Most Beautiful National Parks Near Split, Croatia, to Visit in 2025
Split is an ideal base for discovering some of Croatia’s most breathtaking national parks. If you’re after an unforgettable day trip, visiting one of these incredible parks is a must.
While Croatia boasts eight national parks, each with its unique character, five of the most spectacular are just a short journey from Split. Croatia’s national parks have diverse wildlife, fantastic plant species, scenic hiking trails, and stunning waterfalls.
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Krka National Park Day Trip from Split
Krka National Park has 7 magnificent waterfalls. In many parts of Krka, the river flows gently, but the waterfalls steal the show.
The water cascades down in shimmering “silver necklaces,” with ripples that sparkle like scattered jewelry across the river. As the water tumbles over the falls, the silver threads seem to break apart, only to reform into a fresh display of beauty further downstream.
NP Krka is great for trips with children. You can visit the Krka National Park from Split with an organized tour by bus or hire a car. The drive from the center of Split to the park is about 80km and takes about one hour.
Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split
For good reason, Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most famous and visited national park. Located near Korenica in central Lika, this stunning park features 16 interconnected lakes surrounded by cliffs and dense forests.
What makes Plitvice Lakes truly special is the phenomenon of tufa, where calcium carbonate deposits naturally build and shape the waterfalls, constantly evolving the landscape.
It’s one of only two natural sites in Croatia on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning its spot in 1979. A visit here is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale.
The distance from Split to Plitvice is 255 km, or a little more than 2 hours easy to drive by car or bus. You can also book a private tour and driver to take you from Split to Plitvice.
Kornati National Park Day Trip from Split
Established in 1980, Kornati National Park covers an impressive 220 square kilometers and is a breathtaking collection of over 140 islands, islets, and cliffs rising from the Adriatic Sea.
Spend an unforgettable day exploring Kornati National Par. Only ¼ of the park is land, and the rest is sea. Perfect for a day of discovery and adventure!
From Split to the Kornati National Park is 145 km. It takes about a 1-hour drive. A convenient and faster way to the park is to go to Šibenik or Murter and choose one of the organized tours from cities closer to the Kornati.
Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park, established in 1960, spans the western third of the island of Mljet along with its surrounding sea. You can visit Mljet National Park all year round.
It’s open from 08.00 to 20.00 and has 3 official entrance times. In the winter period (from the beginning of November to the end of April), visitors are welcomed only with prior notice.
Mljet to Split is about 200 km, but the best way to reach the Mljet National Park is by catamaran, which runs Split-Brač-Hvar-Korčula-Mljet-Dubrovnik.
Biokovo Nature Park Day Trip from Split
NOTE: This is not a national park, but I think it’s worth visiting!
Although not a national park, this Croatia nature park is no less attractive to visit if you are near Split. Biokovo is one of Croatia’s 11 nature parks, and it contains a section of the Biokovo mountain range.
Biokovo offers a stunning natural escape with its unique karst landscape, caves, and pits, making it perfect for adventurous explorers. A must-visit is the Biokovo Skywalk, where you can enjoy breathtaking views that will leave a lasting impression on everyone.
It is about 130km from Split, and you can visit it by organized tour, private car, or bus.