Trogir, Croatia, is one of the Dalmatian Coast’s true gems – a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty. Today’s travel guide covers everything you should know about this gem of the Adriatic.
Where is Trogir?
Trogir sits on a small island in a narrow sea channel between the mainland and Čiovo Island, connected by a short canal. The islet itself is just 500 meters long and 250 meters wide.
Trogir is the main hub of the Trogir Riviera, an area that includes Čiovo Island and two smaller islands, Drvenik Mali and Drvenik Veli. Thanks to its historic significance and nautical tradition, Trogir is one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in Croatia.
How to Get to Trogir
Trogir is located in central Dalmatia, about 28 km west of the city of Split and only 6 km from Split Airport.
The town is easily reached by car. Croatia’s modern highway network makes travel simple. From Zagreb, the drive to Trogir via the E71 route takes around three hours.
Split Airport’s proximity puts Trogir just a few hours away from most major European cities, with frequent flights available. For a full coverage of all options available, read my article about the international airports in Croatia.
Trogir’s Location and Nearby Sights
Trogir is not only close to Split but also to some of Croatia’s most famous natural wonders. Plitvice Lakes National Park is 147 km (about 91 miles) away from Zadar, while Krka National Park is only 87.8 km (54.6 miles) from Zadar. Both parks make for easy day trips from Trogir.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Trogir
Most hotels, apartments, and villas are located outside the old town or on Čiovo Island, where you’ll find the area’s best beaches.
- Four-Star Hotels: For a central location in the heart of Trogir, you can’t get anything better than Hotel Monika. Other great options are Hotel Tragos (recently upgraded to 4 stars) or Hotel Pasike.
- Three-Star Hotels: Good options inside the old town include Hotel Villa Fontana, Villa Jadro, and Villa Sv. Petar. For heritage lovers, Derossi Palace is the place to be in, although it’s usually a bit more expensive.
Trogir: A World Heritage Site
Trogir is a rare, well-preserved example of a Romanesque and Gothic island town. Known as a “city-museum,” its unique blend of cultural heritage and original architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status since 1997.
UNESCO described Trogir as “a remarkable example of urban continuity,” highlighting its orthogonal street plan dating back to the Hellenistic period and its layers of fine public and private buildings added by successive rulers.
Brief History of Trogir
Trogir’s story begins in the 3rd century BC, when Greek colonists from the island of Vis founded the city as ‘Tragos’ meaning ‘male goat’ in Greek. Under Roman rule, Trogir (Tragurium) was one of the key Dalmatian city-states.
During the Roman era, Trogir’s main rival was Salona. While Salona flourished, Trogir remained in the background. However, after Salona’s destruction by Slavs and Avars in the 6th and 7th centuries, many refugees settled in Trogir, which managed to stay independent.
Although the original Greek and Roman rulers left the street layout and name, little else from their time remains visible today. You can read all about Trogir’s history on Wikipedia.
Venetian Rule
In 1409, Venice purchased Dalmatia, but Trogir resisted Venetian rule for ten years. In 1420, after a decade-long siege, Trogir accepted Venetian authority, which lasted until 1797.
Many consider this era, especially between the 13th and 16th centuries, as Trogir’s “golden age.” The city’s Renaissance and Baroque palaces, built by wealthy families like Cipiko, Petar Lucić, and Pavao Andreis, showcase Venetian architectural influence.
After the fall of Venice in 1797, Trogir became part of the Habsburg Empire, except for a brief period under Napoleon from 1806 to 1814. The Habsburgs ruled until the end of World War I.
If you like this type of information, I recommend also checking out the fun facts about Croatia that I shared previously, but also learn about Croatia’s five regions.
What to See in Trogir
Trogir is best explored on foot, as the city is small, extremely walkable, and full of hidden gems and delights you will definitely stumble upon by simply wandering around.
Walking through the city’s tight streets, you’ll discover why it’s called a city-museum. Like many Italian towns, Trogir is a maze of narrow alleys bordered by tall, ornately decorated buildings – many showing strong Venetian influence.
Among the main attractions in the Old Town area (which by itself is an attraction), we have the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Town Hall aka Duke’s Palace, Kamerlengo Castle, St. Mark’s Tower, and the recently inaugurated Bridge over Fosa .
For the full, in-depth guide to its attractions, I recommend looking at my article sharing the top things to do and see in Trogir.
How Much Time Do You Need?
You can see most of Trogir’s highlights in one day – even half a day might be enough. To start your tour, enter through one of the two Renaissance city gates:
- Trogir North Gate: This gate is closest to the Trogir Bus Station and is guarded by a statue of St. John of Trogir (Blessed Ivan Orsini).
- Seaside Promenade Gate: This large wooden gate from 1593 stands on the Trogir Riva. Nearby, you’ll spot the Small Loggia, which leans against the old town walls.
Once inside, take your time to enjoy the many historic sights around every corner.
Beaches Near Trogir
Some of the best beaches along the Trogir Riviera are on Čiovo Island and the Drvenik Islands (Drvenik Mali and Drvenik Veli). You won’t need to travel far – excellent beaches are all close to Trogir.
Here are a few of the most popular beaches in the area, perfect for relaxing during your stay. If you don’t want to read the article, the top in Trogir itself are Pantan beach and Medena beach.
Getting Between Trogir and Split
Trogir and Split are well-connected. A frequent city bus service runs between both towns, making travel easy. Regional buses also link Trogir to Zadar and Dubrovnik.
The Trogir Bus Station sits just across the canal from the North Town Gate. There is a left-luggage facility, and you can book tickets online via Autotrans.
From May through September, a catamaran speedboat operates between Split, Slatine (on Čiovo), and Trogir. For schedules, check the Buraline company – especially during the peak season in July and August.
Trogir in Pop Culture
Trogir’s historic streets have appeared in popular TV series and films. The town was featured in Doctor Who and the BBC’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.
Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize Trogir as the setting for Qarth in the second season. Actually, many parts of Croatia were used for filming the original GoT series. For more, read about visiting Dubrovnik’s city walls, another feature in the TV show.
Final Thoughts
Trogir is both an Instagram-worthy, picturesque old town on the Adriatic and a living blend of history, culture, and modern charm. It is, for all the right reasons, a top attraction in the country and a must-see destination during your stay.
Enjoy your trip to Trogir, and don’t hesitate to share your own experiences or tips in the comments below! Also, don’t stop here! Keep reading articles on my website: Top Honeymoon Destinations in Croatia.