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Travel advice for Croatia
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written by Richard Mellor
updated 14.03.2024
Sibenik Croatia is the next tourist hotspot. And it's thanks to a new luxury hotel. Richard Mellor explores the city. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Faust Vrančić was born in Šibenik. He invented the parachute. And that seems appropriate for this Croatian city. Because Šibenik has its feet firmly on the ground.
Where is Šibenik Croatia? It's only 40 minutes north of Split on the Dalmatian coast. The beaches are great. It has good inland hiking and lovely waterfalls. It's also known for cool music festivals and restaurants. Plus the old town contains a World Heritage cathedral. And its local fortresses appeared in Game of Thrones.
But a lack of good accommodation has long let Šibenik down. Now D-Resort Šibenik is changing all that. And it's exactly the exceptional hotel Šibenik Croatia deserves.
16 days / from5292 USD
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2800 USD
Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2327 USD
Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
view tour ⤍12 days / from3046 USD
Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from5129 USD
Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
view tour ⤍13 days / from3153 USD
Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2678 USD
Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
view tour ⤍8 days / from3499 USD
Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2111 USD
The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2527 USD
Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2569 USD
Balkan & Adriatic
The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.
view tour ⤍12 days / from4535 USD
Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure
This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2419 USD
The Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2354 USD
Adriatic Roadtrip from Istria to Dalmatia
Croatia from North to South - start your trip in Rovinj, a town close to the Italian border with a lovely medieval port. Pick up your rental car and make your way through Croatia's inland with Plitvice Lakes and further down to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Nature, culture and adventure await!
view tour ⤍7 days / from1026 USD
An active trip to authentic Hvar
Meet an entirely different Hvar, discover its hidden corners, learn about the local food and wine production and day-to-day life of a typical island family. Easy hikes will allow you to experience the island with a local, through many vineyards, olive groves and dense pine forests.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1507 USD
Wine & Adventure in Croatia
Land in Dubrovnik and explore the city on a guided tour before basing yourself in Split for the remainder of your trip. Explore the surroundings in your rental car, including Krka National Park, rafting on the Cetina river, Zadar, a special wine tasting, kayaking and more.
view tour ⤍10 days / from3661 USD
Highlights of Croatia Trip: Zagreb, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik
Discover Croatia, with its fascinating history and glistening Adriatic coast. Your adventure begins in the capital, Zagreb, before moving on to Split, via the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Continue to the beautiful Hvar Island, before ending your trip in dazzling Dubrovnik, 'the Pearl of the Adriatic'.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2959 USD
Nature & Culture
Inspired by timeless natural and cultural landmarks of the area, this trip is taking you through the highlights of Croatia, Southern part of Bosnia & Herzegovina and coastal Montenegro.
view tour ⤍8 days / from2699 USD
The Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik
Stay in a beautiful hotel in Dubrovnik and take day tours, either in small groups or privately guided, all throughout Dalmatia. Visit vineyards, hidden bays, islands, a stint to neighboring Montenegro and more. Ideal for those hating to unpack and pack again, discover on day tours.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1458 USD
Croatia Game of Thrones and Highlights
Discover the lakes and waterfalls of forested parks that are Croatia Game of Thrones locations, before exploring medieval walled Trogir and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Ancient fortresses on the stunning Makarska coastline await en route to dramatic Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island monastery ruins.
view tour ⤍11 days / from2549 USD
Feel & Taste Dalmatia
This trip is inspired by the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle, including some of the most amazing and dream-like Croatian islands. It is tailored for people who wish to take a break from everyday life, get a genuine insight into the local culture and taste local products.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2191 USD
Balkan Essentials
The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1970 USD
Explore the Balkans
Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1814 USD
Treasures of Slovenia
This trip will take you around a rather small country that is Slovenia, yet a place full of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and delicious foods. In 7 days, you will go from Europe-worthy capital of Ljubljana, along a charming part of the Slovenian Adriatic coast all the way across the Alps.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3186 USD
Sailing across Dalmatia
With some of the most exciting islands, pristine Adriatic sea waters, intoxicating lagoons, bays and inlets, charming and historical coastal towns, rich culture, delicious food, and easy-going locals, Dalmatia is easily one of the most valuable and desirable regions of Croatia.
view tour ⤍To one side is a super-yacht stuffed new marina.. At the other side, motorboats sail to Šibenik’s harbour. A treelined corniche trims the waterfront. Glinting red roofs sprawl uphill. And ancient St Michael’s Fortress watches the city from above.
St Michael’s is one of four Šibenik fortresses. It was once a seat for the Croatian king. And more recently provided shelter during the Croatian War of Independence. Today, an ongoing restoration programme attracts tourists instead.
Head southeast to visit Barone Fortress. Here an audio-visual display reveals the life of 17th century soldiers.
Opposite is St John Fortress, a Game of Thrones set in 2014.
And to the west, is St Nicholas sea castle. It was built by Venetians to guard the channel into Šibenik. Take the castle's island-hopping path. Raised above the sea, it offers impressive Adriatic views.
As for St Michael’s, bands have replaced bullets here. And the 11th century walls now house a 1077-capacity venue. This restoration project cost £1.2 million. And to date the venue's hosted bands like The National, Lambchop and Nouvelle Vague. And it's also popular during August's Terraneo Summer Break Festival.
Šibenik’s true gem is 15th century St James’s Cathedral. Now a World Heritage site it was designed by Juraj Dalmatinac. Dalmanatinac was responsible for much of the Dalmatian Coast’s finest architecture. However, St James's is considered his masterpiece. Entirely-stone-built in Gothic Renaissance style the cathedral was completed in 1536.
Look out for the stunning silvery dome. And don't miss the 71-head frieze containing caricatures of 15th century locals. Adam and Eve are in there too, self-consciously naked.
Want to do a self-guided tour? English-language brochures are available. . The highlight's a small baptistry. Look at the carved roof to see why.
Dine afterwards at Pelegrini. The restaurant majors in extraordinary local produce and seafood.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Croatia or Croatia Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor-Made Tours can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Croatia expert.
Kralja Tomislava AKA Kalelarga, is the city's main street. Here you'll find fancy stores beside standard tourist shops.
Head off Kalelarga into a jumble of stairways and narrow lanes. The maze of the Old Town is a drowsy place. Occasional Vespas interrupt the peace. And its elegant houses Dalmatian-style houses are uniformly, dark green with red shutters.
Old Town Šibenik feels genuinely lived-in. Certain alleys are shaded by clothes lines and cables. Locals sit in the sun outside their homes. Rosemary grows wild. Wafts of home cooking tease nostrils. And inside phone boxes, religious stickers promise salvation.
Think about staying in an Old Town apartment in the authentic heart of Šibenik.
Don't miss a tour of Krka National Park. It's only 20 minutes' drive northeast of Šibenik. A stunning natural attraction, the park's bisected by River Krka. Hiking trails criss-cross all over it. But the showstopper is Skradinski Buk. This series of 17 successive waterfalls sits at the park's southern end. Under the last cascade, there's a wide basin. And come warm weather it's a popular local swim spot. Go on summer weekends for the almost party atmosphere.
If that's not enough water. Take a Kornati National Park boat tour from Šibenik.
Or hop on ferries in Šibenik and sail to the islands of Zlarin and Prvić. Great day trips. Both are known for bistros, fig trees and pebble beaches.
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written by Richard Mellor
updated 14.03.2024
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Croatia