Guide to Trogir, Croatia: The Little Venice of Dalmatia

Trogir Croatia is one of the Dalmatian coast’s wonders, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, as many call it, the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty.

Trogir town is located on a small island in a narrow sea passage between the main land and Ciovo island , separated by a small canal. The islet is just 500 meters long and 250 wide.

Trogir is the capital of Trogir Riviera that together with Ciovo island and two other smaller islands ( Drvenik Mali And Veli), by virtue of its historic heritage and nautical importance, has made it, one of the most requested and visited destinations.

Trogir Croatia Map

Looking at the above map, it is obvious that Trogir is located in the middle of the Adriatic coast. It’s located just 28 km west of Split city and 6 km from Split airport. On this page you can find the best way to travel to Split !

Thanks to the vicinity of this airport, you are just few hours away of this beautiful town, taking one of many flights from major European destinations that fly to Split.

Getting to Trogir by car today is very easy and comfortable. Croatia has a highly developed network of highways. From Zagreb to Trogir by car, taking the route E71 it will take you only 3 hours.

Trogir is also very close to some of most beautiful Croatia’s landscapes like Plitvice lakes and Krka National parks. Distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park is 147 km (91.3 miles) while from Zadar to Krka National Park is only 87.8 km (54.6 miles).

Trogir A World Heritage Site

Trogir presents an unique example of well-preserved Romanesque/Gothic islet town. This town is sometimes called a city-museum because of its rich cultural heritage and its untouched original architecture.

In recognition of these facts, UNESCO in 1997 recognized, Trogir Croatia as a World Heritage Site, stressing:

Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications.

Trogir Croatia History

Trogir history starts in 3rd century BC when it was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Vis under the Greek name ‘Tragos’ (meaning ‘male goat’). During the Roman ruling Trogir (Tragurium) was one of the Dalmatian city states.

During the Roman period Trogir’s great rival at the time was Salona. During the Salona prosperity, Trogir had marginal significance for Romans. Only after the fall of Salona (destroyed by Slavs and Avars in the 6th and 7th centuries) , many of its inhabitants settled Trogir which managed to keep its independence.

Beside the street plan and the name, Greeks and Roman rulers, left no visible remains in Trogir. You can read more about Trogir history here !

Venetian Rule

After Venice in 1409 bought Dalmatia, Trogir had rejected the new government but after the town’s ten-year siege, finally in 1420 town was forced to recognize the new Venice government which ruled until 1797.

It’s the rather long period of Venice domination, not always accepted with delight and full recognition but many consider this period as ‘a golden age’ particularly between from the 13th to 16th centuries.

Actually the Venetian influence is visible everywhere in Trogir with many Renaissance and Baroque palaces and buildings from the Venetian period. Many famous and rich families such as Cipiko, Peter Lucic and Pavao Andreis built outstanding palaces in Venetian style.

After the fall of Venice in 1779, Trogir moves into the hands of the Hapsburg Empire, which governs this town until the end of World War I. The only interruption of this rule was during the short Napoleon occupation from 1806 to 1814.

Trogir Croatia Things To See

Since Trogir is considered as a city-museum, the city sightseeing on foot is the best way to enjoy this old town and to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Similar to some of Italy’s cities, Trogir is a virtual labyrinth of tight streets in the middle of tall buildings. Many of these buildings are beautifully decorated and ornamented, reminiscent of their Venetian origins. Just be careful when wandering through the city, you might not find you way out!

How much time to spend in Trogir? The city’s streets and sights can be examined easily in a day. Where to start your walking tour from?

I recommend to start city tour entering through one of two Renaissance city gates. The most convenient is Trogir North Gate (only few steps from Trogir Croatia Bus Station). It’s easy to find it as the gate is guarded by the statue of the town’s patron saint, St. John of Trogir ( the Blessed Ivan Orsini).

The second one is a huge wooden gate, reinforced with pins, preserved from 1593, located on seaside promenade, Trogir Riva. Near this gate, you will see the Small Loggia, leaned to old town walls.

Entering to the old town using either of these gates, explore the stunning sights to see in Trogir.

Best Hotels in Trogir

When you plan to stay in Trogir, keep in mind that majority of hotels, apartments, villas are outside the old town or on the island of Ciovo, where you will find the most beautiful beaches.

For those looking for four stars hotels in Trogir, located in the real heart of Trogir, I suggest hotel Monika property with an excellent location score of 9.7. Some three-stars hotels are also sited just inside the old town. I’ve selected some of them like Hotel Tragos, Hotel Villa Fontana, Hotel Pasike, Villa Jadro, Villa Sv. Petar (great location) or if you like heritage hotels, Derossi Palace is for you.

Trogir Riviera budget accommodation

Have you ever wondered why visit Trogir? There are many reasons for that! I can only give you a few of them like airport vicinity, nice beaches, reasonable accommodation prices, children and family friendly destination, many attractions to see, developed nautical tourism…

If you are on budget, book 2 stars hotel Medena, located along the 2000 meters long seaside promenade connecting Medena Hotel with Seget Donji, an old fishing village. Apartments of hotel Medena are only 4 km away from Trogir.

Trogir Croatia Beaches

Many of the best Trogir beaches are located in vicinity of Trogir town, along the Trogir Riviera, on Ciovo island and Drvenik islands (Veliki and Mali Drvenik). You don’t have to travel far to take a pleasure in best beaches.

If you are looking for best beaches for you vacation along Trogir Riviera, here is a selection of the most popular ones.

Trogir Croatia To Split

Whether you are staying in Trogir or Split, both towns are very well connected. There’s a frequent city bus from Split that runs to Trogir and vice-versa. Coastal buses keep a regular connections from Zadar, Dubrovnik to Trogir.

The Trogir bus station is in front of north town gate just across the canal. There’s a left-luggage facility. You can book Trogir buses online at Autotrans.

From May to the end of September there is a catamaran speed boat between Split/Trogir/Split via Slatine at Ciovo island. For more info, visit Buraline company for more detailed schedule in high season – July and August.

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