Our recent sailing trip along the Dalmatian coast, took us to the enchanting towns of Split and Trogir, two gems on the Adriatic Sea that each have their own unique charm and history. This trip not only offered beautiful sailing weather, but also a rich experience full of historical discoveries and cultural treasures. For me it was really a journey through time.
Split: The City of Diocletian
Our first stop was Split, the second largest city in Croatia. We anchored at the eastside of the bay, which is the closest to the old city center. It was a Saturday, so lots of people on the water, enjoying kayaking, rowing or like these children, sailing.
We took our e-bike and e-step out and explored the area. The first thing we noticed, where proud drawings on the walls of houses of the football club Hajduk Split. I knew the name of this team, they are the equivalent of Feyenoord in the Netherlands!
We kept cycling and arrived in the old towncenter of Split. What makes this part so special is it’s historic heart: the Palace of Diocletian. Built around 305 AD, this palace served as a luxurious residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian after his abdication. The palace is one of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world and is the center of Split’s vibrant city life. Walking through the narrow alleys of the palace feels like a journey back in time, where the past and the present come together seamlessly.
Did you know that Split is one of the oldest cities in the region, with a history dating back more than 1,700 years? The old city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vibrant mix of Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture. During our walk we came across countless small shops, restaurants and cafes, each with their own story and atmosphere.
I liked the boulevard a lot: a broad walking path, looking over the large marina’s with catamarans and many beautiful buildings which often served as shops and restaurants. Split has a population of approximately 178,000 and is one of the busiest ports on the Adriatic, handling more than 4 million passengers annually.
The weather was great in Split, so we decided to cycle all the way up the hill and have a nice view over the bay of Split and see the city from a bird view.
Around the Bay of Split in Croatia there are seven castles, known as the “Kaštela”. These castles are spread over seven villages, each named after the castle located there. We visited one, a charming little castle with a nice harbor behind it.
The castles were built between the 15th and 17th centuries, mainly by noble families and the church, as defenses against the Ottoman Turks and other enemies. These castles served as refuges for the local population during attacks and wars. In addition, they functioned as administrative centers and residences for the nobility.
Trogir: A Living History Museum
After Split we continued our sailing trip to Trogir, just a short trip away, although we couldn’t go under the 2 bridges on the westside of the bay of Split to get to Trogir directly. So we had to sail around the south island, and it was so nice to see the old town from the water!
Trogir, often described as a “living museum,” is a well-preserved medieval city that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded by Greek settlers in the 3rd century BC and has a rich history spanning 2,300 years.
Trogir now is a city with only 2300 inhabitants, but attracts thousands of tourists every year because of it’s historic charm.
Interestingly, Trogir is also known for its maritime history. The city was an important center for shipbuilding in the Middle Ages and has maintained a strong connection with the sea over the centuries. This maritime heritage is still visible in the old shipyards and harbour, where we enjoyed the sight of traditional wooden boats alongside modern yachts. We even saw a wooden boat named ‘Laura’ and I was also charmed by this boat named ‘My course’. That could have been an excellent name for our catamaran Horizon as well, because I am a trainer (I deliver courses), this boatlife teaches you a lot and is like a course for life. And every day when you are sailing, you set course to a new destination!
We really liked walking in and around the island of Trogir, there where bridges and the restaurants along the waterside served good food.
We look back on a great time in Split and Trogir!
