In the heart of Dalmatia, the ancient medieval fortress of Trogir is linked to both its north and south shores by two bridges. We loved this port city, which has settled between the gentle hills of the mainland and the Čiovo peninsula, and which feels like a little Venice. With its fortifications, cathedral, churches and monasteries within the city walls, palaces and ornate gates, it's undoubtedly one of our favourite Adriatic towns, and has of course been listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by Unesco. It's a highly photogenic city, often chosen as a film set. But make no mistake, Trogir is not just a museum town. It has a marina that fills up on sunny days, and there are countless restaurants and cafés in its narrow streets. The surrounding villages and regions are also very popular with tourists, offering a host of great excursions. Here's a closer look at our must-do's in and around Trogir.
1. What to do in Trogir An invigorating stroll along the seafront
The riva de Trogir, the famous seafront promenade, is the place to meet the locals out for a stroll, who happily mingle with the tourists. Completely renovated, this pedestrian walkway runs alongside the ramparts of the old town, lined with a succession of lively cafés and a few restaurants with typical Dalmatian charm. On the quayside, you can't stop dreaming of the luxury yachts glistening in the Croatian sunshine... Or when Trogir looks like a little Saint-Tropez! And when we wanted a bit of fresh air while enjoying the Adriatic, we dived off the pontoons close to the historic centre and then put our towels down on Panta beach or to the south of the Čiovo peninsula, on Okrug beach, Trogir's Copacabana. A dozen kilometres to the east of the village of Slatine is another superb beach. Don't forget your sun cream!
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2. St Lawrence Cathedral, an architectural jewel
Built on the ruins of a basilica destroyed in 1123, St Lawrence Cathedral has undergone numerous alterations over four centuries while retaining a remarkable architectural harmony. Its basilica plan with three naves illustrates the Romanesque style, while its Renaissance portal, adorned with sculptures by Radovan (1420), bears witness to the artistic skills of the period. After admiring the interior of the cathedral, we set off to climb the bell tower-campanile. And, 47 metres up, our efforts were amply rewarded with a splendid view of the lagoon, the archipelago and even the city of Split. A must!
Discover the city of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ona guided tour that you can book here.
3. The Kamerlengo fortress, a must-see destination
You can't pass through Trogir without admiring the Kamerlengo fortress! Built in the 15th century by the Venetians on the south-western edge of the walled city, the fortress was designed to strengthen the city's defences and protect access to the sea. Restored after the Second World War, it has now regained all its majesty. And we didn't hesitate to consult the calendar of performances (available on the city of Trogir website), to treat ourselves to an unforgettable show in the vast inner courtyard, which houses a cultural centre with an open-air theatre and cinema. When there's no show on, you can still climb the ramparts for a superb view by day or night. It's not for nothing that Trogir is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe!
4. What to do in Trogir Visit the convent of Saint-Nicolas and its treasures
Want to discover Trogir's best-kept secrets? Head for this convent, founded in 1064 and still occupied by Benedictine nuns. It boasts an elegant Venetian Gothic cloister and, above all, a remarkable collection of sacred art. We can admire paintings, religious sculptures, including a Madonna from the XIIIᵉ century, and a Christ on the Cross in the purest expressionist style. The most precious piece , however, remains the marble high relief of Kairos, representing the god of Time and the Present Moment. This exceptional ancient work was discovered in 1928 in the convent, this hieratic work, dating from the pre-Hellenistic period, would date back to the IVᵉ or IIIᵉ century BC. A unique piece that you absolutely must see!
5. The discreet Dominican convent of the Holy Cross
We then headed for the Dominican Convent of the Holy Cross, founded in 1265 and consecrated in the XIVᵉ century by Albanian friars. This is another little religious gem that perfectly illustrates the radiant Gothic style of the Dalmatian city, enhanced by an elegant Romanesque bell tower. The complex includes a crypt, a cloister, a fountain and a peaceful park. Here we learned that this important place of learning and learning, thanks in particular to its library, was home to Augustin Kažotić (1260-1323), one of the first Croatian theologians. Bombed in 1991, like three other Dominican convents in the country, it was completely restored. Today, it is still home to a religious and intellectual community.
6. Discover the city's museums
Fancy a bit of culture after wandering through the charming narrow streets? Two museums are a must when you visit Trogir. The Museum of Sacred Art, on the first floor of the Priest's House, houses a valuable collection of religious works, including the famous polyptych by Blaž Jurjev Trogiranin, known as Blaise of Trogir (1395-1449), the undisputed master of the Dalmatian school. There are also paintings by Quirizio da Murano and Gentile Bellini, as well as ancient manuscripts from the churches of Čiovo and Trogir. Nearby, the City Museum, housed in the former Palazzo Garagnin-Fanfogna, illustrates the historical and artistic development of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through its archaeological collections, sculptures, paintings and lithographs. We were also able to see an exhibition of top-quality contemporary artists.
7. The Blue Lagoon, a must-see marine excursion in Trogir
For a bit of fresh air, head east to theisland of Drvenik Veli, which has dropped anchor just opposite Trogir. Here, we discover a marine site of striking beauty: a small bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters, coiled between the islets Krknjaš Mali and Krknjaš Veli. The limestone seabed accentuates the brilliance of the sea, offering a dazzling natural spectacle! On the island, from the small port of Veli Drvenik, the bay can be reached by a pleasant walk of around an hour, unless you choose to go by boat, thanks to organised excursions or private skippers departing from Trogir, of course, but also from Split or Seget Donji. Then all you have to do is jump in the water and swim to take full advantage of the serenity of this unspoilt marine jewel. What a delight!
8. A swim in Okrug
For a farniente getaway, we then head to Okrug-Gornji. Opposite Trogir, on the large island of Čiovo, linked to the historic peninsula by two bridges, we enjoy a mild, sunny Mediterranean climate, surrounded by lush vegetation framing charming beaches and coves with crystal-clear waters. Čiovo is even said to be one of the brightest islands in Croatia! The little seaside resort immediately wins us over with its peaceful atmosphere. And while it's obviously possible to stay there, we treated ourselves to a little scuba diving before sitting down on one of the many sunny terraces to savour the Dalmatian dolce vita.
Visit three of Croatia's must-see islands on this half-day boat trip from Trogir, which you can book here.
Read more: Which island to visit in Croatia? The 3 most beautiful to see
9. What to do in Trogir Wander around Krka National Park
We then head for Krka National Park, whose natural wealth stems from the 72km-long river of the same name, fed by the Čikola tributary. This impetuous watercourse has shaped a spectacular canyon here, punctuated by waterfalls and small sparkling lakes. Winding its way through the hinterland, it ends its course in the sea at Šibenik, via the Sv. Ante canal. As we make our way downstream, we come across seven large waterfalls, each more impressive than the last. The site is exceptionally rich in bird life and is one of the most precious in Europe. To preserve this jewel, ecological facilities, wooden footbridges and panoramic terraces ensure a respectful and unforgettable visit. Our only problem? Not being able to dive into the waters of this unspoilt site to recover from this wonderful walk in the Croatian sunshine!
10. Take an excursion to Šibenik
Less than an hour from Trogir, we discover Šibenik, one of the must-see places in Croatia. Thanks to its role as a prosperous trading port, the town grew rapidly, enriched by a strong Italian artistic influence that is clearly visible in its architecture. We are delighted to admire its exceptional heritage, in particular the Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through the centre, we feel the charm of a lively provincial town, with a magnificently restored medieval and Renaissance heart. We'll wander the pedestrianised streets, visit the refurbished fortress and enjoy the seafront terraces. It's a must-do excursion that can even be extended by a few days. Here are our itinerary tips for exploring the Šibenik region.
Read also: What to do in and around Šibenik The 10 most beautiful places
11. Discover Split
Right next to Trogir, our Croatian escapade also takes us to Split, a city two thousand years old and today the country's leading seaport. Active and dynamic, the Dalmatian capital is one of the liveliest cities in southern Europe and is obviously part of our itinerary for visiting Croatia in a week. At the height of the high season, we're taking advantage of its seaside atmosphere, which is one of the most pleasant in Croatia. But Split is not just about tourism: around and at the heart of Diocletian's palace, the city has managed to preserve a vibrant, lively and commercial historic centre. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this ancient and Byzantine ensemble leads to the riva, a superb palm-lined promenade linking the port, ferries, sun terraces, beaches nestling in the hills and museums. And if you're a Games of Thrones fan, you'll recognise some of the sets from the American series. So, fans beware!
Discover 1,700 years of history by exploring the old town of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on this guided tour.
Read more: What to do and see in Split in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
12. Scuba diving
It would be a shame to discover Croatia without marvelling at the richness of its seabed. Along the coast and in the Croatian archipelagos, we dive into the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, where mask and snorkel are all we need to explore the depths in complete tranquillity. But the adventure takes on a whole new dimension when we get close to the shipwrecks that have run aground or are outcropping near the coast. Some, dating back to Antiquity, still lie with their amphorae, as in Cavtat - veritable treasures of underwater archaeology. Other galleons, from the Venetian era or the wars of the XXᵉ century, have been transformed into artificial reefs where marine life thrives in abundance. Yet another reason why Croatia is THE destination to go to this year.
Also read : 7-day sailing cruise in Croatia: itinerary tips
13. Enjoy Croatian gastronomy
Feeling a little hungry? It's just the thing, because Croatian gastronomy is astonishingly diverse, between the Mediterranean and Central Europe. Inland, to the east and north, we can sample a cuisine with Slavic, Hungarian and Austrian accents, where root vegetables, cabbage, pulses and starchy foods are combined with cheeses, cured meats and smoked meats. On the Adriatic coast, the Venetian heritage can be savoured through grilled fish, roast lamb, seasonal vegetables and dried peas, cooked in olive oil and seasoned with aromatic herbs. We love strolling through the markets, the beating heart of local life, to pick up wines, oils, cheeses, cold meats and honeys. And when it comes to sweet treats, we love the licitar, the gingerbread heart that symbolises the winter festivities. A real treat!
Also read: Croatia off the beaten track: 7 ideas for unusual visits
Where to stay in Trogir?
Trogir isn't very big, so you're bound to find accommodation close to the places you want to visit. Just remember to book in advance!
- The most family-friendly
Well appointed in a baroque palace in the historic centre, theHeritage Hotel Tragos is a family-run establishment that will appeal to history buffs, while gourmets will delight in the konoba (tavern). Are you tempted? Go here to book your stay in just a few clicks!
- The most authentic
In the heart of the historic city, the Villa Carrara is a 7-room hotel housed in a building listed as a Unesco heritage site, which you can book simply here.
Trogir or Sibenik: which to choose?
- Trogir seduced us with its medieval charm, cobbled streets and intimate atmosphere. An ideal spot for a romantic stroll between the sea and the old stones.
- Šibenik, on the other hand, is larger and more authentic, offering a lively city atmosphere, a rich cultural scene and privileged access to the Krka and Kornati parks.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Trogir :
