Trogir wasn’t originally on my Croatia bucket list. I had seen the occasional photo of its medieval old town — all honey-colored stone, narrow alleyways, and tiny squares framed by palm trees — but somehow it always got overshadowed by its bigger neighbor, Split.
That changed when some friends invited us to join them for a long summer weekend in a villa in Okrug Donji. “It has a pool and private beach access,” they said. “And the old town is just a short drive away.” It took me all of 30 seconds to say yes.
And that’s how we found ourselves in this little slice of Dalmatian heaven, spending mornings swimming in turquoise water, afternoons exploring cobblestone streets, and evenings watching the sun set behind the marina with a glass of local wine in hand.
If you’re planning a short summer escape to Croatia, here’s my Trogir weekend itinerary — a mix of history, beaches, day trips, and food so good you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve left.
Why Trogir Makes the Perfect Summer Weekend Destination
There’s something about Trogir that makes it feel like time slows down. The Old Town is tiny — you can walk across it in 10 minutes — but every corner holds a little surprise: a stone staircase leading to a hidden courtyard, the scent of lavender from a shop doorway, or a local grandma selling figs from her garden.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means the historical core is beautifully preserved. Venetian influences are everywhere: from the bell tower rising above the skyline to the ornate balconies that look like they belong in a Shakespeare play.
But it’s not just about history. Trogir sits between the mainland and the island of Čiovo, so you’re always just minutes from a beach. And because it’s only 15–20 minutes from Split Airport, you can hop off the plane and be in the Adriatic before lunch.
It’s the perfect size for a weekend, but also a great base if you want to combine it with Split, Šolta, or Krka National Park.
Practical Travel Tips for Trogir
Where to Stay in Trogir 🏡
Okrug Donji – Seaside Villas
On our last trip, we stayed in Okrug Donji with friends in a beautiful villa that had its own pool and direct beach access — the perfect base for lazy mornings and sunset swims. This quieter part of Čiovo island is ideal if you want peace, space, and stunning sea views. From here, you can easily visit Kava Beach or Labadusa Beach, two of the most beautiful spots in the area.
👉 See villas in Okrug Donji here
Old Town Trogir – For History Lovers & Off-Season Visits
If you’re visiting outside the summer peak or prefer to be in the middle of the action, stay in or near Trogir Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of historic landmarks, charming cafés, and the Riva promenade — perfect for evening strolls.
👉 Browse boutique hotels in Old Town here
Okrug Gornji – Lively Beach Scene
Just across the bridge from Old Town, Okrug Gornji is the liveliest part of Čiovo island. It’s home to Okrug Beach, a long stretch with beach bars, water sports, and plenty of restaurants. This is a great option if you want a mix of beach time and easy access to Trogir’s nightlife.
👉 Find accommodation in Okrug Gornji here
Plan Your Trip with My Map
I’ve marked every spot in this guide — from the best beaches to my favorite restaurants — on my interactive Google My Maps.
croatia Digital map
Interactive Google Maps guide packed with over 240 handpicked locations across the most beautiful regions of the country.
Trogir Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Old Town at Sunset
We landed in Split on a Friday morning, we couldn’t check into our accommodation until 2 p.m. so we headed to Kava Beach, that is pebbly, crystal clear beach, right next door to our villa. After a late lunch on the beach, we unpacked in our villa and jumped in the pool. The air smelled faintly of salt and rosemary, and the sea shimmered just steps from our terrace.
After a quick swim, we headed into Trogir’s Old Town for our first evening. The Riva promenade was buzzing — yachts lined up on one side, cafés spilling onto the cobblestones on the other. Street musicians played soft jazz, kids chased pigeons, and the light turned everything gold.
We climbed the Kamerlengo Fortress just in time for sunset. From the top, you can see the whole old town framed by the deep blue Adriatic — it’s a view that makes you stop and just… breathe it in.
Dinner was at Konoba Trs, where we shared black risotto, grilled fish, and a carafe of local white wine. We finished the night with gelato in the main square, sitting under the glow of the Clock Tower, watching as the old stones slowly cooled from the day’s heat.
Day 2 – History, Culture & the Adriatic
Mornings in Trogir are magical before the tour groups arrive. We started at St. Lawrence Cathedral, climbing the bell tower for 360-degree views — worth every steep, narrow step. From up there, you can see the tangle of red rooftops, the marina, and the tiny streets where we’d soon get happily lost.
We wandered for hours, dipping into shaded courtyards, peeking into artisan shops, and stopping for coffee under vine-covered terraces.
By midday, the heat called for the beach. So we headed back to our villa and spend the afternoon on its beach. It wasn’t private, but no one else was around. What a perfect spot for a relaxing day…! Alternatively you can drive to Okrug Gornji Beach, where the water is the kind of blue you can’t believe is real. You can alternate between swimming, sipping iced coffee at a beach bar, and lazing under a parasol.
That evening, we dined by the marina, the masts swaying gently against the twilight sky. Seafood here is as fresh as it gets — try the octopus salad or peka (slow-cooked meat or seafood in a bell-shaped lid).
Day 3 – Day Trips & Farewell
On our last day, we set out early for a trip to Krka National Park. Even though I’d seen countless photos, nothing prepared me for the sound of rushing water and the sight of the cascades surrounded by lush greenery. We spent the morning wandering the wooden boardwalks, stopping at viewpoints, and feeling the cool spray from Skradinski Buk, the park’s most famous waterfall. It was the perfect mix of nature, fresh air, and relaxation before heading back to Trogir.
If you’re more drawn to the sea, an excellent alternative is taking a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon and Šolta. The water here is unbelievably clear — you can see every shell on the seabed — and it’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Many tours also stop at a charming fishing village on Šolta for a fresh seafood lunch.
We returned to Trogir in the late afternoon for one last stroll through the Old Town, stopping for souvenirs — lavender sachets, olive oil, and a bottle of prošek (sweet dessert wine). That night, as we sat on the villa terrace with our feet in the pool, the lights of Trogir twinkled in the distance, and I knew I’d be back.
Best Things to Do in Trogir
- Climb the Bell Tower for the best views.
- Visit the City Loggia & Clock Tower.
- Explore the local market for olive oil and lavender.
- Take a sunset boat tour around the islands.
- Wander Kamerlengo Fortress at golden hour.
Best Beaches Around Trogir
- Kava Beach (Čiovo) – Quiet, pebbly, crystal-clear water.
- Labadusa Beach – Hidden gem with a beach bar.
- Okrug Gornji Beach – Busy, lively, and perfect for people-watching.
- Pantan Beach – Sandy and relaxed, great for families.
Where to Eat in Trogir
- Konoba Trs – Traditional Dalmatian cuisine in a romantic courtyard.
- Restaurant Don Dino – Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
- Kristian Pizza – Local favorite for wood-fired pizzas.
- Konoba Fortin – Seafood lovers’ dream, with great harbor views.
Must-try dishes: black risotto, grilled fish, peka (slow-cooked meat or seafood), and local wine.
Best Things to Do Around Trogir
- Visit Krka National Park – Just over an hour away, with boardwalk trails and stunning waterfalls.
- Take a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon – Swim, snorkel, and enjoy the incredible turquoise water.
- Wander through Split’s Diocletian’s Palace – A UNESCO World Heritage site only 30 minutes away.
- Day Trip to Šolta or Drvenik Veli – Discover quiet fishing villages and untouched beaches.
- Drive to Primošten – A postcard-perfect coastal town with amazing seafood restaurants.
- Hike Marjan Hill in Split – For panoramic views over the Adriatic and Split’s Old Town.
Tips for Visiting in Summer
Book early — accommodation and boat tours fill fast in July/August.
Bring water shoes for pebbly beaches.
Do your sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Final Thoughts
A summer weekend in Trogir is the perfect blend of Croatian coastal charm, beach relaxation, and island exploration. Whether you’re wandering through historic alleys, lounging by the pool, or swimming in turquoise coves, you’ll leave already planning your return.
If you want to discover more hidden gems and beaches in Croatia, check out my other guides — and don’t forget to save this post for your next trip!
