Croatian Seaside Towns of Split and Trogir

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From the top of Trogir castle

After eleven countries through two continents, my two-month backpacking excursion finally was about to come to an end. I had long wanted to experience Croatia and decided this would be the perfect place to conclude this trip before heading back to South Florida.  After a brief stop in Dubrovnik, before returning to Bosnia for some a few days in Mostar, I was back on the bus for a three-hour bus ride to the ancient coastal city of Split. 

Split's Old Town

small scale model of Split's old town

This city is beaming with history.  So, if you’re interested in having your breath taken away by the grand Roman style buildings, like Declension’s Palace then you will not be disappointed.  Originally founded as a Greek colony, the city, really is a true gem of architectural treasures.  Like many places found in this region, the city switched hands at least a dozen times to various regional powers over the past two millennium.  

Split's wharf

As much as I love history, I was historied out.  It was Yacht Week, which I hadn’t heard about until a few days before arriving, wince I learned that it was a huge deal for young crowds who like to party on yachts.  I considered the island of Hvar, but learned that it’s main appeal is clubbing. I’ve learned that during summer vacay, the tweens “come out at night” like its NYE 1999.  I dreaded the idea of being out in that environment, so knew immediately, I needed to find another place to spend my last three days before my adventure ended.  I was looking forward to a chill relaxing spot to detox and just vacation from the constant push and pull that backpacking had put my body through for the past two months.  So, I did book a private room through Airbnb for one night of privacy and comfort just outside the walled city of Split.  A great location, only two minutes from the wharf and north gate of the city walls. 

The weather was humid and sticky.  The crowds were hot and musty.  The streets were over crowded, and the restaurants were overpriced for food that was blah blah.  Forget about meeting locals in a genuine setting.  This was summer on the Mediterranean coast.  Luckily, the Iranian American that I had met in Kotor and again in Dubrovnik happened to be in Split for one night before heading to Hvar.  We linked up, walked the old city, had some decent seafood on the wharf and went out to only place worth going to during mid-week.  A series of bars that really showed we’re no spring chickens.

Trogir

I was glad I only book for one night, as I decided I’d take a ferry for the slower paced coastal city of Trogir.  A small island about an hour by ferry.  It too is a breathtaking monument from the time of Greek and Roman antiquity.  White marble walls, buildings, cobblestone, and statues.  It’s about 1/20^th the size of Split, but bustling with tourists as well.  Still, the atmosphere is chill, and not overbearing.  Also, there are some decent beaches not far off the island.  You can easily get there by water taxi.

My last two nights, I decided to move on for the most remote place I could find during the busiest time of the year.  An hour away, I found a bed and breakfast right smack on the beach, five minutes from the Split international airport.  And there I found a motley crew of other travelers thinking the same thing.  Nice outdoor private garden with a communal kitchen.  Grass on the effen ground!  I could take walks and hear no traffic or boats.  The days and nights felt longer.  Conversations deeper and the beer just a bit colder.  Nice way to conclude my eleventh consecutive year of summer backpacking.  Next summer will be a lot different.  I took a position as a director for a teen travel company that specializes in epic summer adventures.  I have no idea where I’ll be, but I am incredibly excited about this new phase of traveling.  Don’t despair, I plan to continue the World Kanno Travel blogging.  Stay tuned.