Sibenik is one of Croatia’s rising destinations and one that has plenty to offer. If you’re here, you’re probably curious about what makes it so special, beyond the usual guidebook clichés.
If you are reading this, you probably want to skip the guidebook fluff and understand the real magic of this place: a blend of medieval might, coastal tranquility, and a food scene that is quietly becoming the best in the country.
Let’s start with just a few basics first – a quick overview of the city and why it matters!
Sibenik is a town that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is true that it does not have traces of Roman monuments, like Split’s Diocletian palace, the Roman forums in Zadar, or the amphitheater in Pula but even so, Sibenik’s old town will take your breath away, while the beaches will completely put you under their spell.
Sibenik has a remarkable 24 churches, 4 fortresses, 4 historic wells, and exactly 2,851 stone steps scattered across its old town center – more than any other town in Croatia. If you like these bits of info, read my article sharing some amazing fun facts about Croatia.
The town’s most remarkable feature is its location at the bottom of the Saint Anthony Channel (Sveti Ante), considered one of the most beautiful parts of the Adriatic coast. The view of the city from the sea is breathtaking and will make for a memorable entrance to this place where you will surely have a perfect vacation.
So let’s make that happen by checking out the best things to do and see in Sibenik this year!
1. St. James Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Jakova)
This is Sibenik’s pride and joy, and for good reason. Built entirely of stone (no wood or brick supports anywhere) between the 14th-15th century, St. James Cathedral is a marvel of engineering that took over a century to build, bridging the Gothic and Renaissance styles.
This magnificent cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 and is considered the most important architectural achievement of the 15th century in Croatia.
If you’re a fan of the popular TV series, “Game of Thrones,” you might recognize St. Jacob’s Cathedral as the filming location for Braavos, one of the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea.
The best way to approach visiting the Cathedral – as well as some of the other main attractions in the area is by taking my recommended walking tour here. It’s just 1.5 hours long and includes a visit to this must-see attraction.
One standout detail: look up to see the 70 unique stone heads decorating the cathedral’s exterior – each face representing a real citizen from the 15th century.
2. Garden of the monastery of St. Lawrence
Only a stone’s throw away from the Sibenik cathedral, this medieval Mediterranean Garden has become one of the town’s most popular attractions since opening its gates in 2007.
Nestled within the peaceful courtyard of the St. Lawrence Monastery, this lush oasis is filled with over a hundred different species of herbs and medicinal plants.
Take a stroll through the garden and let your senses come alive with the fragrant smells and beautiful colors at each step. This garden is open from 09 AM to 11 PM during the season – marked on Google Maps here.
3. Sibenik city museum
Located right next to the cathedral inside the former Prince’s Palace, the Sibenik City Museum is surprisingly interactive and engaging, especially given its modest entrance fee.
If you’re a history buff, visiting the Sibenik City Museum is a must. Founded in 1925, this museum boasts an impressive collection of around 150,000 exhibits. This is a lot for a city so small!
The displays are presented in a multimedia format, with sections dedicated to archaeology, culture, and history, as well as a recent history department.
The admission fee for adults is only around 6 Euros, while children under 12 get in for free. Students also receive a discount. The museum is open from 10 AM to 12 PM and then again from 5 PM to 8 PM, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Double check the info above to make sure that it is still up to date: location on Google Maps.
4. Sibenik’s defense fortresses
Sibenik’s identity is closely tied to its four historic fortresses, each offering unique insights and spectacular views of the town. I marked them on the map below (you can click and save the map via Google Maps).
It may seem too many for a single town, but if you go deeper with the city’s turbulent history, you will understand the need to have so many built. They were very important in the defense of the city against the Turks in the late Middle Ages.
There are three on the mainland and one on the sea, at the entrance to the Sibenik bay. And I recommend visiting them all (listed below as unique attractions, as you can visit just one or some.)
5. St. Michael’s Fortress (Tvrdava sv. Mihovila)
First in the row and the oldest fortress here, St. Michael’s Fortress (Sveti Mihovil), dates back to the 11th century.
Restored in 2014, it now houses an open-air stage where you can enjoy musical and theatrical performances while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the town.
A walk to the fortress at sunset is an unforgettable experience and a truly Instagramable location.
6. Barone Fortress
Next up is the Barone Fortress, also known as Sibicevac Fort. It was also recently renovated, so it provides more eye candy than ever.
It sits atop a hill 80 meters above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. There is also a fantastic bistro on top serving local tapas and wine – perfect for a light dinner with a view.
The name Barone derives from Baron Degenfeld, a Venetian military commander of German origin who had a very important contribution to the defense of the city.
The Highlight: Barone features an award-winning Augmented Reality (AR) experience. You can rent AR glasses that overlay the 17th-century battle scenes onto the modern view. You actually see the Ottoman ships and soldiers approaching and it’s a brilliant way to understand why these walls were built.
7. St. John Fortress (Tvrdava sv. Ivana)
The fortress of St. John, perched 115 meters above sea level, is the third fortress on the list.
Erected in a mere 45 days in response to the Turkish threat, it played a vital role in protecting the town.
For years, this was a crumbling ruin, but it recently underwent a massive renovation and opened as an educational campus. The walk up here is steep, but it gives you a perspective of the entire defense system working together.
8. St. Nicholas fortress
Last but not least is the fortress of St. Nicholas, the only one of the four that is entirely surrounded by the sea.
This triangular-shaped fortress, built in the middle of the 16th century, was strategically placed at the entrance to the canal of St. Ante to protect the town from sea attacks.
Important Access Info: Unlike the others, you can’t just walk into this one. While there is a promenade that lets you walk near it for photos, entrance to the interior is strictly controlled to preserve the structure.
9. Walking trail of St. Anthony Channel
The St. Antony channel was, for a long time, a military restricted area but in 2013, the local authorities have decided to reopen this area to both Sibenik citizens and tourists.
This 4.4 km long trail connects the bay of Panikovac to the island of Skoljic, offering stunning views of the channel itself and its surroundings along the way.
It takes between 1.5 hours to 2 hours to fully walk the trail, but you will see that some also go jogging on this scenic route.
So if you want to burn some of the calories that you put on experiencing the amazing Croatian food, this could be one of the ways to do it.
Along the trail, you’ll find several must-see sights, including the iconic St. Nicholas Fortress that I have talked about above.
Another must-see stop is the St. Anthony Chapel Cave, a hidden gem that holds the remains of a small church dedicated to St. Anthony, nestled in between the rocks.
For those interested in military history, the Marine Tunnel is a fascinating abandoned facility that once served as a refuge for warships – and now can be explored for free along the trail.
And for panoramic views of Sibenik town, the entire channel itself or the St. Nicholas Fortress, be sure to check out the two lookout points along the trail. You’ll take some amazing photos here, I guarantee that!
10. The Four Wells
Now this is something you don’t normally see on a “to do list,” right?
Visiting wells may appear unremarkable at first glance, but they were actually the primary source of drinking water during the Middle Ages and a crucial lifeline during the city’s long siege by Turkish invaders.
In fact, these wells were so important that they are often compared to the Five Wells of Zadar – so you should visit them for their historical value. It’s easy to do so, as they’re all around the Cathedral in the old town area.
Legend has it that these wells were built with the help of the town’s finest minds and hands.
Some say that a mysterious figure, known only as “The Water Master,” designed the wells using ancient knowledge passed down through generations.
This figure is said to have engineered a complex system of underground channels that fed the wells, a feat of technology that baffled those who came after.
The Four Wells of Sibenik are no longer used for drinking water, but are kept alive as a reminder about the city’s history.
11. Sibenik beaches – soak in the sun!
I left this activity last because I am sure that’s the main reason why you are in Sibenik: it’s amazing beaches. I have written an in-depth guide to the best beaches in Sibenik, so make sure you read that too.
The truth is that Sibenik is a perfect holiday destination for all those who love crystal clear sea and sunshine.
With its long coastline, Sibenik boasts a variety of beaches that cater to all tastes and preferences.
We have the Banj Beach (not to be mistaken with Banje Beach in Dubrovnik!) just minutes away from the city center, the Solaris Beach which is part of a family-friendly resort and much more.
So, no matter if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach or a secluded spot to soak in the sun, enjoy the water and relax, Sibenik has it all.
12. Kornati National Park Boat Tour (Day Trip)
If there is time, I recommend visiting the Kornati National Park, an amazing experience that is made even better with this day-long tour on a speedboat.
Starting right from the pier near D-Resort Hotel in Sibenik, your adventure begins with iconic landmarks along the channel.
After cruising into the breathtaking Kornati archipelago, you’ll stop at the captivating island of Mana, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, cliff diving, or exploring its evocative ruins. Next is a relaxing swim at the pristine Lojena lagoon, followed by lunch at an authentic tavern on Levrnaka island.
Heading back, you’ll admire more highlights like the historic Tarac fortress before your last stop at Prvic Luka, a charming coastal village ideal for coffee, ice cream, or a leisurely stroll – wrapping up a truly unforgettable Adriatic experience.
Click here to check out this day tour
13. Krka National Park
You cannot come to Sibenik and ignore Krka National Park. It is only about 15 minutes away by car or bus, making Sibenik the absolute best base for visiting it.
The main attraction is Skradinski Buk, a massive series of waterfalls that cascade into a large natural pool.
Unlike Plitvice Lakes, which is further inland, Krka has a more Mediterranean feel. While swimming is now restricted near the main waterfall to protect the environment, the walking loops on the wooden boardwalks are spectacular.
Pro Tip: To keep things as easy as possible, I recommend booking an organized tour to the park – this one here is my #1 recommendation from Sibenik.
14. Aquapark Dalmatia
Located inside the Amadria Park resort, this is the first true water park in Dalmatia, and it’s truly amazing. It has a lazy river, a massive rain fortress, and plenty of pools & slides.
It can get crowded in July and August, so arrive early to grab a sunbed, but mark it on your list, as it’s truly impressive – and offers a much welcome alternative to the beaches.
For tickets and more info, check out the waterpark’s official website here.
Conclusion
These are my recommended things to do and see while in Sibenik, Croatia. This city that usually goes under the radar has plenty of attractions to offer and, as you saw above, a rich history.
From amazing beaches to forts, museums and an amazing cathedral, there are plenty of things to see and do here.
And if there’s still something that I missed recommending, but you enjoy doing in this town, let us all know by commenting below.