Sibenik (Croatia)

Sibenik is a port city on Croatia's central Dalmatian coast where Krka River flows into Adriatic Sea. The town has population around 35,000. Other major Croatian passenger ports (cruise and ferry) are Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka.

This is a lively town with cozy streets leading to attractive squares. Among the notable buildings of the city are the Renaissance St.Jacob's Cathedral (1434) which lies underneath the fortress walls of the city in the old area of Sibenik. There are 4 fortresses in Sibenik but only Saint Nicholas Fortress is at sea, at the port Sibenik's entrance. It was built in the 16th century by Venetians to prevent Turkish vessels from reaching the port. Nearby is Krka National Park with cascading waterfalls, swimming holes and green pools as well as archaeological remains.

The town was first mentioned in 1066 as the seat of the King of Croatia and was given the status of a town in 1298. Sibenik, like the rest of Dalmatia, resisted Venetians up to 1412. At the end of the 15th century the Ottoman Empire started to threaten Sibenik, but never succeeded in conquering it. During the 16th century, Saint Nicholas Fortress was built and, by 17th century, its fortifications were much improved. The fall of Venetian Republic in 1797 brought Sibenik under the authority of Austrian Hapsburg Monarchy. After The First World War, Sibenik became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War 2 it was occupied by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. After WW2 (1939-1945) Sibenik became part of Yugoslavia until in 1991 Croatia declared its independence.

Since April 2019, a new daily cruiseferry service links the Dalmatian seaside resorts and port cities Split and Zadar via Sibenik. The new route provides Croatians and international tourists (arriving by planes in Zadar and Split) the more picturesque sea-travel alternative. The fast-ferry service is provided by the company ENVIRA Sibenik. The ferryboat leaves Split at 9 am, departs from Sibenik at 10:35 am and arrives in Zadar at 0:40 pm. The return crossing leaves Zadar at 5:30 pm, Sibenik at 7:35 pm and arrives in Split at 9:10 pm.

Sibenik cruise terminal