11 superb things to do in Trogir, Croatia

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Discover the enchanting UNESCO-listed island of Trogir in Croatia, soaking up medieval splendour among the washed stone and marble alleys as they weave inside the city walls. A place where vines cling to iron bannisters, a soaring Gothic cathedral rises above red-tiled rooftops, and an antique square embodies quintessential Dalmatian living.

An island little more than the length of a few city blocks, Trogir is connected to the Croatian mainland by a bridge and the additional outlying island of Čiovo by another. With a rich history coloured by the settlement of the Greeks from Vis in 300BC, a diverse collection of inhabitants have occupied Trogir throughout the centuries. From Byzantine rulers to Venetian nobles, this alluring town on the Dalmatian coast should be included in your itinerary.

How to get to Trogir, Croatia

Located just 20km west of Split, Trogir is easily reached by car and ferry. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or planning an overnight stay, these are the best options to reach Trogir.

By car: approximately a 30-minute drive from Split Old Town, make your way to the D8 westbound, past Split airport and take a left at kneza Trpimira. Follow until just before the bridge to Trogir, parking at the waterfront car park on your left. Rates cost approx 15kn/hour for parking.

By ferry: during the high season from June to September ferries run between 4-6 services daily from Split to Trogir with the Bura Line. The journey takes approximately one hour and tickets for foot passengers cost between 20-35kn each. You can find the ferry timetable here.

By plane: If you’re flying into Croatia from abroad, the closest airport is Split airport which is less than 6km away and around a 10-minute drive. Services to Split are connected from many major airports across Europe. You can find the best airfares with Skyscanner.

Is it worth staying in Trogir?

History is wrapped into a perfectly handsome package in Trogir, benefitting from a quieter temperament than its nearby neighbour Split. If you’re wanting to enjoy the seduction of Dalmatian living, this is the place to do it. Away from the party pockets and urban sprawl of Split, Trogir offers an alternative side of this buzzing summer hotspot.

How long to spend in Trogir?

Trogir is easily visited on a day trip from Split, Croatia. The Old Town within the medieval city walls can be completed in as little as an hour, but if you really want to indulge in the slower pace, spend a night or two soaking up everything Trogir has to offer.

When is the best time to visit Trogir?

Croatia is best known as a summer destination and rightfully so. However, not only is it more sustainable to travel outside peak times to avoid overtourism, it’s also more enjoyable for you and your wallet.

Typically, I recommend people visit anywhere in Dalmatia from May-June or September-early October. You’ll still be able to make the most of the endless sunshine this region is abundant in, without the relentless crowds and high rates for accommodation.

11 superb things to do in Trogir

1 | Explore the cobblestone streets of Trogir Old Town

Cobbled lanes fan out from an antique central square in Trogir, connecting a warren of stonewashed alleys lined with higgledy-piggledy arches and worn stone staircases. Let your feet guide you as you pass under washing strewn from window-hung washing lines and foliage tumbles from potted gardens.

One of the best-preserved historic centres in Europe, Trogir unveils a collection of palaces and belfries that have earned this UNESCO World Heritage Site its status.

2 | Take in the view from the cathedral tower

Rising above the red-tiled rooftops of Trogir, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence is the tallest building on the well-preserved historic island. The Roman Catholic triple-naved basilica features Romanesque-Gothic architectural design and highlights the variation in styles that featured throughout the course of its build which spanned four centuries.

Having been damaged and repaired on numerous occasions, it now stands as the most imposing structure in Trogir. Climb to the top of the bell tower for views across the rest of the compact Old Town and to the waterways that lie beyond. As with much of Europe, you will be expected to dress appropriately to enter religious venues, which usually means covering your shoulders and knees, as well as removing hats.

THE DETAILS

Opening hours | 08:00-18:00 Monday - Saturday / 12:00-18:00 Sunday

Cost | 30KN for the bell tower / 25KN for the cathedral

3 | People watch in the main square (Narodni trg)

Is there anything better than watching the world pass by? People watching is one of the most revealing tells about a place. Observing how the locals go about their daily routine, the passing of time in a local square illuminates not only the pace but also the atmosphere of your destination.

Many of Trogir’s most prominent buildings are located in Narodni trg. Venetian architecture, porticos, and the 15th-century loggia all point to Italy’s influence on modern-day Croatia. Perch up, grab a drink, and just let the world unfold around you in this handsome piazza.

4 | Stroll the palm-lined Riva

The Dalmatian coast is synonymous with palm-fringed Rivas that skirt the old towns, truly embedding every detail you’re on holiday into the picture. Running the length of the island, Trogir’s waterfront is a hive of activity, whatever time of the day you’re there.

Whether you grab an ice cream to enjoy on your stroll or stop somewhere along the way for a coffee at one of the many cafes, you’ll always find a way to enjoy the sunshine along this sandstone promenade.

5 | Discover the charming Venetian-Gothic Cipiko Palace

Nobility was a common occurrence throughout history in Trogir. Palaces were built within the city’s medieval walls by several noble families, mostly with ties to Venetian rulers. Home to a well-known family at the time, Grand Cipiko Palace was reigned over by the Ćipiko family for around 300 years.

The building currently occupying the western side of the square, opposite the cathedral, was formerly two separate buildings, but as the Ćipiko family’s wealth grew through strategic marriages, so too did their residence. Not open to the public, it’s still worth admiring this Venetian-Gothic marvel from the main square.

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6 | Visit one of Trogir’s oldest buildings, the Church of St. Peter

Hidden within the labyrinthine alleys of Trogir, the Church of St. Peter was built in the 13th century and is believed to have been part of the women’s benedictine monastery. One of the oldest remaining buildings in Trogir, it’s worth popping by to appreciate the church’s Baroque-style architecture.

Best known for the sculpture of its patron St. Peter, the apostle, from the outside it may not seem particularly extraordinary compared to other churches in Croatia. Once you step inside though you’ll be fascinated by the interior paintings, including those by renowned artists Molinari and Lazzarini. Entry to the Church of St. Peter is free.

7 | Enjoy a beach day at Okrug Gornji Beach

If you’ve spent time in Split, you will know there are limited options close to the old town to swim compared to other destinations in Croatia. If you’re in search of a beach day while in Trogir, Okrug Gornji Beach is the place to be.

Located within walking distance of Trogir’s old town on the nearby island of Ciovo, soft white sand and ideal snorkelling conditions greet you at Okrug Gornji Beach. Once a 15th-century fishing settlement, the tiny rural community now features a beach bar, cafes, and an idyllic swim spot for beachgoers.

View from st lawrence cathedral trogir croatia

8 | Taste regional produce at the local market

Dalmatian produce is some of the finest. Fertile soil and a history of farming have made the flavours of Dalmatia something to rival. Spend a morning visiting the open-air markets, picking up some local produce from fresh fruit and veg to locally pressed olive oil and lavender goods.

Cash is king here, so keep some kuna on hand in case you fancy stocking up on some local fare. Prices tend not to vary too much between vendors and produce will be seasonal - think figs in August and olives in November.

9 | Cool off with ice cream from Gelato Bar Bella

If you know me, you’ll know I have more than a little bit of a soft spot for gelato. The kind that’s full of flavour, super creamy, and even better when it’s a flavour that isn’t come by so often.

Gelato Bar Bella is the best place to serve your ice cream fix in Trogir. From fruity favourites strawberry and peach to creamy hit-the-spot desserts like bounty, after eight, and fig & ricotta, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Most impressively, Gelato Bar Bella offers a range of gluten-free options which can be hard to come by in Croatia, so it’s perfect for those with some dietary restrictions.

10 | Go swimming at the Blue Lagoon

While you’ll hear of many ‘blue lagoons’ in Croatia, this one is absolutely sensational. If you’ve been dreaming of crystalline water, ample snorkelling opportunities and the scenes summer holidays are made of, the Blue Lagoon will not disappoint.

The Blue Lagoon is easily visited as part of a boat tour from Trogir, with many combining other destinations such as Šolta island, and Solinska Bay into the mix. The best way to spend time here is swimming, jumping from your boat, or sitting back and enjoying a drink under the Croatian sun.

11 | Take a day trip to nearby Šolta island

If time and means allow it, chartering a boat to explore the nearby island of Šolta is worth a day. Despite its proximity to Split, Šolta remains one of the lesser-known islands in Dalmatia. If escaping the crowds is your vibe, this small but off-the-beaten-path island should be just your thing.

Known for its sheltered coves and quaint villages, a day by boat will afford you the opportunity to make the most of the best swimming holes and anchoring points the island can offer.