Fresh Air › Instead of Dubrovnik
Šibenik
Šibenik has the best argument of any town in Dalmatia for being the most overlooked. Its Cathedral of St James is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that took a century to build entirely from stone without any brick — an extraordinary medieval engineering achievement. The old town climbs up a hillside above the harbour with narrow streets and fortress views. Krka National Park, with its cascade of waterfalls and pools, is a short drive away. The town is not undiscovered but it operates at a scale that still allows you to walk its streets without feeling processed.
Why visit
UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James (the only cathedral in the world built entirely of stone, no brick), medieval fortress, and the extraordinary Krka waterfalls nearby.
Crowd level
Noticeably quieter than Dubrovnik or Split. The old town is walkable without jostling in all but August.
Best time
May-June or September
Getting there
On the coastal road between Split and Zadar. Ferry and bus connections. Krka National Park is 15km away.
Tradeoffs
Less famous, which means less tourist infrastructure in some areas. No iconic view like Dubrovnik's walls. The appeal is the genuineness.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Croatia
- Region
- Šibenik-Knin
- Fresh Air Score
- 84/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Dubrovnik
- 235 km