Šibenik

Šibenik is the oldest native Croatian town on the eastern Adriatic, first mentioned in 1066. The city is famous for Saint James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site built entirely in stone without binder between 1431-1536. The old town features Venetian-era fortresses, centuries-old Dalmatian stone houses, and the traditional orange-and-black Šibenik hat as the city's symbol. Notable locals include parachute inventor Faust Vrančić, basketball legend Dražen Petrović, and pianist Maksim Mrvica.

Šibenik is well connected by bus to Croatia, surrounding countries, and Central Europe including Dortmund and Ljubljana. The bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Šibenik) operates 07:00-22:00 with left luggage service available. Local ferries operate from the ferry quay to Kaprije, Prvic Luka, Sepurine, Vodice, Zirje, and Zlarin. The railway station (Kolodvor Šibenik) connects via the Šibenik-Perković line to Split and Zagreb, though trains are quite slow.

The old town is walkable, with the main pedestrian street Kalelarga (officially King Tomislav's street) running through the historic center. Taxis and local buses serve the wider city area. Cycling along Kanal sv. Ante is a popular activity with dedicated routes.

Summer (June-August) brings beach-goers to nearby Jadrija, Solaris, Žaborić, Grebaštica, Brodarica, and Srima. Visiting in late September offers access to the Medieval festival where medieval-themed goods can be purchased. The shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) offer milder weather for sightseeing with fewer crowds.

Private accommodation in Šibenik is less developed than in other Croatian cities, with fewer "sobe" (room) signs visible. A hostel called Indigo is located in the old part of the city. Budget travelers should book ahead during peak summer season as options are more limited compared to neighboring destinations.

Kike Pizzeria in the ancient part of the city is worth a visit for pizza. Dalmatian klapa singing performances can be enjoyed at venues along Kalelarga. Local specialties include seafood, olive oil, and dry figs. The medieval monastery garden has a quiet cafe with views of the old town and sea.

The Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala sv. Jakova) costs €2 and is open 9:30-18:30, featuring 72 carved human heads on its exterior. St. Michael's Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila) sits 70m above sea level with panoramic views for €3. Beach activities include picigin, a traditional ball game from Split, played at shallow sandy beaches. Nightlife options include Hacienda club in Vodice (15 minutes by car) and Aurora club in Primošten (30 minutes by car).

Šibenik is generally a safe city for travelers. The sea in Šibenik bay itself is not very clean, so visitors prefer the beaches in surrounding areas like Jadrija and Solaris. Standard urban precautions apply in the old town at night.

As of September 2021, Šibenik and the coastal highway have 4G coverage from A1 and Tele2, and 5G from T-Mobile. WiFi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, and accommodations throughout the city.

Kalelarga (King Tomislav's street) offers shops, squares, and cafes. Traditional Dalmatian klapa singing CDs make unique souvenirs. Nearby islands Krapanj and Zlarin are famous for sponge and coral jewelry respectively, dating back to the 17th century. The traditional orange-and-black Šibenik hat costs more than €20, so consider buying a mini replica instead. Olive oil and dry figs are quality local products. The Dalmare shopping mall on the southern outskirts includes major European clothing chains, a Konzum supermarket, and a 24-hour McDonald's.

Krka National Park features breathtaking waterfalls, flora, fauna, and historical remains. Kornati National Park is famous for its numerous islands and diving opportunities. Telašćica Nature Park sits adjacent to Kornati. Zadar and Split are easily reachable by bus or ferry for further exploration of the Dalmatian coast.