I wrote an in-depth travel guide to Trogir, Croatia here, but if you only care about the sights, activities, attractions and all the things to do in this popular holiday spot in Croatia, this is the article you should read.
Trogir is a compact, historic town where the main sights are concentrated in a small area, but there’s still plenty to do and see, even if you just walk through its streets to discover everything at your own pace. It does feel, at times, like being in an open-air museum.
A visit to Trogir will show you why it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is packed with architectural landmarks, palaces, churches, towers, markets, and centuries-old stone buildings. You’ll find these highlights inside its narrow streets, each corner revealing more of Trogir’s 2,000-year-old history.
How Much Time Do You Need in Trogir?
You can see the essential sights of Trogir in a short visit, so half a day to a full day is enough for visiting this place.
In about three and a half hours, you can walk through the old town, climb the St. Lawrence Cathedral tower, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant along the seaside promenade.
If you prefer a slower pace, consider spending a night or a full day to explore Trogir more deeply and maybe find some hidden gems that you might miss otherwise.
Main Sights in Trogir
Here are the top attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Trogir, Croatia. If you’re not the DIY type of person, I strongly recommend considering this Guided Old Town walking tour – it includes ALL the main sights, plus all the additional (and extremely interesting) information about the area.
Trogir Cathedral of St. Lawrence (St. Lovro)
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence sits in the heart of Trogir and is the top, not-to-be-missed attraction. This three-aisled basilica stands on the remains of an early Christian church destroyed during an Arab invasion. Most of the cathedral was built in the 13th century, reflecting the Romanesque architectural style.
One of its standout features is Radovan’s Portal, a renowned Romanesque doorway created in 1240 by the sculptor of the same name.
The portal is decorated with scenes from the Gospels, the birth of Christ, daily life, saints, apostles, animals, sirens, and centaurs. Two lions stand on either side, each carrying Adam and Eve.
The top of the bell tower was completed in the late 16th century, with the final floor designed by Trifun Bokanić and statues sculpted by Alessandro Vittoria.
Don’t miss climbing the cathedral’s 47-meter bell tower for panoramic views over Trogir and the surrounding area. The portal and the tower are must-see highlights of any Trogir sightseeing tour.
Town Hall (Duke’s Palace)
The Duke’s Palace, also known as the Town Hall, sits on the main square opposite the cathedral. First mentioned in the 13th century, the building was restored in the 19th century, bringing back its Renaissance appearance.
Look for the Gothic courtyard, coats of arms, monumental staircase, and the well with a preserved winged lion of St. Mark, symbol of the Venetian Republic.
The palace once symbolized Trogir’s political and economic strength and served as the duke’s residence. Today, it functions as the city’s administrative center.
Kamerlengo Castle
Kamerlengo Castle stands at the western tip of Trogir’s islet. Built by the Venetians between the 13th and 15th centuries, it served as a naval base for their Adriatic fleet. The fortress is named after the town magistrate, Camerarius.
Today, Kamerlengo is a cultural venue, hosting open-air cinema and various events. Climb the walls for panoramic views over Trogir’s terracotta rooftops and the marina.
St. Mark’s Tower (Sv. Marko)
On the opposite end of the old town, you’ll find St. Mark’s Tower. Built in the 15th century next to the seashore, it once formed part of the town’s defensive walls along with Kamerlengo Castle.
Bridge over Foša
This is a very recent attraction, and a welcome one too. A modern pedestrian bridge, installed in 2024, connects Trogir’s old town to the mainland across the Foša canal.
The Bridge over Foša combines sleek steel design with practical use for locals and visitors. It’s especially useful if you’re staying on the mainland or want a scenic approach to the old town.
Venetian Palaces in Trogir
Trogir’s streets feature many Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. As you explore, you’ll see Gothic houses, stone staircases, and smaller palaces with unique details.
Notable stops include Cipiko Palace in Ivana Pavla II Square, built in Gothic style, and Derossi Palace near the North City Gate, which now operates as a boutique heritage hotel.
Walking the Old Town Streets
Walking through Trogir’s old town is a unique experience. The town’s layout is a maze of tight, cobbled streets, similar to those in Split (read my 7-day Split itinerary if you plan to visit it too).
It’s always a pleasure to “get lost” (you won’t, really!) exploring these streets and finding various hidden gems: small local taverns (konobas) with just a couple of tables, but great food, impressive sights and a general feeling that you’re back in medieval times.
Museums and Art Galleries
Make time to visit Trogir’s museums and galleries. The town museum is located in the historic Fanfogna Palace in the old town. Here, you can learn about Trogir’s rich past.
The Church of St. Nicholas is also worth a visit. This Benedictine convent and museum, near the south town gate, is attached to St. Nicholas Church.
Beaches in and around Trogir
While Trogir’s old town itself is more about history than swimming, the area offers several accessible beaches.
Besides the beaches on Čiovo Island (I will talk about them below), you can visit Medena Beach, located a few kilometers west of Trogir. Medena Beach has pebbles, shade, cafes, and family-friendly areas.
Other solid options are Pantan beach or the Seget Vranjica beaches. All of these are easy to reach by foot, car, or even water taxi from the old town area.
If you want to go in-depth with what each of the few available beaches offers, as well as all the options on hand, I recommend reading my article sharing the best beaches in Trogir.
Čiovo Island & Beaches
Connected to Trogir by a bridge, Čiovo Island is just a short walk from the old town. The island is popular for its beaches, many of which have a relaxed vibe and good facilities.
Okrug Gornji is the best-known beach area, with a long stretch of pebbly beach, water sports rentals, and several casual beach bars.
Another local favorite is Laganini Beach Club, a chill spot for drinks and sunbathing. You’ll also find quieter coves on the southern side of Čiovo if you want to escape the crowds.
For an in-depth look at this amazing island, I recommend checking out my Ciovo Island travel guide.
Other Boat Tours & Island Hopping
Trogir is an excellent starting point for boat tours along the Dalmatian coast. Several companies operate day trips from the Trogir waterfront.
One of the most popular is a half-day boat excursion to the Blue Lagoon, known for its clear turquoise waters and great snorkeling. I recommend this tour on an all-inclusive boat, also with stops at the Shipwreck of Kontesa, Necujam, and time to explore Slatine in Ciovo.
I also recommend this Guided Panoramic Boat Tour with Drinks if you’re in a hurry (you will pass by Okrug Donji, Čiovo, Racetinovac bay and Okrug Gornji – but no swimming or longer stops are scheduled!
If you want an alternative to the Blue Lagoon tour recommended above, you can also choose this 3-Island Speedboat Adventure (half-day) on a speedboat. Apart from the Blue Lagoon (with swim break), you will also visit, with breaks, Maslinica and Duga Cove.
Alternatively, you can book group or private tours directly from the Trogir promenade, but these might be a bit more expensive and some might not have open spots.. Schedules and durations vary, but most tours include stops for swimming and free time on small beaches.
If you want to explore the coast and nearby islands, a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Trogir.
Visit the Unique Underwater Museum
Take a 30-minute boat ride from Trogir to Jelinak Bay and discover Croatia’s only underwater museum – one of the most amazing things you will see EVER!
This unique site features over 50 life-size statues on the sea floor, including an 8-meter-tall Jesus Christ and even a sunken airplane.
The sculptures sit at depths of up to 10 meters, making this a great spot for snorkeling and underwater photography.
Your visit includes a scenic boat trip, snorkeling gear, and access to the museum. After exploring, relax on a private beach with complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas. It’s an excellent, must not miss, activity!
You can find more details & book it here.
Getting to Trogir from Split
Trogir is 30 kilometers from Split’s center, and the journey takes about 25–30 minutes. The cheapest way to travel is by bus 37.
Note that this bus departs from the Sukoisanska bus station, which is 1.5 km from Split’s city center, not the main bus terminal.
Final Words
Trogir offers a rare blend of history, culture and natural beauty, all packed into a walkable town – small, packed with hidden gems and awesomeness. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this place.
As an added bonus, the town’s compact size means you can see the best of Trogir even in a short visit, but its atmosphere and surroundings invite you to stay longer.
If you have questions or want more travel tips, feel free to reach out or share your own experiences in the comments. Safe travels!