Kaštel Štafilić

Kaštel Štafilić is the westernmost of Kaštela’s seven historic settlements, occupying the shore between Kaštel Novi and Split Airport. Its waterfront identity comes from two very different fortifications: the compact Rotondo castle within the old core and the unfinished Nehaj tower, whose stone walls stand at the edge of the shallows. The village’s most distinctive landmark is the Old Olive Tree, protected as a natural monument since 1990 and estimated to be about 1,500 years old. It grows close to remains associated with a Roman rural estate, creating an unusually tangible link between the ancient landscape and Kaštela’s continuing olive-growing tradition. Swimming is spread across several modest coastal sections rather than one resort beach, with Gabine and Stari Resnik among the named spots. The location is also notably convenient for arrivals: Split Airport lies beside the western end of Kaštela, while Promet bus 37 links Trogir, the airport, the Kaštela settlements and Split. A compact visit can therefore combine the olive tree, Rotondo’s stone lanes, views of Nehaj and a swim at Gabine.

Štafilić grew around the fortified residence of the Trogir nobleman Stjepan Štafileo, also known as Rotondo. Once the Ottoman threat receded, the settlement expanded eastwards beyond its defensive enclosure. West of the old core, the Lodi family began building Nehaj tower but never completed it, leaving a striking fragment beside the water. The Old Olive Tree adds another layer to this identity: the protected specimen stands in an area connected with a Roman agricultural estate, while branches removed during expert pruning have also supplied local cultural projects. This combination of unfinished fortifications, Roman traces and a living olive tradition makes Štafilić more than a conventional seaside suburb.