Underrated EU city bursting with charm just 1.8-miles from the airport
2025 is set to be the best year yet to visit Croatia, with new flights, festivals and luxury accommodations launching throughout the year to attract new tourists. While popular destinations like Dubrovnik and Zagreb have plenty to offer, one lesser-known harbour town just outside Split is well worth a detour.
Located just a half hour’s drive from the Split Airport, Trogir is a charming harbour town on Croatia’s eastern Adriatic coast. Known as the City of Masters, Trogir is officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once you visit you’ll understand why its preservation is so consequential.
The town’s ancient streets, medieval churches and walled centre display its rich and storied history. But in addition to its maze-like Old Town, Trogir boasts a waterside promenade lined with buzzy first-class restaurants and laidback cafes. The town’s seamless combination of ancient architecture and modern seafront are the roots of its distinct charm.
The majority of Trogir’s ancient churches and palaces rest within the town’s walled medieval centre. The defining landmark of the main town square—and of Croatia’s Dalmatia region in general—is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. The church immediately stands out for its height and is dedicated to town’s patron St. John of Trogir, whose tomb rests within a dedicated chapel. In fact, the Chapel of St. John is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Europe.
Trogir is also home to many stunning beaches, left relatively untouched due to the city’s under-the-radar status. Pantan beach is one of the most popular and beautiful. Located about 1.5 kilometres from Trogir’s main centre, the beach sits at the mouth of the Pantan River. The sand and gravel beach is backed by a pine tree woodland and offers a great place to sunbathe in solitude. Once you’ve had your fill of sand and surf, head to the Riva to sample some traditional and tasty seafood fare.
If you are planning to visit Trogir this summer, you may want to time your visit for July to enjoy the KulaKula Festival. This 3-day summer event features live music at various outdoor sites around town including Kamerlengo Fortress, the looming medieval tower.
Trogir will also host a huge Outdoor Festival this May, celebrating sport and nature in central Dalmatia. The festival attracts thousands of athletes who will showcase their mastery of sailing and affinity for trail running.
Due to the city’s proximity to Split, Trogir makes for a great base if you’re keen to avoid the more populous city of Split. A day trip to Trogir or the surrounding historical coastal town of Sibenik or the ruins of Solin are also great options for travellers.
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories