Šibenik: 12 Things to Check Out

Šibenik, located on Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast, is a gorgeous city with a rich history and full of interesting sites. The Old Town is a magnificent gem with monuments dating back to the 11th century.

For those wishing to explore and experience the city as well as the nature surrounding it, here are 12 places to check out when you are there.

1. Cathedral of St. James

This cathedral is listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage and is one of the architectural highlights of Dalmatia. Built from the 15th century, it took 100 years to finish this grand monument, and the result is a beautiful variety of styles including the Gothic and Renaissance levels.

One of the interesting features is a series of 70 unique stone heads representing the citizens of Šibenik from the 15th century.

2. The Old Town Hall

Beautiful columns and arches as an example of the Renaissance architecture date back to the 16th century.

3. The Medieval Garden of the St. Lawrence Monastery

Medieval Mediterranean garden (photo: Sibenik Tourist Board)Hidden in the courtyard, this beautiful oasis of herbs, plants and shadows of figs and pomegranate trees is a true blessing during the hot summer days. The garden is divided into 4 fields with a fountain in the middle and is a perfect peaceful retreat from the crowded streets.

4. The Count’s Palace (City Museum)

The late Renaissance palace, the Count’s Palace or Kneževa Palača was built as the governor’s residence during the time of Venetian rule. Today it serves as a museum with archeological artifacts from Neolithic to Roman times, cultural and historical sections with around 150 000 exhibits.

5. Pelegrini

There are three Michelin Star restaurants in Croatia – Pelegrini in Šibenik in one of them. The food, location, service, the atmosphere is all first-class.

The imagination of top chef Rudolf Štefan will make it an experience won’t forget.

6. St. Ana Fortress

Šibenik’s oldest defensive structure dates back to the medieval times and was rebuilt in the 16th century. The fortress offers a breathtaking view over the city and the Adriatic sea. It is accessible through the narrow gorgeous streets of the medieval part of the town called Gradina.

7. 4 Breathtaking Fortresses

These unique sites offer magnificent and breathtaking views over the city and the sea! The oldest fortress is St. Michael’s built in the 11th century, then St. Nicholas built in the 15th century on an island in front of the city, St. John and the fortress Barone.

They were very important in the defense against the Turks in the Middle Ages. Except those, some other interesting scenes were held here – the fifth season of Game of Thrones.

8. Yum Pastry Shop 

Yum Pasty Shop has recently opened in town and it has quickly established itself as the ‘in’ place. Yum offers some delicious treats based on blends of traditional and modern recipes, including their traditional Sibenik hat mousse. Address: Božidara Petranovića 8.

9. The Dalmatian Ethno Village

Insight into the lives of the local people through the centuries and beautiful authentic stone houses are a great way to experience the Dalmatian way of life. The village tour also offers the traditional food, interesting workshops as well as a visit to a 100 years old watermill that still continues on working.

10. Four Wells

Located on the square near the cathedral, four wells are the work of the famous Croatian master builder, Juraj Dalmatinac. They were the source of water in Šibenik during the Middle Ages and today make an interesting site.

11. Banj Beach

Banj beach (photo: Sibenik Tourist Board)This pebble beach offers not only a refreshment during the summer but also a beautiful view over Šibenik and its old town. Dive into the deep blue sea, play volleyball or enjoy many other interesting activities near the historical gem of Croatia.

12. Krka National Park

Krka National ParkSettled near the town of Šibenik, Krka National Park shouldn’t be missed! The gorgeous nature around the Krka river, its lakes, the picturesque island in the middle and waterfalls such as Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap are a breathtaking site.