Best Day Trips from Sibenik
Sibenik is located in central Dalmatia, right where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea. It is considered to be the oldest native Croatian town and nowadays it is a political, academic, industrial and tourist center of Sibenik-Knin County. Due to its great geographical position, you will be able to visit many cities south and north from Sibenik and get to know Dalmatia’s rich history, culture and breathtaking nature. We have chosen the top 10 day trips from Sibenik, so you have plenty of options depending on your personal preferences!
Krka National Park & Skradin
Skradin is a beautiful town located on the banks of the Krka River, approximately 15 kilometers from Sibenik. It is a town with an astonishing historical heritage as its history dates back to the time of the Illyrians. The entire city centre is a protected cultural monument containing houses influenced by Venetian architecture of the 18th and 19th century.
Krka National Park is a real jewel of extraordinary natural significance, located approximately 55 kilometers from Sibenik. It covers a total area of cca 109 square kilometers and it includes the most captivating parts of the Krka River.
What to see and do
Skradin is best known for its tower clock (Campanile) located in the centre, dating back to the 19th century.
The medieval Fortress of Turina is just a 10 minute walk from the city centre and it provides the best panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
Only about 15 kilometres from Skradin, there is Bribirska Glavica, known as the Croatian City of Troy, containing traces of life from prehistory to the late Middle Ages.
The main sight when visiting Krka National Park are its seven magnificent waterfalls: Bilusica buk, Brljan, Manojlovac slap, Rosnjak, Miljacka slap, Roski slap and Skradinski buk, which makes it a natural and karst phenomenon with one of the most preserved ecosystems.
Krka Waterfalls
Where to eat
Restaurant Skala offers delicious homemade Mediterranean and Croatian traditional dishes and provides a beautiful view over the marina.
Dalmatino Tavern offers a wide selection of seafood and traditional Croatian cuisine with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Restaurant Evala offers great food at moderate prices with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Krka National Park has a few outdoor restaurants but they can be quite pricey, especially in the warmer months. However, you can always pack your backpack with food and make a lovely picnic next to the waterfall.
How to get from Sibenik to Krka National Park & Skradin
The best way to travel from Sibenik to Krka National Park and Skradin is by bus. The tickets are cheap and the travel time is only about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that in Skradin has no bus station, only a bus stop located 150 meters from the National park office. Besides Skradin, there are another 4 entrances to the Krka National Park. For more information about other entrances click here.
Split
Split is a beautiful town located in the south of the Dalmatia region and it represents a great mixture of modern and traditional. It is best known for Diocletian’s Palace, an exquisite construction built for the Roman emperor in AD 305. It is a very vibrant city, especially in the warmer months. It has an exceptional setting as it is surrounded by stunning mountains that provide a perfect setting to the crystal clear Adriatic sea.
What to see and do
The best thing to do in Split is to explore the Diocletian’s Palace. Everything is there- from historic monuments, churches, sphinxes, basements to shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Peristyle is probably the best place to start since it is the main square in the Old Town. Aside from the magnificent architecture on Peristyle, there is the St Domnius Cathedral which provides the best panoramic views of Split. In front of it is a sphinx made of black granite. It is as old as pharaoh Tuthmosis III, who lived from 1479 until 1425 BC. The other sphinx is located in front of Jupiter’s Temple and next to it the tourists will find Split’s tiniest and narrowest street named Pusti me proć meaning “let me walk through’’. On Peristyle, you will also find the entrance to the Diocletian’s basements which are filled with craft shops and lead straight to Riva promenade. Above the basements, you will notice a few stairs that lead to Vestibule, a grand room open to the sky, once the formal entrance to the imperial apartments. If lucky, you might come across a klapa, traditional Dalmatian group of a cappella singers. One minute walk from Peristyle and you’ll see Split’s “Gandalf’’, the Gregory of Nin statue. The legend has it that, if you make a wish, and then touch his toe, it will come true.
Split
Where to eat
Diocletian’s palace and the surrounding area are brimming with restaurants and street food places. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in the centre that will not cost you a fortune:
Villa Spiza is a small restaurant with an open kitchen so you can watch the staff prepare your meal, food is always fresh and the menu is always different;
Oštarija u Viđakovi is an osteria with a cozy atmosphere serving traditional Croatian and Mediterranian dishes, the portions are large and the prices are cheap;
Maka Maka is a small place with beautiful outdoor seating, serving smoothies and healthy food such as acai and poke bowls.
For a quick bite we recommend going to Pikanterija for a delicious sandwich or Daddy Cool for the best falafels in town.
How to get from Sibenik to Split
The best and the cheapest way to get from Sibenik to Split is by bus. They depart regularly and the travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. You can check the time table in the link below:
Trogir
Trogir is a small town surrounded by medieval walls, set on an island in a narrow sea passage between the coast and the island of Ciovo. It is a great example of a well-preserved Romanesque-Gothic town. During different periods of time it was redesigned following the architectural trends from the past, ranging from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. In 1997 UNESCO recognised its importance and listed Trogir as a World Heritage Site.
What to see and do
St. Lawrence Cathedral is one of the most famous attractions in Trogir and it provides the best panoramic views of the old town. One of the best works of art on the cathedral is the Radovan portal, the most important masterpiece in Trogir dating back to Romanesque times.
Kamerlengo castle is located on the southwest edge of the town. It is empty on the inside but you can climb up the walls for some amazing views of the city.
The city loggia, located on the main square, once served as a hideaway and a courtroom. The southern part of it is decorated with a beautiful relief made by Ivan Mestrovic, a famous sculptor.
In the Benedictine monastery of Saint Nicholas you will find a beautiful Kairos relief and art collection that dates back to the 3rd century BC.
Trogir has numerous palaces around the old town because it was once a home to many noble families. The most famous ones are the Grand Cipiko Palace, the Small Cipiko Palace and the Garagnin – Fanfogna Palace.
Trogir
Where to eat
Vila Tina is a charming restaurant on a stunning location with a terrace overlooking the sea. The food is delicious and you’ll be spoilt with choice.
Vanjaka is a restaurant serving traditional Croatian and Dalmatian dishes at moderate prices.
Konoba Trs is a tavern with beautiful outdoor seating, surrounded by stone walls and nature. The dishes are traditional Dalmatian but with a modern twist.
For a quick bite we recommend going to fast food Big Mama or, if you’re craving something sweet, check out Dovani for some amazing cakes and pastries.
How to get from Sibenik to Trogir
Road distance between Sibenik and Trogir is only about 60 kilometers so the best and the cheapest way to get to Trogir is by bus. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour.
Primosten
Primosten is a lovely small town situated on an islet between Sibenik and Trogir, connected to the continent with a mound. The city is a mixture of typical Mediterranean landscape and charming narrow streets. Primosten is well known as a town with some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and the most famous beach is Raduca.
What to see and do
Because of its small size, it is very easy to visit all sights in just about an hour. The most famous sight is the Church of St Juraj, built in 1485, located on a small hill in the middle of the old town (the top point of the prior island). Other famous sights are: the Church of St Roko, built in 1680, the Church of Our Lady of Grace, built in 1553, and the Statue of Our Lady of Loretto.
Primosten is also very famous for its vineyards, known as the “stone lace’’ because of the long dry stone walls built centuries ago that are separating them.
After all the sightseeing, the best option is to go to the beach and relax. Primosten has beautiful pebble beaches with crystal clear sea surrounded by lovely pine trees that provide the perfect sanctuary during the summer heats.
Primosten
Where to eat
Saricevi dvori is a restaurant with a traditional feel and authentic Dalmatian cuisine and even has vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.
Konoba Toni is a small restaurant with a beautiful view overlooking the sea, friendly staff and delicious Mediterranian food.
Santa-Marina is a lovely traditional family run restaurant serving local dishes at moderate prices.
Konoba Sipurina is a restaurant specialized in seafood but also offers vegetarian options.
How to get from Sibenik to Primosten
Road distance between Sibenik and Primosten is only about 26 kilometers so the fastest and also the cheapest way to travel from Sibenik to Primosten is by bus and the journey only takes about half an hour.
Solaris Resort (Amadria Park)
Amadria Park is a beach resort with 5 hotels, an acquapark, a camp and numerous attractions and activities including a Dalmatian Ethno Village.
What to see and do
This is a place of never ending fun. There’s so many things to do that there’s no way you’ll ever be bored. You can go for a swim at the beach or the pool, enjoy yourself at the aquapark, or simply chill on the Mediterranean Square that offers a rustic ambience reminiscent of a Mediterranean marketplace. The resort also organizes small cruises on the explorer ship Galija as well as numerous activities led by a team of professional animators.
Definitely the best attraction that this resort has to offer is the Dalmatian Ethno Village. It is a living museum where you will reveal the rich culinary heritage of the region, cooking and agricultural techniques, delicious menus with authentic dishes and a garden-to-plate experience. The village is a sort of an educational center where you can see how flour is made, how bread is baked and how fabric is made. Fun fact: the flour they make is used to make the bread that is served in the entire resort. There is also a weaver shop where you can make your own souvenir.
Solaris, Sibenik
Where to eat
The resort has 17 restaurants and they all offer a wide selection of food. Whether you’re craving some street food or some gourmet delicacies, local food or something completely different, you’ll find it. The best place to try some authentic Dalmatian food is the above mentioned Dalmatian Ethno Village where you can see the food being prepared and taste dishes made by real artisans. Their most famous specialties are: baked veal or octopus ‘peka’, soparnik (Swiss chard pie) from wood-fire oven and prisnac (savory cheese pie).
How to get from Sibenik to Solaris Resort (Amadria Park)
The distance between Sibenik and Solaris Resort (Amadria Park) is only about 7 kilometers. Unfortunately, there are no direct buses to the resort but you can order a taxi or an Uber which won’t cost a lot and it will only take about 15 minutes to get there.
Jadrija & St Nicholas’ Fortress
Jadrija is the most popular beach near Sibenik, situated on an artificial peninsula at the entrance of the St. Anthony Channel and it is a part of protected Croatian cultural heritage architectural sites. It is the first official beach of Sibenik dating back to 1922. The nearby St. Nicholas’ Fortress, located on a small island called Ljuljevac, was built in the 16th century according to the design of the famous Venetian architect and builder Hyeronimus di San Michaela.
What to see and do
Jadrija is the perfect place for relaxation and enjoyment. It is famous for its numerous colorful changing rooms on the southern part of the beach. The northern part is made of pebbles and concrete which is perfect for everyone who wants easy access to the sea. There is a lighthouse at the end of the peninsula, built in 1871, with original portraits-sculptures of medieval Sibenik aristocrats on its east wall.
The St Nicholas’ Fortress is one of the most sound examples of defense architecture in Dalmatia. The groundwork is made of stone and the rest is made of brick. The entrance is through the eastern gate that is the only ornamental aspect of the fortress. There is also a vaulted ramp that leads to the upper terrace and it provides magnificent panoramic views of Sibenik. The fortress was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 as a part of the nomination The Defence System of the Republic of Venice between the 16th and 17th Centuries. The fort officially opened for visits in 2019.
St Nicholas fortress
Where to eat
Jadrija has only two pizzerias, Maslina and F2 Jadrija, and a few ice cream shops and cafes. Alternatively, you can always pack your backpack with food and make a nice beach picnic.
How to get from Sibenik to Jadrija and St Nicholas’ Fortress
The road distance between Sibenik and Jadrija is only about 15 kilometers so the quickest way to get there is by taxi or Uber. Another option is to get a boat from the centre of Sibenik (Riva). The boat leaves Riva at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30 and 18:25, and the return to town is at 9:25, 12:20, 15:00, 18:00 and 19:00. The ticket costs only about 12 HRK (one way).
To get to St Nicholas’ Fortress you need to take a boat ride from Sibenik Riva. Boats depart up to 4 times a day.
Vodice
Vodice is a charming town that used to be a fishing village and nowadays is a popular tourist destination, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Vodice is always buzzing, it is known for its plentiful tourist offer and friendly people.
What to see and do
Vodice is a popular tourist destination because of its many beautiful beaches, festivals, restaurants and campsites. Because it is a very small town, you can take a walk around the historic centre and see and all the attractions in about an hour which means you can use the rest of the day for sunbathing, swimming, shopping, etc.
Church of St Cross is made in Gothic style and it is famous for its Romanesque-Gothic bowl secured to one of the columns, which is the only of its kind in this part of Dalmatia.
Coric Tower was built by the rich family Fondra in 1646. The stone with which the tower was built was brought from the island of Brac. The courtyard of Coric tower is nowadays used as an outdoor movie theater in the summertime.
Aquarium and Museum of Maritime Traditions contains old fishing utensils, ship models and items found on marine archaeological sites dating back from the 3rd century BC to the middle Ages. There are 16 aquariums with flora and fauna found in the Middle Adriatic as well as models of ships Gajeta Falkusa and St Jerome, the oldest ships in the Mediterranean.
Where to eat
Restaurant choice in Vodice as well as their offer is pretty similar. They all have a wide selection of seafood, steaks and barbeque dishes with vegan and vegetarian options too. Here are a few of the most popular places: Karmelski Dvori – Konoba Okit, Konoba Tri Piruna, Etno Village and Konoba Rustika.
How to get from Sibenik to Vodice
The fastest and the cheapest option is to take a bus. Travel time is only about 15-20 minutes and the ticket costs approximately 15 HRK.
Zadar
Zadar is a relatively small city with a population of approximately 75,000. It is located in the middle of the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Zadar is a popular tourist destination with exceptional history and rich cultural heritage.
What to see and do
The Church of St. Donatus is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia, famous for its one-of-a-kind circular form surrounded by three circular apses. The church is built on top of the old Roman forum.
The Roman forum was constructed between the first century BC and the third century AD. The forum contains ruins of a temple dedicated to Jupiter, the towering ‘Pillar of Shame’ and remains of several public buildings.
Sea Organ is located at the tip of the old town’s peninsula and it is basically a giant musical instrument played by the force of the waves.
Greeting to the Sun is another famous art installation in Zadar. This floor installation in the shape of a circle collects solar energy during the day and, as the sun goes down, it comes to life displaying dancing colors.
Another thing that you shouldn’t miss is barkajoli. What gondoliers are in Venice, barkajoli are in Zadar, and for a small price (~4 €) they will take you on a romantic boat ride.
Zadar
Where to eat
Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden is a restaurant with traditional Dalmatian cuisine and a wide selection of dishes with vegan and vegetarian options.
Pet Bunara, meaning Five Wells, is a restaurant located alongside the square bearing the same name. It offers European, Mediterranian and Croatian cuisine.
Proto Food&More offers traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a twist of modern. They also offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to Bezburger, a place with friendly staff and the best burgers in town.
How to get from Sibenik to Zadar
The cheapest and fastest option is to take a bus. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Murter
Murter is an island located in central Dalmatia, connected to the coast by a bridge in the place called Tisno. The island is populated by approximately five thousand people, out of which around two thousand live in the village of Murter. Other places on the island are: Betina, Tisno and Jezera.
What to see and do
The island is best known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. Other than sunbathing and swimming, Murter is great for everyone who wants to have active holidays. It is great for hiking, cycling, fishing, diving, kayaking and paintball. In summertime, nightlife livens up but it’s not what you think. There are no crazy parties going on all night long. Nightlife in Murter is relaxing, so you will get to know the relaxed atmosphere and lifestyle of the local people.
Where to eat
Restaurant Racic offers a wide selection of seafood and meat but also has vegan options. They prepare the dishes with their own homemade olive oil and on the drink menu you can find their homemade wine.
Konoba Skalinada is a moderately priced restaurant offering traditional Croatian cuisine.
Fine Food Murter is a restaurant offering Mediterranian and European cuisine with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Pizzeria Tunga Re is a place with a cozy atmosphere, large portions of food and cheap prices.
How to get from Sibenik to Murter
Because the island of Murter is connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is possible to get there by bus. The tickets cost approximately 27 HRK (~€ 3.5) and you can buy them at the main bus station in Sibenik. The journey lasts around 30 minutes.
Island Zlarin & Obonjan
Zlarin is a small island off the Dalmatian coast near Sibenik. During winter, the island has a population of approximately 280, but during warmer months its population increases to around 1,500 people.
Located only six kilometers from the Croatian coast and just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Sibenik, Obonjan is the perfect adults-exclusive island getaway you’ve always dreamed of.
What to see and do
Zlarin
It is known as the “golden island” or the ‘’green island’’ because of its untouched natural beauty. The island’s residents made it famous for their unique hoby, dating back to the 15th century, which is diving corals and turning them into jewelry and ornaments. Zlarin is one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic sea (approximately 2700 hours of sun per year) and it has beautiful sand beaches as well as some ‘wild beaches’.
Obonjan
Obonjan is a perfect getaway place for everyone who wants to spend some time in nature, make new friends, enjoy the sun, beach and all kinds of activities that this resort has to offer. This lovely oasis is exclusively for adults. Obonjan is equipped with everything one could ask for while on holiday: massages and holistic treatments, yoga, workshops, water sports, restaurants, bars and beachside DJ’s.
The view from Sibenik on its islands
Where to eat
Zlarin
Konoba Prslika is an authentic Croatian restaurant offering Mediterranien cuisine always prepared with fresh ingredients.
Konoba Aldura is a lovely beachside restaurant with a wide selection of local dishes.
Obonjan
The whole island is a part of the resort that has three restaurants (Bok, Pavilion and Kitchen) with a wide selection of various dishes. It is also possible to bring your own food, snacks and juices to the resort.
How to get from Sibenik to Zlarin & Obonjan
The cheapest way to get to Zlarin and Obonjan is by ferry from Sibenik ferry port. The travel time to Zlarin is approximately 30 minutes, and to Obonjan approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a skippered speed boat or a taxi boat.
