Šibenik walking tour & city guide
A stone cathedral, four fortresses and the Krka waterfalls.
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Šibenik is the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic, founded by Croats rather than Romans or Greeks. Its old town is a maze of steep stone lanes and staircases leading up from the sea, and it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral of St James and the St Nicholas Fortress.
The cathedral and the old town
The Cathedral of St James was built entirely of stone, without any bricks or wood, between 1431 and 1535. Its outer wall is decorated with a frieze of 71 carved heads, said to be portraits of local people from the time, each with a different expression.
Around the cathedral, the old town climbs the hillside in narrow lanes, small squares and stone staircases. It was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Fortresses and Krka
Šibenik has four fortresses. St Michael's Fortress, above the old town, has an open-air stage with a view over the sea, and the Barone Fortress has been restored with a café and exhibitions. The St Nicholas Fortress guards the narrow channel at the entrance to the bay.
The Krka National Park, upriver, is famous for its waterfalls and travertine pools, especially Skradinski Buk. Boats leave from the town of Skradin to the falls.
Visiting tips
Šibenik is less crowded than Split and Dubrovnik. Combine a visit with Krka and the Kornati islands. Wear comfortable shoes for the many stairs of the old town.
Top sights in Šibenik
- 1
Cathedral of St James
A UNESCO-listed all-stone cathedral.
- 2
St Michael's Fortress
A fortress with a sea-view stage.
- 3
Barone Fortress
A restored fortress with views.
- 4
St Nicholas Fortress
A sea fortress at the bay's entrance.
- 5
Old town lanes
Stone streets and stairways.
- 6
Krka National Park
Waterfalls and travertine pools.
Food markets & where to eat in Šibenik
Šibenik city market
A morning market with local produce.
Waterfront promenade
Cafés facing the bay.
Old town squares
Small restaurants in quiet corners.
Skradin
A riverside town with risotto and seafood.
Food to try in Šibenik
Skradin risotto
A rich veal risotto cooked for many hours.
Šibenik cheese and ham
Dalmatian prosciutto with local cheese.
Seafood buzara
Mussels or scampi in wine, garlic and parsley.
Babić wine
A red wine from the nearby Primošten vineyards.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Šibenik
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ŠibenikCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Šibenik.
- eSIM for CroatiaStay online from the moment you land.
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