Sibenik might surprise you – not because of what it has, but because of what it lacks. Believe it or not, this charming Adriatic town has no true city beach close to the city center.
But worry not, I’ve explored the entire area and found the best beaches in Sibenik (and around it) that not only compensate for this, but might even make you glad Sibenik doesn’t have one of its own.
Let’s jump right in with my top recommendation:
Amadria Park (Formerly Solaris): The Resort Experience
Locals still call it “Solaris,” but if you look it up on maps or booking sites, it’s now Amadria Park. If you decide to visit Sibenik, this resort complex with its turquoise waters offers everything you need for a frictionless stay in Croatia. It remains my top recommendation and you check it out here:
The resort itself has been renovated recently and it really looks amazing as you can see in the attached photos.
The Amadria Park resort is located 6 kilometers away from Sibenik (towards Split) and it’s accessible via the A1 motorway – so you can easily visit if you’re located in the town or vice versa: you can quickly reach the town if you choose to stay at here – which would be a really good choice, by the way!
The 5 Thematic Beaches of Amadria
Want to know the layout? Amadria offers a whopping 4 kilometers of coast divided into five distinct sections. This segmentation is brilliant because it separates the party crowd from the toddlers:
- Solaris Sand Beach: This is the closest thing you’ll find to those dreamy tropical postcards. It’s one of the few truly sandy beaches in the area. It is ideal for families and anyone who hates walking on rocks.
- En Vogue Beach Club (formerly Club Beach): This is where you go if you want a luxury vibe. Think white cabanas, DJ sets, cocktails in the pool, and a younger crowd. It’s “Instagrammable” central.
- Solaris SPA Beach: Located near the Wellness & Spa Center, this curve of the coast is quieter. It’s designed for people who want to read a book without hearing splashing kids.
- Solaris Family Beach: Situated between the Kids Hotel Andrija and Beach Hotel Jakov, this spot is right next to the first Aqua Park in the Adriatic region. If you have children under 10, this is your base camp.
- Solaris Camping Beach: A long stretch of coast serving one of the most awarded campsites in the region.
The beaches at Solaris are accessible even if you’re not staying at the resort, but keep in mind there might be a small fees involved – for parking also.
Best Beaches in the Sibenik Town Area
Most tourists staying in Sibenik old town will use a car, city bus, or boat to reach the water. It is a minor hassle worth enduring because the views looking back at the city are priceless. These are my favorite options:
But it is a trouble worth going through because the views and the beaches themselves are priceless. These are my favorite options:
1. Banj (Crnica) town beach
This modern pebble beach is the unofficial “city beach” of Sibenik. It is located just one kilometer from the historical center, meaning you can walk there in 10-15 minutes along the waterfront.
Banj offers a view that is hard to beat: you are swimming while looking directly at Sibenik’s UNESCO-protected cathedral and St. Michael’s Fortress (one of the main attractions in Sibenik).
Facilities here are excellent. You have showers, toilets, lifeguards, and sports areas for basketball and volleyball. There is also a fitness park nearby if you prefer sweating over swimming. It’s very popular among locals, and suitable for everyone from teenagers to seniors.
Local Tip: Parking here is a nightmare. The lot is small and located on a steep hill. I strongly suggest leaving your car at the large TEF parking lot nearby (just a 5-minute walk away) to save yourself the stress.
2. Jadrija beach – Sibenik
Established way back in 1921, Jadrija is a beloved classic among locals and tourists alike. It’s located just outside Sibenik in a suburb of the same name. Reaching Jadrija is easy via local buses, ferries, or a quick 10-minute drive by car.
There are numerous “famous” beaches along the coast. Bacvice in Split, Kolovare beach of Zadar, Banje in Dubrovnik, Bonj of Hvar, to mention just a few (you can click the links to check them out). But Jadrija of Sibenik seems to have a special aura even to those not native to Sibenik.
It is probably because it is the last “classic” beach still standing and, despite its old age, it has the beauty to wow you as soon as you get there. Colorful beach cabins line the coast, adding to its unique character. The waters here are clear and inviting, and it’s ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a simple yet authentic Croatian beach experience.
3. St. Anthony Channel Beaches
Since the promenade along the St. Anthony Channel opened, the town gained access to some spectacular wilderness right at the harbor entrance. You can reach these by car or on foot, though walking the whole channel is a serious hike in the summer heat.
Make sure you are properly hydrated if you give walking a try since the sun is unforgiving during the steamy summer months!
The first one is Skar Cove (pictured above) – a pebble beach with a view of St Nicholas Fortress, one of most important Sibenik sightseeing sites.
Being easily accessible by car, this beach has quickly entered on the list of the favorite beaches in Sibenik.
It doesn’t offer the beautiful sand that people usually associate with beaches and the seaside, but most of Croatia’s beaches don’t. This doesn’t make them less spectacular or enjoyable. Just give it a try!
Another beach I suggest is Minerska Bay beach, a beautiful, quiet beach on the promenade of St. Anthony.
The beach is easily reachable by car but you’ll need to walk to the beach as the parking place is located in front of Sibenik channel entrance ramp.
It’s not a long walk and the best part of this pebble beach is that it’s a bit more private than most.
It’s true, during the season, it might get crowded – just like most beaches, but it will never be that bad that you’ll feel people breathing up your back.
I personally love this beach for its character and personality – and especially the fact that it’s not as popular as the others.
4. Rezaliste Beach
Located in the settlement of Brodarica (6 km from Sibenik), Rezaliste was completely renovated a few years ago. It is a polished, family-friendly pebble beach.
This is the best option if you have mobility issues or small children, as the access to the sea is gentle and the parking is large and close to the beach. Lovers of active rest will find jet skis, an inflatable aqua park, and plenty of coffee bars right on the stones.
It is extremely popular and gets crowded, but it is well-maintained and the water is clean.
5. Zaboric
If you have a car and are willing to drive 10 kilometers south (past the Rezaliste beach), go to Zaboric.
Why? The water clarity here is often superior to the bay of Sibenik. The coastline in Zaboric is a mix of natural sand and fine pebbles, particularly at Gaz Beach. It is incredibly popular with locals on weekends, so try to go on a weekday morning to snag a good spot.
6. Martinska
Located directly across the bay from the main city promenade, Martinska was once the primary swimming spot for locals before the bridge was built. In recent years, it has seen a massive revival.
This is the place to go if you are looking for a younger vibe or if you are in town for festivals like Regius or Seasplash, which are hosted here. Even without the music, Martinska offers the absolute best sunset view of Sibenik old town.
You can reach it by a short boat ride from the city promenade (look for the “Avalon” boat sign) which runs frequently during the summer.
Insider Tips & Advice for Visiting These Sibenik Beaches
Sea Urchins: The cleaner the water, the more sea urchins you will find. This is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, but a pain for your feet. In wilder spots like Minerska or the rocks at Jadrija, water shoes are mandatory.
Best Season and Time of Day: Mid-June to early September offers ideal water temperatures (typically between 23-27°C / 73-80°F). Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid peak crowds, especially at popular spots like Banj and Solaris – but expect crowds nevertheless, as this is peak season in Croatia.
The Wind Factor: If the famous “Bura” (North Wind) is blowing, Banj beach is your best bet as it is sheltered by the city hills. Jadrija will be windy and choppy.
Packing Advice: Almost all beaches near Sibenik are pebble or concrete platforms. Bringing sturdy water shoes or sandals is a must. Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of drinking water – especially if visiting beaches without extensive amenities.
Beaches like Banj, Solaris, and Rezaliste have food options and plenty of shops nearby. For quieter spots like Minerska or Skar Cove, pack your own snacks and beverages.
Transportation Tips: Public buses regularly run from Sibenik center to Solaris and Brodarica (Rezaliste). Jadrija is easiest to access via a short, scenic boat ride directly from Sibenik’s waterfront – highly recommended for the experience itself.
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Wrapping up
You have plenty of choices when it comes to enjoying the sun and sea in Sibenik. You don’t need a beach in the city center when you have an entire archipelago of options just a few minutes away.
Hopefully my list of the best beaches in the area is helpful and you’ll be able to enjoy them all.