Šibenik in Croatia is a true pearl of the Croatian Adriatic and one of the most interesting cities on the Dalmatian coast. I liked that a holiday in this city is not limited to strolls through the old town. There are great beaches around Šibenik, from here it’s convenient to reach Krka National Park, and not far from Šibenik there are excellent wineries where you can taste Croatian wines. So if you have a car, you can organize a very interesting vacation for yourself.
So, that’s what I’ll tell you about, because Šibenik is worth your attention also because it’s not as crowded with tourists as Dubrovnik or Split. That’s why accommodation prices don’t skyrocket. And there’s really a lot to see here.
Parking in Šibenik, especially around the old town, is very limited. However, “City Parking” offers affordable parking. It’s even free in the off-season!
Recommended reading: Velvet Season – the best places for a beach holiday in September
General Information about Šibenik
The city of Šibenik in Croatia is located in Šibenik-Knin County in Dalmatia – about 30 kilometers from Primošten. Šibenik is especially known for its charming car-free old town, built on a hill with over 2,800 steps, also known as the “City of Stairs.”
But the surroundings of Šibenik are also worth attention, attracting visitors with numerous sights. Not far from the city flows the Krka River, best known for its Krka National Park. In addition, Šibenik is considered one of the best starting points for boat trips to the Kornati National Park, and it has also become very popular as a summer resort. Thanks to the Amadria Park resort, fantastic hotels, apartments, and campgrounds, this region attracts more and more visitors. Generally, this city is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing and beach vacations.
The Most Interesting in Šibenik
Šibenik, as the oldest town on the Adriatic, offers a wide variety of wonderful sights and interesting things. Many attractions are located directly in the center and can be easily visited during a city tour. But there is also much of interest in the surroundings that is worth seeing.
Šibenik Cathedral
Since 2000, the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also the most famous attraction in Šibenik. This masterpiece shines with hundreds of details and is stunning both outside and inside.
The cathedral was built over almost one hundred years and is made entirely of stone, including limestone and marble from the island of Brač. Pay particular attention to the many exquisite sculptures on the exterior, and according to legend, the architects also immortalized themselves in some of the stone heads of the bourgeoisie.
Main Square, Republic Square and City Loggia
A wonderful highlight of the city, and probably one of Šibenik’s most important attractions, is Republic Square and the city loggia. They are located right next to the Šibenik Cathedral, and you will be amazed by their beautiful facade and many details.
The builder of the cathedral, Mr. Juraj Dalmatinac, is immortalized as a statue on Republic Square. The city loggia itself used to serve as the city authority’s residence. Today, you can sit in one of the cozy cafes and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the old town housed within it.
Explore the Old Town
A walk through the narrow streets is one of the best things to do in Šibenik. No wonder many famous scenes from “Game of Thrones” were filmed there. Just get lost and discover the city’s most beautiful corners and squares on your own. The old town is not that big, so you are unlikely to get lost.
If you wish, you can browse the numerous small boutiques and treat yourself to delicious Croatian coffee in one of the many beautiful cafes. As a little highlight, you will discover St. Mary’s Cave – a small cave under the church and monastery of St. Lawrence on the way to St. Michael’s Fortress. In addition, the old town is home to many interesting galleries and museums, and even a small aquarium hides in one of the many streets.
Church of St. Barbara
The Church of St. Barbara is a hidden gem of Šibenik. Its history goes back to the 15th century, when the respected Šibenik nobleman Radoslav Mihetić ordered its construction. It is hidden just behind the large cathedral and is definitely an attraction not to be missed. Now this Gothic church is no longer used as a church, but as a part of the city museum, and can also be visited inside. The outer facade is particularly beautiful with a large clock and a statue of St. Nicholas from 1430.
St. Michael’s Fortress
St. Michael’s Fortress is one of the main attractions of Šibenik’s Old Town. Built in the 11th century, this is the oldest fortress in the city. Due to its proximity to the city center, a visit can be easily combined with a stroll through its streets.
At the top of the castle is an open stage where various cultural events take place during the season. A walk along the high walls is a must, as from here you have the best view over the old town.
St. Lawrence Monastery and Garden
The charming garden of St. Lawrence Monastery is one of the best things to see in Šibenik. This Mediterranean oasis of tranquility is somewhat hidden in the center of the old town, on the way to St. Michael’s Fortress, and is unique of its kind in Croatia.
For over 100 years, this magical place was closed and was only reopened in 2007. During a peaceful stroll through the medieval gardens, covering about 600 square meters, you will discover a wonderful world of plants, many medicinal herbs, spices, and a charming fountain.
Tip: Be sure to visit the lovely café in the monastery garden. Here you can enjoy delicious coffee and cake while listening to quiet music and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere.
Barone Fortress
Another important fortress in Šibenik is Barone Fortress (Tvrđava Barone). It is located just a few minutes’ walk from St. John’s Fort and is open to visitors. From the top, you’ll probably get the best view of Šibenik, the deep blue sea, and St. Michael’s Fortress.
Additionally, St. John’s Fort (Tvrđava sv. Ivana) rises over the old town of Šibenik. It was built in the 16th century and is located about 110 meters above the city. A short walk leads from Barone Fortress to St. John’s Fortress. This fortress is currently under reconstruction, so it cannot be visited until further notice.
Šibenik Viewpoint
A real insider tip is to visit the Šibenik viewpoint on the western coast. It’s located right by the city beach Banj, about 800 meters from the old town, and is easily reached by walking along the promenade. From here you get an almost magical view of the city. In addition, this spot is a popular meeting point to admire Šibenik at sunset and at night. Many people take their best vacation photos here.
Dalmatian Ethno Village
Not far from Šibenik, in Amadria Park near the Solaris Hotel, is the Dalmatian Ethno-Village. Being a kind of open-air museum, it shows the life of the locals more than 100 years ago. You will walk through what appears to be a traditional Croatian village and get introduced to local cuisine. In each of the neat stone houses, a range of Croatian dishes are prepared, all of which you can taste right there.
Tip: Entrance to the ethno village is free, but food prices are on the higher side. In high season, it’s definitely worth booking ahead.
St. Nicholas Fortress
St. Nicholas Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Nikola) is one of the four famous fortresses in Šibenik, situated directly in the sea. Built in the 16th century at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel (Sv. Ante), it served to protect the city from the sea. Since 2017, St. Nicholas Fortress has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It should be noted that it is connected to the mainland with a small path, so you can reach it on foot. However, to tour the fortress from the inside, you will need to take a water taxi from Šibenik.
St. Anthony Channel
The city of Šibenik is located in a sheltered bay and is connected to the open sea by the picturesque St. Anthony Channel. A must-do is to visit the nature reserve and walk the path along the channel. During your walk, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the old town of Šibenik, the deep blue sea, and the high cliffs of the nature park. If you stay in Šibenik, you shouldn’t miss this amazing excursion.
Pubs and Cafes
In summer, Šibenik’s nightlife takes place in the cafes and bars of the Old Town. Among the narrow streets and on the numerous squares, there are plenty of cozy cafes and trendy bars. Here both locals and tourists enjoy wonderful evenings. A really cool bar to have a drink is Bono, located right in the heart of the Old Town. Or visit one of the many bars on the promenade—to enjoy the sun during the day and go to a party in the evening.
The Best Beaches of Šibenik
If you’re planning a sea holiday—you’ll find wonderful beaches in Šibenik and its surroundings. The most famous beaches in Šibenik are the city beach Banj, a beautiful pebble beach with picturesque views of the old town, and the beaches of Amadria Park. Here are some tips on where to swim in Šibenik.
Plaža Banj
Banj Beach (Plaža Banj) is the city beach and at the same time the most famous beach in Šibenik. It is located about a kilometer from the old town and is popular with both locals and tourists. While swimming in the clear sea, you can always enjoy the wonderful atmosphere against the backdrop of the city. There is also a nice café where you can have drinks and coffee.
Accommodation near Banj Beach
- Studio apartman Casa Lambaša≫ – the apartment is very conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the promenade, beach, and old city center. There is free parking nearby.
- Apartments & Rooms Krecak Sibenik≫ – Location, 15 minutes along the promenade from the bus station, 10 minutes on foot to the beach. Perfect for Šibenik.
- Sibenik Modern Apartment≫ – The accommodation is very well equipped and comfortable. Balconies – the perfect place to eat, have a glass of wine with a beautiful view of the bay. The location is simply perfect – 3 minutes’ walk to the beach, close to the harbor and old town.
Amadria Park & Solaris Hotel Beaches
The coves in Amadria Park are among the most beautiful beaches near Šibenik. Within about 4 kilometers, you can find several beautifully designed swimming spots, partially sandy beaches and also a pebble beach. Although the beaches belong to a huge hotel complex, you can enjoy them even if you are not a hotel guest.
Especially beautiful is the Solaris Beach, which is also called the White Beach (with fine white sand), located on the territory of Amadria Park Jure hotel.
Another beach is Amadria Park Ivan beach, which is a short distance from the main beach. Here you can enjoy a wonderful beach atmosphere and crystal-clear sea water.
There is also one of the best campsites on the coast here – Amadria Park Camping Sibenik Mobile Homes. This is a great budget option for a holiday on these beautiful beaches. If you are traveling Croatia by car, you might like to stay at the campsite, where you can sleep in cabins with all amenities.
In addition to great beaches, Amadria Park offers lots of entertainment such as En Vogue Beach Club, pirate ship Galija Explorer, Dalmatia Aquapark, mini-golf, cafés and restaurants.
Rezalište Beach
Rezalište Beach, also known as Brodarica Beach, is just a few kilometers from Šibenik. Here, a clean, long stretch of beach delights both locals and tourists spending their vacation here. The mix of pebble and rocky beaches is also excellent. The crystal-clear sea invites you to swim and splash. The entrance to the water is also relatively shallow, which people of older age appreciate. The tourism offer is also of a high standard. There is a water inflatable castle for children and adults, as well as sports activities for rent such as kayaking, jet skiing and pedal boating.
There is also a large indoor children’s playground behind the beach where little ones can play in the shade. Numerous affordable beach bars, where you can order snacks and drinks at reasonable prices, are also great.
Tip for accommodation: In the Brodarica area there are many private apartments for vacation. Apartments Pilić are nice, about 5 minutes from the beach.
What to See Near Šibenik
It’s worth exploring not just the old town, but also the surroundings of Šibenik, which offer numerous opportunities for day trips and activities. So during your vacation, you can discover many of Dalmatia’s most beautiful sights. Here are the best excursion destinations nearby:
Split: It is also worth visiting the old town, where you can see Diocletian’s Palace and medieval Split, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Trogir: Included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, it is a popular destination for day trips. It is located about 46 kilometers away and offers several exciting attractions.
Primošten: A trip from Šibenik to Primošten is a pleasant experience. It’s only about 28 kilometers and delights with a beautiful old town and great beaches.
Krka Waterfalls: Just 18 kilometers from Šibenik is Skradin, the gateway to Krka National Park with its impressive waterfalls.
Zadar: The old town of Zadar is a highlight near Šibenik. It is about 90 kilometers away and captivates with its famous sea organ and beautiful old town.
Where to Stay in Šibenik
Whether it’s a hotel by the beach, a boutique hotel in the old town, a hostel for backpackers, or private apartments, everyone will definitely find the ideal place to stay.
- Mediterraneo Luxury Rooms≫ – Great rooms right in the center of the old town. Spacious with all amenities. Good shower, kettle, air conditioning, comfortable bed. There’s a pay garage within 5 minutes’ walk, which was very easy to use. Excellent restaurants very close by, but the rooms are quiet.
- Apartmani Mihaela≫ – Very clean, nice bed and towels, the kitchen is small, but has everything needed for cooking. The staff are friendly. Quiet, calm, you can watch the sunset from the window. Šibenik is a small lovely city, 5 minutes’ walk to St. James Cathedral, 15 minutes to the bus station.
- Bellevue Superior City Hotel≫ – Very nice, cozy rooms. Good breakfasts, friendly hotel staff. There is a spa center, rooms with a view of the bay.
Useful links for traveling to Croatia:
Car rental – I look for affordable options at Rentalcars.com
Hotel booking and apartments – traditionally at Booking.com
Travel insurance with discounts – online on the HotlineFinance portal
What else to read:
- Review of holidays in Croatia – Baška Voda on the Makarska Riviera
- Primošten – review of a beach holiday in Croatia
- Brela – the most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera
