Ciovo
The island of Ciovo is an extension of the magnificent medieval UNESCO World Heritage coastal town of Trogir to which it is connected by a drawbridge. In the past Ciovo was known as the barn of ‘Trogir’ because so much of the town’s food was grown to the island’s fertile soil. Today, it has become a popular summer retreat for residents of the nearby city of Split. Photo by: premus
The island has hilly landscape, just less than 30 sq km in area, with lush and varied scenery. The northern coat is covered in a profusion of pine and cypress forest, and along the south there are cliffs up to 150 m high. There, near the church Prizidnice of there is a famous 460 year-old hermit’s sanctuary built into the rocky cliffside. It is an extraordinarily atmospheric pilgrimage with wonderful views over the blue waters of Adriatic. The inland scenery is a picturesque cultivated landscape of olives, figs, almonds and vines. There are many coves along the coast, with sand or shingle beaches. Photo by: premus
There are signs of habitation on the island dating from prehistoric times. Ciovo is a rare combination of unspoilt seashore side by side with stunning historic urban architecture and with the bonus that the island has not been yet run by the tourism. Photo by: Hans Inge
When to go: early June to early September. Population: 6,071. How to get there: Fly to Split, then by a road to Trogir.You should know: Ciovo is a perfect place for families, with houses to rent, save sea shallows, a lot of activities and entertainments in the historic town of Trogir. Photo by: pietrosb1
