Heritage discovery is one of the main demands of tourism. And the region has plenty to offer! In Dalmatia, Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar are so popular with tourists that more and more visitors are looking for other, quieter places to visit. The Šibenik-Knin region is an obvious choice for lovers of heritage, culture, nature and discovery, as well as for seaside resorts, yachting and active vacations by the sea or river.
The Romans were the first to leave their mark on Dalmatia. This capital region for them has retained its name (Dalmatia) ever since. North of Skradin, the military site of Burnum and the foundations of the city of Bribirska Glavica are of particular interest, while at Danilo Rider, archaeologists have been working since 2019 to save the foundations of a temple and forum.
Šibenik, a heavily fortified royal city
The history of the town's historic monuments dates back to the time of the first Croatian kings. From the 11th century onwards, the town of Šibenik sought to protect its territory, as "Barbarians" came at night from the sea, the river and the highlands. In 1066, the first St. Michael's fortress (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila) was built for Petar Krešimir IV. It still stands on a hill 600 m above sea level. Together with the other two fortresses (Tvrđava sv. Ivana and Barone), it formed a triangular network that was intended to guard the estuary, the mountain ridge and the offshore archipelagos. The Saint-Michel fortress was often redeveloped, but lost its defensive vocation to house, from the 15th century onwards, two enormous cisterns for soldiers' use. It then fell into disrepair. It wasn't until an exceptional redevelopment plan, delivered in 2014, that a new performance stage was built in its main courtyard, with over a thousand seats facing out to sea. At the entrance to the Canal Saint-Antoine, the Saint-Nicolas fortress (16th-17th centuries) also follows the shape of the triangle. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, this maritime stronghold is one of the most majestic on the Adriatic coast. It can be visited by boat (booking required).
Among the other fortified sites, the emblematic Knin fortress, atop its mountainous bar, is the second-largest military building in Europe. It was used as a backdrop for scenes in the Game of Thrones series.
The cathedral, from Gothic to Renaissance
As in the rest of Europe, civil and religious society in Šibenik underwent major changes in the late Middle Ages. Between 1431 and 1535, major construction work began on St. James' Cathedral. A construction site in the modern sense of the word, as foreign architects, sculptors and craftsmen were called upon to collaborate with their Dalmatian counterparts on a joint project. The master builders, Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac, will draw sketches on the ground and undertake feats of strength. First, they erected the dry-stone walls. The façade was then adorned with friezes and niches featuring a lively gallery of 71 portraits in relief, realistic busts of saints, prelates and other donors, all in period costume. The cathedral was also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. All around, the city has developed with churches, a monastery, palaces, private buildings and shops, all following a dense network of lanes, squares and staircases converging on the bay.
On the south coast of Šibenik, lovers of old stones won't want to miss Rogoznica, an old fishing village dominated by a stunning little lake and, above all, Primošten. The other pearl of the Adriatic (after Dubrovnik!) concentrates all the beauty of historic coastal towns. A picture postcard on its peninsula, its panoramic photograph is part of the permanent collection of the United Nations building in New York.
Vodice, the call of the sea
Šibenik has no urban beach, but nearby seaside resorts have recently been developed. To the north of the Cathedral, along the seafront promenade, you'll find the Banj beach recreation area. To the southeast, the rocky coastline runs along the Sveti Ante Šetnica canal, the Uvala Minerska bay and the pebble beach of St. Nicholas, with its many bathing spots. Further along, the White Beach at Solaris Beach Resort and, next door, Aquapark Dalmatia.
Another option: discover the Šibenik archipelago by ferry. It serves Krapanj, the lowest Croatian island, specialized in sea sponge processing; the island of Zlarin, known for its red corals; and the island of Prvić, where you can visit the memorial center of Faust Vrančić, who invented the first usable parachute in history.
Back on the mainland, we head for Vodice, which is easily reached by the National Jadranska Magistrala over the bridge (Šibenski Most). "Beaches are our living room", exclaim the locals. Vodice certainly has a special relationship with the sea. Its Museum of Maritime Tradition exhibits old fishing tools, models of historic boats, marine archaeology and 16 aquariums. But above all, Vodice is one of Croatia's major seaside destinations, and a major player in yachting. Often in the marina, you'll be getting ready to explore the exceptional Marine National Park, the Kornati archipelago. However, the ports of Murter and Tisno are closer to the Kornati archipelago.
Vodice boasts no fewer than 11 beaches - including the Blue Beach. There's something for every taste, and even a beach for dogs! You'll find a wide range of facilities, including water sports and leisure activities, children's play areas, cycle paths, a seafront promenade and a beach bar. Special mention should be made of Vodice's top restaurants (Sky, Tri Piruna, Bistrot Strikoman) and taverns (konoba), which source their food from local fishermen or family farms. They promote natural products, wines and spirits from the Primošten hillsides, and the town's wine merchants. These are the same restaurateurs who support the calendar of festivities, such as the Easter Monday breakfast, the May1st picnic in Rakitnica, and the summer fishing nights. Gastronomy and entertainment at the same table!
The hinterland, a rich terroir
The region's inland farmers produce culinary specialties that have become the hallmark of Croatian fine dining. Connoisseurs buy Drniš prosciutto, an award-winning smoked ham. Goat's cheese (sir iz mišine), savory tart (soparnik) with figs, olive oil and olives, lamb or roast pork under the peka bell are also on the menu. For dessert, try Skradin's almond cake.
The region is also known for its production of red wine, notably babić, one of Croatia's finest, sweet-scented wines (prošek, maraština), aromatic brandy (rakija) or travarica, a kind of homemade brandy. Drink in moderation!
Alcohol is definitely not recommended if you're heading for the Vransko jezero Nature Park (30.7 km²). Around the lake, cycle paths and hiking trails enable you to see a wide variety of rare birds.
Another natural treasure is the Dinara mountain range, with Sinjal, Croatia's highest peak, towering 1,831 m above the town of Knin. The entire Dinara mountain range is some twenty kilometers long.
The best place to stay in the Krka National Park is Skradin, a pleasant waterside village that makes the most of river tourism. Whether you're looking for adrenalin-inducing mountaineering, canyon-climbing or more of a boat trip, Skradin is the place to buy tickets for the national park. You'll be up close to the grandiose waterfalls, which are fed by the springs of the Krka, Krčić and Cetina rivers.
FUTURE INFO
When to visit?
All year round for historical heritage and museums.
Easter holidays.
Mid-June to mid-October for seaside resorts and yachting.
End of May for the Regatta Kornati Cup (Murter).
In summer for festivals, Vodice Festival CMC, street art, Jazz & Blues fest, klapa and music, fishermen's festivals.
In September, Šibenik's medieval festivities.
Budget
A week's vacation from €400 to €1,000, or much more depending on the season and individual requirements. Accommodation from €25-30 per night in a youth hostel, from €150-200 for a comfortable hotel. For cafés, restaurants, sightseeing and transport, it all depends on frequency. All-inclusive, from €65 per day. Most expensive: car rental, national parks, water sports, boat excursions, gourmet restaurants.
Duration
2 or 3 days to visit Šibenik, Primošten and Vodice.
1 week for additional visits to the region, Knin and the two national parks.
Public
For lovers of old stones, the historic center of Šibenik - the cathedral district, very popular in summer. In Vodice, families with children, lovers of active vacations, outdoor activities, fishing, diving, sailing, surfing, kayaking, climbing, hiking, trekking, cycling, bike paths. Young and festive in Tisno; yachters in Murter.
Highlights
- Tourism, local life and authentic terroir coexist well. Šibenik is not a museum town.
- Busy morning market in Šibenik and good transport links.
Minus
- Many restaurants closed in winter.
- Vodice aquarium open only from early June to late September.
- Crowded beaches.
Getting there
No international airport in Šibenik, but a busy bus station and national and regional buses for all of Croatia.
Useful
- REGIONAL TOURIST OFFICE - More information at
Fra Nikole Ružića bb - 2 000 Šibenik
✆ +385 22 219 072
- VODICE TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the website
Obala Vladimira Nazora bb
✆ +385 22 443 888
- ŠIBENIK TOURIST OFFICE - More information at
Fausta Vrančića 18
✆ +385 22 212 075
