Things to Do in Šibenik

This Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only cathedral in Europe built entirely from stone.

• Built 1431-1536 from limestone and marble
• Over 70 carved head sculptures on the exterior
• Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Iron Bank of Braavos
• Entry fee includes free access to the Interpretation Centre (Civitas Sacra)

The Cathedral of St. James dominates the main square. It took more than a century to finish, with the Croatian sculptor Juraj Dalmatinac taking over construction in the 1440s. The exterior gleams white and is covered with lifelike heads of men, women, and children - nobody knows exactly who they represent. Step inside to see the simple altar, marble walls, and a carved ceiling in the Baptistry downstairs. The dome roof was heavily damaged during the 1991 shelling but was repaired between 1992 and 1997. Your ticket also gets you into the Interpretation Centre, a three-floor museum with exhibits on the cathedral's history and the war damage. I spent over an hour there on a rainy day. If you are into behind-the-scenes details, do not lose your ticket.

The oldest fortress in Šibenik offers commanding views from 60 metres above sea level, right over the old town and the Krka River mouth.

• Core of Šibenik's medieval defense system
• Open-air summer stage with more than 1000 seats
• Revitalized in 2014
• Ticket (10€) also covers Barone and St. John's Fortresses

St. Michael's Fortress sits on a steep hill above the historic centre. It was the starting point around which the town grew. The name comes from a 12th-century church that stood inside its walls. The climb is steep and involves many stairs, but the payoff is a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea, the islands, and the red roofs of the old town. The fortress was revitalized in 2014 and now hosts concerts on its open-air stage during summer. At the time of my visit (November 2022), the cost was 75.35 HRK, which has since been updated to 10€. That single ticket includes free entry to Barone Fortress and St. John's Fortress, which are a short walk away. The marked path starts in the old town, but be honest with your fitness level - the ascent is tough.

Built by the Venetians on a small island in the harbour, this 16th-century fortress protected Šibenik from seafaring invaders.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Reachable only by a 30-minute boat tour from the waterfront
• Interactive audiovisual tablet brings the ruins to life
• The fortress never allowed another sea invasion of Šibenik

St. Nicholas Fortress stands on the islet of Ljuljevac, right in Šibenik's harbour. The Venetians built it in the 16th century, and it did its job: Šibenik was never again invaded from the sea. To get there, join a boat tour that departs from the waterfront. After about 30 minutes on the Adriatic, you step ashore to explore the fortress on foot. An interactive tablet helps you understand what the ruins looked like in their prime. This is one of two UNESCO sites in Šibenik (the other is the Cathedral of St. James). The boat trip itself is a pleasant ride with views of the coast and the surrounding islands.

With 2851 stone steps, Šibenik's old town is a steep maze of white marble flagstones, arches, and narrow alleys.

• 2851 stone steps - the most of any Croatian town
• White marble flagstones and buildings
• Labyrinth of streets connects major sights
• Lantern-lit streets create a golden glow at night

Put away the map and just walk. The old town of Šibenik is built on a rocky hillside, so you will be climbing stairs everywhere. The white stone gives the whole area a clean, bright feel. Signs point to churches, gardens, and caves around every corner. One minute you pass through a tunnel, the next you emerge in a small square with a view of the cathedral. The streets are safe and easy to navigate on foot. At night the lantern-style lights turn the alleys a warm gold - a completely different atmosphere from the daytime heat. I walked the same routes at different hours and saw something new each time.

The main city beach is a 10-minute walk from the centre, with pebbles, clean water, and a viewpoint that many say offers the best view of Šibenik.

• Pebble beach ideal for families
• Outdoor exercise ground nearby
• Elevated viewpoint with Italian-village-style panorama
• Restaurants and pubs along the promenade leading to it

Banj Beach is where locals and visitors cool off in the summer. The water is clear, and the pebbles are comfortable enough for lying out. There are a few facilities including an exercise area. Just a few metres away, a viewpoint gives you a picture-perfect shot of the whole town - the red roofs, the cathedral dome, and the fortresses on the hills. Some people say it looks like a smaller Cinque Terre. I walked up there a few times during my stay because I could not get enough of the view. The promenade from the bus station to the beach is full of bars and restaurants, so you can grab a drink along the way.

This restored Franciscan garden on the path to St. Michael's Fortress is a quiet oasis of herbs and medicinal plants.

• Restored and reopened in 2007 after being forgotten for almost 100 years
• Medicinal and Mediterranean herbs similar to what monks planted
• Fountain and stone-walled geometric layout
• Cafe inside for a drink after the climb

The Medieval Mediterranean Garden sits on the grounds of the former St. Lawrence Monastery. It was lost for nearly a century before being carefully restored in 2007. The garden is designed in neat geometric beds with herbs and plants that would have been used in medieval kitchens and medicine. A fountain sits in the centre. It is a calm spot to take a break from the steep streets of the old town. There is a small cafe inside. On my visit the garden was closed for renovations, so check ahead if you plan to go. The garden is on the same path that leads up to St. Michael's Fortress, so you can visit both in one trip.