SPLIT & TROGIR

Dalmatia is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas in Croatia. I have visited several places in Croatia over the past 20 years and Dalmatia is definitely my favourite part of Croatia. There are other very interesting places which I will come back to another time. In this post I will focus on Split and Trogir. To learn more about Dalmatia, just click on the yellow marked 'Dalmatia' and it will take you to a website that gives you more information about this place.

Croatia has over 1,000 islands and it is world famous for sailing. People from all over the globe come to Croatia and sail some of the most spectacular islands. That's one of the reasons why even the smallest of villages have a marina (harbour). This is to attract tourists as these marinas are mainly in sheltered bays.

SPLIT

Split is an interesting city with an old town centre, which was built over 1,700 years ago by Roman emperor Diocletian, surrounded by more modern buildings in the outskirts of the city, which are not very nice, as in most cities around the globe. It is usually the old and historical centre that attracts my attention.

If you are interested in Split's history, click on the link of Split. Alternatively, a video posted by Rick Steves on YouTube will give you great information on the city itself.

--> Photos of Split

TROGIR

As you travel north of Split, you will pass several small villages before you reach Trogir. I can honestly say that Trogir is beside Dubrovnik one of the most amazing places in Europe I have visited. Every time I visit Croatia, and that's pretty much every year, I also go to Trogir. Whether it is just to buy fruit and vegetables at the local market or stroll along the Riva with one of the best ice creams I ever tasted, or simply just to be spoiled at one of Trogir's lovely restaurants.

It is a must to visit Trogir when in Croatia. This 2,300 year old town, influenced by the old Greek, Roman and Venetians is today a Unesco World Heritage site which attracts thousands of tourists every year. I think the photographs speak for themselves.

Local food is delicious and if you want to taste some nice fish dishes, Trogir is the place to go. Small and larger restaurants can be found all over the town that is mainly car free and for pedestrians only.

Try an octopus salad while waiting for your main course. I would also recommend tasting Croatia's famous 'Cevapcici'. These are delicious little minced sausages threaded on to skewers and usually eaten with bread and a red pepper sauce called 'Ajvar'. Originally they are a traditional dish in Serbia but they are very common in Croatia too.

There is something for everyone and if you do not like fish or meat, there are plenty of pizzerias in Trogir.

Check out the small shops and café's when walking through the narrow paths of Trogir.

Travel time:  the best time to visit Split and Trogir is September or even early October as it is too crowded. School holidays in Croatia are in July and August but it is more the hot climate that puts me off during these months. It can get very hot, especially in August and therefore I suggest to travel either in June or September.

--> Photos of Trogir