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Croatia is no longer the best-kept secret in Europe. The low prices, crystal clear waters, and seaside castles have become inundated with traveling families, backpackers, and obsessive Game of Thrones fanatics. However, Croatia remains a worthy destination, especially when venturing away from the Best Places in Croatia like Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar. One such getaway that is only a stone’s throw from Split, on the Dalmatian Coast, is Trogir. Since this seaside UNESCO site may not be the most well-known to travelers, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Trogir, Croatia.
Kamerlengo Castle
Originally built by the Venetians in the mid-15th century, Kamerlengo Castle stands as one of the focal points of Trogir’s architectural landscape. While it’s not much of a museum, people enjoy climbing its battlements for the gorgeous views of Trogir. Depending on where you stand on its walls, the vistas can include much of the harbor as well. Kamerlengo fortress is best visited during the summer when it hosts concerts for the city’s Trogir Summer Festival — an annual festival with Croatian folk concerts, classical music, and events around town.
Trogir Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, Trogir’s Cathedral and its bell tower is the most recognizable feature of the city. Construction originally began in 1213 and was not completed until the 17th century. Because of its multi-generational creation, the Cathedral combines various architectural elements from Romanesque and Gothic influences. Another opportunity for a great view is at the top of the bell tower, which stands 154 feet over the Old Town of Trogir. The site’s history goes beyond its obvious Christian roots, as during a 1903 renovation, workers found an altar dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera. Opposite the Cathedral is the Grand Cipiko Palace, a former seat for wealthy Croatian families. While its interior is not open to the public, its attractive exterior is certainly worth investigating.
Hit the Beach
One of the main appeals, not just of Trogir, but also of much of Croatia as a whole, is its coastline with sapphire-blue Adriatic waters. Here are some of our favorites:
Okrug Gornji: Okrug Gornji, often called ‘Copacabana Beach’, is located on the nearby Ciovo Island. Ciovo is just over under a mile away from Trogir’s Old Town. Okrug Gornji is objectively the most popular beach in Trogir and is just over a mile long, lined with fun café-bar establishments and vacation rentals.
Medena Beach: Once exclusively used by the Hotel Medena resort, Medena Beach is now completely open to locals and tourists alike. Medena is home to plenty of beachside fun like mini-golf and tennis courts, as well as places to rent jet skis, kayaks, and other aquatic sporting equipment. Medena’s promenade is also a good place to grab an ice cream, a drink, or both.
Pantan Beach: Because of its proximity to the Pantan River delta, this beach boasts fine sand, which is not usually the norm in most of Croatia, as most beaches are made up of pebbles. With that being said, Pantan is a popular spot for sunbathers, and with its calm waters, for families and young swimmers.
If you’re venturing out of Trogir in search of the perfect sun, sea, and sand, check out Croatia’s Top Ten Beaches.
Rent a Boat
Within the city limits there are multiple options for people to rent, or charter, boats from Trogir. From Trogir, nautical passengers can go explore various beaches, islands, caves, and grottos. Croatia’s famous offshore Blue Cave is a popular destination for boat renters. The cave allows for small boats to enter and, once inside, the cave echoes the sun’s rays throughout the grotto creating a brilliant blue illumination. Also, these same boating companies can provide a scenic alternative for travelers trying to reach Trogir from the Split airport.
Experience Dalmatian Cuisine
Croatian cuisine is very regional. Although Croatia is not a big country, each of its varying areas has their own unique culinary history. The Dalmatian Coast, where Trogir is located, has one of the more popular cuisines as it makes use of its access to the sea. Peka (a meal with meat or fish, often octopus), vegetables, risotto, and Rozata (a custard pudding), are all typical examples of local culinary delights. Also, Dalmatian Cuisine, a tour run by a local woman named Ivana, is a favorite amongst tourists as she guides visitors through local markets and later through the stages of cooking some good Dalmatian food.
St Nicholas Convent
This Benedictine convent is worth a peek because of the art contained within it. St. Nicholas houses an orange marble relief of Kairos, the Greek god of opportunity. Its most exciting feature is its age — being old even by European standards. Art historians date the relief all the way back to the 3rd century. History buffs rejoice!