Split remains one of the best bases in Croatia for road trips in 2026. The city gives quick access to UNESCO towns, coastal roads, national parks, beaches and mountain viewpoints without changing hotels every night. Split old town is best explored on foot, but the strongest places around the city are much easier with a car, especially if you want early starts, flexible stops and better control over parking. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit from Split by car.
Travelers who want to explore Dalmatia properly often choose car rental Split options from RentGo Split with clear conditions, convenient pickup and vehicles suitable for airport arrivals, coastal routes and full day trips. This is especially useful if your plan includes Trogir, Klis Fortress, Krka National Park, Omiš or the Makarska Riviera during one stay.
Split, Marjan and Klis Fortress
Start with Split itself. Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva are best done without a car, so the practical approach is to park outside the old centre and walk in. After that, Marjan Hill gives one of the easiest viewpoints over the city, harbour and nearby islands.
Klis Fortress is the best short drive from Split for visitors who want history and wide views without spending the whole day on the road. It is usually around 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic. This route works well on arrival day, before a beach afternoon or as a light first route before longer drives later in the trip.
- Best for: first day sightseeing, city views and short drives
- Driving note: do not try to park inside the old town core
- Good route: Split old town, Marjan, Klis Fortress, Solin
Trogir, Kaštela and the Airport Coast: Best Places to Visit Split by Car
Trogir is one of the most practical places to visit from Split by car. Its historic centre sits on a small island and is known for medieval streets. In addition, stone architecture and a waterfront that works well for lunch or an evening walk. The centre is pedestrian focused, so park outside and walk in.
The drive from Split to Trogir usually takes around 30 to 50 minutes. In summer, traffic near Kaštela, Split Airport and Trogir can slow down. But the route is still useful because it gives access to smaller coastal stops between the two towns. This is also a strong option for arrival or departure day if you are using Split Airport.
- Best for: historic streets, airport routes and short coastal stops
- Driving note: allow extra time near Trogir and Split Airport in high season
- Good route: Split, Kaštela, Trogir, Split Airport area
Krka National Park and Šibenik
Krka National Park is one of the strongest full day trips from Split. The drive to the Skradin or Lozovac area usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Depending on route, season and traffic. The park is known for waterfalls, river scenery and walking paths, with Skradinski Buk as one of the main visitor areas.
Šibenik is worth adding if you want a historic coastal city in the same route. It offers a different atmosphere from Split, with a compact old town and cathedral area. A car makes this day much easier because you can choose your park entrance, control your timing and avoid being tied to fixed group transfer hours.
- Best for: waterfalls, river scenery, historic streets and full day routes
- Driving note: check park entrance conditions and parking before departure
- Good route: Split, Skradin or Lozovac, Krka National Park, Šibenik
Omiš, Cetina Canyon and Makarska Riviera: Best Places to Visit Split by Car
Omiš is one of the best short coastal drives from Split. It sits where the Cetina River reaches the Adriatic and is backed by cliffs, river scenery and small beaches. The drive usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, but summer traffic on the coastal road can make it longer.
If you want a bigger beach day, continue towards the Makarska Riviera. Brela, Baška Voda and Makarska offer some of the best sea views and beach stops in this part of Dalmatia. This route is best with a morning departure, especially in July and August, because parking near popular beaches can fill early.
- Best for: beaches, river scenery, coastal roads and summer day trips
- Driving note: coastal traffic can be slow in peak season
- Good route: Split, Omiš, Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska.
The best Split itinerary by car depends on how much time you want to spend driving. Split, Marjan and Klis work well for an easy local route. Trogir and Kaštela are ideal for a relaxed coastal day or airport connection. Krka National Park and Šibenik deserve a full day. Omiš and the Makarska Riviera are the right choice for beaches, cliffs and coastal scenery.
In 2026, Split remains one of Croatia’s most useful bases for travelers who want variety without constant hotel changes. With a well planned rental car route, you can move between Roman history, UNESCO towns, waterfalls, river canyons, mountain viewpoints and Adriatic beaches in a way that feels flexible, efficient and comfortable.
