Exploring Kaštela: Seven castles, endless Adriatic charm
The Adriatic bay between Split and Trogir hides one of the most charming and authentic places in central Dalmatia – Kaštela. Seven settlements (Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Gomilica, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Novi, and Kaštel Štafilić), located next to each other along the coast, form a chain known as the city of seven castles, each with its own story, history, and atmosphere. For sailors, Kaštela is much more than a place on the map – it is the perfect base for exploring the Adriatic, a blend of tradition and modern life, a harbor where the scents of the sea, the taste of Dalmatian delicacies, and the rhythm of authentic Dalmatian life meet.
History carved in stone
The name Kaštela is not accidental – it comes from the fortresses, or castles, built by nobles between the 15th and 17th centuries to protect the population from Turkish invasions. At that time, they represented a safe refuge for farmers and inhabitants of the Kaštela area who cultivated olives, vines, and fruit, safeguarding their harvest from frequent enemy attacks. Today, these stone castles, often built like Renaissance summer residences facing the sea, are unique monuments of fortified architecture with towers, loopholes, and old movable bridges.
The seven Kaštela settlements, located around the large Kaštela field and fertile coast, gradually merged over the centuries into today’s City of Kaštela, the second largest in the Split-Dalmatia County. In their cores, they have preserved the authentic Dalmatian charm – narrow stone streets, taverns, squares, former maritime captain’s offices, and sacral buildings with rich votive treasures.
Besides castles, historical walls and monumental churches testify to the rich spiritual and social life of the area. For example, the Vitturi castle in Kaštel Lukšić is a particularly well-preserved fortress that now serves as a cultural center, and the preserved moats, towers, and inner courtyard radiate Renaissance style. During Roman times, rural villas were located here, as evidenced by archaeological findings, and traces of the first settlements date back to the Paleolithic – as seen in Mujina cave, where finds from 45,000 BC were discovered.
Walking the seven Kaštela
Kaštela stretch nearly 17 kilometers of coastal promenade and quays that link each settlement into a gentle walk or bike ride. Each Kaštela offers a special combination of history, maritime charm, and gastronomic delights.
You can start your tour in Kaštel Sućurac, the easternmost of the seven, where Kaštilac is located, once the residence of the bishops of Split. The Andrija Benza tower from the 14th century and the Averoldi castle from the 15th century were key fortifications. From there, you can visit Our Lady Stomorija, a small chapel located on the slopes of Kozjak, an oasis of peace and pilgrimage.
Next is Kaštel Gomilica, a magical junction of two islands connected by a stone bridge that also served as a set for the popular series Game of Thrones. Kaštel Kambelovac, with its moorings and bistros by the sea, enchants with a peaceful atmosphere, while Vitturi castle in Kaštel Lukšić is an unmissable stop for a cultural visit. Above it lies the Biblical Garden Stomorija, a unique botanical garden with plants and trees mentioned in the Holy Scripture.
Kaštel Stari and Kaštel Novi offer waterfront walks and traditional fishermen’s atmospheres, while Kaštel Štafilić with its old core and marina represents the perfect blend of nature and modern nautical infrastructure.
Nature lovers will enjoy climbing the Kozjak peak, which offers spectacular views of the Kaštela bay, Split, Trogir, and nearby islands – particularly stunning at dawn or dusk.
Gastronomic delight
Mediterranean cuisine in Kaštela exudes simplicity, freshness, and quality ingredients cherished by the local population for centuries. Fishermen’s products from the Adriatic reach the plates of taverns and restaurants daily, while local products like olive oil and wine, especially the Kaštela crljenak – a grape variety genetically predecessor to the famous American Zinfandel – are staples on the table.
Among the favorite places to taste local cuisine are:
The tavern Intrada in Kaštel Novi, known for excellent octopus under the bell and fish specialties,
Restaurant Baletna škola in Kaštel Kambelovac, where traditional cuisine is served with a modern twist and an unexpected view of the sea,
Konoba Kastellet in Kaštel Lukšić, whose wine list highlights the best regional products,
Bistro Gabre and Špika offer a pleasant atmosphere and light snacks.
Along with outstanding dishes, Kaštela is known for its wine routes leading to family wineries, where you can experience this ancient grape variety in an authentic setting.
How to reach Kaštela
Kaštela is well connected by transport, making it an ideal destination for sailors from across Europe. Split Airport is just a few minutes’ drive from the marina in Kaštel Štafilić, meaning that boarding your boat can be organized right after arrival.
By car, the A1 motorway easily connects Kaštela from the south or north, while frequent and reliable train and bus lines link Kaštela with larger cities like Split, Trogir, and Šibenik.
For those whose natural path is the sea, the Kaštela bay is a calm and safe harbor offering excellent mooring conditions.
A modern port
Marina Kaštela is one of the most important nautical ports in central Dalmatia. With over 400 berths in the water and an additional 200 on dry docks, it is equipped with power and water connections, quality sanitary facilities, extensive service possibilities, and a 60-ton travel lift. This port has brought state-of-the-art infrastructure to the same level as the world’s most renowned marinas.
Within the marina are restaurants, cafes, nautical equipment shops, and services that make life at sea more comfortable and carefree. The marina operates year-round, so boats can be safely stored during winter with maintenance and technical checks.
Croatia Yachting has one of its key charter bases here, with more than 200 vessels of various sizes and types, catering to both experienced skippers and first-time sailors.
The location of Kaštela provides an ideal starting point for sailing around the central Dalmatian islands – Šolta, Brač, Hvar, Vis, and Korčula, and even farther toward Kornati in the north and the Pelješac peninsula to the south. One-way sailings are viable thanks to good connections between the Adriatic ports.
Besides the practical advantages of modern mooring and service facilities, the base in Kaštela attracts due to the authentic Dalmatian coastal atmosphere, where after sailing one can enjoy relaxing moments in well-stocked restaurants, strolls along the waterfront, and coffee on terraces overlooking the sea.
For boat owners and charter skippers, luka Kaštela is also an ideal base for wintering vessels. Services available year-round allow maintenance and preparation of boats for upcoming seasons, so investing in winter care pays off in terms of safety and longevity.
Kaštela highlights
Kaštela is a city located in central Dalmatia, known as the city of seven fortified castles built between the 15th and 17th centuries to protect the population from Ottoman invasions. Archaeological findings from the Paleolithic era, such as the Mujina Cave, reveal human presence in the area dating back about 45,000 years.
During Greek and Roman rule, Kaštela experienced economic growth, evidenced by remains of ancient villas and settlements, as well as agricultural and fishing development. The historic castles served as safe havens for peasants, featuring towers, moats, loopholes, and drawbridges.
The legend of the tragic lovers Miljenko and Dobrila, set in Kaštel Lukšić, is one of the most famous local stories and a symbol of Dalmatian culture.
Throughout history, Kaštela was a favored summer residence for European rulers and diplomats, including visits by Franz Joseph and Edward VII Agriculture remains significant, with Kaštela known for producing wine, cherries, lettuce, and tomatoes, thanks to its favorable climate and fertile fields. A well-developed railway network since the late 19th century contributed to the area's economic development.
Kaštela boasts numerous cultural monuments such as Vitturi Castle, Kaštilac, and other Renaissance-style fortifications.
The region is home to ancient olive trees, some hundreds of years old, and natural attractions like the botanical garden Biblical Garden Stomorija Residents historically had to defend against Turkish raids, shaping the rich defensive architecture visible today.
Today, Kaštela combine rich history, nautical infrastructure, and culinary offerings, making them attractive to tourists and sailors alike.
A home for boats and people
Kaštela is not just a destination – it is a place where the sea meets tradition and modernity, where the history embodied in stone castles lives alongside modern nautical infrastructure. For sailors looking for safety, well-equipped harbors, and the opportunity to explore the Adriatic from one of the most beautiful and consistently preserved central Dalmatian harbors, Kaštela is indispensable.
The Croatia Yachting charter base in Kaštela not only offers easy access to top-quality vessels but also provides security, comfort, and authenticity hard to find elsewhere.
Choosing Kaštela means choosing a home for your boat and a sanctuary where you can indulge in the vacation you deserve – between stone, sea, and rich Dalmatian history.
