the Kastelas

As a narrow strip of town, Kaštela - the name of both the road and the town - nestles as closely as it can against the Dalmatian coast. So it seems when you drive past the town of 32 thousand inhabitants on the road between Trogir and Split. In fact, though, the founding fathers of Kaštela were not seafarers or fishermen but, as it were, the high society of the sixteenth century: they built fortresses so as to be able to protect their treasures better from the attacking Turks. The thirteen fortresses, of which seven still survive and can be visited, also offered protection to the common people, and farmers settled on the fertile soil between them. Thus out of isolated defensive works there grew a town which now and then gives even its inhabitants the feeling of being on holiday…

The scheduled buses that shuttle every twenty minutes between Split and Trogir also stop in Kastela. Depending on which of the fortresses interests you most, you can get off at various stops. It is best to inform the bus driver or the ticket inspector and seller about your sightseeing plans. Then they will name the right station for you and will in any case stop. Should you be travelling in your own car or a hire car, avoid the main road. Industrial installations make the beauty of the place Kastela seem very improbable and could put you off. Use the old coastal road instead - that way you can catch a glimpse of each of the Kastelas as you drive past and simply stop when you see something that interests you! Anyone in a great hurry, however, can at least use the very practical but visually interchangeable expressway for the outward or return journey.

The modern marina of Kastela and the varied town quarters draw sport sailors and yacht tourists into the town in every season. Anyone who likes to go "boat watching" will find their personal paradise in this harbour. Anyone who prefers "people watching" is recommended the cafes in the surroundings. Here the yacht owners meet to tell one another about their jet-set lives. And if you like it more rustic, simply stick with the fishermen. For despite all Kastela's affinity for tourism they are not to be thought away from the harbour, which secretly is still theirs after all and will remain so!
For guests who arrive by sea, every wish will likewise be fulfilled in Kastela: 620 berths offer sufficient choice, a 60-tonne lift and a 5-tonne crane let small and large maintenance work take place on land, and for these hours the boat owners have the choice between the air-conditioned waiting hall, the marina's own cafe and restaurant as well as a well-stocked supermarket. After a refreshing shower one can put to sea again and drop anchor again shortly afterwards on the way to Trogir.