On a road trip through Dalmatia, don’t miss the chance to visit Šibenik and its stunning medieval town. Often overlooked by travelers who head straight to Split, the city is well worth a stop—especially for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and the charm of its stone buildings. You’ll also avoid the mass tourism found further south along the Adriatic coast.
So, what are the best things to do in Šibenik? In this travel guide I’ll show you the must-see sights so you don’t miss anything during your visit. I’ll also share the best places to stay in Šibenik for every budget.
Things to do in Šibenik : the old town
As is often the case, the best way to experience the charm of Šibenik is by wandering through its narrow streets, which can sometimes feel like a maze. Don’t hesitate to go up and down the stairways to get away from the main streets. The medieval town stretches between the castle at the top of the hill and the seafront promenade.
In the evening, when the lights illuminate the streets of the old town—deserted by tourists—the atmosphere becomes almost mystical. If you enjoy this kind of ambiance and want to learn more, you can join an evening walking tour of Šibenik (1.5 hours), where a guide will tell you everything about the city.
For a daytime guided tour of Šibenik (more practical for photos), I recommend this 2-hour excursion.
St. James Cathedral
Built between 1431 and 1536, construction of St. James Cathedral was initiated by Venetian masters and completed by a Croatian architect. This explains its style, which blends late Gothic and Renaissance influences. The entire structure was built exclusively from stone (without a wooden framework) sourced from the islands of Brač, Korčula, Rab, and Krk.
As a UNESCO-listed site, entry is paid. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed by the interior of the cathedral, which is fairly simple—I expected something more grand. One of the highlights is a 15th-century baptistery considered a jewel of sacred art. In the end, it’s the exterior that is most impressive.
Don’t miss the unusual frieze decorating the outer wall of the cathedral. It features 71 sculpted heads of women, men, and children. On the beautiful wooden door of the northwest façade (one of the popular Instagram spots in Šibenik), you can see sculptures of two lions topped by Adam and Eve.
The cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Price: €4 | Opening hours: 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Republic of Croatia Square
Trg Republike Hrvatske is the most beautiful square in the old town. It’s also the most touristy, especially during peak season in July and August when groups gather in front of the cathedral. We visited Šibenik in September, so the atmosphere was quite calm.
The square is surrounded by the stunning St. James Cathedral and the former Town Hall, whose loggia has been converted into a restaurant terrace. Take the time to admire all the details of the cathedral façade. Several stairways lead up from Republic of Croatia Square to the upper part of the old town and toward St. Michael’s Fortress.
St. Barbara’s Church and Rossini Palace
Just behind St. James Cathedral, along the street heading east, you’ll come across St. Barbara’s Church. Built in the first half of the 15th century, it was deconsecrated in 1806 and turned into a military warehouse. Today, it serves as an exhibition space for the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art. Inside, you’ll find, among other things, a 16th-century triptych of St. Barbara, St. Nicholas, and St. Gregory, as well as Renaissance statues from St. James Cathedral.
Right next to it on the left is Rossini Palace, which combines several architectural styles. The doors and first-floor windows are Romanesque (11th–13th century), while the coat of arms above the main entrance dates from the Gothic period (15th century). The palace’s current form dates back to the 17th century following its last restoration.
St. Francis Church
This 13th-century Franciscan church (Samostan Sv. Frane) features beautiful frescoes and Venetian Baroque paintings, as well as a painted wooden ceiling. At least that’s what it says—because the church door was closed when we visited. We managed to go through the wooden gate on the right to enter the courtyard, but all the doors there were also closed. If you’re lucky enough to visit Šibenik when the church is open, it’s worth a stop. It’s located at the southeastern end of the old town near Gradski Park.
St. Lawrence Monastery Garden
This Franciscan monastery was built in 1650, while the church opposite dates from the second half of the 18th century. Just before reaching the monastery, as you climb the steps from St. James Cathedral, you’ll come across a grotto featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary. This natural cave, arranged in the 20th century, is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Behind the monastery lies a lovely Mediterranean garden once used by Franciscan monks. Today, it’s more of a peaceful and refreshing stop for visitors. The garden also houses the restaurant “Taste The Mediterranean,” where you can enjoy a drink.
St. Michael’s Fortress
Visible from afar thanks to its strategic position on a rocky promontory 60 meters above the sea, St. Michael’s Fortress is part of a group of four fortresses in the city of Šibenik. If you plan to visit, don’t forget to pick up the audio guide at the information point inside the fortress. The first mention of St. Michael’s Fortress dates back to 1066, although the current structures date from the 15th century.
The main reason to climb up here is to enjoy the stunning views over Šibenik and the surrounding area from the ramparts. A stage for performances is located at the heart of the fortress. The entrance fee of €8 is quite expensive just for the view. Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7 p.m. on concert days).
Medieval Streets
Wandering and getting lost in the cobbled streets is part of the experience when visiting Šibenik. Unlike the town of Rab and its three parallel streets, where we were the day before, it’s quite difficult to find your way around this small maze. Luckily, you always end up finding your way back. These strolls through Šibenik’s streets are a great opportunity to discover beautiful house façades and Baroque palaces that you probably wouldn’t have seen by following a map.
Seafront Promenade
The promenade along the Adriatic Sea on the western side of Šibenik offers a pleasant walk, especially at the end of the day when it’s cooler. Numerous benches allow you to sit and watch the sea and the boats moored along the quay. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset.
On the other side of the road, the façades of the stone houses surrounding the old town of Šibenik face you. Entry into the town is through several old gates, one of which is flanked by two cannons. At the northern end of the promenade, you’ll find the staircase leading up to Republic of Croatia Square and the forecourt of St. James Cathedral.
Banj Beach
This is the closest beach to Šibenik, located 1.2 km (a 15-minute walk) from St. James Cathedral. If you plan to drive, there are several paid parking spots in the streets behind it. Banj Beach is made of pebbles, and there’s a bar-restaurant on site.
The highlight of Banj Beach is the stunning view of Šibenik’s old town topped by its fortress. There’s a wooden viewing platform above the beach (Banj Beach Viewing Platform) where you can take in the view. Even if you don’t plan to swim, it’s worth coming for the panorama—or to watch the sunset over the Adriatic. It’s one of best things to do in Šibenik.
What to do around Šibenik?
Kornati National Park Excursion
This full-day excursion takes you on a cruise through the Kornati National Park archipelago. During the boat trip, you’ll see the beautiful island of Mana and its ruins, and swim at the only sandy beach in Kornati (Lojena). The boat will also pass by St. Nicholas Fortress and the “Hitler’s Eyes” sea tunnel as you leave Šibenik. This boat excursion (maximum 12 people) departs from the dock in front of the D-Resort hotel in Šibenik. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Rental boat in Šibenik
Want to explore the islands around Šibenik mentioned above with a private boat? The company Click&Boat, a leader in online rentals of sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats, offers great prices and a choice of over 55,000 boats from private owners and professionals. You can choose a boat with or without a license, and with or without a professional skipper. Plenty of options for spending one or more days at sea away from the tourist crowds.
Krka National Park
The Krka River has created numerous waterfalls in the region’s karst landscape, making it one of Croatia’s most visited attractions. In addition to its many cascades, the park is home to a beautiful Serbian Orthodox monastery—one of the most important in the country. Krka National Park is a must-see on any trip to Croatia, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Šibenik, as it’s very close. For more information, I invite you to read my complete guide to visiting Krka National Park.
If you don’t have a car or prefer a guided experience, you can join an excursion to Krka National Park from Šibenik. Pickup is at your hotel and the the price includes local lunch and park entry.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most visited sites in the country—and it’s easy to see why when you witness its beauty. The park consists of 16 lakes and 92 waterfalls, which you can explore via wooden walkways and boat rides. It’s one of Croatia’s must-see attractions.
I’ve written a complete guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes with all the tips and advice you’ll need to organize your visit yourself.
Trogir
Located 47 km south of Šibenik toward Split, don’t miss the beautiful old town of Trogir, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Set on a small island connected by two bridges and surrounded by walls, this charming medieval town can be explored in just a few hours. It’s easy to do a day trip from Šibenik, but you can also include it as a stop on your itinerary as you head toward Split and Dubrovnik.
To discover all the things to do in the medieval town and the surrounding area, I invite you to read the article what to do in Trogir.
Pueblo Winnetou Canyon
We had the chance to stop at Pueblo Winnetou Canyon (Kanjon Zrmanje Od Obrovca Do Ušća in Croatian) during the Rab Island–Šibenik leg of our road trip in Croatia. It’s located 100 km north of Šibenik (37 km from Zadar). The landscape is completely different from anything else we saw in the country—it feels like the American West. Filmmakers have taken notice, as several movies have been shot here, including Winnetou, which gave the canyon its name.
To reach the viewpoint, you need to leave road 54 and take a dirt track that is accessible all the way with a standard car. It’s not very well signposted, so I recommend using GPS with the coordinates. On site, there’s nothing to do but admire the canyon. We even came across a German tourist dressed as a cowboy standing on a rocky outcrop—probably a Winnetou fan.
A round trip from Šibenik isn’t really worth it, but if you’re passing nearby on your road trip, it’s worth a stop.
Cetina river spring
In the mountains on the border between Croatia and Bosnia lies a geological curiosity: the Cetina river spring. Located 1 hour 10 minutes (66 km) from Šibenik, the “Eye of the Earth,” as it’s called, is a small eye-shaped lake. This site, not mentioned in travel guides, has gained popularity thanks to Instagram. The detour is especially worthwhile if you have a drone, as it allows you to capture stunning photos. Otherwise, simply viewing the lake from the wooden platform is less impressive.
To get there, I’ve written an article about the Cetina River spring where I share all the practical information.
Where to stay in Šibenik?
As is often the case in Croatia, historic centers are entirely pedestrian, and apartments or hotels located there rarely offer parking. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer to stay close to the main sights and restaurants or outside the city.
For our part, we chose to stay slightly outside the medieval town. In addition to enjoying a great view over the city, it was more convenient for going to the supermarket (there’s a “Plodine” just 5 minutes from our apartment) and reaching Krka National Park.
In the heart of the old town
- 40 € : Jerry & Oli’s Apartments, this 22 m² studio with kitchenette is one of the cheapest options for staying in Šibenik (with very good reviews). Possibility of getting an apartment with a nice balcony. Public parking nearby.
- 62 € : San Lorenzo Apartments, this 30 m² apartment with sea view and two sleeping spaces is perfect for budget travelers. Located close to all the main things to do. No parking.
- 90 € : On the Rock Apartments, beautiful 43 m² fully equipped apartment with sea view. Located in the heart of the old town close to sights and nightlife.
- 102 € : King Kresimir Heritage Hotel, if you prefer hotel comfort, this property offers large, nicely decorated rooms. Breakfast included.
- 192 € : Heritage Hotel Armerun, this superb 4-star hotel is perfect if you want to treat yourself during your stay in Šibenik. Very well located, with some rooms offering sea views. Breakfast, minibar, and private parking included.
Near the old town
- 65 € : Ana Apartment, close to the old town and 400 meters from Banj Beach, this 45 m² apartment with sea view is perfect for a multi-day stay exploring Šibenik and the surrounding area. Free private parking.
- 70 € : Apartment Polic, this 33 m² apartment for 3 people is located in a small house with a garden near the old town. Fully equipped, including a washing machine and barbecue. Free private parking.
- 120 € : Solis, this beautiful 94 m² apartment, fully renovated with quality amenities (including a washing machine), features a large terrace with a stunning view over the old town and its fortress. It has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. This is where we stayed in Šibenik during our trip to Croatia (in September, last minute, we paid €66/night). Free private parking.
Tips and travel guide for visiting Šibenik
How to get to Šibenik?
The city does not have an international airport, so if you’re flying, you’ll need to land in Split or Zadar. Split is a great base for exploring Dalmatia, and many low-cost airlines offer cheap flights. I recommend comparing prices on this site to find the best deals.
For budget travelers using buses, Šibenik is connected to many Croatian cities, including Split (1 hour), Zadar (1.5 hours), and Dubrovnik (6.5 hours).
However, the easiest way to explore Croatia is by car. If you’re not traveling with your own vehicle (as we did), you can easily rent one on site. I recommend AutoEurope, which I use whenever I need a rental car, with prices up to 25% cheaper.
Parking in Šibenik
As in all tourist cities, it can be difficult to find parking in Šibenik during peak season (July and August). Since we visited in September, we didn’t have much trouble finding a parking spot right next to the cathedral.
Many parking spaces are located along the seafront promenade. Payment is made at parking meters, and you’ll need to display your ticket clearly in your car. This is the closest area to the old town for parking in Šibenik.
If all the spots along the seafront are taken, you’ll find two parking lots on Kralja Zvonimira Street, which runs above the old town. A cheaper parking option is located on the outskirts of the city (GPS coordinates), about a 15-minute walk away, with a daily rate of 20 Kn (€2.60).
You now know the best things to do in Šibenik in Croatia. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the blog comments.