By the Dalmatia Express crew — skippers who sail the Split–island routes every day, 24/7. Updated 12 September 2026.

The best islands from Split are not all the same. Each island below is best at one thing. This ranking judges them on that, not on popularity. Here is our honest view of the nine best islands near Split: what each one is best for, how long it takes to get there, and who should go. Island hopping from Split needs a little planning. Some islands are a 30-minute trip. Others take most of a day by public ferry. That difference should shape your plan more than any top-ten list.

We sail these routes every day, in all kinds of sea. For every island you get: the travel time by public catamaran or ferry, the time by private boat, an honest feel of the place, who it suits, and one thing we learned from working on these waters.

How we ranked the best islands from Split

There is no single “best” island near Split. There is a best island for what you want. We scored these nine islands on four things: how different the place is, how fast you can get there and back, how well it fits different types of traveller, and how it copes with summer crowds. Hvar is number one. It is not the most relaxing island. But no other island nearby has the same mix of glamour, good hotels and restaurants, and a beautiful old town. After Hvar come the beach islands, the wine islands, the quiet swimming spots, and one sea cave that is worth the trip on its own.

A private taxi boat is not the cheapest option for one or two people. For a group of 4–10, the price per boat is often fair, and you keep the whole day. Book at Split to Hvar, or ask us for any other island.

One note on the table: public times depend on the operator. Some catamarans go direct. Others stop at Milna (a port on Brač), Hvar, or other ports on the way. Check the current timetable close to your date. Schedules drop a lot outside June–September. The private times above are direct, point-to-point estimates for our boats. They depend on the weather.

1. Hvar Town — the best island near Split if you want glamour

Hvar Town is number one on our list of the best islands from Split for one reason. No other island nearby has all three of these: a beautiful stone old town, a harbour full of big yachts every July and August, and a nightlife scene known as the “Croatian St Tropez”. The main square, the theatre from the 1600s (one of the oldest in Europe), and the Spanish Fortress (the old fort on the hill above town) all look great in real life too.

By public catamaran (a fast passenger boat, no cars) it takes about 50–60 minutes from Split. In summer there are many sailings a day. In winter there are only two to four. In high summer the last boat back usually leaves Hvar Town around 19:15. See our full Split to Hvar ferry guide for every option. Book direct at Split to Hvar. If you are flying in, our Split Airport to Hvar transfer takes you from the airport dock straight to the island. You skip the drive into the city.

Hvar suits couples who want a proper night out. It also suits anyone who wants a base with many restaurants and boat trips. It is less good for families in peak season, when crowds and prices both go up. If your evening plans do not fit the last sailing, a private transfer runs on your schedule, not the timetable.

Skipper’s tip: Everyone wants a table on the Hvar Town harbourfront. Instead, walk two minutes up any side street off the main square. The same kitchens supply many of those places. You pay less, and you do not spend the evening watching yachts park.

2. Brač (Bol and Zlatni Rat) — the best island near Split for beach lovers and active days

Hvar is the island where you go to be seen. Brač is the island where you go to do something. Zlatni Rat is the famous long pebble beach near the town of Bol. Its tip changes shape with the wind and currents. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean. The same steady afternoon wind (the “maestral”) makes it one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe. Away from the beach there is Vidova Gora, the highest peak on any Adriatic island, for a hike. There is also diving, cycling, and very good seafood by the harbour.

Public catamarans from Split to Bol take about 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the operator. In season there are up to six sailings a day. Our Split to Brač ferry guide covers every option. You can book direct at Split to Brač. Our private crossing is the shortest on this list, about 35 minutes from door to dock. This helps if you carry windsurf gear or want to land close to your accommodation.

Brač suits active travellers and anyone who wants one great beach day, rather than a town to walk around. It is less good for nightlife. Bol is lively, but it is calm compared to Hvar.

3. Vis — the best island from Split for getting away from the crowds

Every “hidden gem” list claims Vis. For once, the claim is close to true. Vis was a closed military zone until 1989, so it missed the first tourism boom. It kept fewer resorts, more local konobas (family-run taverns), and beaches like Stiniva. Stiniva is a white-pebble cove between high limestone cliffs. You reach it by boat, or by a steep walk down. Komiža, the old fishing town on the west side of the island, still feels real and unpolished. The island’s wine and fishing traditions are strong. In 2019 UNESCO made the area a Global Geopark.

Public transport is where Vis loses points. Sailing times vary a lot by route. The fastest direct Krilo catamaran takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Sailings that stop at Milna and Hvar first take 2 hours or more. The slower Jadrolinija car ferry takes 2–3 hours. Sailings are much rarer off-season. Check the current timetable, because in winter there can be one sailing a day. Our private run takes about 65 minutes, point to point, all year. See Split to Vis for the comparison.

Vis suits travellers who have already seen Hvar and Brač and want somewhere quieter. It also suits anyone serious about wine or wild swimming. It is a poor choice for a rushed day trip by public ferry. The crossing alone can take half your day. That is why most visitors stay overnight or book a private transfer.

Skipper’s tip: Want to see Stiniva Beach? Go early, or go by sea. The path from the top of the cliff is steep and hot, and the beach is often full by 10am. Boats from Komiža drop you straight on the pebbles. You also see the cove from the sea first, which is the better view.

4. Šolta — the best island near Split for a quiet, no-fuss family day

Šolta does not try to compete with Hvar or Brač. That is the point. It is the closest island to Split and the least touristy of the main options. It is the one most likely to still feel local in August. Expect quiet coves, olive groves (some trees are over a thousand years old), and small harbour villages like Maslinica and Stomorska, where the view matters more than the menu.

It is also the fastest crossing on this list. Public catamarans to Rogač (the main ferry port on Šolta) take about 30 minutes. The car ferry takes closer to an hour. Full details are at Split to Šolta. Our private transfer takes the same 30 minutes. What you buy is flexible timing and a landing point closer to where you stay.

Šolta suits families with young children and anyone who wants a half-day without crowds. It is a weak choice if you want nightlife or a big beach scene. That is not what Šolta is for. For the best coves, read our Šolta island guide.

5. Korčula Town — the best island from Split for history and “little Dubrovnik” charm

Korčula Town earns its “little Dubrovnik” nickname. The old town has a fishbone street plan, built to break the wind. The houses are honey-coloured stone. Local tradition says the explorer Marco Polo was born here, though the evidence is weak. It is a smaller, cheaper alternative to Dubrovnik. If a few hours of history is enough, the island also has beaches, vineyards, and cycling routes.

It is also the longest public crossing on this list. The fastest direct Krilo catamaran takes 2 hours 20 minutes. Other sailings take around 3 hours. The Jadrolinija ferry via Vela Luka (the port at the far end of the island) can take 3 hours 40 minutes. See the full comparison at Split to Korčula. This is where a private transfer makes the biggest difference. Our boats do it in about 80 minutes. That turns an overnight-only trip into a real day trip.

Korčula suits families and history fans. It also fits well with our Hvar to Dubrovnik route if you are heading south instead of returning to Split.

Need a crossing timed around a ferry gap, or a quote for a group? Message the crew with your dates and group size. We will give you a real price, not a range to guess from.

6. The Pakleni Islands — the best islands near Split for beach clubs and escaping Hvar’s crowds

The Pakleni Islands are a small group of islands just off Hvar Town. The main ones are Sveti Klement (Palmižana Bay, beach bars, restaurants), Marinkovac (Stipanska Bay and the famous Carpe Diem beach club), and Jerolim (mostly a nudist beach). None of them has a ferry from Split. You go to Hvar Town first, then take a water taxi. The ride takes 10–20 minutes, and boats leave every 20–30 minutes in season.

So the Pakleni Islands are not a rival to Hvar. They are the beach day you take after the town day. A water taxi usually takes you to one island for the day. You cannot hop between the islands by taxi. So choose your island based on the crowd you want.

They suit anyone visiting Hvar who wants to swim away from the busy harbour. To find which island fits which traveller, see our Pakleni Islands guide.

7. Biševo and the Blue Cave — worth its own place on the list, not just a Vis add-on

The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) is on Biševo, a small island just southwest of Vis. It is the one true bucket-list sight on this list. It is a sea cave. Around midday, sunlight enters through an opening under the water and turns the water a bright, glowing blue. It gets its own place here because many visitors come only for the cave and treat the rest of Vis as extra.

There is no ferry to the cave. Almost everyone visits on an organised speedboat tour from Split, Trogir, or Hvar. At the cave you change into a small local boat, because the entrance is only about 1.5 metres high. Count on about 90 minutes each way by a standard tour speedboat. The entry fee (usually €12–24, paid on site) is often not included. Go between 11am and 1pm for the best light. In rough sea the cave closes to all boats. This is a real safety rule, not a marketing line.

We run this as a private trip, not a tour boat with forty other people. Read our full Blue Cave guide, or see our Blue Cave excursion for timing built around the light, not a fixed slot. It suits anyone who wants the cave without the crowded group tours.

Skipper’s tip: The big group tours all reach the cave around midday. The light is best then, but the line of boats waiting to enter is longest. A private run a little before or after the peak, say 10:15 or 13:15, still gets good light with a much shorter wait.

8. Trogir and Čiovo — the best “island” near Split if you do not want a boat at all

Trogir is a small island joined by bridges to the mainland and to the larger island of Čiovo. That makes it the odd one out on this list: you can reach it by road. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a tight maze of stone streets from the Romanesque and Venetian periods, around the Cathedral of St Lawrence. It is small enough to see properly in half a day. Čiovo, just across the bridge, adds beach clubs and a quieter feel once you are done with the old town.

By bus it is about 30 minutes from Split, with up to 35 departures a day. No ferry timetable needed. By sea it is an easy 20–25 minute private run. That helps if you want to skip the road traffic, which gets very bad in peak season.

Trogir suits anyone short on time who still wants a real old town. It also suits families who want an easy add-on to a stay in Split, rather than a full island trip.

9. Blue Lagoon (Drvenik Veli) — the best pick near Split for swimming in clear turquoise water

The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered channel between the island of Drvenik Veli and two small islets, Krknjaš Mali and Krknjaš Veli. It is on this list because the water here is a different colour from almost anywhere else this close to Split: bright, shallow turquoise. It is a swimming and snorkelling spot, not a town. It is usually part of a half-day or full-day tour boat trip from Split or Trogir.

There is no ferry. You get there by tour boat or private charter only. Standard tour boats take about 80–90 minutes each way from Split. A private speedboat cuts that to about 35–45 minutes. From Trogir it is quicker again, about 30–45 minutes, because it is closer.

This suits anyone who cares more about swimming than sightseeing. It fits well with Trogir, because the two are close. It is a weak choice if you want an old town or a place to eat. Bring lunch. This is a water day, not a town.

Best islands from Split: how to actually choose between them

If you want a short list instead of all nine: first-time visitors with three or four days should do Hvar and Brač. Together they give you the glamour and the beach, and both are easy to reach. If you stay a week or more, add Vis or Korčula for a real change of pace. Both take real time by public catamaran, and a private transfer is the difference between a rushed day and a relaxed one. Families and quieter travellers should choose Šolta and Trogir over Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. If the Blue Cave or the Blue Lagoon is a must, book it as its own trip. Do not add it to an already long day. Both are better without a rush.

Weather is the one thing most plans ignore. Fast public catamarans are the first boats cancelled in strong bura (a cold north-east wind) or jugo (a warm south-east wind). This happens often enough in spring and autumn to ruin a tight plan. Bigger car ferries handle rough sea better. Our closed-cabin boats with radar often still sail when the catamarans have stopped for the day. That matters if you have a flight to catch and no spare time.

Not sure which islands fit your dates, your group size, or your taste for early mornings or late nights? Get in touch with the crew and tell us what you want. We will tell you honestly whether public transport gets you there comfortably, or whether a private run saves your trip.

See the islands before you go

Frequently asked questions about the best islands from Split

What is the best island to visit from Split?

There is no single best island from Split. It depends on what you want. Hvar is number one on our list for its old town, nightlife, and hotels. Brač is better for beaches and active days. Vis suits travellers who want quiet. Šolta suits families who want a simple day without crowds.

How many islands can you visit from Split in one day?

By public catamaran, realistically one island, if you want more than a couple of rushed hours there. Crossing times and limited sailings use up the day fast. Multi-island speedboat tours visit several islands, but you spend most of the day on the water. A private charter gives you more control over how you split the time.

Which island near Split is closest?

Šolta. The public catamaran to Rogač takes about 30 minutes, and a private transfer takes about the same. It is the shortest trip on this list.

Is Hvar or Brač better to visit from Split?

Hvar wins for nightlife and old-town atmosphere. Brač wins for beaches and windsurfing, especially at Zlatni Rat in Bol. Many visitors do both, because neither crossing from Split takes more than about an hour.

How do you get to the Blue Cave from Split?

Almost everyone goes on an organised speedboat tour from Split or Trogir. At the cave you change into a small local boat, because the entrance is only about 1.5 metres high. There is no ferry to Biševo. Count on about 90 minutes each way by standard tour boat, or a shorter run with a private charter.

Is Vis worth visiting from Split?

Yes, especially if you have already seen Hvar and Brač and want somewhere quieter. The trade-off is travel time. Public catamarans take from about 1 hour 10 minutes on the fastest direct sailing to 2 hours or more on routes with stops. So Vis suits an overnight stay or a private transfer better than a rushed day trip.

What islands are best for families near Split?

Šolta and Trogir/Čiovo are the calmest options: short crossings, few crowds, no late nights needed. Korčula also works well for families who want a bit more history and a longer day out.

Do I need a car ferry or a catamaran to visit these islands?

Catamarans (fast boats for foot passengers only) are the quickest and most frequent option for day trips to Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, and Korčula. Car ferries are slower, but you need one if you bring a car. They also run more reliably in rough weather. Private water taxis avoid both limits. They run on your schedule, not a fixed timetable.

One signature experience per island: Hvar — a beach-club day on the Pakleni Islands (Carpe Diem) and wine tasting at Tomić or Zlatan Otok. Brač — windsurfing with Big Blue Sport in Bol, and a visit to the Blaca Hermitage (an old monastery hidden in a canyon). Vis — the military history tour, and the dive to the sunken B-17 bomber with Diving Center B-24. Šolta — olive-oil tasting at Olynthia.

Sources & further reading

• Jadrolinija — official ferry operator
• Krilo Fast Ferries — official schedules
• Ferryhopper — Split–Korčula route schedules 2026
• Ferryhopper — Split–Vis route schedules 2026
• Tourist Office Bol — Zlatni Rat and Bol information
• Split Airport — official transport information