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In the last couple of years, there has been a noticeable rise in tourists seeking to spend vacation on the Kastela Riviera.
Following this demand, we are witnessing a true renaissance of the area. Besides the sea and the sun, nowadays tourists demand tailored vacations and luxurious accommodation. Private chef dinners, birthday and anniversary celebration organizations, wine-tasting tours, island hopping, horse riding, hiking, sailing, etc., are becoming standard tourist offerings.
Castle Vitturi
But first, let us say a few words about Kastela and Kastela Riviera.
The name originates from the Italian word "Castello," meaning castle. Kastela town consists of seven settlements that differentiate themselves by the second part of their names.
So, we have Kastel Sucurac, Kastel Gomilica, Kastel Kambelovac, Kastel Luksic, Kastel Stari, Kastel Novi, and Kastel Stafilic.
Kastel Sucurac, author: VitVit, source: Wikimedia Commons
People have inhabited these lands since the ancient Greeks and Romans, first as a merchant harbor that slowly evolved into villages and modern towns.
How to Get to Kastela
Kastela Riviera is a true undiscovered treasure of Dalmatia. It's between Split on the east and Trogir on the west, with Kozjak mountain enveloping it from the north and the Adriatic Sea from the south.
Split airport, author: Ballota, source: Wikimedia Commons
With an international airport, two E65 highway exits (Prgomet and Vucevica), and a railroad grid spreading through all seven settlements, Kastela Riviera is one of Croatia's best traffic-connected vacation destinations. Also, the newly built marina in Kastel Gomilica with enough capacity to accommodate many large vessels makes this a very tempting destination for charter guests.
Kastela Activities and Attractions
What to Do in Kastela
Traditional “Kastela Cultural Summer” takes place from July till the end of August. This manifestation consists of various exhibitions, theater shows, concerts (both pop and classical), folklore manifestations, museum shows, etc. The famous Kastela carnival, a festival dating back 150 years, is in February.
Kastela panorama from Malacka
Last couple of years hiking on the nearby Kozjak mountain has become more popular and there are lots of newly charted trails and resting places. If you want to see the entire Kastela bay with Split, Solin, and Trogir, we recommend "Malacka" lookout. If you are looking for that one photo that will captivate the beauty of this place this, is it.
Kastela Promenade
It is newly built and well-maintained. It lies next to the beaches and lovely beach bars where you can relax after or during your time on the beach.
Our influencer Paula at Kastela Promenade
Nearby is also Kastel Luksic with its Vitturi castle.
Vitturi Castle
It is a castle from the 15th century that is a part of a tragic love story. Namely, it was the home of Dobrila Vitturi who fell in love with nobleman Miljenko.
Vitturi Castle in Kastela
The problem was that the parents had a feud and discouraged their love. One might say that they are Croatian Romeo and Juliet.
Their parents tried to separate them, marry them to other people, they had them imprisoned in convents, and still, the lovers found their way back to each other.
Finally, they married and the father of the bride killed Miljenko right after the wedding. Dobrila got sick and died soon after him. They are buried next to each other at the local cemetery and the sign says Pokoj Ljubovnikom which means Peace to the lovers.
Chapel of St. John in Rusinac, author: Peranz, source commons.wikimedia.org
This Shakespearean drama, according to the legend took place in the 17thcentury. The last resting place for young lovers is in St. John's Chapel in Kastel Luksic.
Kastilac Fort
While vacationing on Kastela Riviera be sure to visit Kastilac Fort or town of Braavos as it is known to fans of HBO series Games of Thrones.
Kastilac Fort, author: Draceane, source: Wikimedia Commons
Kastilac Fort, also known as “The nun`s fort”, was built by the Benedictine nuns in 1545.
Wine Tours
One of the activities that are really popular in Kastela is Wine Tasting. It is popular due to many vineyards with the world-known wine Kastelanski Crljenak, a Croatian version of American Zinfandel.
Kastela Wine Carriage
The Kastela Wine Carriage ride is probably the best way to sightsee and taste the splendors of Kastela. The ride takes you through five Kastela, from Kastel Stafilic to Kastel Kambelovac.
On the ride, you will learn a lot about this beautiful place. The Wine Carriage also includes visiting “Mastrinka”, a 1500-year-old olive tree.
Mastrinka, author: Roberta F, source: Wikimedia Commons
This botanical natural monument was supposedly planted in the year 500 A.D. by the Roman settlers. It originates from Italy or Greece since this olive tree is not indigenous to Kastela.
Bedalov Winery
This is a family-owned winery with a legacy in winemaking. Their vineyards are situated high above the sea on the southern slopes of the mountain Kozjak and include panoramic views. Bedalov family grows indigenous vine varieties and produces organic wine from their own grapes.
Wines Kastelanski Crljenak and Plavac Mali
Some of their wines are Kastelanski Crljenak and Plavac mali which are red vines and Marastina which is white. Most of their wines are made from one grape variety.
While their vineyards are situated high above the sea, their tasting location is on the seafront. Could you imagine a better combination?
Seafront location of the tasting locality
This tasting place has a rustic interior which depicts a traditional Dalmatian home and life.
See their whole experience in the video.
Winery Vucica
Winery Vucica in Kastel Kambelovac
Their vineyards are situated on the Southern slopes of Kozjak mountain and consist of approximately 12.000 vines.
They grow an autochthonous wine variety Kastelanski Crljenak, but also 4 other types of wine: Marastina, Opol rose, Kastelanski Crljenak, Plavac Mali, and Cuvee.
Wine Varieties
The owners are a family with wine growing and producing legacy and eco-friendly wine. Their wine cellar is open to the public.
Greenery in front of the Winery Vucica
The tasting facility is open and surrounded by greenery.
They offer wine and food for tasting. Thus, you can try sheep and goat cheese, prosciutto, salted anchovies, olives, and olive oil. All this served with homemade bread is a special experience.
Boat Tour From Split
You can book group tours starting from Split or private tours as well. For more info feel free to check our partner's website GrayLine Croatia.
Our travel bloggers went on their tour Blue Lagoon 3 island full-day tour with lunch included.
Boat tour from Split
They started in the morning from Split Riva. Since this was a group tour the boat was full of young people which is great if you are looking for good company on your tour. Actually, at nighttime, this boat turns into a party boat.
The tour has swimming stops. If you are brave enough you can jump from the boat. Check the photo below and you will see for yourself.
Snorkeling gear is available on board for exploring the underwater which is great. You will be taken to the remains of the sunken ship.
Swimming around the sunken Ship
Floaties are also available for those who like to stay on the surface and simply enjoy.
In any case, you will be amazed by the turquoise color of the sea and the lovely nature.
See for yourself in the video:
Boat Tour Video
The only thing you should take care of is your tan. Bring sunblock if you wish to protect yourself from the sun. On the other hand, this is a large boat with an upstairs and downstairs area. The upstairs area is reserved for tanning since it includes sun loungers.
The downstairs area is covered. Thus, it is perfect for those who do not like the sun too much.
Kastela Nightlife
As you can see from the photo below Kastela has a vivid nightlife in beach clubs.
Voulez-Vous Club in Kastela
Our travel bloggers visited the Voulez-Vous club in Kastel Stari where they enjoyed cocktails.
The place is full of young people dancing to DJ music in the open space.
Furthermore, Trogir and Split are not far away for entertainment with numerous nightclubs and concerts.
The next day they did some sightseeing in Kastela and visited the Winery Vucica.
Kastela Luxury Accommodation
Alongside excellent tourist offers, Kastela has many luxury villas for rent. Here are the top seven villas on Kastela Riviera.
Beachfront Villa Tota With Pool
This beachfront villahas3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The interior is modern and open space.
Beachfront villa Tota - open space interior
If you book this villa you will also enjoy the sea views, even from the inside the villa.
Beachfront villa Tota - sea views from the terrace
The pool includes sun loungers where you can enjoy a lovely sea view and relax.
Outside there is also a place for outdoor dining and a stone BBQ.
Beachfront villa Tota - outdoor dining
Finally, check the video where our influencers walk you through the villa:
Video of Beachfront Villa Tota
Luxury Villa Spotlight With Pool
In front of the villa Spotlight, you will find a large pool with a sea view.
Luxury Villa Spotlight with Pool
Next to the pool, there is a shaded outdoor dining and lounge area also with a sea view.
Luxury Villa Spotlight with Pool - Outdoor Dining with a view
An entertainment zone with a field for futsal is below the pool and closer to the sea.
Villa Spotlight - Futsal Field
Inside you will find a modern and luxurious interior.
Villa Spotlight - Luxurious Interior
This is a large villa with 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Thus, it is perfect for larger groups of friends or families.
One of the bedrooms in Villa Spotlight
This villa includes a lot of amenities like the fitness room, sauna, and a jacuzzi.
If you are looking for something else, check out all our luxury villas in Kastela.
We hope that this small introduction of Kastela will entice you to plan your next vacation in the beautiful and sunny Kastela Riviera. Be sure to share your experience with us!
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