We are planning a 2 week trip to Croatia in June. Our travel agent, who is from Croatia, recommends we stay in Split for two nights with day trips to Hvar and Trogir. I have heard mixed reviews of Split, and very favorable reviews of Trogir. She recommended the Hotel Park in Split. What's your vote: Split or Trogir? Why? Thank you in advance for your responses.

I just came back from Croatia and would vote for Trogir. It is much smaller than the city of Split and is very quaint with alleyways that reminds me of Venice. But it all depends on your personal preference of what you enjoy. Do a search and read other people's trip reports.

I to would say Trogir .its only a 30 minute bus ride to Split, we stayed in a a good B&B Vila sika www.vila-sikaa-r.com
exellent cooked breakfast A/c in rooms.
another good website is
www. visit-croatia.uk.co

I'm guessing your travel agent suggests Split and the Park hotel because it's easy and known. We stayed there one night and found the hotel quite nice in a modern sort of way. They had a lovely outdoor restaurant. We also liked Split and found the walk into town from the Park easy if sort of unscenic. So you won't be miserable if you take her advice. We didn't go to Trogir but everything I've read suggests it's probably more scenic and nicer so if you can find a suitable hotel, I'd opt for Trogir and take a day trip to Split.

We stayed in Split 2 nights, 1 day and really enjoyed ourselves. The palace is interesting, the town thriving and the waterfront lovely. I hear lovely things about Trogir. I would choose based on how it fits in your overall itinerary and balance of smaller town life and city life. If you are mostly in small places why not stay in Split and enjoy the hubub.

It also seems you might want to choose 2 out of 3 Hvar, Split, Trogir. Hvar is lovely and deserves more time. If you do both Hvar and Trogir will you see Split at all?

My thoughts.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. I think we might just make a change to our itinerary!

Here's another vote for Trogir. We recently stayed at the Apt.Bakica. Very friendly. Moderately-priced with great views of the old city.

Trogir has some beautiful Venetian architecture and the people are very pleasant. The people in Split are bitter and miserable, however, you must see Diocletian's palace and Split's market, which will take you back to how things might've been 50 years ago (widows wearing head to toe black and all). This market will probably be on its way out after Croatia becomes part of the EC in 2 years. I just came back from Croatia 2 weeks ago. You must see Hvar too of course, it's a happening place with good energy and a new hot spot.

Interesting comment about folks in Split. We were there so briefly but found them pleasant. I think Croatians are in general restrained, not overtly friendly, and some seem barely tolerant of tourists. It felt as if Croatia was in the midst of a tipping point or tourism taking hold (again). This is good for business and economy but also hard to take I am sure. We were there in September and many seemed weary (naturally) after what had been a very very busy July/August. I totally understand this ambivalence, this love/hate relationship with tourists. Of course as the tourist oneself it can be a bit hard sometimes. My 2 cents, I guess taking this thread slightly off topic but felt need to add thoughts to last post.

Stayed in Solit, but wished I`d stayed in Trogir!

Very strong recommendation for Trogir from me!! We loved it there!

We had originally decided on Split but at the last minute stopped in Trogir due to other travelers suggestions.

We Stayed at Apartment Bakica and and a very nice moderate room for very little cash. The owners were lovely!

We visited Split but we were very happy we didn't stay there.

I am surprised by sfmasters comments. I found the majority of the people in Croatia were wonderful!

I also felt the folks in Croatia were extremely friendly and helpful.

You don't have to limit yourself to either Split or Trogir. They are only about a half hour away by bus, so you can go from one to the other in the morning and back to your lodging at night. Having said that, I would stay in Trogir. Much more compact and more relaxed. The ferries in the harbor at Split make for big crowds, and hectic comings and goings. It calms down in the evening, and a walk along the esplanade checking out all of the gelato flavors is quite pleasant.

Whichever you choose, you will have a great experience in this really cool country.

I think the decision depends on your interests and where else you'll be staying (other big cities or small towns). We visited Trogir and I agree with the other folks comments. We loved Split and stayed right in Diocletian's palacein a private apt (very nice and modern: Base Rooms www.base-rooms.com/eng/about.htm. It was fun going out at night when the area was quite. I would stay longer in Hvar and not do a day trip. You can't really enjoy it in the short of time (in my view).

Split easily ... Trogir is borin more for an older crowd