TROGIR WINE FIELD GUIDE
Blue and Red Lakes and Wine: A Six‑Hour Dalmatian Day in Trogir’s Hinterland
A 6‑hour day trip from Trogir or Split visiting Imotski’s Blue and Red Lakes, the Topana Fortress, and a family‑run wine tasting at Podrumi Šimunović.
Blue and Red Lakes and Wine: A Six‑Hour Dalmatian Day in Trogir’s Hinterland.
Adventure brief
Blue and Red Lakes and Wine: A Six‑Hour Dalmatian Day in Trogir’s Hinterland
Embark on a compact, sensory day through the Dalmatian countryside — from the sheer, color‑struck rims of Imotski’s Blue and Red lakes to the stonework of Topana Fortress, finishing at a family estate for local wines and homemade delicacies.
Venture into the heart of Croatia’s Dalmatian countryside to uncover two of the region’s most striking natural wonders: the Blue and Red Lakes near the historic town of Imotski. This six-hour journey from Trogir or Split offers a rare blend of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and local gastronomy that perfectly captures the spirit of southern Croatia.
Imotski, a town rich in history and tradition, sits perched above the famed karst lakes. The Blue Lake, known for its brilliant azure waters that can drop dramatically in summer, lies beneath towering cliffs shaped by millennia of geological forces. Nearby, the Red Lake impresses with its sheer rocky walls and depths plunging far below the surface, making it one of the deepest sinkhole lakes in the world. These unique limestone formations create a dramatic landscape that draws geologists and photographers alike.
Your visit here also includes a tour of Topana Fortress, an ancient stronghold overlooking the lakes and the town. Built centuries ago as a defensive bastion, the fortress offers panoramic views that transport visitors back in time, letting you imagine life along the Croatian borderlands. Exploring its stone walls and battlements provides a tangible connection to the region’s complex history.
After soaking in these scenic and historic marvels, the adventure continues at the Podrumi Šimunović family estate. This charming winery is a beacon of Dalmatian hospitality, where traditional winemaking meets local culinary flavors. Here, you’re welcomed with a refreshing aperitif before tasting four exquisite wines cultivated amidst the limestone-rich soil. Accompanying the wines are homemade delicacies like prosciutto, cheese, bacon, and fresh bread, offering a true taste of Croatian terroir.
This tour stands out for its thoughtful balance of outdoor exploration and cultural immersion. It invites travelers not just to observe, but to connect—with the land, the history, and the people who preserve these treasures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food and wine lover, this journey into Dalmatia's blue and red gems offers memorable experiences just beyond the Adriatic coast.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking portions around the lakes and fortress. Departures from Trogir and Split make it easily accessible for visitors based in these coastal hubs. Discover why the Blue and Red Lakes remain one of Croatia’s most compelling natural landmarks paired with a genuine taste of Dalmatian heritage.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops on this day trip include Imotski and its lakes, Topana Fortress, and a family wine estate.
Imotski — Blue Lake and Red Lake
Visit the scenic Blue Lake and Red Lake and take in the panoramic views that characterize these natural karst formations.
Topana Fortress
Tour the old Topana Fortress to learn about the town’s defensive past and enjoy elevated views over Imotski.
Podrumi Šimunović — Wine Tasting
At the family estate you’ll be welcomed with an aperitif and taste house wines paired with homemade prosciutto, cheese, bacon and bread.
The tour is a half‑day outing (about six hours) suitable for a wide range of ages; wear comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces and viewpoints.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Blue Lake and Red Lake
See two of Croatia’s most photographed natural features: the dramatic Blue Lake and the karst‑rimmed Red Lake in the Imotski area, with vantage points that emphasize the lakes’ striking colors and scale.
Topana Fortress and Imotski’s Old Town
Explore the compact, historic town of Imotski and take a tour of the old Topana Fortress, a focal point for understanding the area’s human history and defensive architecture.
Family Wine Tasting at Podrumi Šimunović
Conclude the day at a welcoming family estate where you’ll be offered an aperitif and sample local wines paired with homemade prosciutto, cheese, bacon and bread.
What the day feels like
A measured day of views, ruins and wine
Over approximately six hours you’ll move from town to viewpoint to family table: start in the historic center of Imotski to see the Blue and Red lakes and tour Topana Fortress, then continue to the Podrumi Šimunović estate for an aperitif and a tasting of local wines with homemade food.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Comfortable shoes are recommended for viewpoints and walking in town and at the lakes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
Departures are from Trogir or Split.
What sites will we visit?
The itinerary includes Imotski’s Blue and Red lakes, a tour of Topana Fortress, and a visit to the Podrumi Šimunović family estate for wine tasting.
Is the wine tasting paired with food?
Yes — the tasting is accompanied by homemade prosciutto, cheese, bacon and bread at the family estate.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is described as suitable for all ages.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:30.311Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.