Trogir in 1 Day: A Perfect Day Trip Guide

Trogir, a small yet stunning historic town on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, often finds itself overshadowed by its bigger neighbor Split. However, for those who enjoy exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming cobblestone streets, and the authentic feel of a smaller and less crowded destination, Trogir is absolutely worth a visit. Sometimes referred to as the “Little Venice,” Trogir was actually a Greek settlement initially, and is home to the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in Central Europe. Whether you’re based in Split or exploring the Adriatic coast, Trogir’s compact size and rich history make it easy to explore in just 1 day while leaving you captivated by its charm. Here’s why Trogir is the ideal day trip destination and how to make the most of your 1 day visit in Trogir, an enchanting Croatian UNESCO town.

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Why is Trogir Worth Visiting?

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The entire Old Town of Trogir is a UNESCO-protected site, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic significance. As mentioned earlier, it is home to the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in Central Europe.
2. Proximity to Split: Located just 30 minutes by car or bus from Split, Trogir makes for a perfect day trip. In high season, take a scenic water taxi ride from Split to Trogir, with stunning views of the coast. Because it’s so close, those who prefer a quieter base may prefer to stay in Trogir vs Split to avoid Split’s crowds.
3. Charming Old Town: With its palm-tree lined Riva (waterfront promenade), narrow, winding streets, and picturesque squares, Trogir will immerse you in its charms. Not to mention that Trogir was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones (used as the backdrop for the city of Qarth).
4. Compact Size: You can easily explore old town Trogir’s highlights in one day without feeling rushed due to its Trogir’s small size. That said, Trogir can also be a great base for exploring Split, Krka National Park, Trogir’s islands, and even Zadar.
5. Proximity to Quiet Beaches: Ciovo Island’s beaches are easy to access from Trogir; Just walk over the bridge and you’ll see the closest beaches to your left. Or, rent a bike, cross the bridge, and pedal down to Slatine. Enjoy the small town atmosphere, cozy cafés, and stunning beaches. Feeling more motivated? Continue on to the cliffside Church of Our Lady of Prizidnice.

Top Things to Do in Trogir in One Day

1. Wander Trogir’s Old Town

One of the top reasons that Trogir is worth visiting is the UNESCO Heritage Old Town. One of our favorite things to do at the start of the day is to simply wander through Trogir’s Old Town. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of streets and stumble on the many historic buildings, churches, local shops, galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss the Venetian style architecture throughout town. Take a city highlights walking tour to explore all the highlights, nooks, and crannies.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a quiet coffee break near the cathedral, try Cafe “Smokvica“. The coffee is quite good, it’s often much quieter than the busy cafés on the square. As an added bonus, you can often find shade here on a hot day.

2. Visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence

The Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Katedrala Sv. Lovre) is a must-see landmark in Trogir. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Trogir, Saint John, whose tomb can be found in the cathedral. Because its construction lasted such a long time (from the 1200’s through the 1600’s), there are a variety of styles represented, from Romanesque to Gothic. Climb the bell tower for stunning panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands. Don’t miss Radovan’s Portal, a masterpiece of 13th-century stone carving, and the main portal to the cathedral.

The entry fee to the cathedral includes access to the bell tower. We still haven’t had a chance to go up the bell tower, but the views are known to be stunning. The climb up to the bell tower, especially the top portion, is to be done at your own risk. There are large open windows, and no handrails for sections of this. If you’ve made this climb, we’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.

3. Discover Cipiko Palace

This historic 15th century palace, which was once home to the Cipiko family, showcases intricate Venetian Gothic architecture. The palace reflects the wealth and influence of one of Trogir’s most distinguished families. The interior is not open to the public. Even so, don’t miss stopping to look at the ornate details on the facade of Cipiko Palace. It is just opposite the cathedral. The intricately carved Gothic windows and balconies, created by Andrija Aleši, are the highlight of this palace.

4. Stroll Along Trogir’s Riva

Trogir’s Riga, or waterfront promenade, is lined with palm trees and cafes. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break. Sit at one of the many outdoor cafés, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while watching the yachts and fishing boats come and go from the marina. While this is smaller in scale than Split’s promenade, it is a great spot in the evenings to enjoy live music and the lights reflecting off the water.

5. Explore Kamerlengo Fortress

Built during the Venetian conquest of Trogir, in an effort to protect the town, this 15th-century fortress offers a glimpse into Trogir’s defensive history. The fortress has a unique trapezoidal floorpan, with one very large tower facing the sea. There are smaller towers on the other corners as well. Climb to the top for incredible views of the town, marina, and Adriatic Sea. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, check the schedule to see if you can attend a concert, theater performance, open-air cinema nights, or other events at the fortress. This makes for a very memorable evening.

6. Visit the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas

The Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas is a quiet haven in the heart of Trogir. Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art and relics, including the famous Greek relief of Kairos, the god of opportunity, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. The monastery itself is an architectural gem, with a serene atmosphere perfect for a quiet break. Visitors can also explore other religious artifacts and learn about the Benedictine nuns’ role in preserving Trogir’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

7. Take a Boat Tour

For a different perspective of Trogir and its surroundings, consider a boat tour to nearby islands such as Šolta or Drvenik. These excursions offer a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Adriatic. Swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on pristine beaches, or explore charming island villages. Some tours even include stops at the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can snorkel among vibrant marine life. Note that many of the boat tours are full day tours. This would be perfect if you spend the night in Trogir, leaving you an evening or another day to explore the historic old town.

8. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Trogir is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional Dalmatian dishes and fresh seafood. Start your culinary adventure at a local tavern, called konoba’s, where you’ll find typical dishes such as black risotto, grilled fish and octopus, and peka, a slow-cooked meat or seafood dish prepared under a bell-shaped lid. Konoba Tragos is a nice choice for this typical food in the heart of old town. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or rakija, a traditional fruit brandy.

For those looking for a higher end experience, a few excellent choices are Restoran il Ponte for seafood near the North Gate, and Konoba Trs, for amazing seafood just off the main square.

9. Shop for Souvenirs

Trogir’s old town is filled with artisan shops and markets. We found these to be an excellent place to pick up souvenirs of the region. We stumbled on our best finds when we stopped looking at a map and just wandered aimlessly (and a bit lost) through the narrow streets. Some of the top souvenirs to bring home from Trogir:

• Lavender sachets (these remind us of the incredible lavender fields on Hvar);
• Locally produced olive oil, rakija, and honey;
• Lacework;
• Handcrafted jewelry and ceramics.

Be sure to stop by the main market, just outside of old town, for fresh produce and snacks for your visit.

10. Visit Čiovo Island

As mentioned previously, Trogir can also be used as a base for further explorations of the Croatian coast. If you have extra time, consider venturing to Čiovo Island, which is connected to Trogir by a short bridge. There are a number of hotels, apartments, and hostels just over the bridge, which are just a 10 minute walk to old town. Čiovo Island has stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a much more low key atmosphere. Some of the options on Čiovo include:

• Walk over the bridge and through the Marina, enjoying beautiful views of Kamerlengo Fortress;
• Spend a few hours sunbathing at Okrug Gornji Beach;
• Rent a bike and pedal down to Slatine. Enjoy the small town atmosphere, cozy cafés, and stunning beaches;
• For those who enjoy spending time in nature, enjoy scenic walks along the coastline, through olive groves, and to the cliffside Church of Our Lady of Prizidnice. The church is perched on the cliffside, and has stunning water views. You can also drive here, though will need to take some stairs and a short walk to reach the church.

Where to Stay in Trogir?

Whether you choose to use Trogir as a base for exploring, or would like a convenient place to stay for an early morning flight out of Split, Trogir offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets.

Practical Tips for Visiting Trogir

• Getting There: Trogir is easily accessible by car, bus, or even a boat taxi from Split. It is less than 10 minutes from Split airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the coast of Croatia depends on your travel style. Spring and early fall are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Parking: If you’re driving, park in one of the designated lots outside the Old Town, as the historic center is pedestrian-only.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Trogir?

• A half-day to a full day is sufficient to see Trogir’s main attractions, though spending a few days there would give you time to explore Čiovo and other nearby islands. You can also use Trogir as a base for longer stays, taking day trips from there to Split and also Krka National Park, as well as exciting boat tours to the Blue Lagoon. Refer to this guide to decide whether Split or Trogir is the best base for your Croatian vacation.

Final Thoughts on 1 Day in Trogir Croatia

Trogir’s rich history, stunning architecture, and relaxed coastal vibe make it a delightful destination and quite a change of pace from neighboring Split. Trogir’s compact size and proximity to Split make it an easy and rewarding day trip to add to your Croatian adventure.

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