15 Best Things To Do In Trogir Old Town, Croatia
Visiting Trogir is something you don’t want to miss out on when in Croatia. It has all the charm, romantic, and medieval touches that will win you over the minute you step foot in Trogir Old Town. One of the best things to do in Trogir is to wander the cobblestone alleyways and waterfront in awe of its fairytale like beauty.
Situated along Croatia’s Adriatic Sea and is a prime location to take day trips from and explore nearby islands.
Although small, Trogir is a city that I will return to again and spend a few days sipping a coffee people watching along the seaside promenade for complete relaxation…
Many visit Trogir on a day trip from Split, but I highly recommend spending a night to capture the true essence that this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer.
And if you want to include a few day trips then add a few more nights or add to your Croatia itinerary. Keep reading to learn what to do in Trogir, where to stay, and top tours to take!
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What To Do In Split Old Town On Croatia’s Adriatic Coast
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Best Things To Do In Trogir, Croatia
1. Take A Trogir Old Town Walking Tour
It is a gorgeous location on the Dalmatian Coast just 30 minutes from Split which makes it easy to get to.
The old town section of Trogir is on a tiny island that is connected by bridges to the mainland on one side and on the opposite side, a larger island known as Ciovo Island.
In every way, Trogir is a magical old town with its marble streets, a grand promenade, palm trees, yachts, and sailboats!
What I really enjoyed about Trogir, is that it is a smaller and less touristy area compared to Split and some of the larger cities.
You still get a beautiful seaside old town with its medieval walls but free of crowds. Although most people only visit Trogir on a day trip, you can easily spend a few days here, especially if you are looking to unwind.
It is quite impressive how so many of the buildings from the 13th and 15th centuries are so well preserved today. In 1997, Trogir officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its sea access, Trogir is an excellent base if you are interested in sailing the nearby islands for a day excursion or even a week.
The best way to get your bearings and learn a ton of history about old town Trogir, is to go on a guided walking tour.
On this walking tour, your local guide with show you the top sights with interesting facts and recommendations such as where to eat.
Book Your Trogir Old Town Walking Tour Today!
2. Visit St. Lawrence Cathedral & Bell Tower
In the main section of Old Town Trogir, sits the prominent St. Lawrence Cathedral and Bell Tower.
St. Lawrence Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is architecturally stunning.
As you admire the incredible craftsmanship that went into carving and building of the church, you can see Gothic, Venetian, and Romanesque styles throughout.
Inside the church is beautiful with sculptures and artwork including the baptistery worth viewing.
After exploring the inside of the cathedral, exit and turn around to notice the detail in the front entrance and statues. The talent that went into the carvings is unbelievable.
From the entrance, walk a few steps to the entry of the Bell Tower. Be aware that there are a number of steps so make sure you are up for the challenge.
It might be a little bit of a workout, but it is completely worth it for the views!
I’m scared of heights and there were sections of climbing up that I got a little nervous, but I’d do it again for the great photos I got.
Standing at 47 meters (155 feet), the Cathedral Bell Tower offers spectacular views of the Old Town, Ciovo Island, and the Adriatic Sea.
3. Clock Tower & City Loggia
Directly across the square from St. Lawrence Cathedral, is the Clock Tower and City Loggia.
The Clock Tower stands out in the main town square as the star with its pale blue face and its red-tiled dome top.
It is the first thing I noticed upon entering the square as it might be one of the prettiest clock towers I have seen. Built in the 15th century, the clock tower was once part of St. Sebastian’s Church.
Connected to the Clock Tower is the City Loggia in a Venetian architecture style. It is a covered gallery or what you might recognize as a porch.
Wondering what a loggia is? Many cities had loggias which were meeting places in the main area of the town and center of political life.
Think of it much like our present-day city halls where there are courtrooms, judges, etc… But back then it was noblemen and leaders of the community.
4. The Grand Cipiko Palace
Right next to St. Lawrence Cathedral is the Cipiko Palace which was the home to the Cipiko family, Trogir’s wealthiest and most well-known family during the 15th century.
As with the cathedral next door, you will notice the Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architectural styles.
The majority of the Cipiko Palace was built in the between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was actually two palaces that joined once two prominent families came together.
Unfortunately, the Cipiko Palace is not open to the public. But maybe it is more fun anyways to imagine how grand it must be inside…
Read More: Best 10 Day Croatia Itinerary Plus Travel Tips!
5. Enjoy A Coffee In Trg Ivana Pavla II Square
Need a coffee break or a bite to eat? Grab a chair at one of the outdoor cafes situated in Trg Ivana Pavla II Square.
The square is surrounded by St. Lawrence Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and Cipiko Palace.
In addition to it being a great spot for people watching, you can take in all the impressive architecture around you.
Keep in mind that restaurants in popular squares like this might not have the most traditional food but for an espresso or cocktail I think it is perfect.
6. Town Hall, aka Duke’s Palace
Before I even knew it was the Town Hall, I wandered into the courtyard and was met with the most pleasant surprise. It is the most idyllic and beautiful courtyard that looks fit for a princess.
The staircase alone looks like the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot, all I needed was a long flowy dress…
Originally, I thought that the building and courtyard looked a little too fancy for a town hall but learned that it had been the Duke’s Palace from the 13th century.
Later the palace was renovated in the 19th century with Renaissance architectural style. You can clearly see the coat of arms of the Venetian Dukes that once resided here on the front of the palace.
Today it serves as the Town Hall where all business administration for the city takes place and must see in Trogir.
7. Museum of Sacred Art
Right next to the Clock Tower is the Museum of Sacred Art. The small museum has artwork from the 13th century Venetian period and notable pieces from the famous painter, Bellini.
Previously, the museum used to be a parish house from the 18th century. I absolutely love how the vines frame the museum and match the door and windows perfectly!
8. Wander Old Town’s Alleyways
Trogir’s Old Town is quite small and could be walked within a few hours if you were in a rush but that would be a shame.
Instead, Trogir is one of those towns that you want to let yourself wander and get a little lost in.
Granted you won’t actually get lost but there are so many pretty alleyways, cafes, and courtyards you don’t want to miss.
Trogir might be one of the most photogenic towns in Croatia as it packs in a whole lot of charm. Anyone that is into photography could easily spend a few days really capturing the town’s atmosphere.
As you walk the cobblestone streets, you will quickly realize why it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the things that I loved about walking in old town is that much of the time I felt like I had the place to myself.
There are so many adorable cafes, that sitting down to have an espresso or bite to eat will be calling your name at least once!
Exploring the old town is definitely one of the best things to do in Trogir…
9. Stroll Down The Riva Promenade
Similar to Split, Trogir has a wide and elegant promenade or “riva” along the waterfront. It is a splendid place to take a stroll as you pass restaurants, cafes, and plenty of palm trees.
On the waterfront side, you will see numerous yachts and sailboats docked in mesmerizing clear water in shades of blue.
There is definitely more energy and liveliness out on the promenade, a great place to sit and people watch.
And if you are lucky enough to stay the night, it is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
10. Climb To The Top Of Kamerlengo Fortress
At the end of the promenade or “riva” is the Kamerlengo Fortress that looks quite striking among the palm trees and sea.
The fortress is also referred to as a “castle”, but it looks more like a fortress to me…
At one point, the fortress was attached to the city walls but as you can see that is no longer the case.
Built in the early 1400s, there is not much left of the Kamerlengo Fortress on the interior, but it is still very much worth a visit.
In the 15th century, the Kamerlengo Fortress served to house Venetian troops but today it is used as a place to host concerts in the summer months.
What makes going inside worth the entrance fee is the opportunity to climb up the stairs to the top of the fortress.
The views of Trogir and the surrounding Adriatic Sea are breathtaking. Make sure that you climb all the way to the top of the tower for the best vantage point!
11. View The Town Gates
After you park your car and cross over the bridge into the old town of Trogir, you’ll enter via the North Gate.
The North Gate was built in the 17th century and up on the top used to be a statue of the patron saint of Trogir, St. John.
From photos and everything I read, it used to be there but, on my visit, I saw no statue…
On the opposite side of Trogir’s Old Town is the South Gate. The South Gate leads out to the bustling promenade and the sea.
12. Best Beaches In Trogir
It’s not hard to imagine that there might be nice beaches in Trogir after getting a glimpse of the glimmering turquoise waters here.
There are several beautiful Trogir beaches to visit but three that top the list are Okrug Gornji, Medina Beach, and Labadusa Strand Beach.
Okrug Gornji is on Ciovo Island which is about 2 miles from Trogir’s old town and can be reached by boat or driving there.
You’ll find an assortment of restaurants and bars to choose from if you need a cocktail while lounging on the picturesque beach.
Labadusa Strand is also on Ciovo Island but on the southern side of the island. This is a pebbly beach with absolutely gorgeous clear turquoise waters…
Medina Beach is located in a small village called Seget Donji that is a few miles from old town on the mainland part of Trogir. Here you will find restaurants, bars, water sports, and the Hotel Medina.
13. Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas
On the southern part of Trogir island at the end of the promenade is Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas.
Founded in 1064 by St. Ivan, the monastery is one of the oldest in all of Croatia. And it couldn’t have a prettier location right along the Adriatic Sea.
What makes this monastery unique is that Benedictine female monks or nuns have lived and worked here for about 1,000 years. There are still a handful of nuns that reside here today.
There is a small courtyard and museum you can visit with a nice collection of art, a marble relief of Kairos the Greek god of happy moment the most notable.
Note: St. Nicolas is the patron saint of travelers and sailors, so the site of this monastery is fitting.
14. Visit The Blue Lagoon & Nearby Islands
From spring through fall, island hopping is one of the most popular day trips from Trogir.
There are several islands near Trogir all surrounded by the most pristine waters in hues of turquoise.
You can choose from a variety of Trogir boat tours with many easy to reach under an hour.
One of the best things to do in Trogir is to visit the Blue Lagoon just 15 minutes away by speedboat.
The Blue Lagoon has quite the reputation for its remarkable clear water and an array of blue shades. Paradise never looked better!
The shallow water here is excellent for swimming and snorkeling right off of Veli Drvenik island. A tour combining the Blue Lagoon and the island of Solta is something you don’t want to miss when visiting Trogir.
Book Your Blue Lagoon Boat Excursion Here!
15. Go On A Myths & Legends Night Tour Of Trogir’s Old Town
A bonus to spending the night in Trogir is the opportunity to go on a myths and legends tour in old town!
On this guided evening tour, you will be led on glowing lantern journey over 2,000 years…
You’ll learn all about Trogir’s fascinating history, superstitions, and spooky myths the town holds.
In a small group setting expect to be transported to another era as you visit some of the top Trogir attractions at night, a completely different experience than by day.
Book Your Myths & Legends Trogir Night Tour!
Best Hotels In Trogir
In search of the best Trogir accommodation in the old town section? Staying on the island of old town Trogir is the most convenient place to stay, within walking distance of most attractions.
Brown Beach House – this hotel is directly across Trogir old town on Ciovo Island a few minutes away.
Restaurants In Trogir
Wondering where to eat in Trogir? There are several tasty picks when it comes to dining in Trogir with seafood, Italian, and Croatian food the most widely available.
- Pizzeria Mirkec – Not too far from the promenade and has great pizzas (Pizza, Mediterranean and Italian food).
- Konoba Trs – located a short distance from the main central square next to the St. Michael’s Bell Tower and Palace Cipiko (Mediterranean, Seafood and Croatian food).
- Piccolo Ponte – Located in the center of Old Town and has a lovely ambience (Mediterranean, Italian and Pizza).
- Restaurant Kamerlengo – Located on an adorable cobblestone street in the center of Old Town (Mediterranean, Seafood and Croatian food).
- Restaurant Sv Dominik – perfect for drinks along the promenade!
Trogir Tours To Take
If you plan to spend a few days in Trogir, I’d recommend giving yourself time to explore the town and take a few phenomenal day trips!
Trogir Walking Tour with Guide – Go on a guided 1.5-hour walking tour of Trogir’s Old Town and fall in love with the architecture and history in this idyllic town!
Blue Lagoon & 3 Island Tour – Be whisked away to explore the breathtaking islands and turquoise waters of nearby islands. This is a full-day tour where you get to relax, wander, and play in the Adriatic Sea!
Krka Falls & Sibenik Tour – This tour takes you to Krka National Park which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and lush park. You will also get to visit Sibenik and see its top sights!
Trogir Nights Myths & Legends Tour – see Trogir old town at night with a guide lighting your way by lantern to learn all about the history & spooky past of the town.
How To Get From Split To Trogir
The closest airport to Trogir is Split International Airport (SPU), also known as Resnik Airport.
The airport is actually closer to Trogir than Split and is about a 10-minute drive. To book your airfare to Split, start searching the best flight deals available!
If you are coming from the town of Split, it is about a 30-minute drive and you can get from Split to Trogir by driving, bus, or ferry.
If you plan to be visiting other areas of Croatia, I recommend getting a rental car and driving yourself as navigating the roads in Croatia are easy and convenient.
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Best Time To Visit Trogir
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia experiences a Mediterranean climate much like Italy and Greece.
Visiting Trogir is pleasant any time of the year with the best months from April to October.
The winter months are known to have mild temperatures and a lot of rain whereas the summer months can get pretty hot and humid.
To get the best weather and beat the crowds (mostly), the shoulder seasons are ideal traveling in May/June and September/October.
Parking In Trogir
If you are driving to Trogir, where do you park? The old town is completely walkable, and no car is needed while you stay in Trogir.
But if you are driving to Trogir from another city in Croatia, then you will park on the mainland side of Trogir before walking across to the island of old town.
There are two public parking lots, one north and one south of the bridge to walk over into Trogir old town.
It takes about 5 minutes to walk from either parking lot over to the quaint island of old town.
FAQ About Visiting Trogir, Croatia
Yes, Trogir is worth visiting as it is an idyllic old town on a tiny island off Croatia’s coast. Surrounded by the breathtaking azul colored waters of the Adriatic, this city has a rich history, architecture, scenery, and delicious cuisine.
Trogir is famous for its charming old town situated on a tiny island along the Adriatic Coast of Croatia. With its slender cobblestoned alleyways, St. Lawrence Cathedral and Bell Tower, Kamerlengo Fortress, and the prime location for island hopping in dream like turquoise waters this is a town you don’t want to miss.
You can easily see all the main Trogir attractions in the old town in one day but if you want to fully experience this hidden gem, spend one night and two full days.
That way you can designate one day to exploring the nearby beaches, Blue Lagoon, or other nearby islands.
They are both fantastic cities to stay in but for a more laid back and tranquil atmosphere with the cutest old town stay in Trogir.
If you are looking to stay in a bigger city with more restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shopping then Split is a better option.
By car, it takes 30 minutes to get from Split to Trogir. You can also go between the two cities by ferry during the spring, summer, and fall months, which takes 60 minutes.
Yes, the old town of Trogir is very walkable. The tiny island can be walked in a half day but don’t rush it as the town is filled with history, beauty, and architecture.
But Before You Go…
If you have a love for natural wonders, don’t miss on taking an extra day or two to explore the magical waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes!
Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to numerous lakes, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Explore everything you need to know in my guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park!
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.