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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Croatia

Krka National Park

Approximately 15-20 km (9-12 miles) from Šibenik. A quick and straightforward trip.

Regular public bus services operate from Šibenik to Skradin or Lozovac. From Skradin, a boat takes you directly to Skradinski Buk waterfall. Organized boat tours from Šibenik port often include park entry and transport. You can also drive your own car or take a taxi.

Plan Your Visit

  • Plan for a full day (6-8 hours) to experience the main attractions without rushing.
  • Start early to beat the crowds. Focus on Skradinski Buk, explore the ethnological village, and consider a boat trip to Visovac Island or Roški Slap waterfall.
  • See a wooden boardwalk in Krka National Park.
  • Book day trips and tours on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the city, Šibenik's region is rich in natural beauty.

Kornati National Park

The archipelago begins about 15 km (9 miles) offshore from Šibenik.

Explore the Islands

  • Access is almost exclusively by organized boat tours. These depart daily from Šibenik port or nearby Murter.
  • Plan for a full day (8-10 hours) for a comprehensive boat tour.
  • Tours cruise through the stunning archipelago, stopping for swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays.

St. Anthony's Channel

This scenic channel offers beautiful walking and cycling paths.

Channel Activities

  • Find viewpoints and quiet coves for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
  • The path leads to St. Nicholas Fortress.
  • Peaceful escape for clear waters and traditional island life.

Islands & Rural Charm

Zlarin & Prvić Islands

  • Car-free islands, accessible by local ferry.
  • Ideal for swimming in clear waters and cycling along quiet paths.
  • Experience traditional island life away from the mainland bustle.
  • Zlarin is famous for its long tradition of coral harvesting.

Skradin Town

  • Picturesque town located at the entrance to Krka National Park.
  • Known for its beautiful marina, local wine (Debit), and traditional Dalmatian food.
  • Spend pleasant hours exploring charming streets and dining.
  • Many boat tours to Krka National Park depart from here.

Day Trip Distances & Travel Time

  • Vodice10 km (6 miles), half-day
  • Primošten28 km (17 miles), half-day
  • Split85 km (53 miles), full day
  • Zadar75 km (47 miles), full day
  • Krka National Park15-20 km (9-12 miles), full day
  • Kornati National Park15 km (9 miles) offshore, full day
  • Local Islands (Zlarin, Prvić)Short ferry ride, half-day
  • Skradin20 km (12 miles), half-day

Plan Ahead

Always check local transport schedules and attraction opening times, especially during off-peak seasons, for a smooth trip.

Cultural Excursions

Discover more of the region's heritage beyond Šibenik's city walls.

Rural Villages

The Šibenik hinterland offers opportunities to visit traditional villages, olive groves, and wineries. Seek out agroturizam for authentic farm-to-table experiences.

Wine & Olive Oil

Enjoy tastings of local produce like wine, olive oil, and cheese. This gives insight into the rural Dalmatian lifestyle.

Skradin Charm

A picturesque town at the entrance to Krka National Park, known for its marina and traditional food.

Multi-Day Extension: Dubrovnik

Located in Southern Dalmatia, this iconic walled city is a must-see for many.

Travel Details

  • Best as a 2-3 day extension due to distance (4-5 hours by bus or car).
  • Frequent intercity buses connect Šibenik and Dubrovnik.
  • Explore its historic walls and Game of Thrones fame.

Multi-Day Extension: Plitvice Lakes

An inland gem, famous for its cascading lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

Travel Details

  • Park offers a contrasting natural experience to Krka.
  • Combine with a trip to Zagreb or a 1-2 day stop between Šibenik and Zagreb.
  • Well-connected by intercity bus services.

Next Destinations

ZadarNorth, unique art installations and Roman ruins.
DubrovnikFurther south, historic walls.
Plitvice LakesInland, stunning natural beauty.
ZagrebThe capital, a different, continental Croatian experience.
Coastal RouteExperience the full range of the Adriatic coast.
Island HoppingExplore central Dalmatian islands like Brač, Hvar, and Vis.

Flexible Travel

  • All destinations are well-connected by reliable and frequent intercity bus services.
  • Ferries connect islands to mainland ports like Split.
  • Driving a rental car offers flexibility for most locations.
  • Coastal Route: Istria, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik.
  • Nature & Culture Loop: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Šibenik, Split/Dubrovnik.

Transportation Connections

All these destinations are well-connected by various means.

Getting Around Croatia

Bus Services

Reliable and frequent intercity bus services link Šibenik to major cities like Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb.

Ferries & Boats

Ferries connect the islands (like Hvar, Brač, Vis) to mainland ports, mainly Split, easily accessible from Šibenik.

Planning Multi-Day Trips

  • Consider combining Šibenik with a visit to Zadar to the north.
  • Head south to Split and then Dubrovnik for coastal exploration.
  • Venture inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park for stunning natural landscapes.
  • Extend your trip to Zagreb for a continental Croatian experience.
  • Book your day trips in advance on GetYourGuide.
  • Explore central Dalmatian islands like Brač, Hvar, and Vis for several days each.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Coastal Route: Start in Istria, move south to Zadar, then Šibenik, Split, and finally Dubrovnik.
  • Nature & Culture Loop: Begin in Zagreb, visit Plitvice Lakes, then head to Šibenik for Krka and Kornati, and conclude in Split or Dubrovnik.
  • Island Hopping Focus: Combine your Šibenik stay with ferry connections from Split to explore central Dalmatian islands.
  • All these destinations are well-connected by reliable and frequent intercity bus services.
  • Ferries connect islands to mainland ports like Split.
  • Driving a rental car offers maximum flexibility.

Points of Interest

Šibenik Old Town

Explore the historic narrow streets and squares.

St. James Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage site with unique stone architecture.

Fortress Views

Climb to St. Michael's or Barone Fortresses for panoramic views.

Travel Tip

Public transport schedules can change, specifically outside the peak season. Always verify times before your journey.