About Šibenik
Šibenik, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast, is a city of millennia of history, impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage. Known as Krešimir's city, it was first mentioned in 1066 in the deed of gift of King Petar Krešimir IV. Under the rule of different rulers and located within various national borders, the city of Šibenik is a living monument of rich cultural heritage and unique Mediterranean beauty. Today, Šibenik is a blend of history and a modern city that is constantly evolving and attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors.
According to the 2021 Census, the city of Šibenik has 42 599 inhabitants, while the entire Šibenik-Knin County has 96 381 of them. However, in the summer months Sibenik becomes tight for all those who want to stay in it. The County of Šibenik-Knin consistently ranks among the five most visited destinations in Croatia, as shown by the data on tourist nights in commercial accommodation for 2024 – as many as 5 130 465 nights of foreign and domestic guests were realised.
Šibenik is not just a number in statistics – its uniqueness is a rich cultural and historical legacy. The Cathedral of St. James, one of the most important Renaissance architectural works in Croatia, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and very soon the fortress of St. Nicholas joined this list, further confirming the rich and diverse history of this beautiful city. In addition to St. Nicholas, the city can boast of three other impressive fortresses – St. Michael, Barone and St. John – which have been renovated and are now popular tourist attractions.
An interesting thing is that, 130 years ago, Šibenik became the first city in the world having electric public lighting. On 28 August 1895, only two days after the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, the first Croatian and one of the world’s first electricity systems – the Krka-Šibenik Hydroelectric Power Plant – was put into operation.
Apart from historical attractions, Šibenik is a city of rich cultural events. Particularly noteworthy is the International Children's Festival in Šibenik, which has been held for more than five decades and nurtures theatrical, musical and film creativity for children. However, Šibenik is not only known for its culture – this city has given one of the biggest basketball names from this area – Dražen Petrović – one of the best Croatian athletes, by many called ‘basketball Mozart’. His talent and legacy have left an indelible mark on the history of Croatian and world basketball.
In addition to its rich history, culture and sports, Šibenik stands out with its gastronomic offer, which is equally impressive – from traditional Dalmatian specialties to modern cuisine that satisfies every palate, even the most demanding ones. Šibenik gastronomical scene is especially proud of the fact that one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants in Croatia is located right here.
All this, and much more, makes the city of Šibenik a unique tourist destination – a city that combines rich history, culture and gastronomy. Its energy, charm and diversity create an ideal environment for exploring, enjoying and creating unforgettable experiences.
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