The next part of your luxury yacht charter itinerary in Croatia is the vibrant town of Sibenik, which offers a unique blend of Mediterranean atmosphere, majestic architecture, crystal-clear seas, and a bustling gastronomic and nightlife scene.
The prestigious D-Marin Mandalina Marina is a yachties dream, designed to welcome superyachts, and offers premium services for those coming to explore this striking city.
During your stay in Sibenik, known as the gateway to the Kornati islands, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the energy of a big city, while your luxury charter yacht can take you to a completely wild and unexplored islet or cove within minutes, giving travellers the best of both worlds.
Once known as Kresimir city, Sibenik is located on the bay where the river Krka meets the Adriatic Sea and has a population of around 34,000 people, making it the third biggest city in Dalmatia and the third most populous city in Croatia.
Explore the superb renaissance and gothic landmarks protected by UNESCO, colourful galleries and shops where you can find chic jewellery and plenty of souvenirs, eat in the best restaurants in the Adriatic - Sibenik offers both the variety of a metropolis, and the wild nature of a remote, exotic paradise.
Just 18 km from the city, you’ll find the Krka National Park with ethereal waterfalls, rich flora and fauna, as well as archaeological remains from times long gone by. The Sibenik archipelago is another opportunity to explore untamed nature - Murter, Losinj, and almost 250 islands are just around the corner so to speak, making Sibenik an excellent basis for your next yacht charter adventure.
As for the city itself, you might recognize several sights as they appeared in three episodes of Game of Thrones' fifth season - the wonderfully preserved historical sights were perfect shooting locations for the world hit series.
Things to see in Sibenik Town
The Old Town with well-preserved renaissance monuments is a terrific spot to roam freely about and explore and will fascinate anyone with a thirst for knowledge and art.
The history of Sibenik is intriguing and it dates back to the 11th century, although the area was inhabited in prehistoric times. In this vibrant city, there's no shortage of exciting activities and intriguing sites to see, but without a plan, it can be easy to miss out on some important highlights.
St James Cathedral
The UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala Sv. Jakova) in Sibenik is one of the most impressive architectural gems of Dalmatia, built in three stages during the 15th century.
The construction of the majestic cathedral started in the early 15th century by Venetian architect Antonio Dalle and was completed by sculptor Jurac Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac.
This cathedral is a rare blend of gothic and renaissance architecture, particularly the sublime frieze decorated with 71 sculptured busts of men, women, and children, as well as a testament of the artistic exchange between Tuscany, Northern Italy and Dalmatia. It is assumed that the residents posed for the sculptures, forever being immortalised by the artist.
It is interesting to note that no bonding material was used to connect the stone blocks.
Old Town Hall
Not far from the cathedral, you’ll find the highly ornate two-story Sibenik Town Hall. This splendid masterpiece of Renaissance architecture from the mid-16th century was designed by the renowned architect Michele Sanmicheli, adorned by stunning arches and columns, with two carved stone staircases. During the summer season, numerous cultural events are hosted here - if you’re just by its beauty as we are, you’ll be pleased to know that it can be used as a conference and wedding venue. The square that surrounds it was used in the Game of Thrones series, playing the part of the city of Braavos. No additional decor or props were used, so you will recognize it immediately.
St. John's Fortress
St. John's Fortress, positioned 115 metres above the city centre, is the city's tallest fortress that had strategic purposes in the Cretan war. What’s interesting to note is that the entire complex was built from start to finish in just 6 weeks, since the locals were in dire fear of Ottoman attacks. The 7 million euro reconstruction, on the other hand, started in 2017 and is not yet complete.
It sits high on the hills overlooking the seas, offering the best panoramic views of the entire town and even the Kornati Islands, with a forest of pine trees adding a special spice to the atmosphere.
St. Michael’s Fortress
The huge citadel that is known to locals as Tvrđava Svetog Mihaila is a melting pot of cultures and different historical eras. The area has been populated since prehistoric times - numerous archaeological testaments were found here, ranging from the Iron Age until the 20th century. Today, it serves as a venue for music events during the summer.
Things to do In Sibenik Town
The vibrant city of Sibenik will surely keep you busy with a plethora of architectural gems, but has even more to offer. It serves as an ideal base to explore the rugged, serene islands of Kornati, or when on land, amuse your kids in multiple amusement parks. During the night, the city comes alive when all 5 fortresses host numerous events, while young people enjoy cocktails in one of the trendy city centre bars.
Hop on your luxury yacht to explore the Kornati Islands
When you feel overwhelmed with the spectacular architectural sights in Sibenik, your captain can take you to the natural wonderland of Kornati, an archipelago of 140 islands where you will witness the wild beauty almost untouched by mankind. The Kornati National Park includes 89 islands and was built to protect the rare species and abundant flora and fauna that occupy the area.
Visit the Krka National Park
Located just a few kilometres from the Old Town, the Krka National Park impresses guests with awe-inspiring nature and outworldly waterfalls. Of 18 fish species that live here, 10 are endemic, while the flora includes almost a thousand trees, flower and herbal varieties.
Splash around at Aquapark Solaris
Aquapark Solaris, Croatia's first water park, is a great place to spend a fun day with kids during the summer months. It is also Dalmatia’s first theme park where you will find dozens of slides, sprinkles and jacuzzis, as well as the 200m “lazy river” where you can relax on a floatie while kids play until exhaustion.
Best Beaches in Sibenik Town
Beach Banj
You can stroll to Beach Banj from the ancient town of Sibenik and St. James Cathedral in 10 minutes - making it a perfect place for a quick swim after a full day of exploring Sibenik.
In 2012, Banj had a major renovation that made it the most popular beach in the area, so it can get busy during the day.
While enjoying a swim here, you will be able to spot the Unesco-listed St. James Cathedral and the St. Michael Fortress - sights that add a special flare to the beach.
Jadrija beach
Locals usually avoid the first beach instead in favour of Jadrija, a turquoise haven with colourful dressing rooms that made it onto many postcards from Dalmatia.
The beach is long, so you’ll always be able to find a hidden spot that offers some privacy and since the water is shallow in some places, parents can relax while children enjoy this safe summer getaway.
Skar Cove
This pebbly oasis is a bit further from the centre than the first two beaches on the list, but offers a more serene ambiance and lots of nature, while you can still spot the St. Nicholas Fortress in the distance.
Best restaurants in Sibenik Town
The merciful climate and abundant nature created the perfect conditions for the development of Dalmatian cuisine - local seafood, olive oil and fresh produce make it hard to find a bad dish in Sibenik. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a whole gastronomic day tour, this enticing city will spoil you with options.
Dalmatian Ethno Village
The Dalmatian Ethno Village, one of Croatia's more recent tourist attractions, offers a fascinating look into the life of the region's inhabitants through the ages. The Ethno Village offers a farm to plate experience in a wonderful natural setting, with terracotta hued houses surrounded by lush olive groves, where you can observe the artisans keeping tradition alive when cooking using only old-school tools. Cheese, olive oil and other delicacies are all grown here, making it a must-see for those who try to eat local and organic. During peak season, many workshops are organised here, including a weaving workshop where you can make your own souvenir.
After a delicious lunch, you can walk through the orchard or visit the 100 year old mill - linger until evening, and you can partake in many programs that take place here, including wine tastings, music shows, and ethno programs.
Konoba Nostalgija
Local specialties with a creative touch is what makes Konoba Nostalgija one of the best restaurants in town. A Cozy, intimate atmosphere and a friendly staff makes for a lovely lunch with friends. The small, but well curated menu offers both delicious fish and meats, with some options for vegans.
Pelegrini
A restaurant that puts emphasis on local ingredients only to tie them into artful dishes that will leave any hedonist speechless, Pelegrini is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner. We recommend you go for the tasting menu with a wine pairing and enjoy the lovely views of the sea.
