Set on a small island and surrounded by city walls, visiting Trogir and its old town instantly immerses you in a medieval atmosphere. From this prosperous era, the town has preserved many beautiful Romanesque and Renaissance-style buildings, which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
What to do in Trogir, Croatia? In this travel guide I share all my tips and recommendations for exploring the town. The medieval city can easily be visited in a day from Split or Šibenik, but it can also serve as a great base for exploring the region. If you’re wondering where to stay in Trogir, I’ve listed some great accommodation options for all budgets at the end of this guide.
What to do in Trogir: the Old Town
With its relatively small size (the island is about 1 km²), Trogir’s old town can be explored quickly on foot. I still recommend arriving early to avoid the tourist groups with their umbrella-wielding guides.
Saint Lawrence cathedral
The most important monument in Trogir, Saint Lawrence Cathedral (Katedrala Svetog Lovre) was built between 1213 and the 15th century. The Venetian influence is clearly visible in its architectural style, especially with the bell tower, similar to many churches along the Adriatic coast (Rovinj being one of the best examples). The interior of the building, simple and narrow, consists of three naves. Trogir’s Saint Lawrence Cathedral combines Romanesque elements—mainly visible on the exterior—with Gothic features found in the vault and the bell tower.
The main portal through which you enter the cathedral is magnificent. Take a moment to admire this sculptural masterpiece completed in 1240. The artist carved a mix of animals and mythical figures (Adam and Eve, centaurs, lions, figures from the Old Testament, scenes from the life of Christ, etc.) along with depictions of everyday life.
Inside the cathedral, one of the most beautiful sections is the Chapel of Blessed John (the first bishop of Trogir), dating from the 15th century. Before leaving, don’t forget to climb to the top of the bell tower for a stunning view over the rooftops of Trogir (not allowed for children under 14). The bell rings at noon, so it’s best not to be standing next to it at that time 🙂
Price: €5 | Opening hours: 8 am – 7 pm (12 pm – 6 pm on Sundays)
Town hall
On Trg Ivana Pavla II square, right next to the cathedral, you’ll find Trogir’s Town Hall. Inside this beautiful 15th-century palace, you’ll discover a Gothic courtyard decorated with sculptures as well as a grand staircase. The building houses the town’s tourist information center, where you can pick up maps and brochures about things to do in Trogir.
Saint Sebastian church and loggia
Still on Trogir’s main square (Trg Ivana Pavla II), but this time facing the cathedral, stands Saint Sebastian Church, now deconsecrated. It was built in 1476 by the locals as a token of gratitude for being spared from the plague. Its most notable feature is the large and beautiful Renaissance clock. Inside, you’ll find sarcophagi and photographs of Croatians killed during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.
Just to the right of the church is the municipal loggia dating back to the 13th century. The relief dedicated to the Republic of Venice was created by the famous Croatian sculptor Niccolò di Giovanni in 1471. It depicts the Lion of Venice alongside Saint Lawrence and Saint John of Trogir, the city’s two patron saints.
You’ll get a superb view over the square and its surrounding landmarks (Town Hall, church, and loggia) from the bell tower of Saint Lawrence Cathedral. I highly recommend climbing it—it remains one of the best things to do in Trogir.
Cipiko palace
Before leaving the main square, take a look at the façade of Cipiko Palace, a 15th-century residence with Romanesque architecture that belonged to an important family. Since Trogir’s streets are quite narrow, you don’t always notice the rich details and sculptures on the buildings. It’s often by stepping back or gaining some height (like from the cathedral bell tower) that you get a better view. You can enter the palace’s entrance hall, where you’ll see a few sculptures and a wooden ceiling, but the building itself is not open to visitors.
Trogir promenade
Like in all coastal Croatian towns, Trogir has a pleasant seaside promenade. Fully pedestrianized and lined with palm trees, it’s a great place for a stroll, to enjoy a drink on a terrace, or to dine at one of the restaurants facing the boats. This is also where you’ll find many stands offering boat excursions departing from Trogir (on the fortress side).
The promenade runs along the outer walls of Trogir’s medieval town. It’s a great opportunity to admire the many carved gates that lead into the city. You’ll also get a good view of the bell towers of the churches and monasteries in the old town.
Kamerlengo fortress
Trogir’s fortress is located at the end of the seaside promenade. It was built in the mid-15th century by the Republic of Venice. The interior is empty, but you can walk along the ramparts to enjoy the view (entrance fee applies). Today, the fort is used as a venue for cultural events during the summer.
Price: €5 | Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Saint Nicholas Monastery
Founded in 1064, this monastery is still occupied by Benedictine nuns. It’s not easy to visit as opening hours are irregular. Our Lonely Planet guide indicates that it’s open from 10 am to 1 pm and from 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm from June to September (price 10 Kn). However, even when we visited during these hours, the Saint Nicholas Monastery was closed. In addition to a beautiful Venetian Gothic cloister and a collection of objects and paintings, the highlight is a marble bas-relief depicting the Greek god Kairos, dating back to the 4th or 3rd century BC.
Medieval streets of Trogir
There aren’t many major attractions to visit in Trogir, but simply wandering through its narrow streets is enough to fall under the charm of this UNESCO-listed town. The cobbled alleys and stone houses instantly transport you back to medieval times. The old town isn’t very large, so you won’t get lost like in Šibenik. I recommend strolling at your own pace—don’t hesitate to leave the busiest streets to discover hidden corners.
City gate
You’ll inevitably pass through the northern city gate when visiting Trogir. It’s the main pedestrian entrance to the old town unless you park on the port side of Čiovo Island on the other side. This beautiful Romanesque-style gate is topped with a sculpture of Saint John, the city’s patron protector. In the background, you can see the bell tower of Saint Lawrence Cathedral. The area is often crowded with tour groups whose guides stop here to explain the history (making it hard to take a photo without people!).
Saint Mark’s tower
This tower, clearly visible from the parking area north of the island, is located behind Kamerlengo Fortress, beyond the unattractive football field that lies between them. Like Kamerlengo Fortress, Saint Mark’s Tower was part of Trogir’s defensive system. It was built by the Republic of Venice in the 15th century to protect against Turkish invasions. The tower was closed during our trip to Croatia in 2021 (you can normally climb it for panoramic views).
Trogir Beaches
Okrug Gornji
This is the most famous beach in Trogir, located on Čiovo Island, 2.5 km south of the old town. Parking is easy along the road, with many paid parking spots available. The beach is pleasant and clean, made up of small pebbles. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and even enjoy a cocktail, as Okrug Gornji Beach is lined with numerous snack bars. There are also many holiday rentals in the area if you’re looking for where to stay in Trogir. The photos don’t do this beach justice, as the weather wasn’t great during our visit (we just had a picnic).
Medena Beach
Medena Beach is located 4.5 km west of Trogir’s old town toward Šibenik. It’s a bit far to walk, so it’s better to go by car. There’s a paid parking lot on site (30 Kn). The beach is surrounded by pine trees and the water is crystal clear, but it gets very crowded in summer. The seaside promenade is lined with many bars, restaurants, private beaches, and clubs. Sun loungers cost 50 Kn per day, and jet ski rentals are available.
Gradska Plaža
This is the closest beach to Trogir’s old town, located 800 m to the west (a 10-minute walk). Relatively small compared to the others, it’s also made of pebbles (sandy beaches are very rare in Croatia). There are two beach bars where you can cool off, as well as sun loungers for rent. If you’re driving, there’s a paid parking lot on site.
Where to stay in Trogir?
In the old town
- 42 € : Studio Kairos, this 42 m² studio with two beds is one of the cheapest options for staying in Trogir. Very well located and close to the seaside promenade, it includes a kitchenette with a dining area. Free public parking nearby.
- 56 € : That place studio apartment, a lovely modern 32 m² apartment located in the heart of Trogir’s medieval town and fully equipped for cooking. Alternatively, you can enjoy the nearby restaurants. Private parking €15.
- 81 € : Apartments & Rooms Trogir Stars, this 4-star guesthouse offers beautiful rooms with exposed stone walls, as well as fully equipped apartments, including one with a private terrace. Free private parking and optional breakfast available.
Outside the Medieval Town
- 40 € : Apartments and rooms with parking space, one of the cheapest places to stay in Trogir—and at this price, you even get free private parking. Apartment for 3 people with two beds, close to the beach and the old town.
- 72 € : Apartments Svjetlana, this 4-star apartment features a terrace with sea views just a few meters from the beach. Equipped with a kitchen area and a washing machine, it’s a great option for a longer stay in Trogir combining sightseeing and beach time.
- 90 € : Hotel Bellevue Trogir, for travelers who prefer hotel services, Bellevue offers rooms with a view. It’s located just 50 m from the bridge leading to the old town. Breakfast included and free private parking.
Best things to do nearby of Trogir
Visiting Trogir will only take a few hours, but the surrounding area can keep you busy for several days. Thanks to its geographical location, Trogir is a great base for visiting Šibenik, Split, Krka National Park, and many other places. Here are some ideas for day trips and excursions from Trogir.
Visit Sibenik
The town of Šibenik, home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral, is located 47 km north of Trogir. Although often overlooked by tourists who prefer Split, Šibenik is well worth a visit, especially for the charm of its medieval streets. You can explore the town in half a day, making it an easy trip from Trogir. For more information, check out my guide to visiting Šibenik.
If you don’t have a car, I recommend choosing this organized excursion, which allows you to visit Šibenik and Krka National Park in the same day.
Visit Krka National Park
Located just north of the town of Šibenik, Krka National Park is the most visited park in Croatia after Plitvice Lakes. Mainly known for its waterfalls, it also features other iconic sites such as a Franciscan monastery on an island in the middle of the river, as well as a Serbian Orthodox monastery. You’ll need a car to explore the entire Krka park. If you don’t have one, you can opt for a Krka National Park excursion from Trogir.
Discover Mostar and Medjugorje in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not far away, making it a great opportunity to visit Mostar and its famous old Turkish bridge, as well as the pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to local children. This full-day excursion from Trogir takes you with a local guide to discover the history of Mostar and the region. You’ll visit the old bazaar with its small workshops and the city’s main mosque before crossing the famous bridge, destroyed during the war and later rebuilt. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Rafting on the Cetina river
This excursion from Trogir takes you through the scenic natural landscapes of Dalmatia on a 3-hour white-water rafting adventure along the Cetina River. The full route is 12 km long and ends with a visit to the town of Radmanove Mlinice. If you’re near the river’s spring, you can also visit the Cetina Eye of the Earth.
Blue Cave, Hvar, Vis, and Biševo excursion
This boat excursion on the Adriatic Sea will take you to the Blue Cave, one of the most magical spots along the Dalmatian coast. You enter the cave by small boat to admire this phenomenon where sunlight reflects off the rock and water, turning the cave a glowing turquoise blue. The boat will then take you to Komiža, a village on Vis Island, where you can swim and snorkel in a bay. The final stop of the day is Hvar Island, one of the most famous islands in the Adriatic Sea. You’ll have free time to eat and wander through the streets of Hvar Town.
Plitvice Lakes day trip
Set off on a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Croatia. Travel through picturesque landscapes and explore the upper and lower lakes on foot, by boat, and by train. This is the ideal excursion if you don’t have a car or don’t want to organize the journey yourself. Entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park is included.
It’s one of Croatia’s most popular destinations. To help you plan your visit, I’ve written a guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes.
Tips and travel guide for visiting Trogir
Parking in Trogir
Since the old town is fully pedestrianized, don’t expect to drive in to visit Trogir. There is a road that runs along the walls with a few parking spots on the north side, but if you manage to find one—especially in summer—you’ll be very lucky. To park your car in Trogir, I recommend using the large parking lot located just north (GPS coordinates) and only a few minutes’ walk from the main gate. Prices vary depending on the season: 15 Kn per hour in July and August, 10 Kn per hour in June, September, and October (5 Kn in low season).
How long to spend in Trogir?
As mentioned, the old town is quite small and it will only take a few hours to explore Trogir. In our case, it took us 2 hours to discover the medieval town, including climbing the cathedral bell tower. If you visit all the sites, including the fortress and museums, allow up to 3 hours maximum—and a bit more if you want to enjoy a drink on a terrace along the promenade or eat at a restaurant.
How to get to Trogir?
If you don’t have your own vehicle or a rental car (I recommend this site to find one at the best price), you can reach Trogir by bus. The town lies on a classic Croatia travel route and is well connected by public transport. The bus station is located just north of the bridge leading to the main gate. There are regular connections to and from Zagreb (6h30), Rijeka (7h30), Zadar (2h30), Split (30 min), and Dubrovnik (5h30). From May to September, boats also run between Split and Trogir.
You know now all the best things to do in Trogir and its surroundings. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment on the blog.