Šibenik is just one among many historic towns in Croatia. It’s famous for its architecture, history, and proximity to some great places in Croatia. We won’t deal much with the history of this coastal town, but we bring you the best things to do in Šibenik. Once you visit it, or if you are staying in it for some time, we’re sure you’ll want to include some activity to make things even better.
Šibenik is very close to Krka National Park, and many travelers choose it as a base for visiting this natural wonder. Still, there are many other things to do in Šibenik, and in this article, we bring you our 5 favorite activities. We tried to be as diverse as possible, and include a bit of something for adventurers, those who want to do island-hopping from Šibenik, and gastronomy enthusiasts. For each of the activities to do in Šibenik we mention, we’re going to include a link so you can explore more information and book if you like what you see.
So here are our top 5 Šibenik activities you must try when visiting.
1. Kayaking to Island Prvić We have been kayak guides in Croatia for a long time, so we are starting this list of the things to do in Šibenik with a kayaking tour to the Island of Prvić. Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the islands and the coastline of Croatia, and this tour takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the Šibenik area.
Tour Link:
Why Choose It?
You’ll kayak through the clear Adriatic Sea and reach Prvić Island , a place famous for its tranquility and traditional Dalmatian vibe.
This kayaking tour in Šibenik offers a great mix of active adventure and relaxed cultural exploration , as you’ll visit the peaceful villages and beautiful beaches of Prvić Island.
What to Expect:
This tour includes a guided kayaking experience , safety instructions, and time to explore Prvić Island.
Expect stops for swimming, snorkeling , and just enjoying the vibe of this island.
You’ll learn about the island’s history, including its connection to the Faucović family and the inventor Faust Vrančić .
Tip:
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Kayaking is not a hard activity, but some longer tours can be physically demanding, especially under the summer sun.
2. Zipline Adventure in Čikola Canyon Čikola Canyon is located not so far away from Šibenik, and we have already written about it in our article about Čikola Via Ferrat,a which we also suggest you visit. There is even a guided via ferrata experience that you can try, but we chose to include flying over the Čikola Canyon on this list. Ziplines are becoming more and more popular in Croatia lately, and many of them are being built in different regions of Croatia. This zipline in the Šibenik area has a total of 3 lines with a length of 1.4 kilometers.
Tour Link:
Experience the Adrenaline:
Enjoy an adrenaline-driven adventure with a zipline tour through the Čikola Canyon , and enjoy this unique landscape near Šibenik while flying on a wire.
The Šibenik zipline has multiple lines , with a total length of over 1 kilometer , and on which you can reach speeds up to 70 km/h.
Highlights:
The Šibenik zipline experience is safe and exciting , and professional instructors provide guidance throughout the tour.
The Čikola Canyon is a unique setting for a zipline with its rocky canyon terrain , greenery , and views of the Čikola River below. Beware that the Čikola River is not flowing during the whole year, so there is a high chance you won’t see it if visiting during the summer months. Still, Čikola zipline is a great experience.
Good to Know:
This activity is suitable for all ages, but check for weight and age requirements before you book.
Wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes for this activity.
3. Kornati National Park Day Trip Croatia hasa total of 8 national parks, and Kornati is the sailing paradise among these. This archipelago of many small islands is located not so far away from Šibenik, so this town is a great base for exploring this national park. The legend says that God had some material left after the creation of the world and he threw it behind his back, turned around, and liked what he had seen.
Tour Link:
Discover Croatia’s Island Paradise:
The Kornati National Park is a marine wonderland with 89 islands , famous for its stunning cliffs , clear sea , and diverse marine life .
A day trip to Kornati from Šibenik is perfect for anyone looking to explore hidden bays , swim in secluded spots , and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique archipelago in Croatia.
What to Expect:
The boat tour to Kornati typically includes lunch on board and stops for swimming and snorkeling . There are many different tours availabl,e so make sure to choose the best one for you.
You’ll learn more about the ecology , local history , and see picturesque fishing villages along the way.
Additional Perks:
Many of these tours offer snorkeling gear and refreshments .
4. Krka Waterfalls Half-Day Private Tour from Šibenik We already mentioned Krka in the introduction of this article. Krka is one of the most famous national parks in Croatia, and almost anyone visiting Šibenik and this part of Dalmatia visits Krka as well. Together with Plitvice Lakes, Krka is the only waterfall-based national park. Somewhat similar to Plitvice Lakes, but still, Krka is the experience for itsel,f anda day trip to it is one of the best things to do in Šibenik.
Tour Link:
Why It’s Special:
You’ll visit the Krka National Park , a place famous for cascading waterfalls and lush landscapes that surround the Krka River.
Krka is home to the Skradinski Buk , one of the most famous waterfalls in Croatia. Manojlovac waterfall is also a great place to visit, even though it’s not located in the main part of this park.
What to Do:
Join a guided tour that includes transportation, guidance through the park, learning more about its natural history , and some free time to explore at your own pace.
There are some designated swimming areas in Krka National Park, so you can refresh in the Krka River.
Best For:
Nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for an escape into some of the best parts of nature in Croatia.
5. Šibenik Private Combined Food, Drink, and Historical Tour This is the perfect among things to do in Šibenik for all you gastronomy lovers out there. Croatia is very famous for its gastronomy, and each region has its own dishes. Šibenik is located in Dalmatia, the most visited region ,famous for wines, seafood, and overall Mediterranean cuisine.
Tour Link:
A Cultural and Culinary Experience:
Discover the history and flavors of Šibenik through this tour that combines food tasting , wine sampling , and guided historical insights .
The tour includes visits to local markets , taverns , and some of the city’s most famous historical sites , including the St. James Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Highlights:
Try local delicacies, including Dalmatian prosciutto , cheeses , olive oils , and fine wines .
Learn more about the history of Šibenik, including its medieval past and its role as the first city in the world to have electricity powered by a hydropower plant .
Safety Tips:
Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours.
What to Bring for These Šibenik Activities Wearing comfortable clothes and proper shoes is our best advice for each of these activities we have mentioned in this article. Of course, each activity means different clothing. Here’s what we suggest you bring on these tours:
Active Wear: Quick drying clothing for kayaking and ziplining adventures. Swimwear for kayaking tours in Šibenik.Comfortable Shoes: Especially for walking tours and exploring natural wonders in the Šibenik area.Protection from the Sun: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must since the summer sun in Croatia can be very strong.
How to Book These Activities in Šibenik We have already included links for each activity we presented in this article. If you click on them, it will take you to a dedicated tour page where you can learn more and book the tour you like. Apart from online booking through trusted platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, you can also book most of these tours through a local agency you’ll stumble upon when walking through Šibenik. Lastly, there is an option of booking a private tours that offer a more personalized itinerary and is perfect if you want a customized experience.
Before yoy Try any of These Things to Do in Šibenik Thank you for being with us all the way to the end of this article. We hope that this list of things to do in Šibenik was helpful to you and that it will make your stay in this town even better. Šibenik is a bit more peaceful place than many other Croatian destinations, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more peaceful and authentic Dalmatian vibe. It’s not so far away from Split and Zadar, so visiting Šibenik is a great day trip from any of these cities.
Enjoy your visit to Šibenik and have a great time in Croatia!
