Because of Split's position in Dalmatia and its proximity and great transport links to a number of islands and other coastal towns, it's an excellent place to base yourself if you plan on making a number of day trips during your stay in Croatia. Here's some of your options if you're in Split and want to explore a bit further afield.

Trogir
Trogir is probably one of the best - and easiest - places to visit from Split and what a place it is to visit! A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town is situated on a small island (although connected to the mainland by a very short bridge) and its wonderful sights (including the must-see cathedral, possibly one of the best in Croatia) can be easily covered in a day. That leaves you plenty of time to enjoy a glass of something in one of the cafes along the Riva, as well as time for a leisurely lunch or early dinner in one of the great restaurants!

The Riva in Trogir

You could also hop over another bridge to the larger island of Ciovo which has some beach opportunities.

To get to Trogir, take the local bus no. 37 from the suburban bus station in Split. (N.B. This is different from the main coach station.) The journey time is approximately 40 minutes; tickets can be bought on board.

Solin
At only 5km from Split, Solin is one of the easiest places to make a day-trip to from Split. Though historically important as a Roman settlement, few of its not-that-impressive ruins will be of interest to anyone other than archeology and history buffs - there's not else of note in the town.

Founded by the Greeks and then an Illryian settlement, Solin - or Salona as it was known then - became a major Roman settlement, the largest in Dalmatia. Roman Emperor Diocletian was born there, though he later built his famous palace in Split. At its height in the 1st century AD, Salona was thought to be home to 60,000 inhabitants. At that time, it also featured a large amphitheatre that could hold up to 18,000 spectators, as well as a theatre and a temple. When the Avars and the Slavs arrived in the 7th century, Salona was almost entirely destroyed and some of its inhabitants sought refuge in Diocletian's Palace, and they (and their descendents) continued to live there and in the surroundings over the years - fuelling Split's growth.

These days, there's not much left standing from Roman times. It's possible to see the layout of the amphitheatre, although most of it is merely the foundations. Parts of the city walls and the remanents of a gate can also be seen, as can various other ruins. Solin isn't particular popular tourist site, so if you have an interest in archeology and history then Solin's worth the trip as you may well have the ruins almost to yourself. Stop off at the Tusculum, the archeological museum in town for guides and so on.

To get to Solin, take local bus no. 1 from Split. Buy tickets on board; the journey takes about 15 minutes.

The island of Solta
The small island of Solta (with a population of only 1,500) is an hour away from Split by a Jadrolinija ferry - and numerous ferries per day connect the mainland to the town of Rogac.

Solta is a little of the beaten track in terms of tourism; despite its proximity to the mainland, it doesn't really see particularly high visitor numbers. But that might sound ideal for you!

Despite it's popularity - or relative lack of - it's still a great little place for a day trip. There are numerous little coves, baysand beaches around the island. As the island is reasonably quiet, many also take the opportunity to find their own private little seaside area and sunbathe in peace. Much of the island is covered in lush greenery and some woodland, and the island

Rogac itself is a pleasant little coastal village with its own beach and some cafes and restaurants. Maslinica, set among pine trees on the western side of the island, is more tranquil. The village of Necujam (which amusingly translates as "I can't hear") is more of a tourist settlement and has amenitites such as pools, restaurants and bars - see more details at Necujam Tourist Village website. Stomorska is the oldest village on the island, and quite picturesque as it sits at the base of a hill. Solta's main town is Grohote, which is about 2km inland from Rogac.

You can get around the island by bus or taxi, and it is possible to hire bikes in some of the villages.

More details about the island from the Solta Tourist Office.

Supetar, island of Brac
The larger and more lively island of Brac is of course easily reachable from Split and there are several ferries and catamarans to various towns on the island. For a day trip, however, it's probably best to really only consider the town of Supetar. On the northern side of Brac, there are numerous daily ferries (with Jadrolinija) to this town which take about 50 minutes from Split.

Set around a pretty harbour, Supetar is the largest town on the island and is also a reasonably popular holiday destination in its own right.

For sightseeing, there's the parish church of Annunciation from the 18th century, outside of which are situated mosaics from the 6th century. Near the harbour is a cemetary which contains a number of sculptures designed by Croatian sculptor Ivan Rendic (1849 -1932), who lived in Supetar for part of his life. Some of Rendic's other works are on display in the library near the town harbour. Within the cemetary is also the bell-shaped mausoleum for the Petrinovic family, by Toma Rosandic (1878-1957).

Most of Supetar's beaches are to the west of the town if you fancy a bit of sunbathing!