St. Nicholas Fortress in Sibenik, Croatia Sebastus, Šibenik, Sibenik, sailing, Sibenik archipelago

Šibenik sailing guide

Croatia’s UNESCO Fortress City

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Pick a route for your perfect sailing holiday

7 days sailing Šibenik route

Explore the city with two UNESCO-protected sites, Game of Thrones filming locations, and proximity to the marvelous Kornati Islands and Krka National Park.

5 days sailing Šibenik route

Visit Kornati National park and beautiful small islands in Šibenik archipelago.

About Šibenik

Šibenik is situated in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic Coast, in the picturesque and indented bay where the Krka River, one of the most beautiful karst rivers in Croatia enters the sea.

The area has 242 islands, islets and above-sea reefs. The most numerous group of islands are the Kornati islands, which are distinguished by their remarkable beauty known throughout the world.

Šibenik is famous for its cultural and historical sights and natural beauties, and boasts two monuments under the protection of UNESCO, the Cathedral of St. James and the St. Nicholas’ fortress as well as the two national parks, Krka and Kornati.

Yacht charters from Šibenik offer an exclusive opportunity to explore the Adriatic’s pristine waters, picturesque islands, and historic coastal towns at your own pace and in luxurious comfort.

Šibenik archipelago sceenery on a sunny day

Best places to sail around Šibenik

Sail to off-the-radar islands- a short sail away from Šibenik are the lovely islands of Zlarin and Prvić.
Krka National Park is just down the coast from Šibenik. Featuring a series of 17 cascades, this National Park is named after the 75km-long Krka river running through it, easily traversed by boat. Great stop-off location on a chartered yacht tour.
The Kornati archipelago is made up of 140 islands and islets in an area only 35 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide. Between the long, thin island of Kornat, which faces the coast, and the chain of islands on the other side, there is a stretch of water naturally protected from the open sea, with dozens of safe bays to drop anchor.

 

boat anchored in a quiet bay, aerial view

Best mooring and anchorage spots

Skradin offers a picturesque setting for mooring and anchoring. It’s a popular spot due to its proximity to the Krka National Park, which boasts stunning waterfalls and nature trails.
Zlarin Island – situated just off the coast of Šibenik, Zlarin Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to drop anchor and enjoy some swimming and snorkeling.
Kornati National Park – this archipelago of islands and islets offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Adriatic, as well as stunning scenery. There are several spots around the park where boats can moor or anchor.
Tribunj – a charming fishing village located just a short distance from Šibenik, Tribunj offers a picturesque harbor and plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Vodice – another popular destination for boaters, Vodice boasts a large marina as well as several spots where boats can anchor. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the town, making it a great place to spend a few days.

small boats anchored in front of the fisherman village

Sailing conditions in Šibenik region

The sailing conditions in the Šibenik area are generally good, with mild to moderate winds and calm seas. The prevailing winds in the summer months are typically from the northwest, with average speeds of around 10-15 knots.
The sea temperature in the summer months is warm, typically ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius.
There are few navigational hazards in the area, although caution should be exercised around the Kornati Islands due to the presence of numerous reefs and rocks.

FAQ

There are few beautiful off-the-radar islands close to Šibenik: Zlarin, Krapanj, Prvić, Kaprije and Žirje.

Best time to sail around Šibenik is from April till October. The peak season months are July and August while off season months are April, May and October. Less crowded months but still high season are June and September.

Yes, there are few places in Šibenik area where you can rent a boat and sail to the neighbour beautiful islands.

The distance between Šibenik and Kornati NP is approximately 28 nautical miles.

The old town of Šibenik can be explored in one day.

Yes, there are several anchorage options in Šibenik. One of the most popular and convenient is the Šibenik City Harbor, which is located in the center of the city and offers easy access to all the local attractions.