For many people, a villa near Split as a base for island trips to Hvar, Brač and beyond is a better solution than a room on an island: you see several islands rather than just one, have your own pool in the evening, and don't have to repack for each island. Our three villas are in Kaštel Stari, between Split and Trogir – around 25 minutes by car to Split harbour and around 10 minutes to Trogir. Here's which island works as a day trip, how, and where we honestly advise against it.
Two harbours, two kinds of trip
From Kaštel Stari you have two starting points that complement each other well:
- Split is the big ferry port. Car ferries and catamarans run from here all year round to the offshore islands, operated by Jadrolinija among others.
- Trogir and Seget are the starting points for boat trips, especially to the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Veli. In Trogir you can also book water taxis spontaneously on the quay – agree the price before you get on.
We deliberately don't quote timetables or prices here: they change every season. Check them directly with the ferry operator shortly before your trip. Detailed times and background are in our guide Day Trips from Split & Trogir.
The islands compared, honestly
| Destination | Route from Split / Trogir | As a day trip? |
|---|---|---|
| Brač (Supetar, Bol) | Car ferry Split–Supetar approx. 50 min; catamaran direct to Bol (without a car) | very doable, ideally on the first ferry |
| Šolta | Car ferry Split–Rogač, around an hour | doable |
| Blue Lagoon | Boat trip from Trogir or Seget, a good hour by boat | excellent – set off early |
| Hvar | Catamaran Split–Hvar Town approx. one hour (without a car); car ferry to Stari Grad a good two hours | only without a car and with one destination |
Brač
The classic day trip. With a car, the ferry to Supetar takes about 50 minutes, and from there it's around 35 kilometres, or a good 40 minutes, across the island to Bol and Zlatni Rat. In August, the cars queue early at the ramp in Split – reserve online. Our advice from the family guide: in high summer, it's better to travel as a foot passenger. If you only want to see the Golden Horn, take the catamaran straight to Bol.
Hvar
We'll say it openly: Hvar only makes sense as a day trip without a car and with the intention of staying in one place – so catamaran to Hvar Town, a wander, a swim, and back. If you want to experience the whole island, plan two nights on Hvar instead and then come back to the villa.
Šolta
Split's quieter neighbouring island. The car ferry to Rogač takes around an hour and runs several times a day in high season.
Blue Lagoon
Shallow, turquoise water between the islets of Krknjaši and Drvenik Veli. From late morning the tour boats anchor side by side, and there's hardly any shade. So: set off early, ideally on a small boat, or go in June or September instead. There is a car ferry to Drvenik Veli, but for a day trip it's unnecessarily complicated.
Why a mainland villa works as a base
- Several islands, one base. No packing your bags between islands.
- Two harbours within reach. Split for ferries, Trogir for boats.
- Rest days at home. Not every day has to be spent on the water – between two island days, your own heated pool is the best way to recharge.
- Short hop to Split Airport (around 10 minutes) – so there's still time on your departure day.
- Mainland destinations on top: Krka, Šibenik, Omiš or Klis can be reached without a ferry.
To be honest: a car is useful for getting to the harbour. Without a car, you can take the train from Kaštel Stari to Split; in summer there are also seasonal passenger boats in the bay. It's best to ask us beforehand whether they're currently running.
How we'd split up an island week
- Arrival & day 2: arrive, pool, Trogir in the evening.
- Day 3: Blue Lagoon by boat from Trogir, early start.
- Day 4: rest day – promenade, pool, barbecue.
- Day 5: Brač on the first ferry.
- Day 6: Krka, or Split in the afternoon.
- Day 7: Hvar Town by catamaran – or simply nothing at all.