Sibenik Itinerary – Best things to do in Sibenik in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days

Looking for a more authentic Croatian experience? Unlike some of the more touristy towns along the Dalmatian Coast, I found this charming city to offer a glimpse into local life and culture that felt genuine. You can experience the authenticity of local life and culture, from the stone buildings and winding streets to the friendly locals and adorable stray cats.

Šibenik is the perfect place to slow down and take in your surroundings, but don’t be fooled by the peaceful atmosphere – there’s still plenty to see and do!

One of the most striking features of Šibenik are the four impressive fortresses that surround the city. The city center boasts medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and the magnificent St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If nature is more your thing, Šibenik is surrounded by breathtaking national parks you’ll love exploring. And did I mention the food? Trust me, your taste bud will thank you for visiting Sibenik!

Below I’m sharing crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do in Sibenik in 1, 2, 3 and 5 days.

These itineraries are what I wish I had before my first visit to Sibenik. I’ve included unmissable sights like St. James Cathedral, some hiden gems along the Dalmatian coast and I also made sure you get plenty of fun (and the best dalmatian food) into your days. This way you’ll get a feel for the history and culture, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the culinary delights and vibe of the city, as well as the beautiful surroundings.

In a hurry? Book your Sibenik essentials:

These are the top things to do in Sibenik that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on, and a fantastic hotel for your stay!

Armerun Heritage Hotel
Old town walking tour
Gourmet & history tour
Kornati speedboat excursion
Krka National Park trip

Sibenik itinerary overview – the best of Sibenik, Croatia

With its strategic location, rich history, and seaside views, Šibenik is the perfect place to get lost for a few days. The below itineraries will have you explore historic landmarks and charming alleyways, lounge in the sun and savor the delicious local dishes, embark on an adventure to the national parks, or seek a thrilling rush.

Read next: Best things to do in Sibenik

These 1, 2, 3, and 5 day Sibenik itineraries will let you experience a diverse range of what Sibenik has to offer. Some days would be best experienced if you have your own means of transport but I’m also giving you tour options if you don’t wish to rent a car.

I’ll be giving you plenty of information with links to other relevant articles for each attraction or activity whenever I mention it for the first time. But since these activities repeat for different itineraries I left those as a list and you can refer back up for more info when needed.

Refer to this map of Sibenik attractions to find the things mentioned below.

How many days in Sibenik

While the old town of Sibenik can be combed through in just a few hours, 2 days are the perfect amount of time to spend in Sibenik. By spending at least one night in Sibenik you’ll be able to visit also the forts and Krka National Park, as well as experience the culinary delights of this city. If you want to also visit Kornati National Park, I’d recommend an additional day.

Where to stay in Sibenik

Sibenik is fairly small but the town stretches up several hills making it a little bit trickier to walk back up to your accommodation, especially in the heat of summer. Another consideration, as always with medieval towns, is parking.

Read next: Your guide to the best accommodation in Sibenik

If you’re traveling by car make sure your chosen accommodation offers on-site parking and keep in mind that some areas are pedestrian only so you might have to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets and stairs.

Sibenik 5 day itinerary

If you have 5 days in Sibenik you’ll be able to explore the city and its surroundings in a leisurely way. This itinerary includes several day trips and is best experience if you have your own transport at least on days 2,3 and 4.

Day 1 – Sibenik Historic Center

You can discover the historic sites scattered around town on your own or join this walking tour for a more streamlined experience. And if, like me, you’re always hungy, you’ll love this gourmet & history tour.

As you meander, be prepared to conquer the elevation changes with a network of stone stairways. Allegedly, Šibenik boasts the most stairs of any city in Croatia, surpassing even the famous Dubrovnik.

Book your tour:
Sibenik walking tour
Gourmet & history tour
GOT tour

Cathedral of St. James

Šibenik’s Cathedral of St. James is the crown jewel of the city’s Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monumental cathedral, built entirely of stone over the course of more than a century blends seamlessly Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Over 70 unique faces peer out from the cathedral’s facade, each representing ordinary townsfolk from the 15th century and adding to the cathedral’s charm.

The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik isn’t just a stunning masterpiece of architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it also made an appearance in Game of Thrones!

City Hall

Just across the square from the cathedral, Šibenik Town Hall is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture with beautiful large columns, arches, and balustrade. From its balcony, you’ll get an extraordinary view of the Cathedral of St. James.

Today the hall hosts a cute cafe and restaurant so grab a sit and take in the city vibe.

Church of St. Barbara

Behind the cathedral, you’ll discover the delightful little Church of St. Barbara (Sv. Barbara). This little gem boasts a unique façade with an unusual 24-hour clock with Roman numerals, a statue of St. Nicholas in a niche above the door, and two small bell towers. Inside you’ll find the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art.

City Museum

As you walk down the stairs from St Barbara church and through a big arch you’ll find yourself at the waterfront. Here you’ll find the Šibenik City Museum hosted in a late Renaissance-era Rector’s Palace, once a governor’s residence.

Šibenik City Museum opened in 1925 to tell the story of the Šibenik region on its 1,000th anniversary. Inside you’ll find over 150,000 artifacts, spanning from prehistoric to modern times, the museum is organized by era and artifact type.

Lunch on the waterfront

Continue down the riva towards Bronzin, a chick yet affordable restaurant on the waterfront. Here you can indulge in some delicious seafood and traditional dalmatian dishes with a twist.

Coastal stroll & Bonj beach

After you’ve fueled up it’s time for a little walk. Take the beautiful stroll along the coast North towards Bonj Beach.

While this wouldn’t be my go-to option for a beach day, this small pebble beach offers an unbeatable panoramic view of the town (and it’s still good enough for a quick dip if that’s what you crave).

While here, take the chance to enjoy the Petrus Beach Club, they have delicious coffee and a great selection of cocktails. Take it easy, you’ve got plenty of time!

Gardens at St. Lawrence Monastery

Return towards town along the seafront before climbing up to St. Lawrence Monastery. Take your time wandering through the labyrinthine streets and alleys, and get ready to be swept away by the enchanting Old Town of Šibenik and its medieval charm.

As you reach the Monastery make your way to the hidden Mediterranean gardens. After over 100 years of untamed growth, the garden was restored to its former glory of neat geometric beds, filled with herbs and bushes, and scattered fruit trees and roses providing a pop of color.

Surrounded by stone walls that protect the garden from the outside world, take a moment to relax in the soothing atmosphere. 

St. Michael’s Fortress

From the gardens, it’s just a short walk up to St. Michael’s Fortress. This fort has been standing proud since the Middle Ages and is the first of the four fortresses built in Sibenik. It’s situated right in the heart of the old town, atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Since its renovation and reopening in 2014, this iconic fortress has become a hub for outdoor performances, hosting concerts and other events throughout the year. Consider attending one if you like the program.

If you don’t want to pay to enter St. Michael’s Fortress or can’t make it there during the opening times, the adjacent graveyard of St Anna offers a very similar view, for free and at any time of the day. As morbid as it might sound, this graveyard is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset in Sibenik.

Dinner and drinks in town

Sibenik offers a great selection of restaurants and bars, with even the ones in incredible locations reasonably priced. But you already got proof of this with luch eariler today.

For dinner I’d recommend Bistro Bava which is a chick, modern and lively dinner venue in the old town with a fabulous garden terrace. After dinner head up to NaMaLo which offers an incredible wine list or my all time favourite, Jack Rabbit Slim’s which features fun decor and the cocktails are to die for.

Day 2 – Krka NP and Skradin

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is only a 20-30min drive from Sibenik and an absolute must do while in the area. This park is a paradise of waterfalls, cascades, and plunging pools that will leave you in awe. While Skradinski Buk is the park’s most famous feature, this network of cascades and waterfalls is just the beginning!

If you’re driving on your own make sure to book your tickets in advance and explore the rest of the park as well. While you can reach Roski slap by boat you’ll have way more flexibility driving and you’ll be able to stop at the many viewpoints along the way and see Visovac island.

If you don’t have your own car, book this speed boat tour that will take you up the Krka river to the Skradin entrance to the National Park. Driving up this canyon is an experience in itself! 

Read next: Your guide to visiting Krka National Park

Dinner and views in Skradin

If you’re looking to explore the culinary scene of Croatia, Skradin is a must-visit destination!

This charming village has a rich history that dates back to the Illyrians, when it was known as Scardona. Over the centuries, it has been captured, destroyed, and rebuilt under various rulers. Today, Skradin is a peaceful village with a beautiful waterfront that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or to anchor your boat at.

But what Skradin is most known for are the mouth-watering Skradin Cake and Skradin risotto. Restoran Skala and Family Restaurant Bonaca are both great choices to taste these delicious dishes.

If you did the organized tour tour to Krka National Park you’ll get back to Sibenik earlier than you would if you stopped at the viewpoints and in Skradin. Consider taking this time to do this fabulous Sibenik by Night tour. I’ve squeezed it in on the last day but you’ll be better off doing it today considering how much time you’ll have in the evening.

Day 3 – Forts, Aquapark, Primosten

St. John’s Fort

St. John’s Fortress is the highest of the 4 fortresses in Sibenik and a bit of a hike to get to. So pick up your rental car and start the day by driving up here for some breathtaking views over the city.

The whole fort was built in only 58 days by the locals to protect their city against the Ottomans and is currently unergoing renovations so make sure to check the official website for access details, as some areas may be closed due to restoration.

Barone Fortress

After 370 years of neglect, the fortress has undergone restoration and it has become one of the most interactive and fun things to do in Šibenik. The museum inside showcases the city’s rich history, and you can even immerse yourself in the battle through AR technology, complete with reanimated characters, sounds, and sights.

There’s also a bistro and coffee shop on site with breathtaking views of the city where you can grab your morning coffee.

Fortress of St. Nicholas

Built in the 16th century on a small island at the entrance to St. Anthony Channel, St. Nicholas Fortress was designed to protect the city from rom sea-bound enemy attacks, and boy did it look the part!

You can take a boat taxi from town to explore the fort. But to be fair, the fort is a lot more impressive from the outside than inside, and it is on the way to your next stop so why not take a peek. Or, you’ll see it up close tomorrow if you choose to go to Kornati National Park on the last day and you can head straight to the fun part of the day.

Aquapark Dalmatia or Etnoland Dalmati

Get ready for some serious fun at Aquapark Dalmatia – Croatia’s first themed park. With over 8,000 square meters of water-filled fun, Aquapark Dalmatia is the ultimate summer destination. You can take on the thrilling water slides, explore the cascading Aqua Rain fortress, or drift along the Lazy River. There’s a bar and restaurant on site for a quick lunch.

Shop these beach essentials:

Straw Beach Bag

SPF Beach Hat

Kindle Paperwhite

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Sand-Free Beach Mat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Self-Cleaning Bottle

If water isn’t your element then Etnoland Dalmati is the choice for you. At this family-owned, unique and captivating living history museum you’ll experience the history of the area first-hand.

A village member will guide you around the narrow cobbled streets and you’ll check out a 100-year-old watermill, craft fairs, weaving workshops, and an original olive press. You’ll also have the chance to watch and learn how traditional foods are prepared, including the famous peka. And the best part? You can sample them too!

Primosten

Once an island, now connected to the mainland, Primosten features picturesque limestone buildings with red-tiled roofs that fill every inch of this picturesque town.

Start by taking in the stunning views from the Our Lady of Loreto Statue. Perched high on a hill it is the perfect vantage point to take in the beautiful views of Primošten and its surrounding areas.

Then head into town and explore its charming streets as you make your way up the hill. The Church of St. George, built in the 15th century, sits at the highest point of the old town, smack in the middle of this almost perfectly round peninsula. The cemetery surrounding the church offers sweeping views of the coast and sea and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Then sit down and indulge in a delicious dinner after this adventure filled day. Restoran Agape in the old town or Saricevi dvori on your way back are both fantastic options.

Day 4 – Cikola, Canyon, Jadrija, Tribunj

Cikola Canyon is an incredible gorge just 30 km from the city center with depths over 170 m. Here you can experience nature and adventure at its finest. While there are plenty of hiking trails around, the best way to experience the Canyon is from a zpiline.

Try this Zipline adventure and experience the thrill of a lifetime by soaring above the canyon reaching speeds over 70 km/h. Take in the magnificent views of the canyon and River Cikola below.

If this seems too much, try this via ferrata. It is perfect for beginners and you’ll be accompanied by a certified guide who will teach you the techniques and make sure you’re safe.

Book your adventure:

Zipline
Via Ferrata

Jadrija Beach

After all that excitement and adrenaline it’s time to relax a bit and hit the beach. Jadrija is iconic among the locals and the perfect spot to spend a chill afternoon.

It is just a few kilometers from Sibenik and surrounded by pine forests and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Perhaps its most striking feature are the colorful changing cabins on the long concrete pier.

There’s an onsite restaurant at the beach or beter yet, a bite in town before heading off. How about a delicious burger at Pluto’s Burger Bar or head to Pa’Kai for a nurishing meal.

Tribunj

Just a bit further North from Jadrija, Tribunj is a charming Mediterranean village that will capture your heart. With its narrow streets and stone houses, this picturesque fishing village sits on a small islet connected to the mainland by a stunning stone bridge.

Take a leisurely walk through the village’s narrow streets and soak up the beautiful surroundings before grabbing dinner at Konoba Šimun just across the bridge on the mainland.

Day 5 – Plitvice or Kornati National Park

It’s a tough choice, I know! Both of these national parks are stunning and worth a visit but since you’ve already been to Krka NP I’d probably lean towards Kornati as the winner for the day, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Either way you’ll get back around 6PM or 7PM, just in time to freshen up and grab some dinner before a night tour, an eery secret I’ve been saving for the last day.

Kornati National Park

Kornati National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 89 islands and islets that will take your breath away. But the beauty of the Kornati Islands isn’t just limited to land. The tranquil waters that surround the islands are home to rare species of algae and mollusks, creating a unique underwater micro-climate.

Sibenik is known as the getaway to the Kornati Islands and this is an adventure you absolutely should not miss out on! The archipelago can be accessed as part of a speedboat group tour or you can opt for a private boat tour for more freedom and flexibility.

Book your Kornati National Park trip

Kornati group speedboat tour
Private Kornati

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Croatia’s oldest and largest National Park. Home to a system of 16 named lakes, split between the Upper and Lower Lakes and connected with over 90 jaw-dropping waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes are sure to take your breath away. 

I highly recommend this day trip to Plitvice from Sibenik, but make sure to book ahead of time to secure your spot. With over 1 million visitors flocking to the park each year, Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction so it’s important to book your visit ahead of time.

Book your Plitvice Lakes trip:

Plitvice Lakes day tour

Experience the mysteries of Medieval Sibenik

When the sun sets down it’s time to experience the dark and mysterious streets of late Medieval Sibenik. Things will get eery on this sinister night tour, an unforgettable experience that will take you back in time to a world filled with intrigue and danger.

You’ll encounter fascinating characters like a Venetian officer, a Widow, and even the Pope who granted the city its status but is said to reside in the eighth circle of Hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy. You’ll visit a Medieval cemetery and witness a funeral procession complete with professional mourning ladies. You’ll hear the superstitions of the time, including the local vampire who brought the plague to the city.

And all along you’ll be learning about the history and stories that still live in the ancient walls of this layered town.

Book your night tour:
The Sinister Mysteries of Sibenik by Night

Sibenik 3 day itinerary

3 days in Sibenik is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and some of its surroundings. I kept this itinerary quite relaxed but if you prefer, you can squeeze a couple more forts into the first day, just keep in mind that you’ll get past St. Nicholas fort on your way to Kornati if you choose to go there on your last day. The second day will be best experienced if you have your own transport and can be flexible with your visit to Krka NP.

Day 1 – Sibenik Historic Center

Book your tour:
Sibenik walking tour
Gourmet & history tour
GOT tour

Cathedral of St. James
City Hall
Church of St. Barbara
City Museum
Lunch on the waterfront
Coastal stroll & Bonj beach
Gardens at St. Lawrence Monastery
St. Michael’s Fortress
Dinner & drinks in town

Day 2 – Krka NP and Skradin

Krka National Park | Speed boat tour | NP tickets

Skradin | Speed boat tour

Day 3 – Kornati or Plitvice and night tour

Kornati National Park | Group boat tour | Private boat tour

Plitvice National Park | Plitvice Lakes day tour

Sibenik night tour | The Sinister Mysteries of Sibenik by Night

Sibenik 2 day itinerary

You can see a lot in two days if you don’t mind waking up early and keeping a slightly faster tempo.

If you prefer to take it easy, simply stick to the outline for days 1 & 2 in the 3-day itinerary above and skip the rest.

Day 1 – Sibenik Historic Center and forts

Book your tour:
Sibenik walking tour
Gourmet & history tour
GOT tour

Cathedral of St. James
City Hall
Church of St. Barbara
Gardens at St. Lawrence Monastery
St. Michael’s Fortress
Lunch on the waterfront
Coastal stroll & Bonj beach
Barone fortress
St. Nicholas fort
Dinner & drinks in town

Day 2 – Krka National Park, Skradin and Night tour

Krka National Park | Speed boat tour | NP tickets

Skradin | Speed boat tour

Sibenik night tour | The Sinister Mysteries of Sibenik by Night

1 day in Sibenik itinerary

If you only have one day in Sibenik it’s up to you to choose if you want to only spend it in town in which case follow the first day recommendations for the 2 day itinerary above. However, if you like to move quickly you can also squeeze in a morning trip to Krka National Park, but you’ll only be able to see Skradinski Buk in such a short time.

Krka NP half-day tour | Speed boat tour | NP tickets

Sibenik historic center | Sibenik walking tour | Gourmet & history tour | GOT tour | Night tour

Lunch on the waterfront
Cathedral of St. James
City Hall
Church of St. Barbara
Gardens at St. Lawrence Monastery
St. Michael’s Fortress
Coastal walk to Bonj beach
Petrus Beach Club for dinner
Drinks in town

Getting to Sibenik and around

The closest airport to Sibenik is Split airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. While Zadar Airport is a little bit further, the journey time to Sibenik is roughly the same. My recommendation would be to rent a car or book a private transfer for a hassle-free journey.

Sibenik also has a well-connected central bus station, making it easy to get around by bus. If you can’t find a direct bus to Sibenik, just take a bus to Split or Zadar and then transfer to a bus headed to Sibenik.

Shuttle from airport & main towns

Where to eat and drink in Sibenik

The bar and restaurant scene is top-notch and you’ll be able to sample local cuisine and drinks to your heart’s content. Sibenik has a great selection of restaurants and bars, and even the ones with incredible locations are still priced reasonably. My tummy and I had a great time here!

Bronzin on the waterfront offers delicious seafood and traditional dalmatian dishes with a twist.

Pelegrini just off the main square takes the crown for fine dining in Sibenik with its rustic setting and a Michelin star.

Pa’Kai serves delicious and healthy fusion dishes inspired by Eastern and Pacific cuisine.

Bistro Bava is chick, modern and lively. A popular venue for dinner and evening drinks, Bava serves a little bit of everything, but somehow manages to make everything taste amazing.

Pluto’s Burger Bar keeps it as simple as it gets and does one thing, but makes it to perfection.

NaMaLo is a hip bar in the old town that serves delicious coffee and homemade juices in the morning, and turns into a lively gathering place boosting an incredible wine list and grazing platters in the evening.

Jack Rabbit Slim’s really caught my attention while walking through the old town. The setting is stunning, the decor is fun, and the cocktails are not just plentiful but also made to perfection.

Is Sibenik worth visiting?

In all honesty, unless you’re a die-hard GOT fan or really enjoy a more quiet and local experience, you’ll be fine skipping Sibenik. Don’t get me wrong, Sibenik is a nice town and there’s plenty to see here, but it just can’t compare to the likes of Trogir, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik or Hvar. It’s not as well maintained and it does not have that nice pedestrian-only waterfront I’ve come to expect from coastal towns in Croatia.

That being said, Sibenik is surrounded by gorgeous national parks and picture-perfect island towns and can be a great base to do day trips from.

If you’re on a time crunch I’d prioritize the more iconic destinations over Sibenik, as long as you still make room for Krka National Park. But would still highly advise you to stop in Sibenik for a few hours if you’re on a road trip and passing through. The main square and cathedral are stunning, and St. Nicholas Fortress is one of a kind. This day trip to Krka NP and Sibenik from Split is the perfect compromise.

Best time to visit Sibenik

Late spring or early autumn when the weather is sunny and the temperatures are pleasantly warm is the best time to visit Sibenik.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer (July & August). It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive. However, Sibenik isn’t as touristic as some of the main towns and islands and you’ll probably be fine in terms of crowds and getting a nice place to stay. But keep in mind that summer can get scorching hot so make sure you’re up for it.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature, and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary.