My hubby and I will be returning from Hvar/Korcula on a Sunday in July into the Split Ferry Port. We have a very early flight on Monday morning out Split aiport which google maps says is a half hour from Split and only 8 mins from Trogir.
Should we overnight in Split or Trogir?
Here are the considerations:
We will arrive with our luggage at the Ferry port in Split
We have read that Trogir is beautiful but a zoo in July because it's so small (plus it will be a weekend which will add to the crowds). Also may not be enough to do for a full day there?
Trogir is much closer to the airport

While it seems it will be easier to check in and drop bags off in Split when we arrive and have the rest of the day free, we would have to go much further to the airport in the very early morning and we have also heard Trogir is beautiful and mixed reviews on Split. Should we:
a) Stay in Split and get up very early
b) Possibly store our luggage somewhere (though not sure where), explore Split and then head to Trogir for dinner and be there to depart in the morning
c) Head straight to Trogir for the day & night

Recommendations from seasoned travelers out there?

Trogir will be like a zoo between about 1000-1600 every day, ie. peak times for tour groups. When we went we arrived at 0930, and the place was nice and peaceful, but by 1030 I'd had enough. Tbh the place is little different to parts of Split Old Town, where there is more room to move around even when it's busy. Whether there are any cruise ships alongside in Split makes a big difference on the saturation of popular sights.

There are regular direct buses to Split Airport from the bus station at Split Port. Buy tickets from the office by the bus stop, which is also next to the Port train station. I'm not sure how up-to-date this link is, but it gives you an idea of the frequency of the bus...

https://www.buscroatia.com/routes-se...S=1217&aS=1613

A ticket for the bus costs 30 Kuna [iirc].

Split has a major roman palace hidden in the town and lots to see on the docks
Trogir is small and pleasant.

Zoo for both of them.

If you are never coming back then stay in Split, if you are then find a bar in Trogir and watch the sun go down/up

split all the way. Better things to do and is wonderful at night. Hauling bags is what it is just make sure you know where you're going and ask for help. Great Croatian history museum, ruins and street pizza!

Thanks so much for the recommendations! We did a little research and saw there are some beautiful beaches just outside of the old town in Trogir. We were thinking if it's really hot and since it's a Sunday maybe we would do that if we did opt to be closer to the airport. Has anyone had experience with the surrounding beaches? See attached photo

https://www.google.com/search?q=beac...3Njv6-vMvLIkM:

Split would deff be your best pick , Trogir is too crowdy but you can do a day tour there

I don't know anything about Trogir but think the old Roman palace with centuries built on top of it in Split is a must see. There is a nice fruit, flower and veggie market too that's colorful.

We don't love cities preferring the outskirts and we're not into museums, palaces etc after having seen so many during past travels but do love a great authentic outdoor market. That would be fun to check out. So even with the beach option I posted, it sounds like everyone is unanimous with Split. Thanks for the recommendations!