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Dive into the authentic charm of Šibenik and the surrounding area

August, 3

Enrich your stay at D-Marin Mandalina, one of the safest ports on the Adriatic Sea, by exploring the nearby Šibenik and the surrounding area.

We have made a list of suggestions and proposals for how to discover the absolute best the region has to offer, and it is up to you to choose what you like the most. Or, better yet, to use everything that is at your disposal! 

As one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, Šibenik boasts an interesting and glorious past. Undoubtedly, one of the most famous landmarks in Šibenik is the Cathedral of St. James. Its architect, Juraj Dalmatinac, left an indelible mark on not just Šibenik, but also the world’s architecture, by erecting such a magnificent building. Airy, white, and imposing, in 2000, the cathedral found its way onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you walk around the cathedral and pay special attention to its sides, you will have no trouble spotting a number of heads in high relief. Legend has it that they were made based on the faces of Juraj Dalmatinac’s fellow citizens! The cathedral’s interior is as fascinating as its exterior. Therefore, if you get the chance, make sure you see it from the inside as well. The spot in front of the cathedral’s main entrance is a perfect selfie spot, so make sure you take one to remember Šibenik by.  

Immediately afterwards, you will notice the stunning-looking terrace of the Michelin-starred Pelegrini Restaurant, where you will have the unrivaled experience of the Mediterranean fine dining. Each year, their team of professionals, headed by the imaginative Chef Rudolf Štefan, dress the traditional Dalmatian cuisine into a new and contemporary outfit. All their ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, which means their dishes are authentic in the fullest sense of the word. If you are interested in experiencing Šibenik through its food and drinks, this is the place where you can learn more about it by sampling their top-quality offer.  

You also have a unique opportunity of strolling through the streets that back in the 16th century housed one of the first and most famous inventors, Faust Vrančić. The parachute and suspension bridge are just two of his many inventions. His house is located in the heart of the city, so if you are feeling adventurous, allow yourselves to get lost in the streets of Šibenik and look for it. On your way there, you can stop by one of Šibenik’s most beautiful bars, the She Bistro & Bar. This rooftop bar is the perfect place to enjoy top-quality cocktails, beers made by local brewers, and excellent wines, while admiring the view of Šibenik’s St. Anthony’s Channel. 

You can learn about the city’s history by tasting its beer. Over the past few years, Šibenik’s craft beer scene has seen rapid growth, while the offer has been getting bigger and more interesting by the day. The city’s history is featured on the Mihovil, Cvita and Barone beer labels, as well as in the 1066 beer, named after the year Šibenik was mentioned for the first time under its present name, the 1646 pale ale, whose name is the year that both St. John's and Barone fortresses’ construction began, and the 83:82 beer, named after the score of a famous basketball match involving a local club. 

You have surely heard of the Šibenik fortresses. If not, you might be even more pleasantly surprised. St. Michael's Fortress is the most breathtaking stage on the Adriatic coast. Each evening, this permanent witness to Šibenik’s steadfastness and courage dons its cape of lavish summer entertainment. Let yourselves be carried away by the sounds of jazz, classical music, and soul under the stars! As for the Barone Fortress, there you can enjoy not only their excellent coffee, but also the stunning views of the sea beneath. It is also one of the top photo-op spots in the city! One of the three fortresses in Šibenik is currently being reconstructed – this means that you will have to postpone your visit to it for another time, and also that you now have another reason to return to Šibenik. Nonetheless, you just have to visit St. Nicholas’ Fortress, out at sea. Put your hat on, grab your camera, and go! 

Should you grow weary from walking around Šibenik and want some refreshment, drop by the Mediterranean Garden of St Lawrence's Monastery, hidden by the stairs to St. Michael’s Fortress. The garden will enchant you with its aesthetic beauty, meticulously tended plants, and its scents. The most pleasant surprise awaits you in a glass – if you stop by, make sure to try the homemade white pelinkovac liquor. The drink’s medicinal properties have been known since Roman times, and it is still a favorite among Dalmatians.