrace, then finish with a leisurely harbor-side walk along the eastern Lungomare to watch boats bobbing under the city lights—an easy, low-key close to your first day before tomorrow’s island adventure.
Start with a sunrise-friendly stroll along Bačvice beach to watch locals play picigin, then grab a strong coffee and homemade fritule at a beachfront café like Kavana Bačvice before the crowds. From there, head to the quieter sandy stretch of Znjan for a relaxed swim and rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline, finishing with a mid-morning visit to the charming Sustipan park clifftop for panoramic views and a peaceful picnic among pine trees.
After a refreshing morning by Bačvice and Znjan, head into the Old Town to explore the atmospheric Fish Market (Pazar) for local produce and fragrant spices, then visit the vaulted cellars of the People’s Square (Narodni Trg) to soak up everyday Dalmatian life. Stop for a late-afternoon snack of pašticada or a mixed seafood plate at a terrace on Ulica Jakova Gotovca, then climb the modest stairways up to the small, peaceful gardens of the Papalić Palace for golden-hour views before an evening aperitif back on the Riva.
As the sun softens, head to the charming Veli Varos neighborhood to dine at Konoba Fetivi for flame-grilled squid and a chilled glass of lokal white, then wander up to the hidden Vidilica viewpoint on Marjan’s eastern rim for twilight panoramas of the harbor. Finish with a nightcap at Charlie’s Bar in the Old Town or an evening gelato on Ulica Domina, enjoying laid-back Dalmatian street life before turning in for your Hvar day-trip tomorrow.
Catch an early Jadrolinija or Kapetan Luka ferry to Hvar town and begin with a stroll through the lively harbor, then take the short funicular up to the Spanish Fortress for sweeping views of the Pakleni Islands and Split’s coastline. Descend into Hvar’s sunlit streets to sip a lavender-infused cappuccino at Kava2, browse artisanal shops along St. Stephen’s Square, and pop into the Benedictine convent museum to see its famous lace and a serene rooftop garden before heading toward the old port for a midday boat transfer to the nearby Pakleni islets.
After exploring the fortress and convent, catch a local bus or stroll to the Mint and Arsenal area to wander boutique galleries and sample fresh-market olive oils at a tasting bar like Oliveto. Later, rent a scooter or join a short guided boat to the quieter southern coves around Milna and Dubovica for a swim from pebbled beaches, finish with a seaside lunch of grilled branzino at a family run konoba such as Dalmatino before returning to the harbor for the evening ferry back to Split.
As dusk falls, head to the quieter Gavella neighborhood to enjoy an apertivo on a shaded terrace at Antika Bar, then wander down to the old fishing harbor of Stari Grad for a slower, local-paced atmosphere. Finish with a seaside dinner at Konoba Menego sampling peka-style lamb or fresh scampi, followed by a peaceful moonlit walk along the waterfront to catch the ferry back to Split.
After returning to Split, ease into the morning with a leisurely walk through the stylish Marmontova pedestrian street, pausing at boutique shops like Lora & Luka for unique Croatian linen and at the artisanal chocolate counter in Pločice to pick up edible souvenirs. Then head to the Green Market (Gradska tržnica) near the ferry port to sample and buy local olive oils, dried figs and artisan cheeses before a relaxed brunch at Figa Bakery — perfect last-minute tastes and gifts before your onward journey.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the atmospheric quarter around Ulica Domina and Marmontova’s side streets to pick up last-minute gifts from local designers at Concept Store Switch and handcrafted ceramics at Galerija Riva. Pause for a late lunch and tasting menu of Dalmatian small plates and local rosé at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, then stroll to the nearby Sustipan cliffs for one last seaside view before collecting bags and heading to the airport or ferry.
For a relaxed final evening, wander through the atmospheric Papalić Gardens and down to the boutiques lining Ulica Radića to pick up last-minute artisan soaps or linen pieces at Shops of Splitska Kneževina. Dine at Konoba Hvaranin for a hearty Dalmatian stew paired with local plavac mali, then finish with a sunset stroll along the western Lungomare toward Kaštelet, enjoying the twinkle of harbor lights and one last gelato from Slasticarna Toni before turning in for your departure.