15 Best Things To Do in Sibenik, Croatia

Sibenik, Croatia is an absolute gem! In fact, we believe Sibenik is one of the Best Cities To See in Croatia.

We have visited on a day trip and have made it our base for a week-long stay. From our personal experiences, we are highlighting the best things to do in Sibenik!

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Planning What To Do in Sibenik, Croatia

Those traveling to Sibenik from abroad should read our tips for How To Plan a Croatia Vacation. For ideas on how to put together your route, take a look at our complete Croatia Itinerary.

Also, as you plan your vacation to Croatia, organization is key. Use our Travel Planner Printables to stay on top of all the necessary details!

15 Top Things To Do in Sibenik, Croatia

As we already mentioned, on our first trip we spent one day in Sibenik. This was just long enough to see a few top attractions.

On our week-long stay, we discovered a multitude of Sibenik things to do – from island-hopping to coastal walks to hidden gems!

#1 Visit the Sibenik Cathedral

The enormous and impressive St. James Cathedral is a must-see! Made completely from stone – it dates to the 15th century and was built over a 100-year period from 1431 to 1535.

The grand, towering dome can be seen from afar – but the up-close views are truly impressive. Standing on the steps, the intricately designed main façade looms large overhead.

The interior is open to visitors, but requires a ticket. Inside the dark interior of the church are ornate side altars and an extraordinary main altar.

However, the highlight is the baptistery, which is to the right of the main altar. The small room features incredibly detailed carvings.

On the exterior, look for the humorous statues of Adam and Eve on the side portico (facing the large square). Another interesting and notable feature is the 71 stone-carved heads.

Across the square is the elegant Sibenik Town Hall, which was built in the 16th century. The building – styled with pillars and arches – had to be completely rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II.

#2 Explore the Sibenik Fortresses

Once a heavily fortified city, there are four remaining fortresses in Sibenik. Three of these (St. Michael’s Fort, Barone Fort and St. John’s Fort) sit above town and one is on the sea (St. Nicholas Fort).

For many years, Sibenik’s forts sat in various states of disrepair – but now they are all open to explore. In fact, you can purchase a combo ticket that allows entrance into all three forts on land.

St. Michael Fortress

From a prominent position hovering above town, St. Michael Fort has existed in some form since the Iron Age. It was also the first to be restored in 2014.

However, rather than recreating every historic detail, the interior was redesigned to host an open-air stage and 1,000+ seat auditorium.

Sitting like a wedding cake topper, the St. Michael Fort is easily located, simply follow the signs up the inclined lanes from the center.

Fortress Barone and St. John

Both the Barone Fortress and St. John’s Fortress date to the mid-1600s, when Sibenik was under Venetian rule.

The forts were built to defend the city from the Ottomans. However, they were not built by the Venetians, but rather by the people of Sibenik.

In fact, with an impending invasion, both were built in just 58 days. As intended, they helped to secure the city and the Ottomans were forced to retreat.

In addition to the reconstructed site and fine sea views, guests are able to experience the past via an augmented reality digital tour. The fort also features a café, gift shop and a kids playground.

St. John’s Fortress, which is the highest Sibenik stronghold, was used as part of the city’s defense system.

Although it fell to partial ruins, a complete renovation was finished in 2022 and it is now open to the public

Top Tip: You can choose to let a guide lead the way to all 3 land forts on this tour!

St. Nicholas Fortress

St. Nicholas is the sea fort in Sibenik that sits on the west end of the narrow St. Anthony Canal. Tvrdava Sv Nikole in Croatian, it was built as part of the complete defensive system.

Constructed in the 16th century, it is another Sibenik sight on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visits are permitted by joining organized boat tours (which only run in the summer season).

#3 Set Off on the St. Anthony Channel Walk

The St. Anthony Canal is located directly across the water from the Sibenik Old Town – with the St. Nicolas Fortress guarding the far end where the channel opens to the sea. Boat trips departing for the Sibenik Islands sail through the canal.

A paved path lines the south side of the channel – from St. Nicholas Fort all the way to the Mandalina Marina near the Sibenik city center. The Sibenik canal walk features impressive vistas and a few sights along the way.

In addition to views of the exterior of the fort, you can also explore historic bunkers, a church in a cave, and an old military boat and submarine tunnel.

While the St. Anthony Channel Trail is one of our favorite things to do in Sibenik, it is a little difficult to get there without a car.

We took the public bus to Zablace, then walked to the fort. From there, we continued on foot for the entire length of the canal…then all the way back to Sibenik. (Allow at least 4 hours for this walk.)

#4 Relax at a Sibenik Beach

Some of the top things to see in Sibenik are not historic structures, but beaches!

The closest to the city is Banj Beach, which is less than a mile north of the Old Town. The beach is comprised of small pebbles and there is an on-site restaurant.

The water is calm and clean and ideal for swimming and you can rent loungers and sun umbrellas.

However, what we love most about this beach are the spectacular Sibenik city views from across the water.

Other top choices for some fun in the sun are Rezaliste Beach and Beach Srima. The best beaches near Sibenik, however, are in the neighboring town of Vodice (which we talk about later) and the Beaches in Split.

#5 Creep around at St. Ana Cemetery

When considering what to do in Sibenik, touring a cemetery might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this hillside graveyard has elevated burial sites and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.

#6 Stroll through St. Lawrence Monastery

While Sibenik sightseeing, another retreat from the narrow, old town lanes is the Medieval Monastery Garden of St. Lawrence.

The colorful and fragrant garden, which is enclosed by walls, was opened to the public in 2007 as a park.

Walk past the café at the entrance into the main garden. The design replicates the type of garden that the monks would have planted.

The Church of St. Lawrence was built in the 17th century and the crumbling remains of the bell tower rise above the garden.

Near the monastery entrance (below the garden) is the Lourdes Grotto. Inside the cave is a statue of Mary.

#7 Book at Sibenik Game of Thrones Tour

Many scenes from the popular TV show were filmed in Croatia – including the town of Sibenik for season 5. You can join this tour to learn about each site and get a locals perspective of the series.

#8 Meander Sibenik Old Town

Sibenik is a spectacular jumble of ancient lanes. We were absolutely enamored by the streets that led to hidden cafes, tucked away playgrounds and fascinating displays of architecture.

We often wandered aimlessly, allowing our senses to lead the way. However, you might want to join this highly-rated walking tour and let a guide lead you through town.

On our walks, we never strolled far before stumbling onto yet another Sibenik church. Unfortunately, many are closed to the public – but the ones that are open are well-worth a quick visit.

We recommend popping into the Church of St. Francis, which has an accompanying museum. If, by chance, the small Church of St. Nikole is open, go in to see the well-decorated interior.

The historic Croatian National Theater is an architectural gem – and you should definitely take time to seek it out.

The Sibenik City Museum – located near the cathedral – is another worthwhile stop while navigating through the Old Town. It details the history of the city through artifacts and interesting exhibits.

#9 Walk along the Sibenik Marina and Waterfront

One of the best reasons to visit Sibenik is for its seaside location. Benches line the pedestrian walkway bordering the Old Town.

Several cafes are also found along the walk, selling ice cream, coffee, beer and wine. Getting an ice cream cone and walking along the water is one of the top Sibenik, Croatia things to do!

Once you check off your list of what to see in Sibenik, walk the length of the town along the waterfront to the north toward Banj Beach.

Along the way, pass small fishing boats and quaint cafes with tables spilling out to the water’s edge.

Just before the beach, there is an elevated lookout point that offers stunning views of the cathedral, fortress and Old Town.

#10 Take a Day Trip from Sibenik to Krka Waterfalls

A waterfalls trip to Krka National Park is the most popular Sibenik tour. The water glides and tumbles until it thunders over Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall in Krka Park.

The cute town of Skradin, which serves as the main entrance to the Krka Waterfall Park, is located just 11 miles from Sibenik – and there are a few options of how to get there.

Krka NP Tour from Sibenik

Visitors can book a private tour from Sibenik to Krka Waterfalls, which is a hassle-free way to see the natural wonder at your desired pace. Get the details!

DIY Sibenik Day Trip to Krka

Alternatively, you can organize your own day trip from Sibenik to Krka NP. Several buses depart to Skradin and Lozovac (a second entrance).

Check the current bus schedules at the Sibenik Bus Station – and use the tips in our article, how to take a Day Trip to Krka National Park.

Sibenik to Krka by Boat

In the summertime, visitors can depart from Sibenik by boat for a tour of Krka. Find more details from the boat company kiosks at the Sibenik Harbor.

Pro Tip: Plitvice Lakes National Park is another one of Croatia’s natural wonders. Although quite a bit further than Krka NP, those traveling on to Zagreb can book a driver that includes a stop at Plitvice.

#11 Hop on a Sibenik Boat Tour to Kornati

Sibenik day trips on the water are ideal and Kornati National Park and Archipelago is a top destination. Comprised of 89 islands, a boat tour through the area is an extraordinary adventure.

Most of the Sibenik boat trips to Kornati Islands – like this one – include swimming, snorkeling, hiking and dolphin spotting!

#12 Set Sail to Sibenik Islands

While Kornati is a preserved space, there are several islands (Otok in Croatian) just off the coast where people live and work.

The largest ones – Zlarin, Kaprije, Zirje and Prvic – are well-connected to the mainland with regular ferry service, which is perfect for an island hopping Sibenik adventure!

Ferry to Otok Kaprije

On our trip, we opted to take the ferry to Kaprije. While the island is long and slender, we were content exploring the southern portion on foot.

Top things to see on Kaprije are the Church of St. Peter and adjoining cemetery, Portic public beach and Mala Nozdra beach cove.

We also trekked to the top of the hill (following the path from the church cemetery), which culminated in sweeping views of the sea.

Pro Tip: The Sibenik Ferry Line 532 stops at Zlarin, Kaprije and Zirje, making it easy for passengers to catch a ride to one – or more – islands in a day!

Sibenik Boat Tours

While the public ferries are an affordable and efficient way to get around the archipelago, boat tours are, perhaps, a more enthralling option to experience island hopping.

Visitors can book a Sibenik excursion on a private, skippered boat to explore the offshore islands. Find out more!

#13 Visit other Croatian Towns

Exploring the coastal towns on the mainland near Sibenik is a wonderful way to discover more of the region!

Vodice

Vodice, Croatia is another quaint town along the Dalmatian Coast, complete with an ancient church and cobblestone lanes. Top things to do in Vodice are visit the pristine beaches and nearby ruins.

You can get to Vodice by bus or boat. We prefer taking the ferry, because the scenery is simply stunning! Ferries to Vodice also make stops at Zlarin and Prvic Islands.

Primosten

The town of Primosten is located to the south of Sibenik. Once an islet, the channel was filled in during the 1500s. The prime things to do in Primosten are spending time at the beautiful beaches and feasting on local fare.

Pro Tip: Primosten is also easily accessible from Split, Croatia, which is where we were staying when we visited.

#14 Learn about Sealife at the Sibenik Aquarium

The small Sibenik Aquarium is situated in the heart of the Old Town. The aquarium-terrarium features fish and small reptiles that reside in the sea, rivers and nearby lakes.

#15 Take a Leap of Faith

Thrill-seekers might be interested in a bungee jump from the Sibenik Bridge. The Sibenik Most straddles that Krka River north of the city.

Another exhilarating adventure, the Sibenik Zipline is located in the beautiful Cikola Canyon. You can choose from 3 different lines for varying perspectives. Book it!

Sibenik Map of Attractions

Use this Google Map for our Sibenik, Croatia map online version from below.

Sibenik Travel Tips

Now that you know all of the best things to do, we have a few more tips for your trip!

Getting to Sibenik

Sibenik can be reached by car or bus. For those driving their own car (or a rental car), there are two main lots and street parking; both cost.

You can take a taxi from Split to Sibenik, but it is pricey. Check fares and book private transfers online.

The closest airports to Sibenik are in Split (SPU) and Zadar (ZAD). Search for the best deals on flights to Croatia on Skyscanner!

The cheapest way to get from the airport to Sibenik is by bus. You can also organize private transfers to Sibenik online in advance.

The Sibenik Bus Station is conveniently located right on the south end of the Old Town. There is a helpful information desk at the station where visitors can get schedules and bus information.

Where To Stay in Sibenik

There are plenty of choices – but before you make reservations, be sure to read our tips on Booking the Best Hotels.

The Bellevue Superior City offers modern sea-facing rooms at reasonable prices. The adults only Heritage Hotel King Kresimir, located in the historic Old Town, also gets rave reviews.

What To Pack for Sibenik, Croatia

Finally, we have a few packing hacks for your backpack or suitcase. Now grab our FREE Checklist and then let’s get you to Europe!

Durable Shoes

The Sibenik city center is located on a hillside – and the lanes that weave through town are paved with slick stones. So be sure to bring a pair of comfortable travel shoes.

I like wearing these trainers by New Balance – and Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes for any exploration.

Weather Appropriate Gear

Summer travelers will want to make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen! It’s a good idea to pack a wrap (to cover your shoulders if touring churches) that doubles as a beach towel and picnic blanket.

In summer it gets very hot in Croatia and the tap water is safe to drink. This collapsible water bottle is ideal for traveling.

Those visiting outside of the summer season should be prepared for foul weather with a travel umbrella and lightweight raincoat.

Travel Camera and Day Pack

We recommend upgrading to an actual camera rather than using your phone. We shoot with a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, which is a great beginner DSLR for travelers.

You will also want a great day bag to organize all of your daily travel items!

Croatia Travel Insurance

No matter how well you plan, things can still go sideways. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

Visiting other Croatia Destinations

Croatia is a fascinating place to visit – and you won’t want to miss the best sights! Use our helpful tips in these city guides.

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