The small historic town of Šibenik is a real hidden gem on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. With its mix of medieval alleys, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and a charming old town that’s not too crowded, the city immediately captured our hearts. That’s why we want to share our top 7 highlights and things to do in Šibenik with you!
Whether you’re wandering through ancient fortresses or cooling off in the refreshing Adriatic Sea – Šibenik is incredibly versatile and offers plenty to explore in the surrounding area: nature, crystal-clear waters, and some of the most beautiful sunsets.
We stayed for 4 days and have summarized our favorite things to do in Šibenik that you shouldn’t miss on your visit – Number 3 was our absolute favorite!
To give you a better overview of this small, maze-like town, we’ve included a map below:
Šibenik is home to four historic fortresses, three of which you can see on the map:
- St. Michael’s Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila)
The oldest and most important fortress in Šibenik offers an impressive view of the old town and the sea. In summer, concerts are often held here.
- Barone Fortress (Tvrđava Barone)
This fortress features interactive exhibitions about the city’s 17th-century defense and panoramic views of the entire town.
- St. Nicholas Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Nikole)
Located at the entrance to the Šibenik canal, this triangular fortress is only accessible by boat and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2017.
- St. John Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Ivana)
Also known as St. John’s Fortress, it sits on a hill above the city and played a central role in defending against the Ottomans.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our top 7 things to do in Šibenik!
1. Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala Sv. Jakova)
Located right in the old town and just a stone’s throw from the sea, this is one of Šibenik’s main things to do: the Cathedral of St. James. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Built between 1431 and 1535, the cathedral shows influences from Italian and Dalmatian architecture and is entirely made of stone.
We admired the cathedral from the outside – but you can also visit it from the inside.
- Entrance Fee: around 4.50 USD
- Opening Hours: daily from 9 am to 6 pm
- More Info: Šibenik Tourism
2. St. Nicholas Fortress (Tvrđava Sv. Nikole)
Our 2nd favorite among the things to do in Šibenik is St. Nicholas Fortress. It’s located at the entrance of the St. Ante Channel, which connects the port of Šibenik to the open Adriatic Sea. (Yes, Šibenik is actually not directly on the sea!)
The fortress was built to protect the town from sea attacks and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.
It cannot be reached on foot as the last path requires wading through knee-deep water and pedestrian access is prohibited. However, you can reach it by kayak!
Several providers in Šibenik offer guided tours through the St. Ante Channel to the fortress. Since these tours depend on the weather, it’s best to check availability beforehand.
- Entrance Fee: 18 USD, including a boat ride
- Opening Hours: daily from 9 am to 8 pm
- More Info: Šibenik Tourism
We actually only viewed the fortress from 50 meters away and opted for a much better alternative (in our opinion):
Coastal Hike along St. Ante
We think the real highlight is a hike along part of the coastal path, as the St. Ante Channel is part of a 4.4 km long trail (one way) along the coast, perfect for hiking or cycling. The St. Ante Hiking Trail (Šetnica sv. Ante) starts at the parking lot near the Panikovac Bay and runs along the sea through Mediterranean vegetation up to the fortress.
- Length: approx. 4.4 km (round trip)
- Duration: about 1-1.5 hours
- Highlights: The trail is well-maintained with several viewpoints, historic ruins, and old defense structures.
We parked our car here and walked towards Panikovac. The path is so beautiful at golden hour, and every 50 meters, the clear, sparkling water practically invites you to take a quick dip.
When we got back to the car, we strolled in the other direction again, across the walkway in the water towards the fortress to see it up close.
3. Day Trip to Prvić Luka Island
The small island of Prvić Luka was our personal highlight in Šibenik and the surrounding area. Perfect for a relaxing day trip from Šibenik, the island is just 5 km off the coast, car-free, and offers peace, untouched nature, and an authentic Dalmatian island atmosphere.
Prvić Luka felt like a vacation within a vacation – in just 30 minutes you arrive on a small island where no cars are allowed, and which you can cross in a short walk while enjoying total relaxation.
The walk from the harbor in Prvić (by the way, Luka means ‘harbor’) to the village of Prvić Šepurine takes about 20 minutes and leads you through olive groves to our favorite beach spot on Prvić Luka. (more on that below)
We took the ferry at 10 am and returned on the second-to-last ferry at 6 pm – giving us enough time to explore, swim, and just let our minds wander.
Getting to Prvić Luka from Šibenik
You can easily reach our favorite of the things to do in Šibenik by ferry. Jadrolinija operates several connections daily (especially during the summer). The ferry takes about 30 minutes and costs around 3.70 USD each way.
Feeling adventurous? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Šibenik and paddle over to Prvić Luka yourself.
There are also organized boat tours connecting Prvić Luka with other islands like Zlarin – perfect for some island hopping.
Costs in Prvić Luka
- Accommodation: If you want to stay longer, there are places to stay starting at around 55 USD per night.*
- Activities: Want to rent a SUP or kayak and explore the island from the water? Expect to pay around 14 USD per hour.
Our Top Spots on Prvić Luka
- Favorite Spot: Trstevica Beach
- Food: Konoba Gingulo | Konoba Maslina – Tavern
4. Things to do in Šibenik: Krka National Park
Just 20 minutes from Šibenik (about 15 km), Krka National Park is one of the most spectacular natural parks in Croatia, making it a top thing to do in Šibenik.
- Entrance Fee: between 7 and 40 USD, depending on the season
- Opening Hours: daily from 8 am to 6 pm
- More: Krka National Park
The park offers breathtaking scenery, with the most famous attraction being the Skradinski Buk Waterfall. It features a series of 17 cascades that drop a total of 45 meters.
You can walk along wooden pathways to explore the stunning nature and spot various bird species. Besides the waterfalls, you can visit the Franciscan Monastery on Visovac Island and the Trošenj Fortress.
Feeling adventurous? Try kayaking or a boat tour on the Krka River.
How to get to to Krka National Park
Getting there from Šibenik is easy and offers several options.
It’s important to know that you can enter the national park through two entrances: one in Lozovac and another in Skradin.
How to get to Krka National Park by car
You can reach the park in about 20-30 minutes by car. There are ample parking spaces at both main entrances: Lozovac and Skradin.
By the way, we often book our rental cars through Check24.de* – here you can specify all your desired options (our tip: always choose without deductible), compare all providers perfectly, and find the cheapest car for your trip. And if something comes up, you can usually cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. 🫰🏼
We recommend entering through Skradin as this entrance tends to be less crowded compared to the Lozovac entrance, which is often used by larger tour groups. Plus, by taking this route, you can get a head start over other visitors.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are regular public buses between Šibenik and Skradin, with tickets costing around 5 USD per trip.
Additionally, many tour operators in Šibenik offer organized trips that include transportation and a guided tour of the park. Note that most of these tours enter the park via the Lozovac entrance.
Entrance Fees for Krka National Park
The entrance fee varies depending on the season. In the high season (June to September), tickets cost 40 USD, while in the off-season prices drop to between 7 and 25 USD (depending on the month). The fee includes access to the famous waterfalls, hiking trails, and a boat ride between the Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap waterfalls.
There are discounts available for disabled visitors, students, children, and groups.
You can either purchase your ticket online on the official Krka National Park website or buy it directly at the information desk on-site.
5. Barone Fortress
In addition to St. Michael’s Fortress, Barone Fortress offers one of the most beautiful views of the city and is one of the best things to do in Šibenik.
Situated on a steep, rocky hill, it provides a stunning view of the Šibenik archipelago and the medieval town. The fortress has been restored and now offers an interactive exhibition that tells the story of Šibenik’s defense against the Ottomans.
- Entrance Fee: 12 USD (Combo ticket includes access to St. John’s Fortress)
- Opening Hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
- More Info: Barone Fortress
6. of 7 best Things to Do in Šibenik: Banj Beach
The city’s Banj Beach is perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. With a view of the old town and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Šibenik and ideal for a quick dip while watching the sunset.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
7. St. Michael’s Fortress (Tvrđava Sv. Mihovila)
The medieval St. Michael’s Fortress offers a breathtaking view over Šibenik and the surrounding islands. Today, it’s also used as a venue for concerts and events, making it a popular spot for young travelers looking for entertainment.
- Entrance Fee: 12 USD
- Opening Hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
- More Info: St. Michael’s Fortress
Important Tips for Your Šibenik Trip
Best Time to Visit Šibenik
The best time to explore the top things to do in Šibenik is between May and September when the weather is pleasantly warm and the Adriatic Sea is perfect for swimming. During these months, temperatures average around 25-30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.
Getting to Šibenik
- By Plane: The nearest airports are Split (about 50 minutes away) and Zadar (about 1 hour away). Airlines like Ryanair and Croatia Airlines offer affordable flights to these airports.
- By Car: Šibenik is a 3.5-hour drive from Zagreb via the A1 highway.
- By Bus: Regular bus connections exist from Split, Zadar, and Zagreb. Companies like FlixBus and Autobusni Kolodvor Šibenik provide comfortable options.
- By Ferry: Ferries operated by Jadrolinija connect Šibenik with nearby islands like Zlarin and Prvić, making island hopping easy and fun.
Safety in Šibenik
Šibenik is a very safe city, perfect for travelers wanting to explore without worries. Just take the usual precautions, like keeping an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas.
Getting Around Šibenik
- Car Rental: Companies like Sixt and Hertz have rental stations in the city, and car rental costs start at around 35 USD per day.
Originally, we thought we wouldn’t need a car for our one-week trip to Croatia, but then we spontaneously booked a car for our four days in Šibenik at the airport in Cologne.
On one hand, it turned out to be cheaper to rent a car for four days than taking a taxi to Šibenik, and on the other hand, it made us more flexible for day trips, like to Krka National Park. - Public Buses: The Kolodvor Šibenik Bus Company offers connections to the surrounding areas, with tickets costing around 1.40 USD per trip.
- Ferry Services: Jadrolinija ferries take you to nearby islands like Zlarin and Prvić, allowing you to explore more things to do in Šibenik.
- Shuttle Services: Private shuttle providers like Uber & Co. offer airport transfers and trips to surrounding areas.
Costs in Šibenik
Šibenik is a budget-friendly destination, where you can enjoy all the things to do in Šibenik without breaking the bank. Here’s a quick overview:
- Accommodation:
- affordable Hostels: from 30 USD per night
- Hotels: from 80 USD per night
Are you still looking for accommodation for your trip to Šibenik? Then find your favorite here:
By the way, we mainly book our accommodations for our travels through Booking and have already reached Genius Level 3. This allows us to get up to 20% off participating accommodations and enjoy free room upgrades or complimentary breakfast since reaching Level 2. We can highly recommend using this platform. 🫰🏼
- Transport in Šibenik:
- Bus: rides within the city cost around 1.20 USD
- Rental cars: around 30 USD per day
- Activities in Šibenik: entrance fees range from 5 to 45 USD depending on the activity
- Food in Šibenik: starting at around 10 USD per person
- SIM Cards in Šibenik: from 7 USD for 7 days, including 5 GB of data
Šibenik is a top destination for travelers looking to combine culture, adventure, and relaxation. From historic fortresses to stunning beaches and beautiful green surroundings, the city and its surroundings have everything you’re looking for on a memorable trip.
Have any more things to do in Šibenik that you’d recommend? Share them in the comments below! <3
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