If any stretch of the Adriatic can claim to combine waterfalls, islands and UNESCO heritage in one compact area, it’s the Šibenik Region in central Dalmatia.
Here you’ll find over 240 islands, islets and reefs, the stark beauty of the Kornati archipelago and the famous waterfalls, lakes and walking trails of Krka National Park, all centred around the historic stone city of Šibenik on Croatia’s coast.
Šibenik Region at a Glance
- Where is it? Central Dalmatia on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, between Zadar and Split, centered on the historic city of Šibenik and stretching inland along the Krka River towards Skradin.
- What’s it like? A mix of medieval stone streets, river canyons and waterfalls, quiet coastal towns and a wide island-studded bay leading out towards the Kornati archipelago.
- Main hubs Šibenik (Old Town & culture), Skradin (gateway to Krka National Park), Vodice and Primošten (beach resorts), Murter and nearby islands (island stays and sailing).
- Top highlights Krka National Park waterfalls and trails, Šibenik Old Town and UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, boat trips to Kornati National Park, island beaches and bays in the Šibenik archipelago, wineries and villages in the inland hills.
- Best for Nature lovers, couples and families, travelers who want to combine a historic coastal town with easy day trips to waterfalls, islands and national parks, and anyone looking for a slightly quieter base than Split or Zadar.
- How long to stay? 2-3 days for Šibenik and Krka, 4-5 days if you also want a full day in Kornati or on the islands and time to explore inland.
- When to go? Late April-June and September-October bring warm weather, good conditions for hiking and boat trips, and lighter crowds; July-August are hottest, busiest and best for long days on the water.
Why visit Šibenik Region?
If there is one stretch of the Adriatic that quietly combines waterfalls, islands and UNESCO-listed heritage, it is the Šibenik Region. Tucked between the Zadar Region to the north and the Split Region to the south, Šibenik gives you easy access to two national parks Krka and Kornati, as well as a compact stone Old Town and a surprisingly large archipelago of quiet islands.
It is an ideal base if you like to mix nature and culture: mornings among waterfalls or sailing between bare, lunar-looking islands, and evenings wandering past stone palaces in Šibenik Old Town. Compared with larger hubs like Split or Zadar, Šibenik feels more relaxed and local, but still has plenty of cafés, konobas and summer events.
Highlights of Šibenik Region
The Šibenik Region stretches from the rocky coastline and islands of central Dalmatia inland to the canyons and karst plateaus of the rivers Krka and Čikola. It includes the historic city of Šibenik, the harbor towns of Vodice and Primošten, the inland town of Skradin and the Šibenik archipelago with more than 200 islands, islets and reefs.
The big gest natural draw is Krka National Park, famous for its magnificent waterfalls, blue-green pools and wooden walkways. Just off the coast,Kornati National Park protects a maze of bare, rocky islands that sailors love for their remote coves and viewpoints. Between the two, you can easily fill several days with boat trips, hikes and swims.
In Šibenik itself, the star of the show is the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, built entirely from stone slabs and famous for its line of 71 sculpted heads. Narrow alleys climb steeply up to fortresses with sweeping views of the bay, while the seafront promenade is lined with cafés and moorings for day-trip boats.
Wine lovers should head inland towards Plastovo and the nearby villages, where wineries such as Bibich pour local varieties like Babić and Debit, often paired with creative tasting menus.
When to visit Šibenik Region
The Šibenik Region is a true spring-to-autumn destination. From late April to June, days are warm, waterfalls in Krka National Park are usually at their fullest and hiking is comfortable. July and August bring hot, sunny weather, lively festivals and the warmest sea, perfect for island hopping and boat trips, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices.
September and early October are often ideal if you prefer fewer people and slightly cooler temperatures while the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Winter is quiet, with many island and boat services reduced, but it can be a peaceful time for exploring Šibenik Old Town and making day trips inland.
For detailed tips on winter travel across the country, see our overview Visit Croatia in winter.
How to get to Šibenik Region & around
Šibenik lies roughly halfway between Zadar and Split, just off the main A1 motorway, so it is easy to reach whether you arrive by plane, bus or car.
By plane
Most visitors fly into Split Airport, around 60km south of Šibenik, or Zadar Airport, around 80km to the north. From either airport you can continue by shuttle bus to the city bus station and then take a regional bus on to Šibenik, or arrange a private transfer.
If you are still researching flights to Croatia overall, our page Airline tickets and flights to Croatia gives an overview of main routes and airports.
By car
Driving is one of the most flexible ways to explore the Šibenik Region, especially if you want to combine Krka, inland villages and different coastal towns. From Zagreb, the A1 motorway leads almost all the way to Šibenik (about 3.5-4 hours in normal traffic). From Split or Zadar, it is an easy 1-1.5 hour drive along the coast or via the motorway.
If you plan a road trip along the Dalmatian coast, see Rent a car in Croatia for advice on hiring a vehicle, tolls and parking.
By bus
Šibenik has a well-connected bus station close to the center, with frequent services from Zagreb, Zadar, Split and other regional towns. Buses are usually the most economical option and run year-round, with extra departures in summer.
By ferry and boat
Šibenik is also the gateway to the islands and Kornati National Park. From the city’s harbor you will find regular local ferries to nearby islands as well as seasonal excursion boats. If you are planning island hopping around Croatia more broadly or arriving with a car, it is worth checking timetables and booking tickets in advance, start with our dedicated page Ferry booking Croatia.
Getting around the region
Once you are in Šibenik, you can explore the Old Town on foot, use local buses for nearby suburbs and beaches, and join organised tours to Krka and Kornati if you do not have a car. A rental car gives you maximum freedom for visiting Skradin, Primošten, Vodice and inland viewpoints at your own pace.
Where to stay in Šibenik Region
Choosing the right base depends on what you want to see most - waterfalls, islands or historic streets.
- Šibenik town - best all-round base if you like staying in a lived-in historic city with plenty of restaurants, bars and easy access to both Krka and boat trips. Ideal if you are travelling without a car.
- Skradin - a small riverside town at one of the main entrances to Krka National Park. Perfect if your priority is quiet evenings, nature and being the first into the park in the morning.
- Vodice - a lively seaside resort north of Šibenik with long promenades, beaches and a busy summer nightlife. Good for families and groups who want more beach infrastructure.
- Murter & nearby islands - best if you are focused on sailing, boat trips and a slower island pace. Expect more limited services outside the main season.
Wherever you decide to base yourself, you can browse hotels, apartments and villas across the coast and islands on Find accommodation in Croatia.
Top 5 things to do in Šibenik Region
1. Spend a day in Krka National Park
Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions, with a chain of waterfalls, lakes and viewpoints linked by walking paths and boardwalks. Boats from Skradin take you up the river to Skradinski buk, while other entrances lead deeper into the park towards Roški slap, Visovac island and the upper canyon.
As of 2025, full-park tickets for individual adults range roughly from about €7 in winter to around €40 in high summer, with discounted prices for children and students. Always confirm the latest prices and opening hours on the official website of Krka National Park, as they change by season and ticket type.
2. Explore Šibenik Old Town & St. James Cathedral
Šibenik’s compact Old Town is a maze of steep stone lanes, staircases and small squares tumbling down towards the sea. The highlight is the Cathedral of St. James (Sv. Jakov), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built entirely from stone without mortar and decorated with an unforgettable line of carved faces along the exterior.
Climb up to at least one of the town’s fortresses for sunset views over the bay and islands, then wander back down through the alleys to the seafront promenade for dinner by the water.
3. Take a boat trip to Kornati National Park
Off the coast, Kornati National Park protects a dense cluster of bare, rocky islands and islets. Full-day boat trips typically include several hours of cruising, swimming stops in quiet bays and a simple lunch in a konoba or on board. Views from hilltop lookouts over the labyrinth of islands are some of the most dramatic on the Adriatic.
Group excursions from Šibenik and nearby ports often start from roughly €50-€70 per adult including lunch and park entry, while private charters are significantly more. Because offers and inclusions vary, it is best to compare a few local operators and always check what is included in the price.
4. Discover rivers, canyons & inland villages
Beyond the coast, the Šibenik Region hides quiet inland valleys, traditional stone villages and dramatic river canyons carved by the Krka and Čikola. Viewpoints and small walking trails reveal a very different side of Dalmatia, one of vineyards, olive groves and scattered hamlets rather than beaches and marinas.
With a car you can connect river viewpoints, wineries such as those around Plastovo and small country restaurants serving hearty inland dishes.
5. Go island hopping in the Šibenik archipelago
The Šibenik archipelago includes dozens of islands and islets, some inhabited, many not. Regular local ferries and seasonal excursion boats make it easy to spend a day on quieter islands, swimming in clear bays, walking short coastal trails and enjoying long seafood lunches.
If you are planning a longer sailing holiday combining Šibenik with other coastal regions, take a look at our article Sailing in Croatia for ideas and practical sailing tips.
3-day Šibenik Region itinerary (example)
Use this as a simple template - you can easily extend it to 4-5 days by adding extra time on the islands or inland.
- Day 1 - Šibenik Old Town & sunset views
Arrive in Šibenik, check in and spend the afternoon wandering the Old Town. Visit St. James Cathedral, climb to one of the fortresses for sunset, then have dinner along the seafront promenade. - Day 2 - Krka National Park
Take an early bus or drive to Skradin and continue by boat into Krka National Park. Walk the wooden paths around Skradinski buk and, if you have time, continue to other viewpoints or Visovac island. Return to Šibenik in the late afternoon. - Day 3 - Kornati or islands
Join a full-day boat excursion to Kornati National Park or a closer island-hopping trip in the Šibenik archipelago. Expect several hours on the water, swim stops and a simple lunch. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed final stroll and dinner in Šibenik.
If you are combining Šibenik Region with other parts of Croatia, it connects easily with Plitvice Lakes, Split, Zadar and the far south around Dubrovnik.
Plan your trip to Šibenik Region
Ready to start planning? Combine this regional overview with our in-depth guides to major Croatian destinations and national parks to build your perfect itinerary:
- Plan your visit to Croatia
- Plitvice Lakes National Park guide
- Best day trips from Split
- Best day trips from Zadar
- Stay healthy in Croatia
For more inspiration across the coast and islands, browse our hand-picked top destinations in Croatia.
Practical tips & FAQs for Šibenik Region
Is Šibenik Region worth visiting?
Yes. Šibenik Region is one of the few places in Croatia where you can easily combine a historic coastal town, a major waterfall national park, a maze-like island archipelago and quiet inland villages in a small area. It is less crowded than some bigger-name destinations but still offers plenty of restaurants, beaches and day trips.
How many days do you need in Šibenik Region?
With just one full day you can see Šibenik Old Town and make a quick trip to Krka National Park, but most travelers will be happier with at least two or three days. That gives you time for a full day in Krka, a day on the water around the islands or Kornati, and time to enjoy Šibenik itself at a relaxed pace.
Is Šibenik a good base for visiting Krka National Park?
Yes. Buses and organised tours run regularly between Šibenik and Skradin, one of the main entrances to Krka National Park, and the drive is short if you have a car. Staying in Šibenik lets you combine a day in the park with evenings in a historic coastal town, while staying in Skradin is quieter and more nature-focused.
Can you visit Kornati National Park from Šibenik?
You can visit Kornati National Park on full-day boat trips from Šibenik and nearby ports such as Vodice or Murter. Excursions usually include several hours of sailing through the islands, time for swimming and a simple lunch. Private charters are available if you prefer to set your own pace and route.
How do you get from Split or Zadar to Šibenik?
From both Split and Zadar you can reach Šibenik by regional bus in around 1.5 hours, or drive along the A1 motorway or coastal road. If you are flying into Split or Zadar airports, first take the airport shuttle or local bus to the main city bus station and continue to Šibenik from there.