Šibenik is mentioned for the first time on 25th of December in 1066 in the donation deed of King Peter Krešimir IV, which is why it is nicknamed Krešimir's town. The city of Krešimir had the honor of becoming the first city in the world to receive public lighting on alternating current. The streets of Šibenik were lit up for the first time at the end of August in 1895. And there are many more interesting things. Did you know that in 1895, the water power plant in Skradinski buk on the Krka river was put into operation just two days after the start of the power plant near Niagara Falls? The Skradin power plant is thus considered the first open water power plant in Europe.
If we go further into history, we will find that Šibenik also minted its own money, the so-called Šibenik bagatin. Šibenik was also the most populous Dalmatian city until a deadly wave of plague in 1649 that took 80 percent of the city from Krešimir. And what does the name Šibenik actually mean? In the Ukrainian language, he is a mischievous boy.
In the surroundings of Šibenik, we can find popular resorts that enjoy a large number of visitors. Which is your best? We recommend Vodice, Pirovac or Primošten and the islands Zlarin and Murter.
Vodice is the Croatian Saint Tropéz and in summer it is literally crowded with tourists. The very lively city is one of the most desirable and ranks among the top 5 areas in Croatia, along with Dubrovnik, Hvar, Brač and Istria. Take a walk along the Vodice seafront, stop by the two wells in the center of the city, you must not miss the Parish Church of the Holy Cross, the Ćorić Tower, but also the Aquarium and the Museum of Maritime traditions.
Pirovac is a small fishing town that was once a medieval settlement and fortress of the old Croatian nobility. Pirovac was one of the many Templar fortresses. It is located near Vranske lake and was a kind of palace on the sea. Until the middle of the 19th century, Pirovac was a small island surrounded by walls. The settlement could only be reached via a drawbridge. In the 20th century, thanks to the Vrata sela bridge, it became part of the mainland.
Primošten is a true pearl of the Croatian Adriatic, and only one small bridge separates the history of the city and modern tourism. Relaxing on the beach with a view of the picturesque old town, or exploring beautiful vineyards? You can do both.
The Zlarin is one of the most beautiful islands of the Šibenik archipelago. It is golden, green, coral and although it is located only 2 km from the mainland, when you reach it, it is as if you have entered a completely different world, where there is no place for cars and where you are greeted by impressive, untouched nature and red corals that grow in the depths of the sea that surrounds it. The island has an area of only 8.19 square kilometers and approximately 300 inhabitants live here. Zlarin is a favorite place for sailors. If you want a peaceful vacation with the sound of waves and the chirping of crickets, surrounded by the beautiful and clean sea and the scents of Mediterranean herbs, the Zlarin is a great destination for you.
The Murter, the largest island of the Šibenik archipelago, consists of four beautiful settlements that will win you over with their nature. They are Murter, Betina, Jezera and Tisno. Thanks to the many events, festivals and the proximity of the national park, this beautiful island is a suitable destination for fans of local events, but also for a quiet holiday.