The Šibenik sailing region is a captivating yacht charter destination for sailors, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers. With its impressive Cathedral of St. James, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its central location on the Dalmatian coast, offers an insight into the city's rich history and various holiday possibilities. Four fortresses provide beautiful views of the city and the open sea full of islands ready to be discovered on your boat rental in Šibenik.
Charter a yacht in Šibenik and discover the two national parks in the vicinity - Krka on the mainland and Kornati on the sea - because of which the city records rising tourism in recent years. Gourmands will take great pleasure in tasting traditional Dalmatian food and fine wines in small family restaurants and taverns on the islands. You will get a chance to experience all that and to swim in the deep blue sea in numerous clean bays if you decide to spend your sailing holiday in Šibenik region.
Why is Šibenik Popular Among Sailors?
The Croatian indented coast, especially the Šibenik region, is an oasis for sailors looking for either relaxing or adventurous yacht charter holidays. Sailing is enjoyable and comfortable, and since destinations are close by, sailors can find shelter quickly in case of bad weather.
Yacht Charter in Šibenik Sailing Region
Charter a yacht in the oldest native Croatian city, Šibenik, a historic Mediterranean town, famous for its densely indented archipelago. Šibenik's archipelago consists of precisely 249 islands, islets, and reefs, a heaven for nautical tourists, indeed.
Yacht charter in Šibenik offers various opportunities for sailors. Skippered yacht charter is a very popular choice among tourists who want to visit National Park Kornati, the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. Of course, if you feel up to the challenge, book a bareboat yacht charter. Novice sailors can practice sailing near Murter Island.
To make the most of your Šibenik sailing adventure, be sure to include Prvić, Žirje, and Zlarin islands on your itinerary. You can also sail along the coast on your charter yacht and book a berth in charming little cities like Primošten, Skradin, Tisno, and Vodice. During summer, be sure to book a berth in advance since it gets very crowded in marinas and ports.
Best Places to Visit in Šibenik Region
Deciding what places to visit on your yacht charter vacation in Šibenik region is no easy task. It might take you a few trips to explore all the astonishing beauties the area has to offer.
Kaprije Island is a quiet island with only one settlement where you can walk its steep narrow streets between stone houses. There are no cars, so you are guaranteed to have a peaceful holiday here. You can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear sea in around 20 bays and relaxing on the beach or eating in one of a dozen restaurants very popular among sailors. Make sure to try locally grown olives and grapes.
Žirje Island is an agriculture and fishing island with beautiful nature and about 30 sheltered bays, 17 islets and reefs, and several natural caves. There is no mass tourism, and the island abounds in medicinal and aromatic plants. The island itself served as a crucial point in defending Šibenik during the Croatian War for Independence.
Kornati National Park practices sustainable tourism and has beautiful dry-stone walls. Tourists can hike, dive, snorkel and explore the wildlife, as well as experience local cuisine in restaurants and taverns. Sailors can find well-equipped ACI Marinas on the islands of Piškera and Žut. Mooring in the National Park is only allowed in certain bays such as Stiniva, Tomasovac – Suha Punta, Šipnate, Lučica, Opat, Smokvica, Ravni Žakan, Lavsa, Piškera – Vela Panitula, Anica on Levrnaka, Podbižanj, Koromašna and a few others.
Krapanj Island is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic, it has the lowest elevation (1.5 m) and sinks like Venice. For over 300 years there has been a tradition of harvesting and selling sea sponges that are indicators of a clean and warm sea. There is a hotel with mooring places. You can spend your evenings taking a peaceful walk around the island.
Krka National Park is another national park to put on your Šibenik sailing itinerary. Named after the river that flows through, the area has an exceptional natural value and preserved ecosystems. Be sure to listen to the seven magnificent waterfalls and swim in designated locations or enjoy a boat excursion and visit a monastery on a river island. There are restaurants and accommodation available in the park.
A town known as a popular tourist party destination, Vodice, boasts all types of beaches, as well as dog-friendly and Blue Flag-certified. The town offers opportunities for an active vacation or simply enjoy in beach bars and clubs.
When sailing in Šibenik sailing region, be sure not to miss Prvić Island, a small carless island in the vicinity of Vodice with two settlements ideal for a relaxed vacation on beautiful pebbled or sandy beaches. There is a production of olive oil and fine wine. Tourists can stay in private accommodation or in an award-winning hotel “Maestral” in Prvić Luka.
Important Info for Sailing in Šibenik Region
Best time to sail
April - October
Most popular marinas
ACI Marina Žut, Marina Hramina, Marina Betina, ACI Marina Jezera, Marina Tribunj, Marina Zaton, D-Marin Marina Mandalina
Nearest airports
Split Airport (SPU), Zadar Airport (ZAD)
Number of charter yachts
700+
Popular regattas
Zlarin Yacht Regatta, Jabuka Regatta
Top attractions
St. James Cathedral, St. Michael’s Fortress, Krka Waterfalls, Kornati National Park
Gastronomy Highlights of Šibenik Region
Šibenik sailing region enjoys a lot of olive oil and seafood, as well as fresh fish, lamb and veal, prosciutto, goat and sheep cheese. Meals are accompanied by a lot of vegetables and wine. Fruit is essential, especially citrus fruit, marasca cherries, grapes, figs and almonds. Yachting in the Šibenik area and eating in restaurants, taverns and inns will get you acquainted with delicious Croatian cuisine. On your yacht charter vacation in Šibenik, we recommend you try some of Dalmatian cuisine classics:
Skradinski rižot is an exquisite risotto made with veal rump, ham, beef, onions, rice, capon, rooster, or beef bouillon. Typically, the risotto is seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, sprinkled with shredded cheese, particularly Paški sir from the adjacent island of Pag.
Drniški pršut or Drniš prosciutto is salted, pressed, cold-smoked ham dried in Bura wind for at least a year, made in this region since the 14th century. Drniški pršut is said to be of the highest quality of all the Croatian prosciuttos.
Brudet is a seafood stew popular in the Croatian regions of Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria. It is normally prepared of several types of fish stewed with spices, vegetables and red or white wine, or even vinegar to keep the flesh of the fish whole.
Crni rižot is a distinctive black risotto cooked with fresh cuttlefish or squid. The risotto's intimidatingly dark hue is derived from cuttlefish ink, and it is frequently flavoured with mussels, clams, and other shellfish.