Sibenik Travel Guide – Visit Sibenik – Budget Travel In Croatia

Sibenik is often overlooked by tourists, who instead head for the more well known cities of Split and Dubrovnik. Visit Sibenik to experience a beautiful, medieval old town overlooked by three hilltop forts.

I would have been one of those tourists that skipped the city of Sibenik. I simply wasn’t aware of it. It was only because I was looking for a day trip from Zadar that I decided to visit.

How To Get To Sibenik From Zadar 

I used Get My Bus to book a ticket but I could have just turned up at the station. During the high season, I would recommend booking in advance. Your ticket is electronic so no need to queue at the station. Simply turn up and get on the bus.

The bus leaves from Zadar’s main station, which is about 20 minutes walk from the old town (map), and drops you off at the Sibenik bus station which is right by the coast (map).

Where To Stay In Sibenik

If you choose to spend more than one day in this charming town, there are a number of low-budget properties to choose from. These are affiliate links to the Agoda web site. I receive a small amount for any bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.

• Hostel Sv. Lovre
• Hostel Scala
• Hostel Splendido
• Hostel Globo
• Rooms in the heart of the old town Sibenik
• Hostel Mare

Things To Do In Sibenik

My first mission was to find coffee. I found a place on Google Maps called ‘Bagatin’ (map) that was right in the heart of the old town. The coffee was nice and strong and set me up for the day.

I then went wandering around the old town in no particular direction. I had around 5 hours to spend in the city and I wasn’t expecting to find enough to fill that time so I was in no rush. The old town is a stunning labyrinth of winding, cobbled streets filled with medieval, stone buildings.

Cathedral Of Saint James

After wandering aimlessly around the old town for just under an hour, I inevitably came across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘Cathedral of Saint James’ (maps). It took me by surprise as I was walking through narrow streets and then suddenly this huge cathedral appeared before me.

Unfortunately, it was closed so I had to make do with admiring this incredible building from the outside.

Apparently, there are 71 heads on the outside (I didn’t count them).

Michael’s Fort

I then made my way in the direction of Michael’s Fortress. It was signposted through the old town, although it did get confusing at one point and the cat was in no mood to help.

I managed to find the entrance and bought my ticket. I decided to buy the combined ticket which included entrance to Baron’s Fort, saving 15 KN. Information on ticket pricing can be found here.

The fort was first mentioned in the year 998 and its position made it key in protecting the city from the numerous attempted Ottoman invasions. It is 70 metres above sea level and offers incredible views over the city and the Sibenik channel.

What I wasn’t expecting to find was an open-air arena on the top. Artists such as Bryan Ferry, The Stranglers and many more have played here.

Michael’s Fort Opening Times and Entrance Fee: Click here for current information.

Barone Fort

I had seen ‘Barone Fort’ (map) from Michael’s Fort and now it was time to do the same thing in reverse. The walk up to Barone Fort was much steeper and I was pretty out of breath by the time I got there.

I walked around the whole of Barone Fort in 5 minutes before seeing a sign about ‘augmented reality’. You can ask for a tablet from the souvenir shop and its animations provides much information on the fort’s history. It was really cool!

From Barone Fort, I was able to see Michael’s Fort.

If you visit Barone Fort, be sure to ask for the augmented reality tablet as it wasn’t mentioned when I first entered and it comes included with your ticket.

Barone Fort Opening Times and Entrance Fee: Click here for current information.

St John’s Fort

After leaving Barone Fort, I walked across to ‘St John’s Fort’ (map). Despite reading that it is under renovation and closed to the public, I figured I could at least see it from the outside. I was surprised to see that you CAN access the fort. There is just a sign saying entrance is at your own risk. I headed in to explore.

Now, these really are ruins. There has been no renovation so you see it as it is.

The EU are funding this renovation so expect it to be more like the other two forts in the near future. If you are heading to Barone Fort anyway, you might as well take a look at St John’s.

Cocktail Bar Rebus

After I finished at the forts, I headed back to the old town. I had around an hour left before my return bus so I decided it was time for a beer. Not everywhere in the old town was open but I did find a bar called ‘Rebus’ (map) which was open for business.

It was a nice bar and the barman was very friendly. He came and sat with me for a chat and even gave me a free beer. I had to drink that pretty fast as I had to leave for my bus. In my rush, I managed to leave my waterproof coat in the bar. Rubbish.

I headed back to the bus station just in time to see the sunset over the Adriatic sea.

Is Sibenik Worth Visiting?

I had a great day out in Sibenik. I originally thought there would be little to do there but I ended up rushing for my bus! The forts offer great views over the old town which itself was very impressive. It is definitely worth considering a visit here, even if only for one day.

For more information, visit https://www.sibenik-tourism.hr/en/