Explore Split in off-season: The ultimate 5 days itinerary for your next Croatia Adventure!

Once again, it was time for us to step out of our Vienna office and visit some of our partners on-site to explore their activities, discover the destination, and capture plenty of content for our YouTube and Instagram channels. This time, our journey took us to Split, Croatia!

In this article, I’ll be sharing the places we visited, the activities we experienced, and why we believe traveling to Croatia in the off-season is not only more enjoyable but even more stunning than during the busy summer months.

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the places we explored and the activities we enjoyed:

As it was already September, autumn was just around the corner, so both Sharleyne and I (Sophie) were eager to soak up a little more sunshine and enjoy temperatures above 15°C. So, we packed our bags, mapped out the itinerary, and caught our (very, very) early flight to Split!


DAY 1: Sea Kayaking in Split

After catching our early 6 am flight to Split, we arrived—some more awake than others, but nothing a little caffeine couldn’t fix. From the airport, we took a shuttle to the city center, then hopped on a bus to Bene Beach in the Marjan Forest, a must-see spot on any Split itinerary (we planned to explore it more later, so stay tuned).

Our first activity of the trip: Sea Kayaking with our partner Given2Fly Adventures Split. Once there, we met our sea kayaking guide, Sven, who gave us our gear and a quick safety briefing before we set off on the water. While Sharleyne had some kayaking experience, I didn’t—making for an interesting adventure!

Sven (in front), Sharleyne and me (left) and a nice British couple we met on the tour (right)

Things started smoothly, but as we ventured further from the calm bay, we felt the full power of the sea. It turned into quite the arm workout! After about an hour, Sven kindly offered to tow us, and though we hesitated at first, we gladly accepted the second time (with very tired arms). The waves were a bit more intense than we expected, so it wasn’t quite the relaxing paddle we had in mind, but it was definitely fun. As we paddled past Marjan Hill, we spotted several military bunkers—remnants from World War II, when Croatia was a key strategic location. We even stopped at a secluded bay for a swim in the crystal-clear water.

Thanks to Sven, we made it back with smiles on our faces—exhausted but thrilled by the experience.

Can’t quite hide the relief in my face as we paddled back to the calmer water

Our Tip: Make sure to bring water shoes and a change of clothes as well as enough water to drink, you will definitely need it!


After our sea kayaking adventure, we returned to the city center for a late lunch, explored Split a bit, enjoyed a beautiful sunset, and then called it a day—tired but full of new impressions.

We were both craving Pasta with seafood, so that’s what we got!

DAY 2 – Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip

On our second day, we set off early for a day trip to Mostar and the Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia & Herzegovina. After meeting the provider Booker Travel Agency in Split, we took a three-hour drive to Mostar, a city beautifully situated on the Neretva River and the fifth-largest in the country. Though I napped part of the way, the landscape was stunning.

Mostar is named after the “mostari,” the bridge keepers who once guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) during the Ottoman era. This 16th-century bridge, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the city’s most famous landmark and symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, reflected in its diverse architecture, shared cultural practices, and community events. Today, men jump from the bridge into the icy Neretva River and collect money from spectators—a tradition that evolved from the old bridge keepers.

The famous bridge in Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

We enjoyed a brief tour with our guide, who shared the city’s rich history. Mostar thrived during the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods, later industrializing under Yugoslavia. Although heavily damaged during the Bosnian War, the Old Bridge has been restored, symbolizing both the city’s resilience and its role as a cultural hub.

Our Tip: As the day progressed, the city became crowded with tourists, especially along the narrow streets. To avoid the rush, we recommend visiting early for a more relaxed experience.

After enjoying a traditional Herzegovinian lunch at a traditional restaurant called “Šadrvan” (we would definitely recommend getting the “traditional platter”, we hopped back on the bus for our next stop: Počitelj, a picturesque village showcasing a captivating blend of oriental and medieval architecture. We took a short stroll to explore the town, culminating in a climb to the Citadel fortress, where breathtaking views awaited us. 

The beautiful view from the Citadel Fortress on the village Počitelj

Next, we continued to our final destination, the Kravice Waterfalls, one of the most stunning natural sites in the Herzegovinian region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cascading from the Trebižat River over large tuff limestone deposits into the lake below, the waterfalls are located in a protected area that welcomes locals and tourists for visits, picnics, camping, and swimming. The September weather was still warm enough for a dip in the crystal-clear water.

The beautiful composition of the Kravice Waterfalls and the afternoon sun light

Our Tip: Wear water shoes to walk on the cobblestone paths, and try to arrive early in the day or visit during the off-season, as even in September, it was quite crowded.


We returned to Split around 7 pm, and after enjoying a delicious seafood dinner, we headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready to recharge for the adventures of the next day.


DAY 3: Rafting on Cetina River & Exploring Split

On day three, we had an exciting adventure planned: rafting on the Cetina River with Adventure Dalmatia. The weather forecast was not as sunny and warm as the previous days, but it did not bother us. We started with a hearty breakfast, enjoying delicious avocado toast and coffee for the energy we’d need. Afterward, we made our way to the meeting point, where we were conveniently making use of the included city transfer and were driven into the countryside to our rafting starting point, with stunning views and changing landscapes as we left the city behind.

The view from the minivan on Croatia’s countryside

On site, we were welcomed by our guide, Roco, who would join us on the raft. After gearing up with helmets, wetsuits, and life jackets, we received a safety briefing and set off on our adventure along the stunning river. The autumn weather provided a breathtaking backdrop, with fog draping the mountain peaks and a gray sky enhancing the fall atmosphere—slight rain didn’t dampen our spirits.

The autumn atmosphere during the Rafting Tour on the Cetina River with Adventure Dalmatia

Rafting quickly became one of my favorite activities; it was an amazing way to explore the outdoors, connect with nature, and stay active. Navigating the rapids added a thrilling touch to the experience, and as an autumn lover, I found even more joy in it after this adventure!

The tour lasted about five hours, and after being dropped off back in Split, we headed to our hotel for a quick shower before venturing out to explore the city further. We were pleasantly surprised by Split’s beauty, as we hadn’t known much about it before our visit. Rich in history, the city boasts stunning monuments like Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva waterfront, where we enjoyed a lovely stroll. We also visited the Grgur Ninski Statue—rubbing its big toe is said to bring good luck—and wandered through charming alleys filled with delightful restaurants and shops.

The tower of the Diocletian’s Palace covered in the evening sun

We were treated to a beautiful sunset, as the sky had cleared up throughout the day, so we enjoyed the views a bit more, and even headed up the Viewpoint to Marjan, which offers a nice view over the city and the sea. In high spirits, we enjoyed a lovely dinner before returning to the hotel.

The sunset over Split from the viewpoint on the hill

DAY 4: River Tubing on Cetina River

Day four felt both familiar and new. We kicked off the morning with a big breakfast before heading to our meeting point for another adventure. Again, we drove along picturesque country roads to the Cetina River, where we suited up for today’s adventure: river tubing. I was eager to try this activity, having never done it before. In river tubing, you float on a tube and navigate the river using just your hands, without any additional equipment. We ventured to a quieter stretch of the Cetina, which allowed for a more relaxed exploration of the surrounding nature. I loved the calmness of tubing, as it let me soak in the scenery while still enjoying the thrill of small rapids. The warm sun on our skin and the stunning backdrop made for a perfect day.

I highly recommend river tubing if you find rafting a bit too intense and prefer a more leisurely way to enjoy nature on the water. Just be cautious of trees and branches along the shore—you might get snagged a bit, but that only adds to the fun!

After returning to the city, we opted for a short evening hike up Marjan Hill, which not only provides stunning panoramic views of Split but is also a delightful trek. Along the way, we spotted the famous Poljud Stadium, and once we reached the Marjan Park Viewpoint, we were mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas of the city, the hill, and the sparkling sea.

On our drive back from the Cetina River to Split, our driver recommended a restaurant called “Fife,” a popular spot known for its traditional atmosphere and tourist-friendly vibe, so we decided to go there for dinner that night. Sharleyne chose the fried calamari, while I went for the stuffed cabbage. Although we understood why it’s a hotspot, we weren’t overly impressed by the food—it was good, but not exceptional. However, if you want to avoid the high-priced touristy restaurants along the Riva, this might be a nice spot for you!

We called it an early night and headed back to the hotel to pack our stuff, as the next day was sadly already our last one.


DAY 5 – Boat Trip to the Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon and Hvar Island

I was especially excited about day five, even though it was our last. This was the day we’d explore Croatia’s beautiful islands during a boat trip with SeaYou Croatia! We met our hostess early in the morning, ready for the adventure to begin. Our first stop: the famous Blue Cave on Biševo Island. This stunning sea cave is known for its enchanting blue light, caused by sunlight reflecting off the seabed. Best visited around midday, the Blue Cave, discovered in 1884, remains one of Croatia’s most magical natural wonders, captivating visitors with its unique blue glow.

The magical blue glow in the Blue Cave on Biševo Island

After arriving at Biševo Island, we had some time to explore while our hostess handled the Blue Cave tickets, as it’s only accessible by small motorboats. Soon, we were ready to experience the cave’s magical blue glow firsthand. We were amazed that the colors were just as vibrant as in the photos! The atmosphere inside was truly special, and the skilled skippers navigated us smoothly through the cave, making sure we saw every corner. Just remember to duck when entering—the entrance is quite narrow!

After this incredible experience, we continued our boat trip along Vis Island’s coastline, guided by our captain and hostess who shared interesting facts about the area. Our next stop was Stiniva Bay, famous for being a filming location for Mamma Mia 2. For the brave, there was a quick swimming stop, but since the day wasn’t quite as warm as the previous ones—despite the sunshine—we decided to skip the dip and enjoy the views instead.

Our next stop was the Blue Lagoon on Budihovac Island. The captain shared a fun fact: the island’s only residents are an old man and his ducks, chickens, geese, and donkeys. Not a bad retirement setup! As a visitor, you can swim, snorkel, or relax at the local restaurant. We chose to explore the island, greeted the animals, and stumbled upon an even more beautiful beach on the other side. So, if you visit, don’t just stick to the main spot—take time to explore the small island’s hidden gems!

Our final stop was the island of Hvar, which we’d heard so much about and were eager to explore. As we approached, we were greeted by a stunning view of the town and the impressive Fortica Fortress towering above. Once on land, we grabbed lunch with fellow boat trip participants before making our way up to the fortress. The scenic path offered gorgeous views of the city, sea, and lots of cacti. The climb got a bit warm under the sun, so we treated ourselves to some lavender ice cream, a local specialty. I’d give it a solid 8/10—definitely worth a try!


And just like that, our last day came to an end—or so we thought. On the boat ride back to Split, Sharleyne started feeling unwell. Turns out, she had dealt with seasickness before but, confident she’d overcome it, left her pills at home. Well, that didn’t end so well! So, to wrap up this article and help you avoid the same fate, here are a few tips to combat seasickness:

  • Focus on a fixed point on land, like a tower, a tree or anything that doesn’t move
  • Focus on your breathing
  • Always bring seasickness pills—or ask the crew. They often have some on board!

Oh and by the way… Turns out I am also a bit sea sick. Well, now I know and next time I come more prepared. 


Even though our trip didn’t end quite as we expected, we had an amazing time filled with incredible adventures. Safe to say, this won’t be our last visit to Croatia!

If you want to see more from our journey, check out our YouTube video to catch a glimpse of all the beautiful spots we visited!

Also, check out our Instagram for more and daily content about CheckYeti!

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