Poljica – the fishing village

Poljica is a small coastal village in Central Dalmatia, tucked into the Bay of Marina – a sheltered stretch of the Adriatic between the port town of Marina and the UNESCO city of Trogir. Administratively it’s part of the Marina municipality; in practice it’s a village in its own right – a handful of houses along the coastal road, a small harbor for fishing boats, pines and fig trees right down to the water.

The place is not overrun with tourists. If you want quiet and a slice of Dalmatia away from the cruise-ship circuit, this is it. During high season (July/August) some holidaymakers come through; outside of that the coast belongs mostly to locals.

The sea

Because of the sheltering islands of Drvenik Veli and Drvenik Mali out in the bay, the water here stays calm and clear even when it’s windy further out. The sea floor is pebble and rock, typical of Dalmatia (bring water shoes – they make a big difference). Swimming is 30 meters (100 feet) from your front door; larger coves are a short boat ride away, on the unoccupied opposite shore of the bay.

What’s in the village

Poljica is compact. There’s a small grocery store (everyday essentials, usually open), and a few restaurants and konobas (family-run taverns) along the waterfront serving fresh fish, octopus, and the classic Dalmatian dishes. Bring cash – Croatia adopted the Euro in 2023; cards work in most places but not everywhere.

For bigger shopping, a pharmacy, banks, and evening entertainment, Marina is less than 3 km (2 miles) away. Trogir – a proper town with everything – is 10 minutes by car.

What to do here

• Swim right by the house, in the calm bay
• Boat out to the opposite shore or to the offshore islands
• Walk up to Vrsine (about 30 minutes uphill) along old shepherd paths
• Visit the village church on the hill between Poljica and Vrsine – unassuming, with a great panorama
• Evenings in Marina – konobas, wine bars, harbor promenade

Location

Poljica is in the Split-Dalmatia county of Central Dalmatia. Split Airport (SPU) is 20 minutes away by car, Trogir 10 minutes, Split 30 minutes. See Getting here for full directions.