Islands of Šibenik-Knin County - places for active vacation

As in many other popular destinations for active holidays, the islands of Šibenik-Knin County offer excellent conditions for hiking, mountaineering, cycling and scuba diving. However, this area offers significantly more variety and excitement, as well as numerous opportunities for exciting pleasure and energetic fun.

The exciting natural sights of the region almost compel you to move and explore every corner of the impressively hilly hinterland, enticingly indented coastline and inspiringly secluded islands.

Sail a sailboat or yacht around charming secluded islets

The Šibenik archipelago is a great place for sailing and yachting. There are a large number of peaceful and uninhabited islets gathered around the larger, although rather small, islands of this area. Beautiful green oases scattered across the gentle sea, especially from the islands Dragon and Capri to the west, they were created to enjoy romantic moments, meditation, swimming and relaxing in the silence and beauty of crystal clear sunny beaches.

Watch exciting traditional regattas and try interesting water sports

The islands of Šibenik-Knin County are the venue for several international regattas. Some are special in that they revive the tradition of sailing on Latin sails. They are the most famous “Latin sail” which takes place in late September on the island of Murter i "Burtiž" at the end of August on the island of Prvić. In addition to these impressive regattas, the islands also offer amateur sports competitions that usually end up as one big party. There are also some more prestigious competitions and tournaments in water sports.

Enjoy top quality seafood and local wines

The islanders of this area are known for their excellence seafood specialties and delicious local wines. They are especially appreciated among yachtsmen and sailors who visit local taverns, i.e. small and quiet restaurants with a traditional menu. Some famous personalities are regular guests of these taverns, e.g. on the islands of Kaprije and Žirje. If you prefer livelier events dedicated to local food, visit some of the interesting gatherings. We highlight the brudetijada (manifestation dedicated to sea fish dish - brudet) on the island of Zlarin.

Visit dynamic festivals and local parties (festivities)

Whether you like the indigenous expression of folk folklore and its melancholic ballads or the livelier atmosphere of a modern music festival, you will enjoy the rich and diverse cultural life of these islands. From various carnivals, processions, ceremonies and ethnic dance nights, to concerts of modern pop, rock and dance music, new age gatherings and ambient music. There is a lot to experience and participate in. This can be especially seen on the uninhabited island of Obonjan or the islands of Zlarin and Murter, where the Koledišće Cultural and Artistic Society is doing a great job of preserving the local intangible heritage.

Dive into the depths of the sea and explore the rich underwater world of the crystal clear sea

The Šibenik archipelago has perfect conditions for all kinds of diving activities, from scuba diving to freediving. Islands of Šibenik-Knin County, such as Krapanj, Prvić and Zlarin they are especially suitable for exploring marine life and searching for beautiful corals and sponges that hide in rows of long shallow reefs, which is evident by the name of the island Krapanj (sponge island). In addition to these areas, do not miss diving in the Kornati archipelago, home to untouched nature and an ecosystem with a magnificent seabed.

Visit beautiful historic churches and museums

The islands of the archipelago do not lack charming historical churches and interesting ethnographic museums. You can, for example, explore the medieval church of St. Helena (mother of Constantine the Great) and monastery of the Holy Cross (containing valuable images and incunabula) or picturesque the baroque church of St. Roch. You can also visit the exhibition of great inventions of Faust Vrančić, collections of sea sponges, coral, amphorae and dishes, the Shipbuilding Museum, etc.

Learn more about the indigenous culture of shipbuilding and shipping

The islands of this area have a rainbow history of building great fishing boats and skilled and famous sailors. That is why those who are interested in seafaring and nautical can learn a lot. Place Betina on the island of Murter it is especially known for its long tradition of shipbuilding, presented in the local museum, which was nurtured by great and caring masters. In place Jezera on the same island in September an interesting international competition in sea fishing called Big Game Fishing is held.

Discover bike and hiking trails that will inspire you

The multitude of olive groves, lush vineyards, fig trees, dense low vegetation, coniferous forests and gentle hills form beautiful panoramic trails ideal for cycling and hiking. Inhabited islands like Capri and Zirje, as well as those uninhabited, like Tijata, Zmajana and Kakana, provide the greatest privacy and freedom to roam and explore in the relaxing sounds of the surrounding glistening waters.

Source: Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board