Don't be fooled by this town's ancient looks. Inside the medieval walls you'll find a thriving community of people who know how to enjoy life in this wonderful location on the Adriatic Sea shore.
General Info
In central Dalmatia, at the mouth of the Krka river, right where it meets the Adriatic, lies the town of Sibenik. Like most of the other cities along the coast, it has a long history, actually one of the oldest settlements of the eastern Adriatic. Though not as popular as Split or Dubrovnik, Sibenik is still very popular among the boatmen.
80km from Split, Sibenik is located in a deep bay which is protected from the waters of the Adriatic. Unlike some of the other resorts in this part of the country, here you’ll find a lively and youthful atmosphere, favorable for regulars. The modern blends in perfectly with the old as the new architecture seems to complement the ancient buildings.
Travel & Arrival
Unless you’re thinking of travelling the 60km from Split airport to Sibenik, the best way to get in remains by car or bus, along the A1 highway running from Zagreb to Split. There is also an older, but more scenic route along the coast which the adventurer can take, from the southeast of Zadar.
The other way to get in would have to be by water, using one of the ferry services. There are trips three times a week made from Ancona in Italy via Zadar. Ferries also commute between Kaprije, Zirje, Zlarin, Prvic and Vodice island, which makes the area easier to explore by groups.
Avant & Apres Sail
One of liveliest places in Croatia at the time of its Rennaisance, Sibenik has today something to show for that period of cultural expansion, in the form of the famous St. James cathedral, the fortifications of the old town and some of the other churches around the city center. When you’re done giving the main streets a once over, make sure you head out to the beautiful Krka National Park, famous for its seven waterfalls, as well as the Kornati Archipelago, a paradise for enthusiasts.
The vast majority of food venues here serve that omnipresent dish on all Mediterranean shores – the pizza, but also the grilled fish dishes, specific to the Dalmatian cuisine. Add to that pasta and olive oil, and you’ll understand the influence the ancient sailors coming from Italy had on the locals. The native wines are also rather famous for their body and aroma. For a complete experience, take your hungry crew to the Dolac area which is something like a food court.
That youthful atmosphere comes in very handy come night time, as the bars and clubs open up to the masses of people looking for a good time. Young or old, they all flock to the city’s hotspots along the very narrow streets where barely two tables can lay side by side. On the other hand, Sibenik is home to one of the largest entertainment centers this side of the Adriatic, called Aurora, which can hold up to 3000 people.
Events & Actions
The biggest annual event in Sibenik has to be the international Children’s Festival happening at the end of June. On the day of the town’s patron saint, St. Michael, there is a fair during which there are numerous food servings and musical events. For the lovers, Sibenik has an annual cruiser regatta, going on at the beginning of December.