Trogir City Guide

On the coast in Central Dalmatia, some 30 kilometres west of Split lies the beautiful town of Trogir. The heart of this picturesque old town is a small islet situated between the mainland and the island Čiovo. Trogir is the perfect destination for holidays, as it has something for everyone. From an interesting history to pebble beaches, this small city has it all. With a population just shy of 11.000 people, Trogir comes to life mostly during the warmer months. The weather in this area is best defined as the Mediterranean, which means that during the summer it gets rather dry and warm. From May until late September is the best period to visit if you are planning a beach vacation. 

In 1997 UNESCO listed Trogir’s Old Town as World Heritage as it is one of the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in Central Europe.

Getting to Trogir

By plane

Just six kilometres from Trogir is Split Airport (SPU), located nearby in Kaštel Štafilić. Handling over 3,3 million passengers every year, this is the second busiest airport in Croatia. Airlines that have connections with International Airport Split are Croatia Airlines, Volotea, easyJet, TUI and Jet2.com, even though most of them are seasonal. 

From here on you can take the local bus to Trogir, operated by Promet Split. The bus departs from Split every 20 minutes, except on Sundays and holidays when it departs every 30 minutes. A single bus ticket to Trogir will cost you around 13kn.

By bus

When travelling along the coastal road it is practically impossible to miss the town of Trogir. Almost every bus that connects to Dalmatian coastal cities passes through Trogir. Some of the most often connections are with Split, Šibenik, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Zagreb. If you want to visit some of the smaller towns and villages around Trogir you can also make use of the local buses operated by Promet Split. This is definitely the best way to get to Trogir because it is well connected and small so you don’t really need a car if you plan on staying here.

By ferry

Local company Bura Lines connects Trogir by boat with Split and Slatine on the island Čiovo. These lines operate six times a day, only during the summer months. It is a great way of travelling to and from Split because you avoid all the traffic. You can buy the tickets only on the travel date and you have to board at least ten minutes prior to departure. You can find the boat on the Čiovo promenade when you cross the bridge. The ferry company Jadrolinija also offers its services, but only if you want to go from Trogir to Drvenik Mali or Drvenik Veli. The price is around 13kn and you can check the timetable here.

Renting a car in Trogir

Another option is to rent a car. This is practical if you plan on visiting other cities besides Trogir. The best thing to do is book a car online in advance so that it is ready and waiting by the time you arrive.

By car

As previously mentioned, Trogir is located on the coastal road which connects almost every coastal town in Dalmatia. If you want to explore different parts of Croatia, the best thing to do is get on the highway. The closest entrance is Prgomet, located about 17 kilometres north of Trogir. Once on the highway, just follow the signs to your desired destination.

NOTE: Keep in mind that you are required to pay tolls if you want to use the highway. You take a ticket at the entry point which you have to keep safe until you get to your exit point. If you lose the ticket, they will charge you the double amount of toll for the longest route.

Parking

Trogir is a rather small town, so parking can sometimes be a real problem. Most parking spaces that you find are either private or operated by Trogir Holding, this means that you usually have to pay to park your car. The prices vary depending on location and visitation date. During peak season the parking prices are higher, some even charging 20kn per hour. If you want to park for free then can park along the road where it is possible or somewhere further from the town centre.

Sights

Trogir was founded around the third century B.C. which means that the city has a lot to offer when it comes to historical sights. The Old Town located on the small islet is in fact one big World Heritage site. Throughout history, Trogir had its ups and downs, and today it still has a lot to offer. Listed below are some places to visit in Trogir.

Cathedral of Trogir

Probably the main reason this small town is inevitable when visiting Croatia is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. This monumental basilica took over four centuries to build which is clearly visible in the different styles expressed in its architecture. The bell tower itself took more than 200 years to complete. 

Arguably the most interesting part of the cathedral would be the Romanesque portal made by Master Radovan. The portal showcases Gospel and Nativity scenes as well as statues of various apostles, Adam and Eve, mystical animals and many others. The attention to detail is truly magnificent. 

The Blessed John’s Chapel is another intriguing part of the church, built in the 15th century by Niccolò Fiorentino, Andrea Alessi and Ivan Duknović. The Chapel symbolizes the underground, heaven and earth, and in the middle of it all is the altar with the sarcophagus of Blessed John.

If you want to feast your eyes on the cathedral’s interior and all it beholds, you have to pay an entry fee of around 25 kunas.

The Loggia’s

The City Loggia is located across the cathedral, on the south side of the square. It used to be a courthouse, which is still represented through the 15th-century relief of Justicia on the eastern wall. On the southern wall is the relief of Ban Petar Berislavić placed there in the 20th century. Nowadays this is the best place to go if you want to enjoy some breathtaking traditional acapella music better known as Klapa. 

There is also a second loggia, located next to the Sea Gate. This smaller loggia was built for people to take refuge in when the city gates were closed. Later on it was turned into a fish market which had its own unpleasantries, especially during the summer months. Recently it is used in the summer months as a place to sell souvenirs and crafts.

The Town Hall

Located next to the cathedral, on the same square is the Communal Palace, also known as the Town Hall. Originally built in the 13th century, this palace still keeps its original purpose. The square-like building has in the middle an open courtyard. The biggest changes to the building happened during the 19th-century renovations. Today you can find the touristic infocentrum on the left side of the entrance to the courtyard.

The Saint Sebastian Church

Attached to the City Loggia is the Saint Sebastian church, built in the 15th century after salvation from the plague as a sign of gratitude. The church has no bell tower but instead carries the city’s clock tower. Inside you will find memories of the fallen soldiers during the Homeland War in Croatia.

The Ćipiko Palaces

The Ćipiko palaces, both small and large, used to be the property of the prominent Ćipiko family. The palaces, which originally were separate Romanesque buildings, were all connected through the ages. The most extensive changes happened in the 15th century during the time of Coriolano Cippico, who hired the best artists of its time to work on the palaces. Today the Josip Hatze Music School uses the palace. 

The Church of St. Nicholas and the Collection of Kairos

The St. Nicholas Church and Benedictine monastery were erected in the 11th century and are still standing today. In the 16th century, the bell tower was built with local stone from the island Brač. The monastery houses a very special stone collection, centred around the Kairos relief dating back to the 4th century B.C. Besides this, there are multiple stone fragments in the collection found during archaeological research and various heritage pieces. 

Kamerlengo Fortress

Built in the 15th century, in the southwestern part of the Riva is the Kamerlengo Fortress.

It was built shortly after the Venetians conquered the town. The castle is open for visitors and offers a beautiful view from its towers. During the summer months, numerous concerts and events are hosted here. The entry price is around 25 kunas, but it depends on the period of visitation.

Originally a wall connected it with the Saint Mark Tower on the other side. Now between the two of them is a gloriette built in the 19th century, one of the few monuments of France’s reign over Dalmatia.

The Monastery and Church of Saint Dominic

Among the more important monuments in the city, are also the St. Dominic Monastery and Church built in the 13th century. The simple church had its fair share of adaptations through the ages, as well as the monastery. In the 15th century, Niccolò Fiorentino built the tombstone for the Sobota family inside the church. In 1944 the church and monastery were heavily bombarded but luckily everything was restored to its original glory. If you want to visit the inside of the church or climb the bell tower the entrance fee is around 25 kunas.

Trogir City Museum

The City Museum of Trogir, also known as the Garagnin – Fanfogna Palace, is a complex of Romanesque and Gothic buildings joined together during the 18th century. The museum has some truly remarkable collections including the Garagnin – Fanfogna library, an Archaeological collection and an ethnographic collection. Besides this, it also has a cultural history collection from the Middle Ages and the Modern Age as well as an incredible Stone Exhibition. 

Trogir Market

Located just outside the Old Town when you cross the bridge back to the mainland is the Trogir Market. It is open from the early hours of the morning until the late evening. Beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables colour the market. You can also find a ton of vendors selling olive oil, lavender products, self-made honey, local cheeses and various other handmade creations.

Activities in Trogir

Trogir is a small city, but full of opportunities for an active and fun holiday. Here are just a few things to do in Trogir in order to spend some quality time. 

Natural Reserve Pantan

Located less than three kilometres from the town centre is the natural reserve and mill of Pantan. An inscription on the building indicates that the mill dates back to the 16th century. This area is ideal for people who want to spend some time in nature looking at different types of birds and fish while enjoying some lunch and a glass of wine in the old restored mill. 

Drvenik Veli and Mali

Drvenik Veli and Drvenik Mali are two islands located near Trogir. The islands have a very small population, together they count just over 200 people. So, if peace and quiet is what you are looking for, this is the destination for you. Their coastline is filled with untouched beaches and crystal-clear waters. 

The main attraction here is the Blue Lagoon located on the eastern coast of Drvenik Veli. Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon are an easy find during the peak tourist season. Another option is to rent a boat, you will find that there are many options to choose from in Trogir. Sailing is a great manner of exploring the less accessible parts of the islands.

Via Crucis Under the Sea

Via Crucis Under the Sea is an art project located in the Jelinak Cove in Vinišće. This is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world! The Way of the Cross is depicted through 50 sculptures placed in the sea at a depth of 4 to 10 meters. This underwater museum is the first of its kind and the perfect place for all diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Marina

Not so far from Trogir is the municipality Marina. The centre of the municipality is the town of the same name, located just 20 kilometres from Trogir. The most distinctive landmark is the Tower of Marina built in the 15th century by the Venetians. The tower is a four-star hotel nowadays. 

A bit further is the village of Sevid with one of the most charming sea coves – Stari Trogir. Here you can enjoy the sandy beach and explore the archaeological remains of a Roman villa.

Marina is also a good destination for a recreational vacation, especially if you are into cycling and hiking. The trails go along the coast, as well as the inland and are connected with the trails in Primošten and Rogoznica.

Beaches in Trogir

Trogir hides numerous beaches around which is why it is one of the top summer destinations in Dalmatia. Here are some of the beaches where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. 

Pantan Beach

Pantan Beach is located Between Trogir’s Old Town and Pantan Mills. It is a stunning gravel beach overlooking the island Čiovo. There is a beach bar where you can get some refreshments, ice-cream and snacks.

Marinova Draga Beach

Marinova Draga is a smaller pebble beach in Saldun Bay between Trogir and Okrug Gornji, just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. It is family-friendly, especially for families with small children. There is also a restaurant on the beach and natural shade, so you can stay here the whole day.

Okrug Gornji Beach

Also known as Copacabana Beach, this is one of the most famous beaches in this area. Loved by tourists and locals alike, this 700-meter long pebble beach is filled with some of the best beach bars. 

Kava Beach

Just 4 kilometres from the old fishing town Slatine, on the eastern part of the island, is Kava Slatine Beach. It is located right across the bay from Marjan hill and is one of the many beaches in this area.

Medena Beach

Medena Beach is located not so far from Trogir and it stretches for 3 kilometres along the coast between Seget Donji and Hotel Medena. There are various activities organized close to the beach and numerous children activities.

Mastrinka Beach

Mostly made out of gravel and rocks, this beach is perfect for people that want to avoid large crowds but still stay close to Trogir Old Town. You can find the Mastrinka Beaches in the northern part of the island, close to Arbanija.

Events

Even though during the winter days there is not a lot to do in Trogir and its surrounding places, in the summer it is a whole other story. The Old Town gets much more crowded and the streets are filled with people. Most bars and restaurants work until late in the evening, and in many places, you will find acoustic and live music. During the summer months, Castle Kamerlengo turns into a stage offering various concerts, shows and other events. If you want to enjoy some live traditional music, be sure to visit the City Loggia on the main square where you’ll find the Klapa singing some of its best songs. During the month of July, one of Trogir’s most important events is held – The Trogir Cultural Summer festival. The streets and squares house various classical concerts, exhibitions and plays. 

Nightlife

During summer there is a lot to find when it comes to nightlife in Trogir. The promenade and the small streets are filled with bars and restaurants open until late. You will also find a lot of bars with live music and an open-air atmosphere. You can also find beach bars along the coastline, especially in Okrug Gornji, that offer amazing cocktails while watching the sun go down. If you are here for some harder partying you should visit Clubs Focus or F1 located a bit further from the Old Town. They are disco clubs open until the early morning hours.

Food

When you are in Trogir you should definitely explore the food here, it is one of the best ways to get to know the traditions in this area. Trogir has some amazing restaurants specializing in local and Mediterranean food. 

Because of its coastal position, Trogir has a wide choice of seafood restaurants. Among the best are Vanjaka, Konoba Fortin, Piccolo Ponte and Kamerlengo. They offer a variety of fresh seafood, as well as many other dishes for a reasonable price. Restaurant Don Dino is practically impossible to miss when walking the small streets of Trogir. It is one of the best fine dining experiences in Trogir, which means it will set you back a bit more than the others.

Đovani is the place to go for some homemade ice-cream, a delicious cake or some of that traditional ravioli. It is located between the main square and the South gate. They have a nice terrace and a small cosy courtyard where you can enjoy some breakfast or dessert. If you are a real sweet tooth you should also try Gelato Bar Bella on the northern promenade of the islet. They have some of the best flavours you have ever seen and even have gluten-free options.

Shopping

Is it really a vacation without a shopping spree? Luckily for you, Trogir offers some very unique stores and souvenir shops to find something you like. At the market located next to the bus station, you can find numerous stands and smaller shops selling clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. Besides all of this, they have a very wide offer of unique souvenirs. Not so far from the market is the Marisa Shopping Center, filled with shops, cafes and even a nightclub. 

The Old Town is also filled with shops selling unique clothing, coral jewellery and handcrafted souvenirs.

Accommodation

Useful contacts

Area code: (0)21

Emergency: 112

Health center: Kardinala Alojzija Stepinca 17, +385 (0)21 881-526, +385 (0)21 881-461

Police station: Put Mulina 1, +385 (0)21 309-139

Fire brigade: Kardinala Alojzija Stepinca 110, +385 (0)21 882-792

Pharmacy: Obala bana Berislavića 15, +385 (0)21 881-535

Tourist board: Trg Ivana Pavla II br.1, +385 (0)21/885-628

Map of Trogir