Croatia Travel Guide: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Šibenik, Croatia

If you’re looking for Croatia without the crowds, then Šibenik is your spot.

While most visitors to Croatia flock south to Dubrovnik and Split, there’s so much more to the small Balkan nation than meets the eye.

Located about an hour north of Split, Šibenik is true a hidden gem. It feels local and authentic, is bursting with culture and amazing things to see and do.

This place has it all – a quaint old town, stunning beaches, delicious restaurants and even a Game of Thrones filming site or two.

Pronounced “She-been-eek,” it’s the perfect low-key town to use as your home base when exploring Croatia.

We were lucky enough to spend a month here, the first stop on our five-month stint in Europe when we embarked on our sabbatical.

Check out the full story on how we left it all behind to travel here!

So of all of the places to go, why did we pick Šibenik, Croatia?

You know that old phrase about throwing darts at a map? Well, that’s basically what happened, and lucky for us Šibenik blew us away and charmed us from the moment we arrived.

Intrigued? Read on for my top picks on what to do in the beautifully unique city of Šibenik, Croatia.

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1. Wander Šibenik’s Old Town

The Old Town of Šibenik is bursting with charm and does not disappoint.

Spend the day getting lost in Šibenik’s endless winding streets and alleys. No map needed – everything leads back down to the water.

The locals claim that Šibenik has the most stairs of any city in Croatia, even more than Dubrovnik. In a country known for its hilled cobblestone towns, that’s saying something.

Start your walk up at St. Michael’s Fortress, then meander down the steps past flowered courtyards, tiny chapels, and homes that have been there for centuries.

Use the Cathedral of St. James that sits at the heart of the Old Town as your destination. This striking cathedral is a signature landmark of the city and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Relax on Šibenik’s stunning beaches

The crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea draw visitors to Croatia from all over the world. Šibenik and its surrounding areas are home to many gorgeous beaches that are the perfect embodiment of holiday R&R.

Think crisp, refreshing water, gauzy draped cabanas and waiters serving Aperol spritz’s while house music plays in the background. It feels a bit like Mykonos, but at very budget-friendly prices thanks to Croatia’s favorable exchange rate.

For a lively yet relaxed beach experience head to the Shark Beach Club in Žaborić. Located just 10 minutes from Šibenik’s center, we spent many blissful afternoons at this local hotspot… So local that we bumped into our Airbnb host, and man, did he seem surprised to see us.

For the full resort experience just a few minutes from town, head to the White Beach or the En Vogue Beach Club at the Amadria Beach Resort. Don’t be deterred by the pretentious names – these beaches are pleasantly low-key and can be accessed through the hotel’s main entrance.

Pro tip: The majority of the beaches in Croatia are rocky, not sandy. Channel your inner summer camper and bring a pair of water shoes for swimming. Your feet will thank you later!

Click here to view hotels and accommodation in Šibenik

3. Stroll along the riva

Šibenik’s waterfront feels straight out of a postcard. Unlike some of the bigger cities on Croatia’s coast, the riva is not overrun by cheesy vendors and tourist traps – it feels relaxing and authentic.

Wander along the riva to the Banj Beach, the “Town Beach,” located about a kilometer from the center of town.

While there are better places in the area for swimming, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better panoramic view of Šibenik. Banj Beach is also a picture-perfect place to watch both sunrise and sunset, as the water, sky and town illuminate to a crazy golden hue.

In the evening, the entire town comes alive and flocks to the riva for sunset. Don’t forget your camera – the sunsets in Šibenik are truly epic.

Stroll along the promenade and admire the sailboats that are docked from all over the world, then stop and enjoy a cocktail or two at one of the many cafes.

4. Explore Krka National Park

While Croatia is famous for it’s beaches, its beauty extends well into the interior with it’s stunning national parks.

Šibenik is the perfect jumping off point to visit Krka National Park, the show-stopping protected region located about 30 minutes from the city.

Think lush forests, winding hiking trails and waterfalls with cool emerald water that you can actually swim in.

From Šibenik, catch the bus to Skradin where you’ll buy your park entrance ticket – around $30 USD in high season.

Once you’re in the park, head to the falls on foot, by bike or my personal favorite route – by riverboat, which is included in the admission price.

Once you reach the main event – the Skradinski Buk – go for a dip in the refreshingly chilly water, then cross the bridge explore the miles of boardwalk trails that zigzag through the park.

Don’t miss the old water mill located past the Skradinski Buk – it’s the world’s second oldest hydroelectric plant. It opened just two days after the plant at Niagara Falls, and it once powered all of the street lights in Šibenik.

Pro tip: Bring your swimsuit and water shoes, but leave your valuables at the hotel… Lockers are not available on-site!

For a guided trip to Krka National Park, check out one of these options:

5. Check out the Game of Thrones filming sites

No need to beat around the bush here – these days many people equate Croatia with HBO’s Game of Thrones. I’d be lying if I said that the dreamy orange-roofed scenes of Westeros weren’t part of our initial attraction to this previously off-the-radar country.

If you’re a fan of the show, I’ve got good news for ya. The Croatian GoT filming locations aren’t limited to Dubrovnik – the mythical city of Braavos was filmed in Šibenik.

The city’s skyline is used for the waterfront approach to Braavos from the water. It’s photogenic from all angles, and it’s well worth either taking out a boat for the day or riding the Jadrolinija ferry to witness Šibenik from the sea.

Town scenes of Braavos were also shot in Šibenik’s Old Town, including the iconic Cathedral of St. James that was used as the Iron Bank.

Be sure to check out the stone faces carved on the sides of the church. The gargoyle-like heads are said to be famous citizens of Šibenik’s from back in the day… Possible inspiration for the Hall of Faces?

READ MORE: A Quick Guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia

6. Brush up on your Croatian history

Šibenik is bursting with history. It’s the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic Sea, with roots tracing back more than a thousand years.

Just about everyone owned Šibenik at one point or another – the Venetians, Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians, Italians… Everyone wanted a piece.

Take a walking tour to learn more about the city’s dramatic history.

7. Island hop through the Šibenik Archipelago

Sure, everyone’s heard of Hvar, but did you know there are more than 1,200 islands in Croatia?

Šibenik is a great jumping off point for exploring some of the country’s lesser-known and equally beautiful islands.

Hop on the Jadrolinija ferry to one of the many islets in the Šibenik archipelago like Zlarin, Zirje or Prvic.

Ferry map for islands in the Šibenik archipelago, courtesy of croatiaferries.com

If you’re not feeling the ferry, hop on one of the guided day-trip tours that run from Šibenik and Zadar like one of these options:

Unlike the more famous spots further down the Dalmatian Coast, these smaller islands offer a low-key experience that will leave you wondering where all of the other tourists are.

The journey out to the islands is worth the trip itself. Don’t miss the stunning views as you cruise through the St. Anthony Channel past the Fortress of St. Nicholas, another UNESCO site.

Zlarin

The closest island to the Šibenik mainland, Zlarin is blanketed in pines and home to numerous sandy beaches.

Zlarin is known for its history of coral harvesting and beautiful coves, which are best visited by water taxi, available for hire at the marina.

Zirje

The farthest out island in the Šibenik archipelago, Zirje offers visitors a true Robinson Crusoe experience. The island’s population is under 100, but Zirje houses some of the most beautiful, clear water that we experienced in all of Croatia.

Check out the restaurants of Konoba Tratinska and Konoba Julie for freshly caught fish and beautiful views.

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Crystal clear water off of the islet of Zirje

Kornati National Park

Krka’s not the only national park drawing in visitors to the area – the beautifully unique archipelago of Kornati National Park is another highlight.

Boat tours of Kornati run daily from Šibenik. There isn’t a ferry that runs through Kornati, so a tour is the best way to experience it. Bonus – Most tours include snorkeling!

READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to Island-Hopping in Croatia

8. Catch the views from St. Michael’s Fortress

For some of the best views in town, lace up your sneakers and hike up to St. Michael’s Fortress, which overlooks the city.

Of the four forts in Šibenik, this one is most worthy of a visit.

Visiting during the summer? Don’t miss the lavendar in June, and check out one of the concerts that are held here during the warmer months for a truly unique venue.

9. Chow down on Dalmatian cuisine

The food in Croatia is a delicious blend of traditional Mediterranean flavors infused with fresh local ingredients.

Think fresh fish, cheese, meats and vegetables donned with olive oil and spices. It’s not exactly light, but when in Rome, right?

Did I mention the wine? You’ll find grapes in my favorite form grown here in Šibenik-Knin County.

Though not widely known, Babić wine can totally hold its own against it’s more famous Mediterranean counterparts.

Šibenik has a lively restaurant scene that showcases the local flavors. Drop into a konoba, a small restaurant or tavern, for lunch or dinner.

For that amazing hole-in-the-wall local restaurant experience, don’t miss the beef stuffed peppers with red wine sauce at Buffet Šimun. Don’t worry, it’s not an actual buffet! Go for lunch, as the stuffed peppers usually sell out by dinner… They’re that good.

For some of the best cuisine in the area, head to Tinel or Restoran No4 for a delicious dinner with a quiet courtyard ambiance.

If you’re up for a splurge, make a reservation at Croatia’s first Michelin starred restaurant, Pelegrini for a modern take on Dalmatian cuisine.

10. Take a day trip to Zadar or Trogir

Šibenik’s central location makes it a convenient jumping off point for exploring some of Croatia’s other coastal cities.

Take a day trips from town by renting a car or hopping on the local bus line that runs regularly along the coast.

Zadar

Spend the day exploring Zadar, located an hour’s drive up the coast from Šibenik. The walled city is a fusion of architecture, and it has a little bit of everything – Roman ruins, Venetian bell towers and Byzantine churches that date back centuries.

Don’t miss Zadar’s solar-powered dance floor and sea organ, like a giant harmonica built into the riverwalk.

Trogir

The charming seaside town of Trogir is a great pitstop as you’re making your way to or from Split.

Stroll along Trogir’s classic Dalmatian waterfront and check out the Kamerlengo Fortress that looks straight out of a storybook.

Šibenik, Croatia is a city full of culture, beauty and even a little adventure. It’s sure to surprise you, and I hope that I’ve convinced you to add it to your Croatian itinerary!

 

Cheers,

Meredith

 

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