Best Beaches Near Kaštela, Split & Trogir

One of the questions we hear most from guests is simple: where should we swim today? The answer depends on whether you want a quick dip before breakfast, a full beach day with children, or a lively city beach. Here is our honest list of the best beaches near Kaštela, from the local ones in Kaštel Stari to the famous ones in Split and Trogir.

Beaches in Kaštela itself

The whole Kaštela coastline is lined with small pebble beaches and concrete swimming platforms, connected by the seafront promenade. They are used mostly by locals, which means no loud music, a few shady pine trees and a café or kiosk never far away. The water in the bay is calm, because the bay is sheltered by the mainland on one side and the island of Čiovo and the Split peninsula at either end.

From Villa Marina, the nearest beaches are on the Kaštel Stari seafront, about 2 km away: 4 minutes by car or around 20 minutes on foot. They are pebbly with a shallow entry, which makes them easy for small children and for anyone who does not like jumping in off rocks. Walk a little further along the promenade in either direction and you will find other quiet spots in Kaštel Novi and Kaštel Lukšić.

Trogir and Čiovo: Okrug and the islands

West of Kaštela, the island of Čiovo is linked to Trogir by bridges and has some of the most popular beaches in the area. Okrug Gornji has a long pebble beach lined with bars and restaurants, busy and sociable in July and August, with sunbed rental and water sports. Further along Čiovo there are smaller coves reached by footpaths, much quieter if you are willing to walk.

On the mainland side, Pantan near Trogir is a local favourite: a small protected area where a freshwater spring meets the sea, with a pebble beach and shade from pine trees. From the harbours in Trogir and Kaštela, boat trips run to the Blue Lagoon at Drvenik, a turquoise shallow bay that is best reached by sea.

Split beaches: Bačvice, Kašjuni and more

If you are spending a day in Split, it is worth bringing swimwear. The best-known options are:

• Bačvice: a shallow, sandy beach a few minutes' walk from the old town and the ferry port, famous for picigin, the local game of keeping a small ball in the air in ankle-deep water. Lively, central and very busy in summer.
• Kašjuni: a pebble beach on the southern side of the Marjan peninsula, with clear water, a view of the islands and a quieter, greener feel. Better for a full afternoon.
• Bene: on the northern side of Marjan, surrounded by pine forest, with shade and a relaxed family atmosphere.
• Firule and Žnjan: east of Bačvice, larger and less crowded, with more space for towels and sunbeds.

Parking near the Split beaches is limited and paid in summer, and roads around Marjan can be congested at weekends. Going early, or taking a taxi back, can save a lot of frustration.

Tips for families

Most beaches around Split and Kaštela are pebble rather than sand. Pebbles mean clearer water, but they are hard on bare feet, and many rocky spots have sea urchins, the small black spiny creatures that cling to stones in shallow water. They are harmless if you do not step on them, and painful if you do.

• Pack water shoes for everyone. They are cheap in any local shop and make pebble beaches far more pleasant.
• Bring your own shade. Natural shade from pines goes quickly on popular beaches; a small parasol or beach tent is worth carrying.
• Choose shallow entries for small children: our local beach in Kaštel Stari, Bačvice and parts of Okrug are all gentle.
• Avoid the hottest hours, roughly 11:00 to 16:00 in July and August, and use high-factor sun cream.
• Check the sea conditions: on windy days the south-facing beaches in Split get waves, while the Kaštela bay usually stays calm.

Parking and practical details

In Kaštela, parking near the beaches is usually easy outside the busiest summer weekends. From Villa Marina the Kaštel Stari beaches are about 4 minutes by car, and the villa has 5 free parking spaces on site. For Okrug and Trogir, parking is paid in high season and fills up by late morning, so go early or take the local bus towards Trogir; the nearest stop is about 800 metres from the villa, around 11 minutes on foot. For Split, we recommend the bus or a taxi rather than driving into the centre.

Of course, some days you will not want to go anywhere. At Villa Marina in Kaštel Stari you have a heated saltwater pool with sun loungers, a covered terrace and a panoramic sea view, with the beaches just 4 minutes away by car, which is often the best beach plan of all. If you are looking for a base for a beach holiday between Split and Trogir, we would love to welcome you.