Šibenik Travel Guide
Get to Know Šibenik – a Small Town Rich in History and Nature
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 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 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 Pelegrini 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.
In Šibenik surroundings you can enjoy wonderful and clean beaches, including Beach Banj, located just 10 min walk from the old town.
Get to know Šibenik: the aerial view to town
A detail from The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, UNESCO Heritage
The Best Things To Do in Šibenik
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.
Private Šibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour
Private Šibenik Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour
Things to do in Šibenik: The Cathedral of St. James, UNESCO Heritage
Discover 4 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.
Everything about planning your visit to the fortresses of Šibenik and the tickets you can find out HERE.
Medieval Mediterranean Garden
For taking a walk in this botanical beauty enclosed by bushes and old scented roses in St. Lawrence Monastery in the heart of old town, please contact the Cromovens Tourist Agency for an organised visit.

Things to do in Šibenik: St. Nicholas’ Fortress
Join Fantastic Concerts, Events and Festivals
Take your seat at the spectacular open-air stage for open-air musical or theatrical events 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.
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
Things to do in Šibenik: the concerts at St. Michael fortress (photo credit: Šibenik City Museum)
Aquarium
Aquarium Šibenik is an unique experience of the sea and seabed for the whole family. It is situated in the old city, only 50 meters from the Cathedral of St. James, in an autochthonous Dalmatian stone house. On the surface of 200 m2 there are 20 aquariums with Adriatic and tropic fish and plants
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.
Things to do in Šibenik: Bungee jumping from Šibenik’s Bridge
The Best Day Trips from Šibenik
Šibenik is your ideal base for travelling around and visiting Dalmatian coastal town of Primošten, Vodice, Trogir UNESCO listed site and Split, or two super popular nature parks – Krka Warefalls or Plitvice Lakes. Exploring amazing Kornati Archipelago and the islands of Šibenik archipelago for a day trip is a great experience you shouldn’t miss.
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! If you plan to visit Krka waterfalls in your own arrangement you can find info on our Travel Guide to Krka Waterfalls page.
For joining an organized visit to the waterfalls, you can BOOK your day trip HERE: National Park Krka by speed boat- small group
Day trips from Šibenik: Krka Waterfalls
Sailing Adventure Around Kornati Archipelago
Kornati Archipelago of 89 islands, islets and reefs is a hot sailing destination in Croatia often mentioned as a nautical heaven offering unforgettable sea adventures beyond a simple holiday. Spectacular raw beauty, untouched nature and crystal clear water attract yachting and sailing enthusiasts, scuba diving fans and numerous other visitors interested in the experience of this sea attraction.
Don’t miss to experience the beauty of Kornati Archipelago National Park, more info about amazing Kornati, read our Travel Guide to Kornati Archipelago page. To join an organized boat trip to Kornati you can contact local agencies or simply BOOK your fantastic sailing day trip HERE:
Kornati Island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice
Kornati Private Boat Tour Experience
Kornati by Speed Boat Small Group

Day trips from Šibenik: Kornati Archipelago
Visit Plitvice Lake National Park
Although Plitvice Lakes National Park is not in your neighborhood, consider to take 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 an organized excursion check local tourist agencies or BOOK your private tour from Šibenik to Plitvice Lakes HERE: Private Excursion to National Park Plitvice Lakes
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 ferries or you can BOOK your sailing adventure HERE:
Private Full Day Sailing in Šibenik Archipelago
Šibenik Riviera Boat Tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat
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!
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. Just hit motorway A1 in any direction. On your way to Krka Waterfalls, don’t miss to stop by magical small Mediterannean town of Skradin.
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. Or you can land at Split Airport as well.
Read more on getting to Šibenik on our Travelling to Northern Dalmatia page.
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)
Beaches in Šibenik
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.

Beaches in Šibenik: Solaris Beach (photo credit: TZ Šibenik)