Planning to visit Sibenik? Then this Sibenik Croatia travel guide is for you.
For the past few years, I’ve been traveling around Asia and Europe with my husband. When we lived in Austria, we often went on vacation to Croatia and explored medieval towns.
Sibenik is a hidden gem on the Croatian coast. It has two UNESCO heritage sites and a few shooting locations of Game of Thrones series. But it’s not as crowded as Dubrovnik, so it’s still nice to walk around.
I’ve visited Sibenik, and I’ve spent hours researching about the city before my trip. If you’re coming for the first time, this Sibenik Croatia travel guide will help you.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Sibenik, the best things to do, how to explore the city, as well as food tips.
How to get to Sibenik
Where to stay in Sibenik
Things to do in Sibenik
Where to eat and drink in Sibenik
How to get around Sibenik
The best time to visit Sibenik
But first, how can you reach Sibenik?
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How to get to Sibenik
By plane
If you want to fly to Sibenik, you have two options: Split Airport (SPU) or Zadar Airport (ZAD). Both are about 80 km away from the city.
You can find flights to these airports from many European cities.
Once you land, you can get to Sibenik by bus, taxi, or rental car.
The bus is the cheapest option, costing around 10 euros and taking about an hour and a half.
The taxi is the most expensive option, costing around 80 euros and taking about the same time as the bus.
The upside is that you can enjoy the air conditioning and the privacy.
Rental car is the most convenient option, giving you more flexibility and comfort.
By bus
You can get to Sibenik by bus from other Croatian cities, like Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Rijeka.
You can check the timetables and prices on www.buscroatia.com or www.getbybus.com.
The bus station in Sibenik is located near the city center, about 15 minutes walk from the old town.
A bus ticket from Zagreb to Sibenik costs around 20 euros and takes about 4 hours.
If you’re coming from other cities in Europe, check the bus schedule here.
By car
If you prefer driving, you can reach Sibenik by car via the A1 motorway that connects Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
The exit for Sibenik is marked as “Sibenik/Dubrava”.
The toll fee for using the motorway is around 15 euros one way.
You can also take the scenic D8 coastal road, which runs along the Adriatic Sea. It passes through many picturesque towns and villages.
However, this road can be crowded and slow during the peak season.
By boat
Another option for getting to Sibenik is by boat. You can take a ferry from Ancona in Italy to Zadar or Split, and then continue by bus or car to Sibenik.
You can also take a catamaran from Split or Hvar to Sibenik, which operates only during the summer season.
You can find more information about the boat schedule on www.jadrolinija.hr or www.krilo.hr.
The boat ride from Split to Sibenik takes about an hour and a half and costs around 15 euros.
Tips:
- You can use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Croatia.
- If you are traveling by car, make sure you have enough cash to pay for tolls and parking. Some places do not accept credit cards.
- Be sure to check weather conditions and departure times when traveling by boat.
Where to stay in Sibenik
Like other cities in Croatia, staying in apartments is the better and cheaper option (most of the time).
If you’re traveling by car, you need to check if there’s a parking lot available.
Here are a few options for budget travelers:
If you prefer to stay in hostels:
Note: those places above are just my recommendations, based on my hours of research online. I didn’t actually stay there. Because our car broke down, we skipped staying the night in Sibenik.
Things to do in Sibenik
Are you interested in history? Or culture? Or you’re more interested in nature?
Depending on your interest (and how long you’re staying), there are a few things to do in Sibenik.
Here are some of them:
1- Walk around the Old Town of Šibenik
One of the first things you should do in Šibenik is to explore its beautiful Old Town. It dates back to the 11th century!
The narrow stone streets, medieval architecture, and cozy atmosphere will amaze you.
2- Check out the Game of Thrones filming locations
Calling all fans of Game of Thrones!
You can check out The Cathedral of St. James, which served as a backdrop for Braavos, the city of the Iron Bank.
(The Cathedral of St. James is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.)
Then you should go visit St. John’s Fortress, which was the scene of the fighting pit in Meereen.
You can walk up from the city center (about 30 minutes) and enjoy the view.
3- Relax on the beaches
If you are looking for some sun and sea, Šibenik has plenty of options for you.
The city has several beaches, both inside and outside its borders, to suit different tastes.
Some of the most popular ones are:
Banj Beach, a sandy beach with a stunning view of the Old Town;
Jadrija Beach, a pebbly beach with a lively vibe and many facilities;
Solaris Beach Resort, a complex of five themed beaches that offer something for everyone.
4- Learn about falcons at Sokolarski Raptor Centre
Sokolarski Raptor Center is a unique attraction. It’s dedicated to educating visitors about these magnificent creatures.
If you’re a fan of birds of prey, you’ll love it.
Here you can see more than 30 species of falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, and vultures. Watch them fly and perform tricks during daily shows!
You can also interact with some of them and take photos with them. The centre is located about 10 km from Šibenik, in a natural setting surrounded by woods and hills.
5- Visit the St. Michael’s Fortress
The St. Michael’s Fortress is one of the four fortresses that protected Sibenik in the past.
It is located on a hill above the Old Town and offers spectacular views of the city and the sea.
You can also enjoy cultural events and concerts at its open-air theater.
6- Discover the Kornati Islands
The Kornati Islands are a breathtaking archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, consisting of more than 140 islands and islets.
You can join a boat tour from Sibenik and explore this unique landscape!
7- Experience the Skradinski Buk Waterfall
The Skradinski Buk Waterfall is a stunning sight. It is part of the Krka National Park, which is easily accessible from Sibenik by boat or car.
You can admire the cascading waterfalls, swim in the clear pools, or hike along the trails.
Recommended activities and tour:
Evening Walking Tour
Zipline Šibenik – Čikola Canyon
Hidden Šibenik – Kayaking
Private Boat Trip through Sibenik archipelago
Where to eat and drink in Sibenik
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Sibenik, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can find all kinds of food in this Croatian city. It has old and new dishes and prices for every budget.
Here are some recommended places to eat in Sibenik, from street food to restaurants.
Konoba Nostalgija: This cozy tavern serves authentic Dalmatian cuisine. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with live music on some nights.
Buffet Simun: If you’re in the mood for some fast and tasty food, head to Buffet Simun.
Pelegrini: For a fine dining experience, Pelegrini is the place to go.
Konoba Marenda: For a taste of local seafood, Konoba Marenda is a good option.
Restaurant Gradska Vijecnica: For a historical and elegant setting, this restaurant is a nice choice.
Gelateria Spalato: For a sweet treat, Gelateria Spalato is a must-visit!
Tips: If you happen to visit Sibenik in September, you can catch the Street Food Festival.
How to get around in Sibenik
Here are some tips on how to get around in Sibenik:
– Walking
Sibenik is not a very big city, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. You can enjoy the charming streets, the old town, and the fortresses by foot.
Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring some water, because it can get hot and hilly in some areas.
– Rent a bike
If you want to cover more ground and see some of the surrounding nature, you can rent a bike and cycle around Sibenik.
There are several bike rental shops in the city, and some of them offer guided tours as well. You can also find bike paths along the coast and in the nearby Krka National Park.
– By bus
If you prefer public transportation, you can use the local buses to get around Sibenik.
The bus network is quite extensive and cheap, and you can buy tickets from the driver or at kiosks.
You can also use buses to reach other towns and cities in the region, such as Zadar, Split, or Dubrovnik.
– Take a boat
One of the best ways to enjoy Sibenik is by boat. You can take a ferry or a catamaran to visit some of the nearby islands, such as Zlarin, Prvic, or Krapanj.
You can also explore the Kornati National Park.
– Drive a car
If you want more freedom and flexibility, you can rent a car and drive around Sibenik.
But this option may not suit everyone, as driving in Sibenik can be nerve-wracking and costly.
The traffic can be heavy, especially in summer, and parking can be hard to find and expensive.
You also need to pay attention to the signs and rules, as some roads are one-way or restricted.
The best time to visit Sibenik
If you’re planning to visit this amazing city in Croatia, you would want to know: when is the best time to visit Sibenik?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Here are some factors to consider:
– Weather: If you want to enjoy the sunny and warm weather, the best time to visit Sibenik is between June and August.
These are the hottest months and have the least rain.
You can expect temperatures around 30°C and plenty of sunshine. But, be prepared for some crowds and higher prices, as this is also the peak tourist season.
– Events: If you’re interested in experiencing some of Sibenik’s cultural and musical events, you might want to plan your trip around them.
In July and August, you can enjoy the Sibenik Summer Festival.
And in September, you can join the Sibenik Dance Festival, a celebration of contemporary dance and movement.
– Prices: If you’re on a budget, you might want to avoid the high season and opt for the shoulder or low season instead.
The shoulder season runs from April to May and from September to October, and offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
The low season runs from November to March, and offers cool weather, very few tourists, and bargain prices.
(Please note that some attractions and services may be closed or have reduced hours.)
What’s Next?
If you like Sibenik, or if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you have to visit Dubrovnik. It’s bigger and more crowded than Sibenik, but worth the visit. Check out my article Dubrovnik: all you need to know before visiting!
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