Krka National Park
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Day trips from Split to Krka National Park

Just under two hours from Split, Krka National Park offers riverside boardwalks, boat rides, and working watermills along one of Croatia’s most scenic inland routes. It’s a rewarding escape from the city, all in a single day.

Why take a trip from Split to Krka National Park?

Krka National Park boat tour with view of cascading waterfalls.
Traditional ethno village in Krka National Park, Croatia, showcasing rustic stone houses and lush greenery.
Wine glasses on a table during a tasting session in Plastovo.
Waterfalls and lush greenery at Krka National Park, Croatia, featured in Krka National Park Tours.
Wooden bridge over clear water with waterfalls in Krka National Park, Croatia.
Jaruga Hydroelectric Power Plant at Krka National Park, Croatia, with surrounding lush greenery.
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Short distance from Split

Krka National Park is around 90 minutes away by road, making it a convenient inland detour from the Dalmatian coast without needing an overnight stay or flight.

See beyond the Coast

Split is surrounded by sea, but Krka adds something different—rivers, inland forests, and shaded walking trails, giving a fuller picture of what Croatia has to offer beyond beaches.

Wine and small-town stops

Krka tours from Split often include wine tastings or visits to towns like Skradin, letting you mix nature with food and local exploration in a single itinerary.

Good for groups or solo travelers

From guided group tours to private day trips, there are options for every kind of traveler. Transport and entry tickets are often included, so there’s less to organize.

No crowds like Plitvice

While Plitvice Lakes can be packed, Krka is smaller and easier to navigate. You still get waterfalls, pools, and wooden walkways—just with more time to enjoy them at your own pace.

Time-efficient

The route is direct and doesn't involve long hikes or transfers. You’ll see waterfalls, ride a boat, try wine, and still return to Split before dinner.

What a full day from Split to Krka National Park looks like

  • 10:30am: Leave Split by road, passing coastal towns and open countryside as you head north toward the park.
  • 11:30am to 2:30pm: On arrival, start with a walk through the main Skradinski Buk loop. Over three hours, you’ll cross wooden paths alongside waterfalls, pass fish ponds and shaded trails, and stop at lookout points. There’s time for short rests or snack breaks in between.
  • 2:40pm to 3:10pm: Next, walk through a preserved riverside hamlet with traditional buildings and restored mills. Watch demonstrations of how grain was ground and textiles were woven using river-powered tools still in operation.
  • 3:20pm to 3:50pm: Cruise down a calmer stretch of the Krka River. The boat ride reveals quiet inlets, small cliffs, and forested shores, plus a different angle on the park’s natural layout.
  • 4pm to 5pm: Arrive in Skradin, a compact riverside town with a marina, narrow lanes, and swimming spots. You can stroll the streets, take a quick dip, or grab a drink before the final stop.
  • 5pm to 6pm: Visit a family-run winery nearby. You’ll sample several wines and taste seasonal Dalmatian snacks like cheese, prosciutto, and bread with the winemakers explaining how it's all produced.
  • 6pm to 7pm: Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Split, arriving just in time for the evening, whether you want to catch the sunset or head straight into the old town for dinner.

Must-see spots in Krka National Park

Skradinski Buk Waterfall

This is the park’s main waterfall and one of the largest in Croatia, with 17 cascades dropping over travertine shelves. Boardwalks allow close-up access to the pools, streams, and shaded trails.

Roski Slap

Known for its quieter paths and stepped cascades, Roski Slap is often visited by boat. It’s surrounded by walking trails, lookout points, and a peaceful riverbank ideal for exploring off the main path.

Ethno Village and Watermills

A reconstructed village showing how people lived along the Krka River for centuries. Functional watermills, old weaving tools, and stone houses tell the story of traditional life without needing a museum setting.

Visovac Island

Located between two waterfalls, this island houses a monastery founded in the 15th century. Accessible by boat, it’s a peaceful retreat that offers both nature views and historic artifacts in one place.

Krka Monastery

Built above Roman catacombs, this Orthodox monastery is still active today. Its setting deep within the park and unique design make it a quiet but significant stop for visitors.

Burnum Ruins

The remains of a Roman military base that include arches, stone foundations, and an amphitheater. You can walk through the site and picture how Roman forces once used the area.

Manojlovac Waterfall

Krka’s tallest waterfall and located in a canyon upstream, it’s harder to reach but offers excellent panoramic views of the Krka River valley and dramatic vertical drops.

Skradin Town

This small town marks the gateway to Krka via ferry. With stone houses, a harbor, and swimming spots, it’s a pleasant place to relax before or after entering the park.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Krka National Park from Split

How far is Krka National Park from Split?

It’s about 85 km from Split and takes around 1.5 hours to reach by road, depending on traffic and route.

Is a car necessary to visit Krka from Split?

No, many tours operate daily from Split and include transport. You can also take a bus or book a private transfer if you prefer not to drive.

Can I swim at Krka National Park?

Swimming was previously allowed at Skradinski Buk but is now restricted. Some nearby areas or stops like Skradin allow swimming in designated zones.

Are there food options inside the park?

Yes, small cafes and food stands are available near Skradinski Buk, and Skradin has restaurants and bakeries within walking distance of the park entrance.

Is Krka a good day trip with kids?

Yes, the trails are short and flat, the boat ride is safe, and there's plenty of nature to keep kids engaged without too much walking.

When is the best time to leave Split for Krka?

Most tours leave around 8–10 AM. Leaving earlier helps avoid midday crowds and gives more time for stops like Skradin or wine tasting on the way back.

Is it better to visit Krka or Plitvice from Split?

Krka is closer and less time-consuming, while Plitvice offers larger waterfalls and more hiking. Krka works better for a relaxed, flexible day trip from Split.

Krka National Park
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