Šibenik is a town of old and young, a town of history, a town that buzzes with life in the summer and rests in the winter. If you haven’t visited yet, this is the place to find inspiration. If you have visited and want to return, we hope this article encourages you to do so.
Read on to find out what to see, where to eat, where to stay, and where to go to the beach in Šibenik region. All this from the perspective of locals and those who have visited the area and were delighted by it.
What to see
Šibenik
Although Šibenik has many historical sites, it is relatively small, so one day is more than enough to explore everything. We have selected the must-see attractions, and everything else is just a few minutes’ walk away. You can see everything important by taking a leisurely stroll through the old town.
3 fortresses – Šibenik is surrounded by 4 fortresses, 3 of which are located in the city itself: St. Michael, St. John, and Barone. To experience them in all their glory, visit Šibenik in the summer, when there are numerous performances and concerts held in the St. Michael and Barone fortresses. Check current ticket prices here.
Cathedral of St. James – Symbol of the town, located in the very center. Built entirely of stone, it is unique in Europe. It is listed under UNESCO protection, the entrance fee is 5€.
Šibenik City Museum – A museum where you will find out everything there is to know about Šibenik. There are several departments, and a detailed tour takes about an hour and a half. Check ticket prices and opening hours here.
Dražen Petrović basketball court – If you are a basketball fan (or even if you aren’t), you’ve certainly heard of Dražen Petrović. This legendary basketball player was originally from Šibenik. As a tribute to him, his hometown built a monument and a basketball court.
Šibenik is a treasure trove of historical landmarks
Surroundings
St. Nicholas fortress – This fortress is located at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel. On your way to the fortress, you will pass through the island of Školjić. There, you will see many bunkers and underground tunnels from the war. The islet is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge, and the fortress is connected to the islet by a stone path. We highly recommend going before sunset (the photos are stunning at that time 😍). There is a fee to enter the fortress.
St. Anthony’s Channel – Features one of the most unique promenades in the area. Park here and turn left towards the St. Nicholas fortress or right to the viewpoint that offers amazing views of the entire channel and Šibenik. We recommend you to go in the afternoon (right after sunset) when all the lights in the town are on.
Island of Murter – A great place for a day trip. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Šibenik area. They are so popular that even the ones that don’t stay on the island come here. If you want to get some exercise before or after swimming, climb the hill Raduč. You can reach it in 25 minutes from the center of Murter. The trail isn’t difficult, but if you do break a little sweat, it will all be worth it once you reach the top and see the views.
Where to eat
Antin gušt – A popular restaurant for lunches outside the city center. The portions are very good and the prices are more than affordable considering the location (up to 20 € per person with drinks). Calamari is very requested so keep in mind that occasionally it will sell out.
Konoba Nostalgija – A seasonal restaurant that serves delicious regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The menu changes based on what ingredients are available. You need to order at least 2 meals per person, and they serve local wine.
Pelegrini – A fancy Michelin restaurant with a terrace on 4 Wells Square – perfect for those who like fine dining. The menu changes seasonally, depending on what ingredients are available. They only serve dinner, and it’s served in courses.
Konoba Kapelica (island of Krapanj) – A restaurant owned by a senior married couple that will make all your requests come true. It opens at 1 p.m. and has limited seating, so it’s always full. The service is a bit slower, but it’s definitely worth the wait. We recommend the local dishes “Krapanjski pijat” and black orzotto.
Konoba Berekin (otok Murter) – This Dalmatian tavern offers the authentic “tavern” experience. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re undecided, try the fish platter. At least the first time.
Where to go for drinks
Summer brings a bustling crowd of young people to Šibenik, who gather on (literally) every step of the old town. When night falls, it’s hard to find a place to sit, but if you’re lucky, you can enjoy a good cocktail or beer at Azimut or Vintage Bar. For a family-friendly option, we recommend the KaGrom and Jadrija pastry shops.
Where to go to the beach
While there aren’t many beaches in Šibenik itself, there are beautiful coves with clear sea that can be reached in a short car (or boat) ride.
Town Beach Jadrija – This town beach, over 100 years old, is recognizable by its colorful cabins. It’s a favorite among locals and is accessible by car and boat from the Šibenik waterfront. There is free parking, toilets, showers, a café, and restaurants nearby. The beach has a concrete area and pebbled sections, making it great for sunbathers and those who like to practice their jumping skills.
Beach Brodarica (Brodarica) – A nicely maintained, family-friendly beach with many amenities. There are toilets, showers, a café, a fast food restaurant, and a covered children’s playground. If you arrive early enough, you can find a spot in the shade. Parking is free.
Beach Trstevica (island of Prvić) – No matter which beach on Prvić you choose, you’ll certainly enjoy it. Expect pebbles on the beach, sand in the sea, the occasional sea urchin (proof that the sea is clean), and a beautiful turquoise sea that you won’t want to separate from for hours. There is a café/restaurant near the beach.
Beach Podvrške (island of Murter) – On the beach – towel on towel, at least in the morning when there’s still shade. Shallow entrance to the sea and great depth for doing handstands (for those who like 😋). The beach has fine pebbles, there is a café, a restaurant, and many stands selling fast food and ice cream. There is an inflatable water park in the sea. Parking is charged.
Crystal-clear sea on the island of Prvić and a beach bar with a view on Murter
Where to stay
The Šibenik region is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in the heart of Dalmatia and an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking Krka National Park. The villas in this area feature inviting outdoor pools, and some offer stunning sea views. While you unwind on a sun lounger by the pool, your children can have fun on the swings and slides available in some of the villas. And if you can’t imagine a getaway without your loyal four-legged companion, you’ll be happy to know that pets are welcome too.
The Šibenik region offers a mix of relaxation and fun
After you’ve taken in the sights of Šibenik, gone for a swim, and enjoyed a good meal, head out on a trip to the National Park Krka, where you can go for a walk, take a swim, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Then, you can say you’ve experienced the Šibenik region like a local! Happy exploring!
