This Timeless Croatian Island Town Boasts Medieval Streets And Architectural Treasures

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A trip to Croatia isn't complete without visiting some of its most beautiful places along the Adriatic Coast. This captivating coastal country in Europe is home to popular destinations like the walled city of Dubrovnik, the vibrant capital of Zagreb, and the uber chic island of Hvar. As stunning as they are, during summer they can get extraordinarily busy. However, if you're looking for a timeless Croatian town located on a small island that boasts Medieval streets and architectural treasures around every corner, then you definitely need to visit Trogir.

During my recent trip to Croatia, I wanted to avoid the crowds and explore the best of Croatia's coastal towns. I decided to spend four days in Trogir, and it quickly became one of my favorite destinations. Located only a 30-minute drive from the bustling city of Split along the D-8 Highway, Trogir is easily accessible by car, or taking a convenient bus ride for about $8 from the main bus station in Split. The Split Airport (SPU) is actually located closer to Trogir than Split, and if flying into Split, reaching Trogir can be done in about 10-minutes.

Croatia is teeming with dreamy historic gems that have gorgeous views, and Trogir is certainly no different. As soon as you make your way into its UNESCO-listed Old Town islet, which is only 1,640-feet long by 820-feet wide, it feels as though you've been transported back in time within its tiny car-free Medieval streets. A day-trip from Split is how most tourists tend to spend their time in Trogir, since it can be explored within a few hours, but to truly appreciate all that Trogir has to offer, staying for a few nights is recommended to soak in the historic ambiance. 

Trogir is also recognized as the "City of Masters" referring to master sculptures, carvers, painters, and architects that have contributed to Trogir's beauty over time. They left little signatures, initials, and symbols throughout the city. I even made a game of it one day, and found a drawing of a votive ship from the 17th century on the south wall of the Cathedral. Standing tall in the center of Trg Ivana Pavla II (John Paul II Square), the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the highest building in Trogir, dominates the skyline with its impressive bell tower that can be climbed for epic views across the whole municipality. The Romanesque portal to the Cathedral has carvings of Adam and Eve, numerous Saints, the Apostles, and other religious figures, and was skillfully carved by an artist called Radovan, who signed his masterpiece once completed.

Adjacent to the Cathedral, admire the exterior of the Cipiko Palace from the 15th century, adorned with Venetian Gothic details such as ornate windows. Across the square, you'll find the Chapel of St. Sebastian, built in 1476 with a stunning Renaissance clock tower. The Town Loggiahas an impressive history, and is attached to the Chapel of St. Sebastian. The Town Loggia dates back to the 13th century, and was once used for court hearings, contract signings, and the public declaration of new laws. The judge's bench is still intact and located inside. 

Along Trogir's waterfront promenade, you'll marvel at the grand 15th-century Karmelengo Fortress, which once was used to defend Trogir's harbor and now hosts concerts, plays, and festivals during summer. For a few Euros, head to the top for epic photo opportunities of Trogir's Old Town and neighboring Čiovo Island.

Trogir's Old Town feels authentically untouched in its quiet, well-preserved Medieval streets. The well-worn cobblestone and marble streets shine as faint street lamps glow upon them at night, as you make your way through Trogir's tight, winding alleys. The orthogonal street layout rarely has any straight streets, which was intentional to confuse invaders and make it much more difficult to navigate. Make sure to visit Tinel Specialty Coffee Shop for a handcrafted coffee and a traditional Trogirski Rafioli, a half-moon cookie stuffed with ground almonds, sugar, citrus zest, and a dash of rum.

For a memorable dinner experience, Trogir's historic Old Town gives you plenty of options to eat at a traditional Croatian konoba, serving home cooked meals made with love. The waiter will likely serve you a shot of homemade šljivovica, a strong plum brandy, as well. Staying in an ancient building in Trogir's historical center for a night or two makes being in the town even more special, giving you the opportunity to explore empty streets in the morning as the townspeople awaken. For about $80 a night, the Pašike Hotel offers guests beautifully decorated rooms, and a restaurant on-site serving up traditional Croatian dishes.

Take a leisurely hour-long walk over the Čiovski Most (Čiovo bridge) to Čiovo island for a beach day and make your way to Okrug Gornji Beach, a popular town beach with both tourists and locals. Later in the evening, enjoy a lively night on the promenade, before making your way back into the historic center through the South Gate (Južna gradska vrata), which used to close at 7PM and lock locals out until 5AM during the Middle Ages.