Šibenik

Šibenik, a coastal city in central Dalmatia, Croatia, is home to the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city has four hilltop fortresses, including St. Michael's and Barone. In the medieval core, you'll find winding stone streets and sunny squares. Nearby, you can visit Banj Beach or explore Krka National Park. Šibenik comes alive during summer festivals and offers many restaurants serving local Dalmatian dishes.

Cathedral of St. James

The Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Šibenik's main landmark. Built entirely of stone in the 15th and 16th centuries, it showcases both Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. The cathedral's exterior has 71 sculptured faces, while the interior features stone carvings and a baptistery. You can climb to the dome for a view of the old town and sea.

Šibenik's Four Fortresses

Šibenik has four historic fortresses that once defended the city. St. Michael's Fortress, the oldest, sits on a hill above the old town and now hosts summer concerts and events. At Barone Fortress, you can use augmented reality technology to learn about the city's 1647 battle against Ottoman forces. From St. John's Fortress, you'll see Šibenik and the surrounding islands. St. Nicholas Fortress, another UNESCO site, guards the entrance to St. Anthony's Channel.

Exploring the Old Town

Šibenik's old town has narrow stone alleys and stairways where vehicles can't enter. The main square, Republic Square, is surrounded by the cathedral, town hall, and other historic buildings. You can visit the Four Wells, a 15th-century water cistern, and walk along the seafront promenade. Take a break at a café in one of the small squares to observe local life and relax.

Beaches and Swimming

For a swim, go to Banj Beach, a pebble beach with views of the old town, located just a short walk from the center. Jadrija Beach, about 4 km from town, has a long concrete platform with ladders into the sea. If you prefer sand, visit Solaris Beach at the Amadria Park resort, about 6 km south of Šibenik. This beach has shallow water and facilities like sun loungers and water sports.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park, just 10 km from Šibenik, has a series of waterfalls and clear pools. You can swim at the base of Skradinski Buk, the park's largest waterfall, which is 45 meters high. Take a boat trip to Visovac Island to see its 15th-century monastery. The park has several hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. You'll also find remains of Roman military camps and medieval fortresses within the park.

Local Food and Drink

Try Dalmatian dishes like pašticada (slow-cooked beef in wine sauce) or black risotto made with cuttlefish ink. Order a platter of grilled fish like sea bass or bream, or try shellfish like mussels and oysters. Visit the Green Market to see local produce and cheeses like paški sir from Pag island. For dessert, try rožata, a local flan-like pudding flavored with rose liqueur. Pair your meal with wines from nearby Primošten vineyards, known for their Babić red wine.

Getting to Šibenik

You can reach Šibenik by bus from other Croatian cities. Buses run frequently from Zagreb (5-6 hours), Split (1.5 hours), and Zadar (1.5 hours). The closest airports are in Split (45 km south) and Zadar (50 km north), both connected to Šibenik by bus. In summer, you can arrive by catamaran from nearby islands like Zlarin and Kaprije. Once in Šibenik, you can explore the old town on foot, while local buses can take you to beaches and nearby towns.