Trogir is a must visit if you are in central Dalmatia. The UNESCO inlisted old town Island is a real gem! The city, which was originally named Tragurion, was founded in the 3rd century by Greek colonists who came over from Issa, the Island we today know as Vis.
Trogir is geographically quite special in the sense that a part of the city is located on the mainland, another part on the Island, and a third part of the city is located on the Ciovo Island.
Below you can see my video and read my recommendations for a visit or holiday in Trogir. I share tips on my favorite attractions, as well as some great spots where you can eat budget-friendly meals and more.
My History with Trogir
Living in Split, I have, of course, visited Trogir countless times; my first visit was in June 2004, when Trogir had far fewer visitors than it does today.
Trogir was home to one of my failed business ventures. In 2006/2007, I set up an internet cafe on the Čiovo side of Trogir; revenue was scarce, and I ended up closing it after it was flooded during a winter storm.
Since that time, I have only enjoyed Trogir as a day trip destination with family and friends.
What to see in Trogir?
Of course, the Old Town Island in its entirety is the main thing to see when visiting Trogir.
The narrow, cozy streets lined with restaurants, bars, and shops are ideal if you are short on time; in that case, focus on Gradska ul., the Riva, and Ul. Blaženog Augustina Kažotića.
Visit the Main Square, where you can sit for a coffee, or you can visit some of the paid attractions that are part of the Cathedral complex:
The bell tower of St. Lawrence’s Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Lovre)—check my video to see me climbing to the top of the bell tower. (Ticket Price €5)
- The Beautiful Cathedral €6
- The Baptistery €2
- Sacred Art Collection €3
- Church of St John the Baptist €3
- Church of St Barbara €3
Entrance tickets can be bought at the museum on the Main Square.
If you wish to see more than one attraction, they offer combo tickets for 2 to 6 attractions. For example, a red ticket for €10 will give you access to the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower, which individually would cost €13.
On the Main Square, you can also find the Rector’s Palace (Town Hall).
At the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas, you can see the artwork Kairos Collection, or just settle for a peek in the beautiful courtyard (which is free). Ticket price €5.
Interesting facts: The length of a full walk around the island’s edge is 1,400 metres, and the island has a size of 113,000 m² (or 28 acres). On the island, there are 12 churches.
On the Riva, you can visit the Church and Monastery of St. Dominic for a price of €2.
Another must-see is the Venetian Fortress Kamerlengo, located at the southwestern corner of the island. Adult ticket €5.
From the fortress, you have a good view over the city, but not as good as from the bell tower. One thing you can see better is the island football field.
The last thing you should add to the list is the Gloriet of Marshal Marmont, a gazebo at the west end of the island.
If I had to pick one paid attraction, it would be the St. Lawrence’s Cathedral Bell Tower. If I had to pick two, it would be the Bell Tower and the Fortress Kamerlengo.
Time needed: If you take a short tour as mentioned earlier, you will need 1.5 hours for your visit; if you plan to explore all the attractions mentioned above, you will need 5–6 hours.
Getting to Trogir
Trogir is connected to most larger towns in Croatia, but of course, Split is the easiest place to reach by bus. You have frequent intercity buses, as well as very affordable public buses (such as the line number 37 running every 20–30 minutes) between the two cities.
If you are visiting Trogir from Split, I would recommend traveling one way with the Bura Line. The Bura Line is a passenger ship that runs up to four times daily between the two cities. The sailing time is about one hour, and the trip itself is very enjoyable. Ticket prices for adults €10.
From Split Airport, Trogir is only 6 km away, and you can get there either by Uber or Bolt, or by taking a public bus (line 37). Tip: Use the Promet Split App to get a €1 ticket.
Holiday in Trogir
If you are considering spending your holiday in Trogir, you can absolutely do so; there are many apartments available in the old town.
More affordable accommodation can be found on the mainland or on the Čiovo side of Trogir. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, you should consider staying in Okrug Gornji on Čiovo, where you will find a long beach and frequent boat connections to the Riva in Trogir.
You do not need a car to visit Trogir, especially if you are staying near the old town. But if you bring one, make sure to ask your accommodation for free parking, as long-term parking near the old town is quite expensive
And do not worry, you will not be stranded in Trogir; you have plenty of excursion options available. From Trogir, you can visit places like Krka National Park, Split, Šibenik, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes, the Blue Cave, and the town of Hvar, as well as many other interesting locations.
Shopping Trogir
If you need to do minor shopping, you have a smaller Studenac supermarket in the old town, and across the bridge to the mainland, you have a bit larger Konzum supermarket. (Map Location).
Just after crossing the bridge towards the mainland, you can find the green market on your left side. Here, you can buy fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as meat, bread, and other locally produced goods.
On the opposite side of the main road, you can find the fish market, where there is a large variety of fresh fish.
If you are staying in the Trogir area and like to do home cooking, the budget friendly version is to shop in the larger supermarkets: 3.5 km from Trogir in the direction of Split, you have a Lidl and a Kaufland supermarket. (Map Location)
On the fast road from Trogir to Split (5 km from Trogir), you have the Spot Shopping Park, which includes a Large Tommy Supermarket, shops like SinSay, Pepco, Muller, Deichmann, Mana, Tedi, Bipa, and a coffee bar. (Map Location)
Within walking distance from the center, you can find the Marisa shopping center, which has various shops, including a large Plodine supermarket (Map Location). Note: my secret tip is to use the shopping center for parking—then your car is in the shade.
Beaches Trogir
Trogir is not exactly a beach holiday destination, but there are a few beaches like Gradska Plaža Trogir and Pantan Beach, both located on the mainland side towards Split.
On the mainland in the direction of Šibenik, there are Seget beach and Medena, both pebble beaches.
For better beaches, I would recommend Čiovo; as already mentioned, there is a nice beach in Okrug Gornji, but also other places around the island where you can find some really nice beaches.
My Insider tips for Trogir
- Have an ice cream at Đovani on Gradska ul. 15—it’s never disappointed me!
- Cross the bridge towards Čiovo to enjoy some great budget-friendly fast food at Ćevabdžinica Stari Most.
- If you are hungry and like a meat platter, try Coccolo Steak & Grill on the mainland.
- At Restaurant Pašike, they serve great Neapolitan pizza with interesting toppings.
FAQ Trogir
Is Trogir worth visiting?
Yes, Trogir is something you should see; the UNESCO protected Island is a real gem.
Are there good beaches in Trogir?
No, Trogir has beaches, but not great beaches. Trogir is a place you should visit do to its history and culture.
How many hours do you need in Trogir?
For a brief look at Trogir, 1.5 hours, for a more in depth exploration, 5-6 hours.
Can you do Trogir as a day trip?
How do you get to Trogir from Split?
You can get from Split to Trogir with an intercity bus (30 minutes) or a public bus (Line 37, 60 minutes). The most picturesque way is to take the Bura line, a ship travelling from Split via Slatina to Trogir, travel time 60 minutes.
Is Trogir crowded in summer?
Yes
Is Trogir a UNESCO site?
Yes, Trogir has been a UNESCO site since 1997
Is Trogir better experienced slowly or quickly?
For first time visitors, a slow visit is the best, in this way you will get the vibe of the city and have time to visit some of the sights.
