Beyond Hvar
While Hvar Island offers plenty to explore, the surrounding mainland presents exciting day trip opportunities that complement your island experience. These family-friendly excursions provide different perspectives on Dalmatian culture, history, and natural beauty—perfect for before or after your Hvar stay.
Special thanks to Field School parent Wes Dean for contributing to this article and sharing his knowledge of the Split area!
Family Day Trip Strategy
Start early to maximize exploration time and avoid midday heat
Pack more snacks and water than you think necessary—mainland destinations may have fewer convenient food options than tourist-oriented islands
Consider the return timing carefully, especially if relying on public transportation back to Split
Balance active experiences with relaxation—pair historical sites with beach or river time
Keep day trips streamlined rather than attempting to see too many locations in one outing
Omiš: River Adventures & Pirate Town
Just 30-40 minutes from Split by bus (#60), Omiš offers a refreshing contrast to island experiences with its dramatic setting where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic. This former pirate stronghold sits beneath towering limestone cliffs that create an unforgettable backdrop.
Family Activities:
River Exploration: The emerald-green Cetina River provides multiple adventure options. Consider a kayaking excursion to Radmanove Mlinice (approximately 4 hours round-trip), where children as young as 6 can participate in double kayaks with parents. Dalmatia Travel (Omiš Tours) offers reliable rentals and guidance.
Boat Rides: For families with younger children or those seeking a more relaxed experience, passenger boats offer scenic trips upriver with minimal effort.
Historic Town Wandering: The compact old town features narrow streets perfect for exploration, with medieval fortifications that once protected notorious Omiš pirates.
Practical Tip: Make this a full-day excursion, as summer traffic can extend travel time from Split. Radmanove Mlinice restaurant makes an excellent lunch stop during river activities, with ample space for children to play while adults relax. Parking is available if you're traveling by car.
Trogir: A Mini Ancient City
This UNESCO-protected island town connected to the mainland by bridges feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval storybook. Easily reached by bus #37 from Split, Trogir predates even Split itself, having been founded by Greek colonists.
Family Appeal:
Child-Sized Exploration: Trogir's narrow stone streets create an immersive labyrinth that children love to navigate. The pedestrian-only old town provides safe wandering for families.
Living History: Unlike more formal museums, Trogir presents history as a living environment where modern life continues within ancient walls.
Compact Size: The historical center can be explored in a few hours, making it manageable even with younger children who might tire of extended sightseeing.
Practical Tip: While Trogir might not fill an entire day on its own, it combines perfectly with exploring one of the Kaštelas on your return journey to Split.
Kaštelas: Castle-Hopping Along the Coast
Between Trogir and Split, a string of seven small coastal towns (collectively called Kaštela) offers quick cultural stops ideal for breaking up journeys. Each town features a small defensive castle built by noble families in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Family Highlights:
Kaštela Gomilica: This photogenic fortress appears to float on the water and has even served as a filming location for popular TV shows.
Ancient Olive Tree: In Kaštel Štafilić, find the oldest olive tree in Dalmatia—almost 1,500 years old! This living monument provides perspective on the region's deep agricultural heritage.
Beach Breaks: The coastline between castles offers numerous small beaches perfect for cooling off between historical explorations.
Practical Tip: None of the individual Kaštelas warrants a full-day visit, but they make perfect 15-30 minute stops while traveling between Trogir and Split. Bus #37 connects all the Kaštela towns.
Klis Fortress: History with a View
Perched dramatically on a mountain pass overlooking Split, this imposing medieval fortress controlled access to the coastal city for centuries. Easily accessible via bus #22 from Split (or #16 with a short walk), Klis offers expansive views and historical adventures.
Family Appeal:
Freedom to Explore: Unlike more structured historical sites, Klis invites open exploration across multiple levels, with endless hiding spots and lookout points.
Panoramic Views: The sweeping vistas of Split, the surrounding mountains, and the Adriatic provide perfect photo opportunities and help children visualize the strategic importance of the location.
Pop Culture Connection: Featured in popular fantasy television shows, Klis might be recognizable to older children and teens, adding another dimension of interest.
Practical Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to experience the golden light over Split and potentially catch a spectacular sunset from this elevated vantage point.
Transportation Tips
Navigating public transportation with family becomes significantly easier with the Promet Split app:
Download before your trip to access real-time schedules and routes
Purchase tickets through the app at approximately 50% less than paying cash onboard
Available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store
The app proves particularly valuable when traveling with children, as it reduces wait times and uncertainty that can challenge young travelers' patience.