Šibenik

Day 1: Stone labyrinths, living heritage, and sunset over the rooftops

Šibenik’s medieval core rewards slow wandering: polished limestone lanes, tiny squares, and everyday life unfolding between centuries of stone. Today eases you in with market smells, cathedral light, and a fortress sunset that frames the archipelago in gold.

• Morning: Park at the Poljana underground garage and enter the old town on foot (wear grippy shoes – stones can be slippery, especially after rain). Visit the market and fish hall just outside the centre for a local breakfast of burek or a quick marenda-style sandwich, then continue to the Cathedral of St. James; cover shoulders/knees to enter and don’t miss the baptistery and the 71 carved heads around the exterior.
• Midday: Explore the lanes between the cathedral, City Hall, and the Church of St. Barbara; step into cool courtyards and peek at noble doorframes on Ulica Jurja Dalmatinca. For lunch, try a traditional konoba in the side streets (ask what’s fresh today – crni rižot or dagnje na buzaru if mussels are in season).
• Afternoon: Walk up through the Gorica neighbourhood (quiet, residential, postcard views) to St. Michael’s Fortress for city-and-sea panoramas. If the bura wind is blowing, visibility is superb; bring a light layer as it can feel sharper on the ramparts.
• Evening: Time dinner to sunset. Book ahead if you want a tasting menu opposite the cathedral; otherwise opt for a modern konoba in the old town or seafood in Dolac by the water. On concert nights (summer), return to St. Michael’s – the stage, stars, and silhouette of the archipelago are unforgettable.

Day 2: Sea, channel, and fortresses above the city

Today you circle Šibenik from the water’s edge to its highest vantage points. The channel walkway gives you the reverse angle on the skyline, while the 17th‑century forts explain why the city survived – and make perfect sunset perches.

• Morning: Head to the St. Anthony’s Channel walkway (šetnica) near the Šibenik Bridge; walk or cycle the 4.4 km path beneath pines with constant views back to town. Pause at the viewpoint platform for the classic skyline shot; in high summer go early for shade and cooler air.
• Midday: If seas are calm, take the official boat tour to St. Nicholas’ Fortress (tickets/boat from the Riva; advance booking recommended). If boats aren’t running, admire it from the walkway and return to town for a simple marenda near the market (daily specials sell out by 13:00).
• Afternoon: Climb to Barone Fortress for coffee and its augmented‑reality look at the 1647 siege, then continue to St. John’s Fortress (the highest) for a 360° panorama over the old town, Krka estuary, and islands; it’s a 15–20 minute steep walk – bring water and sun protection.
• Evening: Do a leisurely Braavos walk for Game of Thrones fans: the mandrać below the cathedral, alleys by St. Barbara, and the cathedral square as the Iron Bank exterior. Dine back in the centre (seafood in Dolac for casual; a refined old‑town bistro if you prefer), then finish with a drink at Azimut by the arches on the seafront.

Day 3: Waterfalls or islands by day, klapa and candlelight by night

Choose between a river‑and‑falls escape or an island hop, then slide back into Šibenik’s evening ritual of song, squares, and slow dinners. If you’re here in festival season, the streets themselves become a stage.

• Morning: Option A (nature): Bus or drive 20–25 minutes to Krka National Park (Skradinski Buk); arrive at opening for softer light and quieter boardwalks. Option B (islands): Catch the morning ferry to Zlarin or Prvić; as the boat pulls away, turn back for a superb city panorama.
• Midday: Option A: Picnic by the river or lunch in Skradin (order skradinski rižot a day in advance if you can). Option B: Swim, stroll car‑free lanes, and lunch at a family konoba (ask for grilled fish na gradele; house Debit or Babić by the carafe pairs well).
• Afternoon: Return to town for a beach hour at Banj (best wide‑angle view of the cathedral and fortress), or coffee in the shade on the Riva during the local đir. If heat is fierce (July–August), plan indoor breaks 13:00–16:00.
• Evening: Book an early dinner on the cathedral square or at a favourite old‑town konoba; reserve well ahead for fine dining. Seasonal notes: late June–early July the International Children’s Festival fills streets with performances and workshops; late September the Medieval Fair brings artisans and knightly displays; in August, the Evenings of Dalmatian Chanson on the main square deliver pure klapa magic.

By Air

• Split (SPU) – approx. 60 km SE; 50–60 min by car/taxi. From the terminal take bus 37 to Trogir, then frequent intercity buses to Šibenik (about 1–1.5 h from Trogir). Seasonal direct coaches may operate. Car hire available.
• Zadar (ZAD) – approx. 75 km NW; 50–60 min by car/taxi. Shuttle to Zadar main bus station, then frequent buses to Šibenik (about 1–1.5 h). Car hire available.
• Zagreb (ZAG) – national hub; around 3.5–4.5 h to Šibenik by motorway coach or 3–3.5 h by car.
• Dubrovnik (DBV) – approx. 3.5–4.5 h by car; long‑distance coaches also run (often with a change).

By Train

• Limited rail service. Šibenik is a branch terminus with regional trains to Perković for connections to Split and Zagreb.
• Typical times (with changes): Šibenik–Split 2.5–3.5 h; Šibenik–Zagreb 6–7.5 h. Buses are usually faster.
• Šibenik railway station (Željeznički kolodvor) sits next to the bus station and marina, a 5–10 minute flat walk to the old town.

By Bus

• Main hub: Autobusni kolodvor Šibenik (on the waterfront, near the centre). High frequencies year‑round, increased in summer.
• Key routes (typical times):
  • Split: 1.5–2 h, very frequent.
  • Zadar: 1–1.5 h, very frequent.
  • Trogir: 1–1.5 h, frequent.
  • Zagreb: 4–5.5 h, frequent.
  • Dubrovnik: 5–7 h, often 1 change.
• Operators include Arriva, FlixBus and local carriers; buy online or at the station.

By Car

• Fastest approach via A1 motorway (E65/E71). Use exit Šibenik (22) for the D33 into town. Alternatives: Pirovac or Vrpolje exits depending on origin.
• Approximate driving times: Split 1–1.5 h (≈90 km), Zadar ~1 h (≈90 km), Zagreb 3–3.5 h (≈320 km). The coastal D8 is scenic but slower.
• Tolls apply on the A1. Old town is pedestrianised; use Poljana underground garage or waterfront car parks and walk.

By Ferry/Boat

• No international ferries to Šibenik. Nearest international links: Ancona–Zadar and Ancona–Split; continue by bus or car.
• From Šibenik port, Jadrolinija/catamarans serve nearby islands (Zlarin, Prvić, Kaprije, Žirje); useful for local trips rather than mainland arrivals.