FROM AIRPORT TO APARTMENT: THE WET SEAT DRAMA
After a week of sailing around Split and its islands, we were heading for a chillout week in Trogir. First stop was to pick up our hire car. All was going smoothly until… urgh!… a wet car seat. Yes, our Renault Clio from Enterprise Car Hire at Split Airport had clearly had a pre-trip swim without us. After over an hour of waiting for a replacement (and exchanging a few polite words), we finally hit the road.
First stop was Marina Kaštela to collect luggage we’d left behind after a week of sailing. Once reunited with our belongings and a quick call to our apartment host Ivan, we confirmed our arrival. Off we went to find our home for the week.
Enter Villa Tragurium: a bright, modern two-bedroom apartment just a 10-minute stroll from Trogir Old Town. With a washing machine that became our best friend after a week at sea, and a space that felt fresh, spacious, and welcoming, it was the perfect base for our Croatian chillout. Eight nights for €478.54? Absolutely, without a doubt, a steal.
We dropped off our bags and headed for the supermarket to stock up on a few bits and bobs.
Sunday Funday: Milkshakes, Sunsets, and Doing Absolutely Nothing
Day two was all about blissful laziness. After a slow morning (and more washing — the never-ending sailor’s laundry saga), we set off for a short drive across the bridge from Trogir to Čiovo Island. It was warm and sunny, the roads were quiet, and the thought of exploring somewhere new without a strict agenda was just perfect.
We parked in Okrug Gornji and had a stroll along the promenade, soaking up the sea breeze and watching the odd boat or two bobbing around in the water. Eventually, we stumbled upon Café Bar/Pizzaria Bok. A great spot for people-watching, laughing at our own holiday antics, and indulging in a perfectly thick sunset milkshake.
Sometimes, a trip isn’t about ticking off every tourist trap or racing from one “must-see” to the next. Sometimes, it’s about sipping something cold, letting the sun turn your cheeks pink, and pretending you own the whole promenade. Milkshake in hand, the waves lapping lazily, and the world slowing down around you — yep, this is perfect!
From Trogir to Omiš: A Day of Splashing and QUESTIONABLE BOTTLE OPENERS!
Feeling the need for a bit of exploration, we headed toward Omiš, the charming town where jagged mountains fill the landscape. Even before we’d fully escaped the car, we were gobsmacked: cliffs towering behind terracotta rooftops, and the river snaking to the sea — basically nature showing off, and we loved it.
Parking was a bargain at just €1 per hour — a welcome off-season bonus — and soon we were wandering the Omiš Old Town, up and down the narrow cobbled streets and seeing the occasional stray cat that clearly ruled the alleyways.
Naturally, no visit would be complete without a drink, so we popped into Café Bar Bagulin to rest our feet and watch the world go by. And then… the Adriatic called! Braving the chilly-but-inviting waves, we waded in, discovering that while the sea may have been brisk, our spirits were high, our hearts warm and our legs numb!
After a leisurely stroll through the old town and a few more scenic snaps, we headed back to Trogir, satisfied with our little midweek adventure, ready for dinner and a quiet evening.
Dinner back in Trogir at Restaurant Amfuro capped off a perfect day. It was comfortably busy and the food was delicious.
Tuesday: Seget Vranjica & Secret Bays
Determined to track down our very own slice of paradise, we headed west and stumbled upon Seget Vranjica — a charming little fishing village just 10 minutes from Trogir. It was like stepping into a postcard: tiny cobbled streets, colourful boats bobbing in the calm water, and crystal clear sea. Not another tourist in sight — just us, the sea, and the occasional curious seagull.
We wasted no time dipping in and finding a spot to relax and feel the warm sun on our faces. After a morning of utter relaxation, we drove back to Okrug Gornji, our now-favourite sunset spot, for a cheeky evening drink while we watched yet another amazing sunset.
Finally, we headed back to Villa Tragurium and made dinner. Afterwards, feet were firmly up, and we were blissfully exhausted. An evening by the TV until bed was calling our names and lights off.
Wednesday: Boat Shows & Baletna Skola
We decided a road trip to the Biograd Boat Show was the perfect way to shake off midweek monotony — because clearly, one week of sailing wasn’t quite enough! The drive along the coast was pure eye candy: winding roads, sparkling turquoise water, and the kind of scenery that makes you reach for your camera every five seconds.
At the boat show, it was yacht heaven and we couldn’t help but daydream. By the end, we’d mentally purchased three boats, a cocktail bar on deck, and possibly a small island to park them on. Dreams of nautical luxury aside, we had a great day.
By evening, our stomachs demanded attention, so we drove back towards Trogir and headed to Baletna Škola for dinner. The location of this place has stunning views and we were just in time to see the sun sinking behind the horizon. This restaurant is always full of locals and you very rarely see tourists in here. The food is great and very reasonably priced.
Thursday & Friday: Coughs, Cold, and Solo Stroll
Every holiday needs a little drama, and ours arrived in the form of Janine’s full-blown cold. Thursday was officially a duvet day — blankets, tissues, and a lot of sniffing. By Friday, she was still under the weather, so the adventure was temporarily on hold.
But Alison, ever the intrepid explorer, refused to let the Croatian sunshine go to waste. She wandered solo into Trogir Old Town, navigating the narrow cobbled lanes and even managed a sneaky beer overlooking the waters edge. Even in mid-October, with the streets quieter than the bustling summer months, the town still had that postcard-perfect charm .
By the time Alison returned, she had collected a small souvenir or two, while Janine rested, recovered, and mentally prepared for the next day’s adventures. A reminder that even when one half of the duo is sidelined by a sniffle, the other half will try and do something productive.
Saturday: Skradin, Sunsets & Suitcase STRUGGLES
Janine finally picked up, and we celebrated with a day trip to Skradin, the charming gateway to Krka National Park and its beautiful waterfalls. Even without venturing fully into the park, the drive alone was worth every minute: rolling hills dotted with rustic villages, sparkling rivers, and scenery that takes your breath away.
After soaking up the sights and snapping a few photos, we returned to Trogir for dinner at — yes, you guessed it — Baletna Škola. When you find a local gem, you stick with it!
Back at the apartment, reality hit: packing day. The suitcase struggle commenced — the eternal holiday dilemma of “why does it never fit the same way twice?” — but with our memories safely tucked in alongside our clothes, we felt ready to bid Trogir farewell.
Sunday: Farewell Trogir — But Not Goodbye
Our final morning arrived and we hit the shower, suitcases at the ready and a last-minute cuppa before we had to head back to Split Airport.
The Clio had survived our week of adventures and winding roads, the washing machine at Villa Tragurium had earned a gold medal for service, and the apartment itself had been a great base for our stay. Bright, modern, and just a short stroll from the Old Town, it had been the perfect place for our chill-out week in Trogir.
As we drove away, we knew this wouldn’t be a goodbye — just a “see you later” to the sun, sea, and streets of Trogir.
