How to get from Hvar to Split
When it's time to swap the island tranquility of Hvar for the bustling city of Split, you'll be welcomed with culture, electric nightlife, and rich architectural beauty.
Those seeking the best option to travel between Hvar and Split have a simple choice because the only way to cross the 37-kilometer distance (23.1 miles) is by boat.
Depending on your transportation choice, reaching the largest city in Dalmatia takes between one hour and two hours and 30 minutes.
Boats typically depart from Hvar Town and arrive at the port in Split. With regular daily departures, particularly in high season, you'll be strolling the streets of Split before you know it.
Unforgettable activities in Split
Fresh wonders wait to be discovered around every corner, so let your feet meander until they find Split's most precious gems:
Visit the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery. Home to the work of one of Croatia's most beloved artists, this attraction is ideal for a rainy morning or a slightly too-hot lunchtime.
Hike Marjan Hill. This semi-difficult hike to Split's highest point provides panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding islands, as well as the nearby mountains of Kozjak and Mosor.
Spend an afternoon lounging on Bacvice Beach. If you're missing the tranquil sandy shores of Hvar, then head to the city's most popular beach to relive the glory days and cool off from a long day exploring the city.
Wander the ruins of Diocletian's Palace. More akin to a sprawling fortress than a palace, this ancient structure forms about half of Split's old town. Spend the day wandering its nooks and crannies to learn about Croatia's ancient history.
Enjoy the views from the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Climb up the bell tower of the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world to take in magnificent views of Croatia's second-largest city. Consecrated around the 7th century AD, the church is also the burial place of Diocletian, the last famous persecutor of Christians.
Explore the Old Town. Aside from the palace, this part of town has countless treasures. Discover more than 1700 years of history while navigating its maze of alleys lined with cobbled stones. Go shopping, sample local dishes, and befriend locals in the various bars dotted around the neighborhood.
Snap pictures in Veli Varos. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Split, this area is famous for its traditional stone houses with green wooden shutters. Founded by fishermen and farmhands in the 17th century, this maze-like area is home to stunning churches. It is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
Visit the Peskerija and Pazar. The fish market and green market, respectively, are the ideal locations to soak up the city's atmosphere, and people watch as the locals go about their business.
How do I get from Hvar to Split?
The only way to travel between Hvar and Split is to take a boat, but how you get to and from the harbor and whether you share the boat with fellow travelers is up to you.
By public ferry
Taking a public ferry is the most convenient and affordable method of transportation between Hvar and Split.
These ferries depart throughout the day and take just one hour to reach Split. With departures beginning in the early hours of the morning and continuing into the evening, travelers will never struggle to find the right option.
You'll leave from Hvar Port and arrive at Matejuska Port or Split Ferry Port; both are in Split's largest harbor.
Possible amenities include (they vary by operator):
By private ferry
You can opt for a private boat transfer to arrive within an hour, but this option is considerably more expensive. It's suitable if traveling with a more luxurious budget or in a large group, so you can split the cost.
These boats are usually for four to eight people, which means less protection from the elements. If you struggle with seasickness, bring tablets!
Possible amenities include:
By car/minivan transfer and ferry
If you don't want to contend with public transportation or getting a taxi, book a private car or minivan transfer to the ferry port.
This option includes the ferry fare and picks passengers up from a range of hotels in Hvar before dropping them off at Hvar Port. After the short, one-hour ferry ride, passengers will be picked up on the other side and dropped off at the Split airport.
Car and Minivan amenities include:
Air-conditioning
Charger point
Wifi, subject to availability
English-speaking staff
Pets allowed to travel
Maximum of 3 passengers for the car, 8 for the minivan
Up to 23kg of luggage per passenger
Rest stops upon request
Child car seat available free of charger
The best things about the journey from Hvar to Split
The journey between Hvar and Split is a beautiful one, thanks to the gorgeous blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
You'll wave goodbye to cobbled streets, white-washed towns, and rolling hills covered in lavender, vineyards, and olive trees. Looking ahead, watch the charming city of Split edge closer with every gentle wave.
Bring some snacks to pass the time, and keep your camera handy to snap pictures of the gorgeous views passing you by.
Pro tip: If you're visiting in the colder shoulder months, bring sea sickness tablets as a preventative because the crossing may be rougher.
Is Split worth visiting?
While the island of Hvar entices celebrities and backpackers alike, Split is a city made for slow, meandering walks to enjoy its scenic seafront and chaotic streets.
Once merely a quick stopover town to depart for the nearby islands, this Croatian city is now a popular tourist hotspot, thanks to its small-town atmosphere and friendly locals.
Bring your camera because there is never a shortage of magnificent sights. Get lost in labyrinthine passageways to discover delicious eateries and groove to live local music spilling onto the walkways from local bars and restaurants.
Tucked on the coast of the Adriatic Sea with azure blue seas, it would be criminal to visit this glorious destination without sampling some fresh seafood on the picturesque seafront promenade, too.
Split is the perfect amalgamation of beachside destinations and rich history, meaning there is something for everyone's tastes.
When is the best time to visit Split?
The best time to visit Split is between September and October when the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds have retreated. You'll also pay less for accommodation.
However, visiting during the summer will offer significantly better weather, meaning fewer days lost to chill or rain. This is the perfect time for beach lovers looking for sunbathing time and watersport adventures.
May to June is also ideal because it brings plentiful sunny days and is just before the peak summer tourist season.
Split benefits from a relatively mild climate year-round, so you'll enjoy your adventure regardless of the time of year.
How many days should we spend in Split?
Four days is plenty of time to spend in Split. The city is a great base to explore other nearby places, so you could opt to stay a bit longer and organize day trips.
Which island is best to visit from Split?
Once Split has satiated your thirst for city life, head to another one of Croatia's nearby islands for more beach time.
Brac is a popular choice thanks to Zlatni Rat Beach, where you can surf or parasail in between sampling sumptuous seafood dishes.
Or you might prefer Korčula, the most highly populated island in Croatia. It's nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik," so take in its many historical sites and well-preserved architecture.
Korčula is perfect for those seeking a dose of history alongside their sunbathing time. It is more remote than other islands near Split, so be prepared for a longer journey.