This city will offer even the most demanding tourists excellent cuisine, luxury views, clean sea and all this without crowds of tourists on the beaches and streets.
While Dubrovnik and Split epitomize Croatian holidays, seasoned travelers are increasingly turning their attention to less-visited alternatives along the Adriatic coast.
Sibenik, a charming coastal town with a rich history, offers tourists a more relaxed, authentic Croatian vacation away from the crowds.
Why visit Sibenik
The magnificent Sibenik has the same rich history as Dubrovnik, and the old town is more peaceful. Located in the sea bay between Zadar and Split, this tiny town bears a resemblance to Dubrovnik. Both were maritime shopping centers in the Middle Ages. Both were conquered by the Republic of Venice, and therefore have many magnificent Venetian-style architecture.
Sibenik is home to 34,000 locals, and there are no crowds of tourists, so it still retains the routine of everyday life, with a lighter atmosphere.
From Riva, the Sibenik embankment, a staircase rises to the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This masterpiece was built between 1431 and 1536 from white stone quarried on the islands of Brac and Korcula. What makes this cathedral particularly fascinating is the montage of architectural styles, with elements of Gothic and Renaissance superimposed on each other, and the frieze of 71 carved heads that lines the exterior walls-caricatures of 15th-century locals in various expressions ranging from hilarious to frightening.
The compact center accommodates 22 elegant churches, as well as the church and Monastery of St. Lawrence. The city’s narrow alleys and passageways lead up to the Fortress of St. Michael, which was first registered as a church in 1066 and was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries.
Sibenik’s surroundings offer some of Croatia’s most magnificent natural attractions. Krka National Park, with its waterfalls and the remains of a historic hydroelectric power station, is just a short drive away. You will also find estuaries to swim in and pebble beaches, including Banj Beach with views of the old town, Rezalishte Beach a 10-minute drive east and Olive Beach a 15-minute drive away.
The elegant island of Zlarin is a local secret of Sibenik. For tourists, there are four Jadrolinija ferries a day that depart from Sibenik Pier and disembark at the marina of Zlarina, the journey takes only 25 minutes.
Boats will also take you to the Kornati Islands, a beautiful archipelago and another of Croatia’s national parks.
The gastronomic side of Sibenik is another good reason to visit it. The city boasts several outstanding restaurants. Pelegrini offers a menu with modern interpretations of traditional dishes.
For a more casual dinner experience, Peperoncino Kitchen & Bar serves creative dishes such as tuna gnocchi and cheese steak sandwiches on the charming terrace. And pizza lovers should not miss Koka Pizza, a wonderful family-run restaurant that is often called the best in Croatia.
Sibenik occupies an impressive place in the technological history. One of the world’s first hydroelectric power stations was built on the Krka River in 1895, the second of its kind after Nikola Tesla at Niagara Falls. Local engineer, inventor and future mayor Ante Szupak worked with his son to build this groundbreaking structure, making Sibenik the third city in the world with an AC street lighting system and the first with a complete production, distribution and transmission system.
For a great location near the old town, choose the Bellevue Hotel, where you can pay extra for a room with a sea view. Heritage Hotel Life Palace in a restored Renaissance palace right in the heart of the old town. For luxury lovers, Armerun Heritage Hotel & Residences is a boutique hotel in Sibenik, hidden in the northern part of Riva.
Sibenik is located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast, so traveling between it and other Croatian attractions is easy. Sibenik is a 50-minute drive from Zadar Airport and a 55-minute drive from Split Airport, both of which have regular connections to Zagreb as well as European transport hubs.
The national bus operator of Croatia, Arriva Croatia, operates direct flights between Zagreb and Sibenik’s main bus station. The trip takes about three hours and costs about 24 euros each way. Once in the city, you won’t need transportation, as the bus station is just a short walk from the center, although be prepared for stairs: Sibenik’s old town has many steep climbs that map apps may not fully display.
Arriva Croatia and FlixBus buses connect Sibenik with Dubrovnik. The journey will take four and a half hours. Book your tickets in advance during the summer months, as the route is very popular with tourists. One-way travel costs from 27 to 30 euros, depending on the season.
Split can be reached in an hour by bus or car. The trip costs about 12 euros and runs frequently during the day.
