11 Reasons You Can’t Miss Trogir Old Town in Croatia

Trogir

Trogir Croatia is a beautiful UNESCO town on the Adriatic Coast with over 2,000 years of history. We spent an entire month living and working remotely from Trogir Old Town, which gave us so much time to explore! Split to Trogir also happens to be one of the most popular day trips on the Dalmatian Coast. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Trogir, and why you’ll love this amazing destination in Croatia.

11 Reasons You Can Miss Trogir Old Town

1. Split to Trogir Croatia is an Easy Trip

The first reason to visit Trogir of its close proximity to Split! Split is a city that attracts many travelers as it is the launching point to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. The historic Trogir Old Town is only 30 minutes drive from Split which makes it the perfect day trip.

In the summer months, there is a ferry that runs multiple times a day from Split to Trogir! If you are visiting in high season we highly recommend this route.

This way you’ll get the unique perspective of seeing Split and Trogir from the water along the coastline. Here’s our full guide for getting from Split to Trogir to see all the options.

Another interesting thing to know is that Split Airport is actually closer to Trogir than it is Split! That means if you’re flying in you’ll be just a 10 minute ride away from Old Town Trogir.

Another great thing about Trogir Croatia is that it’s not far from more of the country’s best attractions. As we mentioned, you’re just 30 minutes from Split which is the launching pad to Hvar, Vis, and more popular islands. Additionally, you can check out the sights of the Croatian mainland like Krka National Park.

Guide to Trogir Croatia

2. UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Trogir Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and for good reason! The history of this small town dates back to 3rd Century BC when it was used as a trading settlement by the Greeks. The name Tragurion actually means “Island of the Goats” in Greek.

The medieval walls circle the town with its stunning Baroque buildings and Renaissance architecture. The layout is a fantastic example of urban continuity which is surrounded by water and the gorgeous promenade along the Adriatic Sea.

Like much of this region, Trogir would change hands between the Romans, the Croats, and Venetians over the centuries. It became known as the City of Masters for its history of legendary artists that called it home.

Trogir in Croatia

3. Trogir Old Town is an Island

That’s right! Trogir Old Town sits on a small islet. It’s accessible by boat or two different bridges. One is connected to the mainland and the other goes to the nearby Ciovo Island.

You’ll notice right away that Trogir Croatia is not very big. It’s just a short walk through the winding streets, but at the same time easy to get lost in the maze.

Know that parking is limited on the actual island. Instead, you’ll want to park at one of the main lots on the mainland and explore on foot. 

How to Get to Trogir Croatia

4. Boat Tours From Trogir Croatia

Boat tours can be a great way to get to and from Trogir! Many run from Split out to the islands, and along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to here.

If you are staying in Trogir it will be easy to find out. Walk along the harbor on Ciovo Island in the afternoon and you will see larger ships promoting their tours. 

Hands down, the most popular tour from Trogir Old Town is Blue Cave 5 islands. It’s a smaller boat that offers excursions from both Split and downtown Trogir. On this boat ride you’ll also see the epic Blue Lagoon!

Trogir Croatia Boat Tour

5. Amazing Local Restaurants

Trogir has an abundance of seafront restaurants with incredible seafood and freshly grilled meat. You’ll also find some great Italian cuisine and traditional food from the Balkans around the city center.

When walking along the main promenade there are eateries and cafes that line the water. These are the most popular and busy from open to close in the summer months. The waterfront is a wonderful place to sit and grab a cocktail and watch the boats come in.

You’ll also find unique places to eat hidden in the backstreets! Two of our favorite places to eat in Trogir are Konoba Fortin and Restaurant Kamerlengo. 

Things to do in Trogir Croatia

6. Kamerlengo Fortress

Trogir’s castle was built in the early 15th century during the Venetian period to help thwart off attacks by the Ottomans. It’s located at the end of the waterfront promenade in Old Town Trogir and looks out over the Adriatic Sea. 

During the summer you can climb to the top of the Kamerlengo Fortress. This will give you some epic views of Trogir and the island of Ciovo.

If there is one thing not to miss while exploring Trogir this is it! There is a small entry fee to enter the castle of 4 Euros per adult. Just watch your step on the way up because the staircases are a bit steep.

Trogir Croatia Castle

7. Daily Market in Trogir Croatia 

One of our favorite things to do in Trogir there was walking through the daily market. Every morning the Green Market is bustling with locals and tourists alike. 

Here you can find everything from fruits and veggies to Croatian jams and liquors. The Trogir Market is surrounded by butchers and bakeries as well! 

During the month we stayed here visiting the Green Market was a daily occurrence. It’s also a great spot to pick up daily items or even souvenirs to bring home from Trogir Croatia!

Trogir Croatia Market

8. Exploring the Medieval Trogir Streets

Another one of the best things to do in Trogir is simply walk the city’s narrow streets. It’s so fun to get lost in the stone alleyways and beautiful buildings to picture what it was like thousands of years ago. You can enter from the promenade side or the historic city gate.

In the center of Trogir Old Town there is a gorgeous main square. Restaurants and bars flood into the middle of the medieval town and patrons sit happily under the town hall, clock tower, and city loggia. This is a great place in Trogir to relax and grab a coffee or glass of wine. 

Trogir Croatia Guide

9. Cathedral of St. Lawrence

The Trogir Cathedral towers over the tiny island and shows off its rich history. Construction first started in 1193 and wouldn’t be finished until the year 1500. Due to this long period, the amazing cathedral is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic style architecture.

The bell tower which sits atop the Cathedral of St Lawrence is the tallest point in Trogir Croatia at 154 feet (47 meters). This iconic structure is the shining symbol of the town and a must-see up close on your visit!

Trogir Croatia Main Square

10. Nearby Trogir Beaches

Trogir Croatia may not have any official beaches right around the town center. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a swim! In typical Croatian fashion, there are ladders surrounding the entire island where you can climb down into the water for a dip.

One of our favorite spots on a hot day is right next to the Kamerlengo Fortress. How cool is it to be able to swim right next to a 15th century castle??

If you’re looking for an actual beach, don’t worry. There are plenty just a quick drive or walk away. We’ve listed a few of the best beaches near Old Town Trogir below.

  • Pantan Beach
  • Medena Beach
  • Okrug Beach
  • Kava Beach

Trogir Beach

11. Staying in Trogir Old Town

Yes, that’s right! You can stay right inside the medieval town in Trogir Croatia. There is everything from Vanjaka bed & breakfast, to apartments like Stephane City Vibe Suites and guest houses such as the popular FRANKA, sprinkled around the old town.

If you’d prefer, there are more places to stay on the larger island of Ciovo. This area is just a quick 2 minute walk over the bridge and includes many great hotels and Airbnb’s.

Some popular options are Villa Tudor, Residence Providenca and Vanjaka bed and breakfast. Ciovo Island is where we stayed for a month and had an incredible view of Trogir from across the bay.

Keep in mind that it will be much more expensive during the high season in summertime. We recommend staying in Trogir if you can. Yet, know that it’s not far from Split and many other great coastal towns. Below are some of our favorite hotels to check out around Trogir Croatia.

Trogir Croatia

Have any questions about this article or want to share more of the best things to do in Trogir Old Town? Let us know in the comments!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

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Trogir

Croatia Travel Planning 

Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to rent vehicles on our travels. In Croatia, you can even take your car on the ferries so you have wheels for the different islands! 

Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. You can go sea kayaking in Dubrovnik, or take a day trip to the famous Krka National Park

 Flights: We always find great flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

Croatia Travel

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Brigitte & Jake

We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!

Find me on: Web | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook

14 Comments

  1. May 16, 2024 / 8:44 am

    The architecture in Trogir Old Town looks absolutely breathtaking! I’m a history lover, so between that and the medieval aspects of the city streets and center, I am totally sold. Maybe this summer!!

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      May 16, 2024 / 10:46 am

      You would absolutely love it! Trogir Old Town is such a special place to explore in Croatia.

  2. Fozzia
    May 13, 2024 / 11:43 am

    I just booked a lovely apartment in Trogir on booking.com for 7 nights. This will be my base,
    I’ll take the ferry to split. I plan on taking a sailing
    boat trip to Brac. I’m going first week of September
    when the weather is still lovely and not too hot !
    Thanks for all you shared. Looking forward to swimming snorkelling and eating delicious seafood 😊

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      May 13, 2024 / 12:29 pm

      That’s so great to hear! Hope you have the best trip. September will be a lovely time to visit.

  3. Jane
    April 30, 2024 / 9:20 am

    I visited this amazing city years ago, and your article was like a trip through memory lane! I loved everything about it, and the nearby beaches. It was super hot when we were there! Thanks for the memories and you’ve perfectly captured this amazing city!

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      April 30, 2024 / 9:52 am

      So glad we could bring back some good memories from Trogir old town! Such a lovely place to visit in Croatia.

  4. April 20, 2024 / 11:24 am

    I have not yet had the chance to visit Croatia, but it’s been on my bucket list for a while. I soooooo want to visit soon, and this article with its gorgeous photos just makes me want to make it happen all the sooner!

  5. Deborah Cox
    December 12, 2023 / 5:47 pm

    What’s the best way to get between at Trogir and Split for the day? Local bus?

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      December 13, 2023 / 1:50 am

      During the summer there’s actually a water ferry! Otherwise, you can drive or take the public bus. We actually wrote a complete guide on getting from Split to Trogir below if you want to take a look. Happy travels!

      https://www.nothingfamiliar.com/split-to-trogir/

  6. April 24, 2023 / 9:58 am

    Trogir has everything I’d love; the history, nearby beaches and great places to wander around and take it all in. I can imagine how lovely it was to visit the market; I would love the smells and good food on offer!

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      April 24, 2023 / 10:04 am

      Yes absolutely! Trogir is heaven so glad we came and checked it out (-:

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