Kastela
Kastela, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Kastela, Croatia
Sitting in the northwest section of Split is a group of towns known as Kastela. They function as a single city with a population of 34,100 people. Known as the Kastela Riviera, it is divided into two areas, Gornja and Donja and they are made up of seven old and two new settlements. 
The area dates back to pre-historic times, the Greek and Roman sailors made it a port and it is filled with ancient stories and new ones as well. The beaches invite tourists from all over the world and come and see what Kings, rulers, and royalty have been enjoying for centuries.
History
The history of Kastela is a colorful one. In the 7th century Croats began to farm in the area and as the settlement grew, the area was subject to more invasions from various armies through the centuries. The settlers built fortresses along the sea. The first citadel called Kastel Sucurac was built in the 15th century. Kastel Gomilica was built in the 16th century by Benedictine Nuns. It is in the same settlement as St. Jera which is the first baroque church in Kastela. It has been rebuilt, but still can be seen and enjoyed today. The Kambelovac Citadel was built in 1589 on the shore and whats left of the palace and its renaissance balcony is still a tourist attraction. Kastela is filled with artifacts and treasures. In 1988 the Studin Gallery was built and now it’s called the Kastela Native Museum. It is the home of a priceless collection of archeological and ethnographic discoveries. It also houses a Contemporary Art Collection.
Kastela as touristic destination
Kastela is the home of several yearly festivals. A Fish Festival and a Wine Festival are a couple of the summer festivals and the city Festival is celebrated on the 4th of March. There is an International Museum Day every year and the waterfront promenade is filled with cozy restaurants and cafes where there is always some form of entertainment going on. 
The outdoor activities attract a great number of visitors every year. Windsurfing, boating, diving, cycling, volleyball, tennis, rafting and sunbathing make a holiday in Kastela a non-stop adventure.
There are several good clean hotels and five or six camping areas that offer tourists a choice in accommodations. The hotels all have restaurants and modern amenities and are located near the waterfront. The restaurants offer a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. There are several international restaurants to choose from and of course the local Mediterranean food is fantastic. Fish and grilled meats along with salads, bread and local vegetables make a wonderful meal, along with the local wine.
If you want to do a little shopping on your holiday visit: Getro and Emmezeta. Shoes, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs are sold in these two centers. The nightlife in Kastela is on the waterfront. There are several clubs and cafes that offer music, entertainment and dancing. There is always something happening on the waterfront. Kastela is a step back in history and yet it has the modern feel of a growing beachfront rendezvous.
How to reach us
There are flights on Croatia Airline from London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Other airlines have flights in and out the Split daily. A holiday in Kastela is a unique trip to the area of the world that holds secrets in its streets and citadels. You feel like you entered another century, but you still have all the conveniences of this one. The people are warm, open and willing to help make your holiday an unforgettable walk through time, which you just have to do over and over again.
