Trogir - where is it, you may well ask? This small port and town is situated in Central Dalmatia which is in Croatia and about 30 kilometres from Split where there is an International airport. The town is well located as it is on the famous Adriatic Highway which links this part of Croatia to the rest of Europe. The reason I came across this beautiful spot is because we were driving from Zagreb to Split and thought I would stop overnight and see what the town had to offer. I knew the town existed but originally wasn't going to visit because I thought it would be overcrowded with visitors as I had heard it was a very popular resort. But seeing that we were doing a grand tour of Croatia and the other Balkan countries in our very old and frail camper van I thought why not, its only another night, another place. I am so glad I did stop because Trogir is actually a mighty fine place.
In fact, I would go as far to say that it is one of the most stunning places in this area. The town sits on its own island with bridges linking it to the mainland on one side and to the island of Ciovo on the other. As you walk around Trogir you immediately feel that you are in the Mediterranean with its shimmering knot of orange roofs and traditional stone buildings, amongst which lies one of Croatia's most remarkable cathedrals. The well preserved old town is perhaps the most unified in the whole country, a pedestrianised oasis where pages of history are peeled back with every step. Even the many tourists fail to diminish the appeal of this beautiful town.
A visit to the surrounding area of Trogir is worthwhile just to see the lush verdant vegetation which consists of heavy laden fig trees, silvery grey-green olive trees and black carob trees. Lots of aromatic herbs grow wild and when the wind is blowing you are able to breathe in the wonderful scented aromas as they waft through the blue dappled skies. Not forgetting the small islets and coves, pebble beaches and rocky promintories. But the real beauty of the town is in its historic core which is perfectly preserved and shines with churches, palaces, monuments and art. In 1997 the town was included in the Unesco World Heritage list. The fortified town with its streets, squares and a myriad of fascinating buildings has kept its medieval structure and is an important asset to Croatia.
There are hotels in Trogir but I didn't stay in any because we parked the camper in the car park and slept overnight there. However, we did eat in the Restoran Fontana which is part of a hotel situated in the old town. I was told by the locals that this is the best hotel and restaurant in the old town. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can sit outside on the terrace where you can absorb the buzzing atmosphere of the busy riva or watch the amazing sunsets casting amber shadows on luxurious yachts moored on the waterfront. The hotel and restaurant are open all year and the restaurant specialises in seafood. My favourite - prawns cooked in garlic butter, white wine and chillies.
There are many beauty spots in Croatia and I very nearly dismissed Trogir because of the tourists. The town does get exceedingly busy with visitors and there is always a vibrant atmosphere. I suppose if you visited in September or October the town and area would be very calm and really stunning but then sometimes it is nice to have some atmosphere and Trogir certainly has that.