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Despite being one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, Šibenik has managed to stay a little under the radar.
Just like its fellow medieval cousin, Dubrovnik, Šibenik was scouted out and served as a backdrop for the iconic HBO series, Game of Thrones. It’s no surprise that the city proved such a hit amongst the location scouts, as it’s nothing short of breathtaking, boasting two captivating UNESCO-protected sites both of which are fringed by its beautiful turquoise coastline.
Picture enchanting stone buildings, stairways, ancient cobbled streets and arches with angelic shorelines always in sight. Not as well known as some of the other destinations in Croatia, you might be less familiar with the attractions in the city.
So, to get you up to speed we have compiled a list of the best places to go in Šibenik, Croatia in order to help you plan the most incredible itinerary possible for your trip to this underrated paradise.
Occupying a strategic position along the Adriatic, Šibenik is home to four glorious fortresses that were once tasked with protecting the city and its inhabitants. These days, they each make fantastic places to visit.
One of the best things to do in Šibenik is to catch a concert or theatre performance at St Michael’s Fortress. The wonderful fortification makes it the most picturesque entertainment venue.
With sublime views over the terracotta tiles of the city and the stunning islands scattered along the Adriatic, even if you’re not catching a show, St Michael’s Fortress is still well worth a visit. In fact, it is the oldest monument in Šibenik.
The highest located Šibenik fortress, St John’s Fortress towers over the city from its hilltop position 115 metres above the centre. While you might feel a touch intimidated by the idea of the climb, it will all be made worth your while as soon as you reach the summit and catch sight of the jaw-dropping views over the city.
You might find that the setting feels eerily familiar during your visit. Well, this may be because it featured as a backdrop for several scenes from Game of Thrones, making it a highly popular place to visit amongst the series’ fanbase.
Arguably the most impressive of Šibenik’s fortresses, St. Nicholas watches over the channel leading into the city and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. Nicholas Fortress was built at the request of locals who pleaded with their rulers to build a fortification so imposing that the Ottoman empire would not dare tackle it. Thus, it was built out at sea and can be accessed from a thin path on the mainland.
Less visited than the rest of the fortresses in Šibenik, Barone Fortress lies 80 metres above the city and offers excellent views over its architecture and sought-after shoreline.
Not just a pretty face, you will also find plenty of tourist facilities on the fortification including toilets, a cafe and a museum that can teach you all about Šibenik’s history. After undergoing a complete renovation, Barone Fortress was recognised as Croatia’s ‘Cultural Attraction of the Year’ in 2016.
An architectural masterpiece, The Cathedral of St James is easily one of the finest attractions in the Croatian port city. Perhaps this is only to be expected considering that the building took over 100 years to build.
Constructed using fine white limestone, the building is the city’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a magnificent sight to see. As a result of taking such a long time to build, the Cathedral of St James, or Katedrala Sv Jakova, is a hybrid of craftsmanship styles, with a Gothic lower level and Renaissance upper section.
A mere 15-minute car journey from Šibenik will take you to the breathtaking grounds of Krka National Park. Here you can explore cascading waterfalls whilst surrounded by a wild, unspoilt landscape that sprawls over 100 square kilometres.
The national park encompasses several areas of the River Krka and as a result, its wonderful lakes, rapids and waterfalls. Also boasting a remarkable wildlife scene, Krka National Park attracts bird watchers from all over the world, hoping to catch a glimpse of species such as herons and egrets. You will also find enchanting ancient monasteries within its grounds.
If you’re seeking out the best places to eat in Šibenik, look no further than the Dalmatian Ethno Village. Sitting 7km from Šibenik Old Town, the attraction offers visitors a fantastic insight into the lives of local residents in years gone by.
Wander along charming cobbled streets with authentic,drool-worthy Croatian cuisine to your left and right. You will learn all about local traditional means of cooking during your visit and, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to taste test too. From homemade prosciutto to barbecued meats, this is a foodie paradise.
A spectacular two-story piece of craftsmanship, Šibenik Town Hall is a marvellous sight, with fantastic columns, arches, a balcony and a balustrade. The renaissance building sits on the city’s medieval square right amidst the hustle and bustle.
If you’re looking for good restaurants in Šibenik, there is in fact one located on the bottom floor of the town hall. This is a fantastic place to eat as you will only be treated to delicious delicacies, but you will be able to dine al fresco on the terrace with a dazzling view of the cathedral.
Be sure to dedicate a few hours to meander around the medieval cobblestone streets of Šibenik’s Old Town. Despite not being overly large, these historic walkways make wonderful places to explore with their old stone buildings, stunning squares and fashionable shops.
The Old Town is also home to some of the best restaurants in Šibenik and is full of wonderful places to eat in which you can dine amongst enchanting 15th and 16th-century architecture.
A Gothic church located just towards the back of Šibenik Cathedral, The Church of St Barbara is a fantastic place to drop by during a visit to Šibenik. Constructed in the 15th century, the architecture speaks for itself with irregularly shaped openings, a huge 24-hour clock and a remarkable statue of St Nicholas.
Inside you will find a special collection of artwork including paintings and sculptures tracing back to the 14th to 18th centuries. Beyond these pieces, you are sure to find yourself impressed by the sight of the church’s fascinating altars.
The Church of St Francis connects to the Museum of St Francis. Whilst the museum opened its doors in 2015, the monastery traces back to 1229. The dramatic white building is beautifully backdropped by the city’s beautiful shoreline and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in this Croatian coastal city.
The monastery boasts its original 14th-century cloisters despite having largely been destroyed in the 14th century. The museum sits in the enchanting courtyard of the monastery by the entrance to Šibenik Old Town. Its library is definitely the highlight. The shelves are laden with 10,000 volumes of priceless texts including the first known pieces of text in the Croatian and Latin languages
On a very different note, Aquapark Dalmatia is the perfect place to let your hair down and have fun on Šibenik holidays. This is an especially amusing thing to do if you have brought the kids along with you.
Between pools, waterslides, waterfalls and a lazy river, the whole family is sure to have a ball here at the oldest themed waterpark in Croatia. There is also a special kids zone with a fairytale aesthetic where the little ones can safely splash to their heart’s content.
One of the most unique cities in Croatia to visit, Šibenik is the perfect destination to add to your European bucket list. With a fantastic food scene and gorgeous scenery, the enchanting city lends itself wonderfully to romantic escapes, cultural trips, solo adventures and family getaways.
Between its medieval cobblestone streets, ancient fortresses and awe-inspiring national parks, there is so much to explore in this spectacular Croatian city.
For more information about planning a holiday to Šibenik, why not read our guides on the best time to visit and the best things to do in the town?
If you’re planning a visit to Šibenik and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our range here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
