For many people, an active holiday near Split means up the mountain in the morning, into the water at lunchtime, and tired but happy by your own pool in the evening. The area between Split and Trogir is better suited to this than you might think from the coast – with Kozjak right behind the village, Marjan in Split, the Cetina gorge and the islands on the doorstep. Our three villas in Kaštel Stari make a practical base. Below are the activities we recommend from our own experience – along with honest advice about the heat and the seasons.
Hiking: Kozjak and Marjan
Kozjak is the limestone ridge behind Kaštela, and most visitors underestimate it. It is criss-crossed with waymarked trails, has several mountain huts and offers views over all seven Kaštela villages as far as Split and out to the islands. Two destinations from our guide Beaches & Nature:
- Sveti Ivan Biranj (631 m): a good 45 minutes along the ridge from the Malačka saddle (466 m), around an hour and a half there and back – doable with the family.
- Sveti Jure (676 m): about two hours from Kaštela, with a small church at the top.
- The highest point, Veli vrj (779 m), rises above Kaštel Gomilica.
Marjan, Split's wooded peninsula, has a loop trail of about eight kilometres with around 250 metres of ascent. Under the pines it stays bearable even at midday, and along the way the Bene and Kašjuni beaches are perfect for cooling off.
An honest word about the heat: in July and August Kozjak is not a good idea, except very early in the morning. There is hardly any shade and no water along the way. From around 10am the south-facing slope becomes a frying pan. From October to May, on the other hand, it is one of the most beautiful outings in the region – and almost deserted. Clear days with the bura wind bring the best views.
Cycling
In our seasonal guide we specifically list cycling as an activity for spring and autumn – along the coast and through the hinterland when the temperatures are right. Here too: in high summer, set off early or save the ride for the shoulder season. We deliberately don't list specific routes here rather than promise something we haven't checked – ask us when you're here and we'll tell you what we know.
Watersports and adventure
- Rafting and zipline on the Cetina: upriver from Omiš, around 45–55 minutes by car. For families with older children, it's the most varied day out within an hour's drive. The climb up to the Mirabela pirate fortress in Omiš takes twenty sweaty minutes.
- Snorkelling, diving, sailing: summer classics, when the Adriatic reaches 24–25 °C. Bear in mind that dive centres and excursion boats take a break in winter.
- Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: from Trogir or Seget – set off early, before the tour boats drop anchor.
- Picigin in Split: on the shallow sandy beach of Bačvice, Split's local ball game is played in knee-deep water.
- Beach volleyball: at Šumica beach in Kaštel Lukšić.
- Krka on foot: the main trail at Skradinski Buk follows around 1.9 kilometres of wooden boardwalks. Swimming there has been banned since 2021 – it's a walking day, not a swimming day.
More destinations with driving times in our guide Day Trips from Split & Trogir.
Training at home: gym, pool, garden
Not every active day needs an excursion:
- Gym at Villa Just be Alive: an air-conditioned room that also serves as the fifth bedroom, with a proper full-size bed and its own bathroom.
- Professional trampoline in the fenced garden of Just be Alive, suitable for adults too (up to approx. 120 kg), plus a table tennis table.
- Table tennis and table football at Just be Light.
- Pool: the 10-metre pool at Just be Light is great for a few relaxed lengths; all pools are heated from the end of March to October.
- Hot tub heated all year round – for your legs after the summit.
- Promenade: kilometres along the water – before eight in the morning it belongs to the locals and their dogs, in the evening the joggers come out.
The best time of year for an active holiday
| Period | Good for |
|---|---|
| April–June | Hiking, cycling, Krka in pleasant temperatures |
| July–August | Watersports, boats, rafting – hikes only early in the morning |
| September–October | Everything: warm sea, pleasant hiking temperatures again |
| November–March | Hiking on Kozjak; boats and dive centres largely take a break |
The shoulder season is especially worthwhile for active travellers: the large pool is heated from the end of March to October at no extra charge.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – gym, trampoline, table tennis, sea view, 4 parking spaces
- Villa Just be Light – 10-metre pool, table tennis and table football, five king-size bedrooms
- Villa Just be Happy – large terrace with views over the bay and Kozjak, quiet cul-de-sac
Frequently asked questions
Which villa has a gym?
Only Villa Just be Alive. The room is air-conditioned and also serves as the fifth bedroom, with a proper full-size bed and its own bathroom.
Can I start hiking straight from the house?
Kozjak rises directly behind Kaštela; you can reach Sveti Jure from Kaštela in about two hours. We're happy to advise on getting to other trailheads such as the Malačka saddle.
Do I need a car for an active holiday?
For the Cetina, Krka or Marjan – honestly, yes. The beach, the promenade and Split by train are all fine without one.
When is it too hot for hiking?
In July and August, from about 10am on the mountain. Head for the water instead and save the hikes for the early morning.
Check available dates on the availability calendar or ask us about routes via WhatsApp.