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Trogir is a historic town and harbour on the Adriatic coast in Split-Dalmatia County, with a population of 10,107(2021) and a total municipality population of 12,393 (2021). The historic city of Trogir is situated on an islet between the mainland and the island of Čiovo. It is 27 kilometres (17 miles) west of the city of Split and six kilometers (4 miles) from Split Airport.
A naturally protected harbour where the islet is situated makes it a very popular destination among sailors. Due to the vicinity of the airport and a fast connection to the highway (only 15 km/10 miles) Trogir is a must-visit destination in Croatia.
Trogir was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Vis in the 3rd century BC. With 2300 years of urban continuity Trogir combines ancient Greek and Roman architecture followed by the influences of the Republic of Venice. The mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings makes it one of the best-preserved medieval complexes. This “town museum” is often called “the town of lucky moment” due to the legend of Greek god Kairos, whose 3rd century BC relief was found in the town and preserved here. Trogir is also a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period. As such, the historic centre of Trogir has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1997.
The city nucleus comprises numerous historical sights of great value. Among them are the preserved KamerlengoFortress, St. Lawrence (Sv. Lovre) Cathedralwith the 13th century Romanesque masterpiece portal of Master Radovan, Rector’s Palace, the Loggia, the complexes of the Ćipiko Palace and many other interesting and important sites. Around Trogir there are numerous islands and islets with Mediterranean vegetation and marvelous beaches.
Shipbuilding is one of the oldest and most developed industries in Trogir, based on a 2000 year old tradition.
All these attractionscombined with crystal clear sea and plenty of sun make Trogir a must seedestination.
Hvar, the longest island on the Adriatic, extends over 67.5 km and encompasses an area of 299.6 square km. It’s strategically nestled between Korčula, Brač, and Vis islands. Renowned as “The Sunshine Island,” Hvar enjoys the highest amount of sunshine annually among its peers. With an impressive average of 2,726 sunlight hours annually, the island basks in 127 sunny days annually, a testament to its sunny moniker. Key settlements dotting the island’s coastline include the town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Sućuraj, and Vrboska. Today, Hvar is home to approximately 14,000 residents, tracing its origins back to the 4th century BC when it was a significant maritime hub. During this era, the oldest settlement, known as Stari Grad, was established, originally bearing the name Pharos. Apart from tourism, Hvar’s economy thrives on agriculture and fishing. The island is renowned for its delectable wines and the exquisite scent of lavender, which wafts through the air, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Hvar’s highest point, St. Nicholas, stands majestically at 626 meters. From this vantage point, you are treated to a breathtaking panorama of small islands to the north and the southern sights of Šćedro, Galešnik, and the archipelago of the Pakleni Islands, composed of 14 smaller islands. This stunning view encapsulates the extraordinary beauty and charm of Hvar.
Hvar, a town on Hvar Island, boasts a distinctive cultural and historical legacy. It is not only one of the most sought-after destinations on the Adriatic but also ranks among the top 10 most picturesque ports worldwide. Serving as the bustling epicentre of the island, Hvar is a hub of vibrancy and activity. The town’s harbour is strategically positioned and sheltered by the Pakleni Islands, presenting an ideal and safe haven for vessels seeking refuge from perilous winds. This geographical advantage has helped Hvar to emerge as a prominent port. Hvar town is home to a rich cultural and historical tapestry featuring landmarks such as the Fortica or Španjola fortress, St. Stephan Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, the Town Loggia, the Hektorović Palace, the Arsenal, and the oldest theatre in Europe. A few years ago, Hvar town celebrated a significant milestone – 150 years of organized tourism. The journey began in 1868 when the city welcomed its first hotel, by today’s standards, a modest establishment. But then, it marked the inception of Hvar’s tourism industry.
Stari Grad, a town and harbour located at the terminus of a four-nautical-mile-long bay on the northern flank of Hvar Island, is enveloped by vineyards, olive groves, and a pine forest. Regarded as the historical nucleus of the island, its strategic location has offered a safe refuge for sailors over centuries.
Literally translated as “Old Town” Stari Grad’s history traces back to 385/384 BC when it was established by Ancient Greeks as an independent city-state, then known as Pharos. The original Greek town lies concealed beneath modern-day Stari Grad, with a few fragmentary architectural remnants providing glimpses into its original layout, including segments of the ancient 11-meter-long Greek walls.
Today, Stari Grad harmoniously blends modern tourist amenities with its rich cultural heritage, creating a dynamic and inviting destination worth exploring.
Vis, the most distant inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, may seem remote, but don’t let its far-flung location dissuade you. Vis encapsulates simplicity, enchanting residents and visitors alike with its raw, unadulterated beauty.
A significant part of its unique charm is attributed to its 50-year tenure as a military island, which led to its isolation. At first glance, it might appear as if time stands still here, creating a deceptive illusion.
However, the isolation that once might have been perceived as a disadvantage has metamorphosed into Vis’s greatest allure: its pristine, untouched natural beauty and the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants, who have remained untouched by the effects of commercial tourism.
Among all the Dalmatian islands, Vis holds a certain mystique — a sentiment echoed even by locals, further cementing its status as a truly enigmatic destination.
Nestled in a well-protected bay on the island’s north Coast, Vis Town has grown from the original settlements of Kut and Luka. These two areas merged into a unified entity in the 16th century with the construction of the Gospa od Spilica church. Vis Town is uniquely positioned as the only locale on the island with a daily ferry connection to the mainland.
The history of Vis Town, formerly known as Issa, dates back to approximately 397 BC when it was established by Dionysius the Elder, the Greek tyrant of Syracuse. The initial settlement was located in what is now known as Gradina and on the Prirovu peninsula. Eventually, it became an independent city-state, even producing its own currency and establishing its colonies, the most renowned of which is Aspálathos, present-day Split.
During the 3rd century BC, Issa founded several trading settlements, including Tragurion (now Trogir), Epetion (Stobreč), and Lumbarda on Korčula. Today, the Vis Museum, housed within the Batarija fortress, boasts an invaluable archaeological collection. Among its treasures are the bronze head of the goddess Artemis and numerous amphoras recovered from the surrounding waters, testifying to the island’s rich history.
Situated on the sun-drenched side of the island Vis, Komiža enjoys protection from cold northern winds, making it the warmest location in Croatia during winter. Nestled at the base of the largest bay on the island, this town features narrow alleyways and slender houses that echo its longstanding fishing tradition, which is also evident in the warmth and hospitality of its residents.
Komiža lies at the foot of Hum Hill, standing 587 meters tall, and faces the west-southwest direction. Its archipelago includes the farthest Adriatic islands, notably Biševo, Palagruža, and St. Andrija, as well as Jabuka and Brusnik, known for their volcanic origin and rich fish life.
The name ‘Komiža’ derives from the Italian phrase ‘Com Issa,’ which translates to ‘near Issa (Vis)’—referring to an ancient settlement on the island.
Interestingly, the diaspora of Komiža is substantial; for instance, there are ten times more people originally from Komiža living in San Pedro, California, as well as in numerous other parts of the world.
Situated in the heart of the Dalmatian archipelago, northwest of Šolta, lies an island whose only settlement is the village that shares its name. Its first inhabitants settled in the 15th century. Yet, historical references to the island, known as “Gerona” or “Giruan,” can be traced back to the 13th century.
The local economy thrives on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, with the island’s Coast showcasing a plethora of sandy and pebble beaches.
One of the island’s notable attractions is the renowned Blue Lagoon. This natural wonder is tucked between two islets, Krknjaš Mali and Krknjaš Veli, and the larger Drvenik Veli island.
The lagoon captivates visitors with its vibrant turquoise hue, shallow sandy seabed, stunning beach, and surrounding pine trees. Additionally, the Blue Lagoon is a natural habitat for dolphins, making the journey there even more exciting — so keep your eyes peeled!
Drvenik Mali lies west of Drvenik Veliki in the central Dalmatian archipelago. It is just 8 nautical miles (15 km) from Trogir. Covering an area of 3.3 square kilometres (1.3 square miles), it is a third of the size of its larger counterpart, Drvenik Veli.
The island’s only village shares its name with the island itself, and the coastline features many inlets. The shallow surrounding waters make it an ideal spot for fishing. The island’s topography reaches its highest point at 79 meters.
Local inhabitants sustain their livelihood through agriculture, focusing on olive cultivation, fishing, and tourism, creating a blend of industry that adds to the island’s charm.
Brač, the largest island in the central Dalmatian cluster and the third largest in the Adriatic, spans an impressive 394.57 square kilometres. Separated from the mainland by the Brač Channel, it distinguishes itself from its neighbours, Šolta and Hvar, by the Split Gate and the Hvar Channel, respectively.
Brač’s highest peak, Vidova Gora, standing tall at 778 meters, is the highest among all Croatian islands. The Coast varies significantly in character; limestone sections are steep and rocky, while other stretches are low and sandy, particularly on the southern side from Farska to Bol and on the northern side from Sutivan to Supetar.
Karst limestone relief, featuring an array of gullies, crevices, cavities, round valleys and coves, defines the island’s landscape. Predominantly composed of limestone and dolomite, Brač’s quarries have been treasured sources of decorative stonework for centuries. The Romans appreciated the stone’s quality, utilizing it extensively to construct cities, amphitheatres, temples, palaces, and tombs across Dalmatia.
Pućišća and Supetar are among the island’s most significant settlements. The island’s economy revolves around olive oil, wine, and fruit production, notably sour cherries and almonds. Livestock breeding and fishing also play a significant role, with fish canneries established in Postira and Milna.
Brač’s rich cultural and historical heritage, dating back to prehistoric times, its unique gastronomy, stunning beaches and bays, crystalline blue sea, high-quality private accommodation, and the warm hospitality of the local people ensure memories you’ll always treasure.
Situated on the southern part of Brač island, Bol is the oldest town in the region. Its freshwater sources, striking white gravel, and expansive sandy beaches spanning over 10 kilometres have established Bol as the premier tourist destination on the island.
The town’s Zlatni rat (Golden Cape), an exquisite beach, is undeniably one of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic. This unique beach extends into the sea, dynamically shifting its orientation in response to the whims of the wind and waves. At the same time, a lush pine forest offers a picturesque backdrop. Beyond its stunning visuals, Zlatni rat offers a variety of sports and entertainment opportunities. Known as a windsurfing paradise, it also provides exceptional conditions for swimming and snorkelling.
For those seeking a cultural experience, visiting the Dominican monastery is a must. This site not only houses a substantial library and archive but also the location of the oldest winery in Dalmatia. Be sure to savour the taste of traditional Dalmatian wines during your visit.
Nestled on the western part of Brač, 18 km from Supetar, lies Milna, a picturesque fishing village often hailed as a haven for sailors. Its historical significance dates back to the days of Emperor Diocletian, whose ships found safe harbour here during the construction of his famed palace in Split.
In the present day, Milna boasts a state-of-the-art marina equipped with numerous berths that offer safe anchorage and impeccable service to yachtsmen from across the globe. Just before reaching the bay of Milna, you’ll notice the small island of Mrduja. This tiny island is the centre of an annual tug-of-war tradition, where residents of Brač and Šolta engage in a playful battle to claim ownership.
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