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One of my favorite things to do in Šibenik, Croatia, is relaxing on the many beaches. Well, to be fair, I love just about any place where a beach is available, but Šibenik really has some beautiful beaches. Crystal clear blue waters, thriving marine life, all closeby to this historic Croatian city.
From right on the city’s shore to the furthest island from the mainland, here are some of my favorite beaches in Šibenik.
Map for this guide
Here is a map I’ve made for you that shows where all of these beaches in Šibenik are located.
A note about Croatian beaches: Depending on where in the world you’re from, you might be used to different types of beaches. Where I’m from, around New Haven, Connecticut, we have sand beaches. In Croatia, many beaches consist of pebbles and stones. Still (mostly) comfortable to lounge on, but different than what you might be used to!
Banj Beach
In almost every coastal city in Croatia, there’s a riva, most similar to a boardwalk. At the end of the riva in Šibenik, you’ll find Crnica (Banj) Beach. The city beach offers free showers and changing areas, and most importantly, free entry to the beach. You can bring your own towels and chairs, or you can rent sun loungers once you arrive.
Since the beach area is at the base of the Šibenik, you’ll find a unique, panoramic view of the city, including Barone Fortress, St. Michael’s Fortress, and the Cathedral of St. James.
And, since the beach Banj is at the end of the riva, you’re so close to many great coffee shops, ice cream stands, and the beach bar.
If you’re interested in some other incredible restaurants, historic sites, and activities Šibenik has to offer, make sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in Šibenik!
Jadrija Beach
The first of many beaches in Šibenik on this list that you’ll need to take a ferry to access, Jadrija Beach is a trendy seaside resort area. Many families have houses on the small streets just outside the beach area, and you’ll see locals of all ages relaxing on the shore.
Some areas of the shoreline at Jadrija City Beach are pebble, but most of the coast is stone that extends right up to the water.
Once you’re there, there are a few different food stands in the main beach area. However, you can’t leave without trying a “krafne.” Essentially a Croatian donut, a krafne is airy and usually holds some sort of delicious cream or jelly in the center. Although you can find this treat all over Croatia, there’s something special about enjoying one seaside from Slastičarnica Jadrija, the confectionary shop on Jadrija Beach.
You can access Jadrija by driving or taking a local ferry that sails through St. Anthony Channel several times every day during the summer from the Riva in Šibenik right to the beach. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
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Solaris Camping Beach Resort
The Solaris Camping Beach Resort offers its guests five different themed beaches in Šibenik along its coast, as well as a yacht marina, and hotel options from three to five stars. Each of the five beaches offers its own unique features, from sunbathing decks to children’s playgrounds, mini-golf, cafés, and restaurants.
- Solaris Sand Beach – The resort’s center, sandy beach.
- Solaris Club Beach – The party beach, with En Vogue Beach Club and pools by the ocean.
- Solaris Spa Beach – The relaxing beach, with the resort’s Wellness & Spa Centre nearby to offer beachfront massages.
- Solaris Camping Beach – The camping beach, with campgrounds right next to the water.
- Solaris Family Beach – Best for families, and closest to the Aquapark.
Aquatic family fun for all ages? You’ll find it at Aquapark Dalmatia in Solaris Beach Resort! The first themed water park in Croatia has a whole Kids Zone, as well as lazy rivers, an “Aqua Rain Fortress”, water slides, waterfalls, and jacuzzis all throughout the park.
You can also opt for Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, a fully pirate-themed mini-golf course, or visit the living history museum Dalmatian Ethno Village within the resort’s Amadria Park, (like Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia!)
Solaris Camping Beach Resort offers a wide variety of other accommodations including Mediterranean mobile homes, apartments, and villas. The Dalmatian Stars Homes, the Villas Kornati, and the Amadria Park Jakov also all have great facilities with access to the rest of the resort’s amenities.
Rezaliste Beach
If you’re not into the Aquapark or not interested in a resort experience for your day out in the sun, you can head right next door to the city’s Rezaliste Beach. Located in Brodarica, its coastline is a pebble beach. Made up of mostly fine gravel and concrete, it’s a great place to go lay back and relax in the sun outside of the city center without traveling far on the mainland.
Once you’ve enjoyed enough of the sun, walk along the water for some cute shops and restaurants. Sahara Beach Bar is a great, locally owned-and-operated coffee shop located just steps from the water.
If you go just a little further south from Rezaliste Beach, you can also visit Zlatna Ribica, a great seafood restaurant next to Brodarica Beach.
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Zlarin
About a mile off the coast of Šibenik, Zlarin is a great place to spend a day on the beach. You can take a ferry to the island’s harbor and many of the other islands around Šibenik, using the ferry company Jadrolinija. Their boats service many routes all throughout Croatia.
Once you arrive, you can walk around to explore the peaceful island’s town. No cars are permitted on Zlarin, so you might see a golf cart or a bike riding by, but nothing else! You can then lounge almost anywhere by the water on this island, so settle down in a spot that works best for you.
There are a few hotels on the island if you’re interested in staying overnight. Otherwise, have dinner at one of the island’s restaurants like Konoba Aldura before taking the ferry back to Šibenik.
Žirje
The furthest island away from mainland Šibenik, Žirje is an incredible oasis in the Adriatic. The Jadrolinija ferry to arrive on this island is an hour and 20 minutes.
Only about 100 people live on the island, so if you’re looking for a more remote, genuinely local experience in Croatia, you’ll find it here on Žirje. The water here is clean, crystal-clear blue, making for phenomenal swimming conditions.
There are only a few restaurants on the island, but it’s known as a fishing settlement, so if you have the chance, you need to stop at one of the few restaurants on the island. It really comes right out of the ocean and onto your dish. It’s delicious and utterly fantastic!
Whether you’re looking for a quick trip to the beach barely leaving the city center, or you want to totally unplug for a few days on a far-off island, you’ll definitely be impressed with the beaches in Šibenik!
