Best things to do in 7 Kaštela

Explore Kaštela

The city of Kaštela will attract you at a very first sight. You will enjoy the sounds of its old stone streets, tastes and smells of its restaurants and taverns. You can relax on hot sand of its beaches or discover the secrets and legends of its rich history.

You will be enchanted by a unique view which you can experience if you climb on the mountain Kozjak. This magnificent view spreads from Split on the eastern side across the Kaštela Bay to Trogir on its western side, to the magic archipelago of Central Dalmatian islands. Both cities, Split and Trogir are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Natural heritage (The wealth of nature)

The cultivation and growing of vine and olive is deeply woven in the tradition of Kaštela farmers. Many would say that cherries are nowhere so sweet and juicy as they are in Kaštela. Generations of Kaštela hardworking people have managed with their hard and dedicated work to turn rough Dalmatian karst into fertile fields.

Kaštela fishermen even nowadays set off with their boats at dawn and seek for a catch of oily and white fish. Here, in so natural surroundings of Kozjak and the Kaštela Bay, you will enjoy the fruits off abundant Dalmatian nature, admiring its rich heritage.

Cultural heritage (On the footsteps of the Game of Thrones)      

Renaissance stone castles that are almost immersed in the sea will enchant you by their beauty. Scattered along the coast of the City of Kaštela, these castles used to be the nucleuses around which seven picturesque and vivid Mediterranean villages once were formed. While you are discovering which one of them is the most romantic, you will feel as if you are on the set of the Game of Thrones. And this is not entirely untrue since the fourth season of this globally popular TV series was filmed on the very sight of the castle Kaštilac in Kaštel Gomilica.

Atractions (Don’t miss!)

While discovering Kaštela, try to see and visit some of these popular spots.

Visit the oldest olive tree (1500 years old) in the world in Kaštel Štafilić, enjoy the peace of the Biblical Garden in Kaštel Novi, stroll through the streets of the old centre of Kaštel Stari with the same layout as in the 18th century.

In Kaštel Lukšić visit the Botanical Garden and the city museum in the Vitturi Castle and find out all about the misfortunes and unfortunate love of Miljenko and Dobrila. Enjoy the atmosphere of the authentic fishing village in Kaštel Kambelovac, don’t miss to visit the romantic castle Kaštilac in Kaštel Gomilica and in Kaštel Sućurac visit the museum in the Archbishop’s Palace from the 15th century and parish church which houses precious relics of Kaštela history.

The Legend about Miljenko and Dobrila

The legend about Miljenko and Dobrila is a story about a young couple from noble families Vitturi and Rušinić. The quarrel of their parents stood in the way of their love. Count Radoslav, Dobrila’s father was known as a cruel nobleman who imposed big taxes on his serfs. Count Adalbert, Miljenko’s father was a kinder person and had more understanding for the difficulties of his serfs. Having found out about the love of the young couple, count Radoslav forbade them to see each other, and Miljenko’s father sent him to Venice. The parents decided that Dobrila should marry an older nobleman Družimir, but Miljenko, having found out about this plan, disrupted the marriage. The authorities exiled him to Visovac, and

Dobrila was sent to a monastery in Trogir. The couple, however, found a way to flee and meet. Meanwhile, in order to calm the peasants who protested against excessive taxes, count Radoslav decided to give permission for their wedding. But aGer the grand wedding, Radoslav, seized by anger, killed Miljenko in front of the castle. Several months later, Dobrila became ill of grief and died. They were buried in the chapel of St. John where the inscription “Pokoj ljubovnikom” (Peace to the lovers) still stands nowadays.

Museum

The seat of the Municipal Museum of Kaštela is located in one of the best- preserved fortresses in Kaštela – Vitturi Castle. Kaštela are the second city by population in Split-Dalmatia County, comprised of seven villages spreading along the coast of the Kaštela Bay. Each village originated during the period of the Ottoman threat, when the nobility and the Church from the surrounding cities of Split and Trogir built their castles to protect the population against the Ottoman attacks. Apart from the Modern era historical cores, there is a whole range of archaeological sites dated to prehistoric times, Classical Antiquity and Middle Ages within the area of Kaštela.

Vituri Castle in Kaštel Lukšić

The castle itself with its surrounding historical core is well preserved, and in  the period between the year of 1993 and 2001, its appearance from the beginning of the 18th century has been restored. The castle was in its most representative stage in that period. During the research works, defensive moat and a stone bridge in front of the northern entrance were rediscovered.

The Castle was built by the noble family Vitturi, at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century. Due to frequent Ottoman attacks, it was necessary to protect the local population, which had been living in the medieval village of Ostrog at the slopes of the Kozjak Mountain before the construction of the Castle.

Biranj

Biranj is a stratified archeological site located at a prominent peak of Mount Kozjak (631 m) above Kaštela. A prehistoric hillfort, late Classical Antiquity Castrum, the sanctuary of the supreme Slavic god Perun and the Romanesque church of Sv. John is located here. The outer bastion of this prehistoric hillfort is almost 800 meters long and encloses the area of nearly 73.000 m2, which makes it one of the largest hillforts on the eastern Adriatic coast and in the hinterland. The bastion is made of dry wall and is at some parts up to 12 metres wide. Archaeological research has revealed cultural layers dated to Neolithic and Bronze Age, with a well-developed lithic industry.

Gastronomy (In the homeland of Zinfandel)

Have you known that Zinfandel wine which is very popular within many Americans and worldwide is actually Crljenak Kaštelanski wine? This traditional red variety has been cultivated for centuries on the slopes of the mountain Kozjak and from here it departed worldwide. Wake up a gourmet in you and try and taste which Dalmatian dish suits this wine best. You can try it in many charming Kaštela restaurants, wine tasting rooms and family farms. We recommend Sikuli experience at Kaštel Sikuli wine celar. Discover the richness of Dalmatian cuisine, tastes and smells of its traditional dishes, other wine sorts, as well as the great variety of olive oil which is carefully nourished in Kaštela taverns.

Pošip Milan in Kaštel Novi

Discover the diverse flavors of Dalmatia and its regions through local food & wine at Mr. Ivica Milan farm. Any good wine – Pošip (Poship) especially because of it is all about – is a lot smarter and more important to drink, than to describe. However, Pošip is the uncrowned King of the white wines of Dalmatia, possibly of the white wines at all. In this place we give you a drop of knowledge about it’s specific qualities and noble origin, as befits the crowned heads. Carefuly chosen, with full confidence provided Pošip seedlings from Korčula in Kaštela arrived “in a bundle of” Mr.Ivica Milan. Mr.Milan breathed a new life to Pošip under the slopes of Kozjak mountain, nurturing them as the cradle.

Lifestyle

Casual Mediterranean way of life, a combination of traditional values and modern urban lifestyle, meeting friends and socializing while having a cup of coffee in the picturesque coffee bars, open and friendly people– that is all the city of Kaštela. Because of its seven specific centers, you will have the impression as if you are in a small Dalmatian town, far away from the city noise and stress, fully enjoying your holiday.

Active holiday

Apart from the rich program of Kaštela Cultural Summer with more than a hundred events, you can enjoy in different sports activities as well. Try out sailing or rowing in the sports clubs in Kaštel Kambelovac or diving in Resnik in Kaštel Štafilić.

If you go for a hike on a walking or a ride on cycling tracks on Kozjak and in Kaštela hinterland, you will experience the city of Kaštela from a completely new perspective. Have a break in one of three mountain lodgings or on family farms where guests are always warmly welcome.

Accomodation

Since 1909 when Czech doctor Henrik Šoulavy opened the first boarding house with a beach in Kaštel Lukšić, the City of Kaštela has been kindly welcoming guests from all the parts of the world. You can find accommodation in a few family hotels, as well as in numerous apartments and rooms.

There are also several smaller camp sites for those who love camping while navigators and yachtsmen will find their calm and safe harbor in Marina Kaštela. We suggest Villa Sol in Kaštel Stari. Comprising 9 rooms, this 3-star Villa Sol Kastela is within 8 minutes’ walk from Messenger Of Freedom Monument. Offering location in Kastel Stari district, the bed & breakfast features a special menu and board games for guests with children.