Get to know Šibenik – small town rich in history and nature

The lovely town of Šibenik and its Rivera – Primošten, Solaris Resort, Vodice and Murter–are perfectly located in the mid Northern Dalmatian coast and very close to incredible nature attractions Krka Waterfalls and Kornati Archipelago.

Šibenik is also an ideal base for your day trips to coastal towns of Zadar, Split and Trogir UNESCO listed Heritage site without wasting hours on travelling!

Small town with respectable Venetian sites. Šibenik is smaller than Zadar or Split but still with amazing sights from Venetian times. The most impressive sight is The Cathedral of St. James, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, located in an amazing medieval scene of narrow stone streets, steps, red roofs and the sea view.

Fortresses of the old town. Šibenik is also renowned for its magnificent four fortresses surrounding the town, built centuries ago for its defense.

Excellent choice of accommodation. Šibenik offers you excellent choice of hotels, resorts and private accommodation located in the very near neighborhood, including the newest accommodation top stars: D- Resort Hotel on Mandalina peninsula and incredible Heritage Hotel Life Palace located in the heart of old town. If you are looking for a great family accommodation in Šibenik, don’t look further – Solaris Beach Resort is a perfect place for your family holidays.

Food, events, beaches. Along with fantastic local food specialties (the best awarded Croatian restaurant is in Šibenik) and Dalmatian wine tastings, you can enjoy numerous cultural and music events at the one of the best open air stages in Croatia – St. Michael’s Fortress.

Besides all these excitements and many other things to do in Šibenik, you can enjoy in wonderful and clean beaches, including Beach Banj, located just 10 min walk from the old town.

Read more about rich history of Šibenik HERE.

Things to do in Šibenik

Šibenik is a small old town but the list of things to do is pretty long.

Sightseeing the old town

The Cathedral of St. James, The Town Hall of Šibenik, The The Šibenik City Museum (Prince’s Palace), The Church of St. Barbara, The Church o St. Francis, St Ivan’s Church, Dolac Area, St. Nicolas’s Cemetery, Juraj Dalmatinac Gallery, St. Grisogonus’s Gallery.

Discover four spectacular fortresses

The Fortress of St. Michael –magnificent view and open-air stage, The Fortress of St. Nicholas – located at the sea entrance to St. Anthony’s channel, reachable by a boat tour, The Fortress of St. John – raising above the town used as a set for Game of Thrones filming, The Barone Fortress also known as Šubićevac.

Medieval Mediterranean Garden

To walk in this botanical beauty enclosed by bushes and old scented roses in St. Lawrence Monastery in town’s centre, please contact the Cromovens Tourist Agency for an organised visit.

Join fantastic events and festivals

Dalmatian Chanson Evenings –festival of authentic Dalmatian songs

Off Festival Blues&Jazz Šibenik –at I.G. Kovačić Square by the walls of St. Francis Monastery

Salsa Beach Festival –the largest open-air festival dance show

Supertoon –animated film festival for children and adults screening foreign and domestic animated films

The International Children’s Festival in June –with open-air cinema on the stairs of the old town and many workshops

Relax and have fun on the beach

Choose between public pebbly Beach Banj with unique view over the town center, Sandy Beach in Solaris Resort, beach in settlement Jadrija or beach Rezalište (Brodarica). Have fun at Aqua Park in Solaris Resort – if you don’t have a car you can get there by public bus from Šibenik Bus Station. For more amazing beaches you may hit the road for a short drive to north to Murter Island famous for its sandy beaches (connected to mainland with the bridge), or just drive to south to Primošten and enjoy its beautiful pebbled beaches.

Take your seat at the spectacular open-air stage

Don’t miss an open-air musical or theatrical event during the summer season at St. Michael Fortress – one of the most spectacular stages in Croatia. The event program you will find on their official website HERE.

Aquarium

Discover Adriatic sea flora and fauna in Šibenik Aquarium situated in the old town, only 50 metres from Cathedral of St. James.

Taste fantastic Mediterannean cuisine

In Šibenik you will find numerous taverns and restaurants offering seafood and other local specialties, including the best Croatian restaurant Pellegrini, with a great view to Šibenik’s Channel.

Rent a public bike and explore the town

Turn on your active mode and bike all away to Beach Banj for the refreshment

Falconry Center

Meet the secret life of the falcons and get face to face with these incredible sky hunters finally! How to get there find on Falconry Center official website.

Bungee jumping from The Bridge of Šibenik

Being brave on holidays! Find out more on Bungee jumping in Šibenik.

Sporting activities in Šibenik

Pleasa find a list of local organizers of sporting activities on Šibenik Tourist Board official website and choose what suits you the best.

Day trips from Šibenik

Šibenik is your ideal base for day trips for travelling around Dalmatian coastal town of Primošten, Vodice, Trogir UNESCO listed site and Split, or discovering nearby islands and Croatian National Parks.

Krka Waterfalls National Park is just around the corner

Hit the road for a short drive and enjoy this amazing gem of nature where you can swim under the waterfalls! For more info on Krka Waterfalls please read our Travel Guide to Krka Waterfalls page.

Visit Plitvice Lake National Park

Although Plitvice Lakes National Park is not in your neighborhood, consider to make a day trip to visit this magnificent work of nature (along with Dubrovnik no. 1 visited site in Croatia). Find out more on getting to Plitvice on our Travel Guide to Plitvice Lakes page. If you’d like to join guided tour, look for an organized excursion at local tourist agencies or Touris Board.

Feel the heartbeat of Dalmatia at ETNOLAND

Meet true Dalmatian culture and tradition in nearby Dalmatian ethno village – ETNOLAND Dalmati in Pakovo Selo, awarded the best tourist attraction in continental Croatia in 2012!

Sailing around Kornati Archipelago

If you consider to experience the beauty of Kornati Archipelago National Park, please check with local NIK Tourist Agency or read more on Kornati official website. For more info on amazing Kornati, read our Travel Guide to Kornati Archipelago page.

Discover small islands of Šibenik Archipelago

The islands Zlarin, Kaprije and Žirje are waiting you to explore their untouched nature and enjoy swimming and sunbathing with more privacy. The islands can be reached with Jadrolinija operator or by the “Noa” taxi boat (098 668 500).

Take a day trip to nearby coastal towns

Towns of Zadar, Trogir, Primošten or Split are close enough to visit without wasting too much time on travelling. On your way to Krka Waterfalls, don’t miss to stop by magical Mediterannean town of Skradin.

Local tourist agencies for organized and guided day trips from Šibenik

Distant Horizons

Holidays Croatia

Nik Tourist Agency

Šibenik Plus

Accommodation in Šibenik – where to stay

In Šibenik and its Riviera you’ll find all types of accommodation for all budgets and tastes – hotels, resorts, private apartments , villas and campsites – you can choose from luxurious to affordable holiday spending.

We believe Hotelscombined.com will be a great help to find you the best accommodation deals and to get the most out of your booking!

With Hotelscombined.com you can COMPARE ALL TOP TRAVEL SITES IN ONE SEARCH (including Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, Venera, Laterooms) and find exactly what are you looking for – EASILY and QUICKLY.

If you are still not sure what accommodation is the best choice for you, maybe our ŠIBENIK ACCOMMODATION SELECTION will encourage you to make the final decision. 

Solaris Hotel Jure 4 stars
Brand new Solaris Hotel Jure is a modern and sophisticated hotel for all who want to relax and party on holiday. Airy and elegant hotel design creates a relaxing atmosphere in an open concept ambience where the interior and exterior are separated by no more than sliding glass doors.Two new concept restaurants are interconnected, and the new bar is a true lounge&leisure area. The award winning White Beach which is situated right in front of our new hotel Jure.

Solaris Kids Hotel Andrija 4 stars
Hotel Andrija is the first theme hotel for children in Croatia located next to Solaris Aquapark and the family beach. The hotel is designed in bright colors in the motives of the marine world with sea animals, fish and corals smiling from the walls. Hotel restaurant has a kids zone and kids menu with healthy diet choices, also in sea theme decor filled with water effects, turtles, and an aquarium. Large terrace by the swimming pool with seawater also has a kids play zone so that adults can relax while the kids are playing.

Solaris Hotel Niko 3 stars
Solaris Hotel Niko is situated right by the sea and surrounded with lush Mediterranean vegetation, comfortable and intimate atmosphere, close to all Resorts’ facilities. The theme beaches, numerous restaurants, sports activities and animation program are just within your reach. Solaris Beach Hotel Niko is sure to provide you with a peaceful and relaxing vacation.

D-Resort Hotel 4 stars
D-Resort Šibenik offers you unique accommodation within exceptional architecture and design with walkway leading to the hotel roof for a magnificent view of the sea, marina and Šibenik. Hotel interior is enriched with numerous artworks made by renowned Croatian authors.

Heritage Hotel Life Palace 4 star
Heritage Hotel Life Palace is absolutely superb experience of your stay in Šibenik offering modern accommodation in ancient palace just few steps from famous St. Jacob Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage and all other sites and locations to discover.

ACCOMMODATION IN THE OLD TOWN ŠIBENIK:

Hotel Jadran 3 stars
Hotel Jadran has a great location and wonderful view. It’s located just at the seafront in old town’s center, few steps from well-known tourist attractions, boutiques and eateries.

HOSTEL SPLENDIDO
Hostel Splendido provides you excellent setting just a brief walk from Šibenik’s Cathedral and all other sites. Guests can make the most of the sun on the terrace or have a beverage at the bar. The front desk operates around the clock and the friendly staff can recommend sights to visit and provide other tourist information. Rooms at Hostel Splendido are comfortable and feature an in-room closet. They are also soundproofed.

You can take into consideration three more great stay options in nearby towns, just a short drive from Šibenik:

Hotel Zora in nearby town Primošten
Hotel Punta in nearby town Vodice
Art Villa Mia in town Betina (Murter Island, connected with the mainland with a bridge, just 35 km on south from Šibenik)

Getting to Šibenik

Getting to Šibenik is easy by air, car or bus. It’s perfectly located – when you drive from the North on A1 motorway called Dalmatina, Šibenik is the first bigger town after Zadar, in fact it’s at halfway between Zadar and Split. If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is Zadar Airport where numerous European airlines service their flights during the summer season.

Read more on getting to Šibenik on our Travelling to Northern Dalmatia page.

Map of Šibenik