Salona: Day Trips and Tours from Split

Venture beyond sun-soaked Split to discover nearby surprises like ruins from past civilizations, medieval fortresses and Venetian architecture.

Croatia’s proximity to ancient centers of power has made it an attractive outpost for a handful of empires. On a Salona day trip from Split, see evidence of history’s most powerful civilizations in just a few hours.

Here's all you need to know about Salona, one of the most exciting day trips from Split.

How to get to Salona from Split?

Salona Archeological Park is located 1 kilometer from the town of Solin and 5 kilometers from Split.

From Split to Salona by car

It will take a 15-minute drive to cover the 9 kilometers to Salona from Split by car. From central Split, take Ul. Domovinskog Rata and D8 to Ul. Svetog Nikole in Solin. Follow the signs to reach the archeological park.

From Split to Salona by bus

Several public bus lines make regular runs between Split and Salona. Lines 1, 37 and 80 depart every 30 minutes from Domovinskog Rata or the Sukoisan bus terminal. These are direct routes and take from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Guided tour to Salona from Split

Avoid the hassles of arranging transportation to Salona by booking a guided tour from Split. Guided outings include stops at other must-see spots along the way that you might miss without the help of a professional.

How much does the entrance ticket to Salona cost?

Entrance fees to Salona are around €10 per adult and €5 per child.

What is the typical itinerary?

Starting at around 9AM, your guide will either meet you at an established spot in Riva Split or at your accommodations. Settle into your transportation and get ready for a day of sights and stories.

If your package includes a guided visit of Split, you will begin with a driving tour of the town’s highlights before heading inland on the 15-minute drive to Solin and Salona.

Longer outings may spend a short bit of time introducing you to Solin, and shorter outings will lead you directly to Salona for a 1-hour guided visit to Salona. Most excursions will continue the drive west toward Klis Fortress and Trogir. Expect to spend around 1 hour at the fortress and 2 hours exploring Trogir.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Salona?

Guided tours to Salona from Split

Options for guided tours to Salona from Split range from jaunts in luxury vehicles to off-beat tuk tuk excursions and even “Game of Thrones” themed tours. Day trips make additional stops at Trogir and Klis Fortress.

Explore southern Croatia’s unexpected locales in the comfort of your private group. Most tours provide a local guide who will escort you to unmissable spots nearby while recounting the story behind each place. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or a central location in Split.

Private day trips to Salona from Split

For an even more intimate and relaxed excursion to Salona, consider booking a private day trip from Split. These tours typically include a round-trip with pickup from your hotel and the services of a personal guide offering insight and information.

Along the way, your small group will typically visit Fortress Klis, the Salona Amphitheater, Gran Cipiko Palace and the Cathedral of St. Lovro, depending on the itinerary. Private tours to Salona may also include a stop for lunch to round off a long day of exploring the history of Croatia, before returning to Split.

How much does a day trip to Salona from Split cost?

Guided day tours to Salona lasting 6 to 10 hours cost from €30 per person to €130 per person, depending on group size and whether entrance fees and guided tours are included.

Private 2- to 5-hour day trips to Salona from Split cost from €30 per person to €175 per person, depending on the duration of the trip, group size and whether entrance fees to Salona and other sites are included.

All Salona day tours include private transportation, fuel and environmental fees, bottled water and stops at additional sites beyond Salona.

What will you see and do?

Salona and Solin

Step into the pages of a western civilization textbook at a destination layered in history. Salona Archeological Park sits at the edge of Solin, a modern town with plenty of charms in its own right.

The bulk of your time will be spent at the tour’s main attraction, the ruins at Salona. The spot has housed different cultures over millennia, including Greek, Roman, Venetian and Ottoman, all of which have left their mark here.

See the Roman baths, town portals and the amphitheater, the highlight of a visit to Salona. Learn why this area attracted interlopers throughout time and why the town was deserted in the 6th century.

Klis Fortress

Monolithic Klis Fortress has several claims to fame. The stone structure has held its place above Split for more than 2,000 years. Although it’s mainly been home to Croatian royalty, the fortress has been commandeered by many foreign forces throughout its tenure. Most recently, it was a filming location for “Game of Thrones”.

Trogir

Just outside of Split is its equally enchanting, but lesser-known neighbor, Trogir. This island town is a UNESCO world heritage area and features meandering medieval streets, palm-fringed beaches and historic buildings like Kamerlengo Castle and St. Lawrence’s Cathedral.

When is the best time to visit Salona?

If you’re looking to avoid crowds while still enjoying warm weather, September and October are the best months to see Salona. Daytime temperatures are more comfortable, and the high tourist season is done by early September.

Travel tips

• Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for an active day, as there is a lot to see and do in Salona.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and extra drinking water, especially during the warmer months.
• Note that some tours do not include entrance fees to Salona or Klis Fortress.