Dalmatia Šibenik
This part of Croatia is often called the heart of the Mediterranean. It includes Šibenik-Knin county, along with its two national parks - one maritime, the other ashore - 11 medieval fortresses, 230 cultural monuments and 600 archaeological sites. Šibenik is the main town, and, along with its Cathedral of St. Jacob, stands as testimony to the historical importance of this part of Europe. The Cathedral is unique on a global scale for many reasons and included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
The magnificent Kornati islands give their name to the national park containing 89 uninhabited islands, which are part of the Šibenik archipelago. Even if you only gaze at them from the campsites located on neighbouring islands or along the coast of this region, you will realise that they are a real gem, which also captivated George Bernard Shaw, the famous writer. It was he who wrote that 'On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath.' The closest place to these islands is the island of Murter, which is the largest and most densely populated island
of Šibenik-Knin county, and is connected to the mainland by a moveable bridge. Together with the Kornati archipelago, it forms the largest island municipality in the Mediterranean. In the inland part of the region is the Krka National Park, where the karstic river of the same name is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. The river and its surroundings are home to distinctive flora and fauna, some of which live in the numerous caves. Along its journey of 75 kilometres through the picturesque, deep canyon, the river Krka forms very beautiful waterfalls: Bilušića Buk, Miljacka, Brljan, Rošnjak, Manojlovački Slap, Roški Slap and Skradinski Buk. On a boat trip in the park, you can also visit Visovac, a small island where a Franciscan Monastery is located. You can also visit Skradin Buk via the waterways from Skradin, a small town famous for its marina and visited by celebrities. Perhaps it was precisely this natural beauty that inspired the inventor of the parachute, Faust Vrančić. He was the Croatian Leonardo da Vinci, and earned his international reputation at the end of the 16th century when he published the description of his invention. Born in Šibenik, Vrančić spent his childhood on the island of Prvić, where there is a museum collection connected with him.
On the island of Prvić you can find out why the Italian naturalist and travel writer, Alberto Fortis, lavished such praise upon the local figs, wine, olive oil, fruits and other products produced here and on the neighbouring islands. In his book 'The journey through Dalmatia', Šibenik and its surrounding areas were treated to a huge number of pages, and so perhaps that's reason enough for you to come here and stay in one of the campsites of the Šibenik region.
You can find additional information about Šbenik-Knin county and individual destinations at www.sibenikregion.com.
Šibenik
The Cathedral of St. James is without doubt the most important building in the largest city of the Šibenik-Knin county. It took 105 years to complete the building, and much of the work was carried out under the watchful eye of the famous Dalmatian architect, Juraj the Dalmatian. He contributed to this unique monument of sacral architecture, built in the Gothic and Renaissance styles with more than seventy sculpted heads carved on the exterior of the cathedral. It is the most significant architectural achievement of the 15th and 16th centuries in Croatia, and has been listed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites since 2000. It is the only cathedral in Europe built entirely of stone without any mortar binding or wooden structural elements. Šibenik has its own theater which has operated in its magnificent building since 1870, and today it is the second oldest theater in Croatia. St Michael's Fortress dates back to the original settlement of Šibenik, and it is an important feature on any cultural itinerary for tourists in the Šibenik region. It was built 60 metres above sea level, and possesses a fine summer stage with over a thousand seats. You can learn about the medicinal and culinary herbs of the Mediterranean at the Medieval Mediterranean Garden inside the Franciscan monastery of St Lawrence, in association with the Šibenik Private High School. Admire the wild thyme and the beautiful hues of its leaves, in red, purple, grey, pale and dark green, and also discover how capers first arrived in the region. Have you ever wondered how the falcon is such a skilled hunter? Discover exactly how, and uncover other mysteries about the life of this predator in the Falconry center, located in Šibenik's Dubrava, a pine forest only 8 kilometres from the city center. Šibenik is well-known for its International Children's Festival, which for decades has been held there from late June to early July. Established more recently, the Terraneo music festival brings in the big names of the world music scene. There is one more big event with an international character: The Medieval Fair is held in late September for the feast of St Michael, the patron saint of the city. It revives the atmosphere of the glorious past of Šibenik. Among the towns in the surrounding area, Drniš deserves a special mention: It is 20 minutes drive away into the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland. There, among other things, they process and dry the well-known and award-winning Drniš prosciutto ham. And 55 kilometres away from Šibenik is the town of Knin, located on the border between Lika, Bosnia and Dalmatia.
Murter - Betina
The island of Murter is only thirty kilometres from the city of Šibenik and is the closest island. At its closest point, only 38 meters separate Murter and mainland Šibenik, and it is connected to the mainland via a moveable bridge in the town of Tisno. This proximity to the mainland, and also to the Kornati islands, makes it very attractive to boaters and to those looking for a peaceful holiday. A key jumping-off point for visits to the Kornati islands is the largest settlement on this island, which bears the same name, Murter. Having its own large marina, it is a favourite nautical destination. The inhabitants of Murter and Betina actually own a good part of the Kornati archipelago, including the 89 uninhabited islands within the Kornati National Park itself. Perhaps this is why they turned to tourism. Here, on the Murter Sea, you will find campsites in some of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean, where you can enjoy the shade and the scent of olive trees. The Murter Sea is the largest sea area between the Šibenik and Zadar archipelagos. Its area is 210 square kilometres with a maximum depth of 94 metres. The town of Murter also became renowned for its carnival traditions, so much so that the carnival (with its own inevitable interpretations of contemporary events) has been included in the calendar of the most important events in the whole Šibenik region. Betina is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful tourist destinations on the Adriatic. In the 18th century, shipbuilding began to develop there. In the 19th century a shipyard for the construction of large timber ships was founded, and today, the shipyard 'Betina' continues with the tradition. It is especially
famous for the construction and repair of sports and fishing boats for domestic and foreign markets. A traditional festival takes place in Betina on the first Sunday in August, where you can taste special types of shellfish from the area that are hunted with brganja fishing tools.
Jezera
Located on the southeast side of the island of Murter, and
kilometres from the bridge at the village of Tisno, this, the smallest of places on Murter, is named after the small lakes that form in the valleys after spring and autumn rains and which disappear with the arrival of the sun. Jezera has been inhabited since the 13th century, and its residents were then already well-known as skilful sailors. Mount Mortar is to be found here, after which the island was named. On the small area of arable land grapes, olives and figs are cultivated, which can be enjoyed by tourists as well. From here you can organise excursions to the Kornati islands, and also to other national parks in the Šibenik and Zadar regions.
Primošten
If you want to sample the dry red wine Babić, that has earned many fans amongst the world's wine lovers, then visit Primošten, a tourist town 28 kilometres south of Šibenik. Once upon a time it was an island, and the town was first mentioned under its present name in 1564. With the passing of time it was connected to the mainland via the construction of an isthmus. Primošten's centuriesold vineyards, from where this famous wine originates, can also be admired by visitors to the United Nations building in New York, where their pictures have been displayed as an icon of hard labour throughout the centuries. You can hear the story of life in this picturesque part of the Šibenik region at the Primoštenski užanci festival, one of the long-established traditions of the area. This event takes place during the first two weeks of August, and with a glass of fine wine and some home-cooked fish you can witness the staging of a traditional Primošten wedding, and also have fun at the donkey races.
Pirovac
This is one of the most important destinations on the Šibenik Riviera and is only 23 kilometres away from Šibenik. Here you will find healing mud, as well as kilometres of well-landscaped walking and bike trails along the beautiful beaches, attractive bays and cultural-historical monuments. These are only some of the features that make this place an ideal choice for a holiday. The easy access to the divine Kornati islands and Krka waterfalls, and Lake Vrana, only five kilometres away, with its great fishing opportunities, makes the choice of a campsite at Pirovac even more attractive. You can combine natural beauty and Dalmatian specialities by choosing to have a picnic in an olive grove, an offer that your hosts will be more than happy to arrange for you.
Vodice
Located almost in the center of Šibenik-Knin county, Vodice is one of the top ten biggest tourist destinations on the Adriatic. In this town, famous for its liveliness and its rich and diverse tourist infrastructure, there's something for everybody. Here, in a wide bay 11 kilometres northwest of Šibenik, health and 'congress' tourism are well-developed. There are also campsites where you can learn about the splendours of the area's traditional cuisine and also enjoy a wide range of sporting activities. The closest island is the island of Prvić, where relaxation is especially guaranteed due to the lack of traffic, and where you can reward your palate with, for example, Prvić's salad of octopus with olive oil, which is labelled 'Hrvatski otočni proizvod' ('Croatian Island Product').
Dalmatia - Šibenik
C A M P I N G
MIRAN Camping
Not far from the very center of Pirovac, a place which is excellently connected with the Zagreb-Split motorway, in a peaceful bay and by the same-named hotel this campsite offers a range of sporting activities and a selection of traditional dishes.
MIRAN Camping HR-22213 Pirovac, Zagrebačka 37 +385 (0)22 466 836 [email protected] www.rivijera.hr 43°49'21" N, 15°39'30" E
JAZINA Camping
Situated about 1 km from the center of the town of Tisno, where the island of Murter almost touches the mainland, this campsite offers peace and quiet along a 500 m long pebbly and sandy beach, as well as a small marina where one can also hire a boat.
- JAZINA Camping
- HR-22240 Tisno, Put Jazine 318A +385 (0)22 438
- 日 +385 (0)22 439 [email protected]°48'36" N, 15°37'47" E
HOSTIN TISNO Camping
Quite close to the island of Murter and 2.5 km from the town of Tisno, this campsite is situated inside an apartment resort with a restaurant that has a large open air terrace.
HOSTIN TISNO Camping HR-22240 Tisno, Petrića Glava 34 +385 (0)22 438 373 日 +385 (0)22 438 373 [email protected] www.hostin.hr 43°48'1" N, 15°39'30" E
IMPERIAL Camping
The campsite is located 10 km from Šibenik and 1 km from Vodice, occupying partially forested land alongside a pebble beach and near the same-named hotel, where guests of the campsite can also use the sports and gourmet facilities.
IMPERIAL Camping HR-22211 Vodice, Vatroslava Lisinskog 2 +385 (0)22 454 471 [email protected] www.rivijera.hr 43°45'10" N, 15°47'23" E
- AMADRIA PARK CAMPING ŠIBENIK Camping
- HR-22000 Šibenik, Hoteli Solaris 86 +385 (0)22 361
- 日 +385 (0)22 364 463 [email protected] www.amadriaparkcamping.com 43°41'54" N, 15°52'41" E
SKRADINSKE DELICIJE Camping
The camp is located in the town of Skradin, at the spot where the Krka river meets the Adriatic Sea. The nearby Krka National Park and historic town center of Šibenik are must-see tourist attractions.
SKRADINSKE DELICIJE Camping HR-22222 Skradin, Aleja Skradinskih svilara 8 +385 (0)91 520 9330 日 +385 (0)22 771 348 @ [email protected] www.skradinske-delicije.hr 43°49'21.33" N, 15°55'14.02" E
AMADRIA PARK CAMPING Šibenik
The camp is located 6 km from the town of Šibenik, surrounded by a pine forest, right next to the beach, within the eponymous tourist settlement. Guests can enjoy tourist train rides and take a panoramic ride across the resort. There is also a wellness with six indoor swimming pools and hot water, saunas and other activities on offer. Guests of the camp can take a trip on the pirate galley, play pirate golf and have fun in the water park.
ADRIATIC Camping
The camp lies 2 km north from Primošten and 25 km south of Šibenik. The camp beach is 1 km long and interesting for its diversity - the pebble area is suitable for children, and the rocky area is ideal for secluded sunbathing and diving. The beach also has a fast food bar. Guests can enjoy the various sports on offer in the camp, as well as in Primošten, which is only a short walk away.
ADRIATIC Camping HR-22202 Primošten, Huljerat 1/a +385 (0)22 571 223 [email protected] www.adriatik-kamp.com 43°36'23" N, 15°55'19" E
JASENOVO Camping
The camp is located in the deep shade of the pine trees in the village of Jasenovo, near the historic town center of Šibenik. The family atmosphere and great attention to detail exhibited by the hosts are the main features of this idyllic campsite.
- JASENOVO Camping
- HR-22000 Šibenik / Žaborić, Jasenovo 123 +385 (0)91 633 3015
- @ [email protected] www.marisoasis.hr 43°39'02" N, 15°57'06" E
REHUT Camping
The Rehut Camp is located on the island of Murter, just a few minutes walk from the town of Murter, in the immediate vicinity of the sandy beach of the Slanica Bay, ideal for families with children. The specialty of this camp is a horse ranch.
REHUT Camping HR-22243 Murter, TURISTICKA 1a +385 (0)22 435 363 [email protected] www.camprehut.com 43°48'59" N, 15°34'51" E
SLANICA Camping
Located on the island of Murter, 1.5 km from the center of the town of Murter, it has two sandy beaches, a view of the Kornati islands, and a small marina where you can rent a boat.
SLANICA Camping HR-22243 Murter, Podvrške 8 +385 (0)98 336 636 [email protected] www.murter-slanica.hr 43°49'1" N, 15°34'36" E
PLAŽA SLANICA Camping
CAMPING JEZERA LOVIŠĆA Camping HR-22242 Jezera, Uvala Lovišća 1b +385 (0)22 439 600 @ [email protected] www.camp-murter-kornati.com 43°47'34" N, 15°37'36" E
The Plaža Slanica camp is located on the island of Murter, near the bay of Slanica, around 70 metres from the sea. Guests can enjoy the quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
PLAŽA SLANICA Camping HR-22243 Murter, Put Slanice 87 +385 (0)98 551 870 [email protected] www.munati.hr 43°49'3.6"N, 15°34'50.8"E
CAMPING JEZERA LOVIŠCA Camping
This campsite is situated about 30 km from Šibenik, near the fishing and tourist town of Jezera, one of the largest fish trading centers in Croatia. It is part of the same-named tourist resort, where accommodation is also available in apartments and rooms. There is a varied selection of sports on offer, and campsite guests can also take organised day trips, including a trip to nearby Kornati.
PLITKA VALA Camping
The Plitka Vala campsite is located on the island of Murter, just 2 km from the center of the town of Betina, nearby is a 450 m long pebble beach, and some of the facilities are shared with the neighbouring Kosirina campsite.
PLITKA VALA Camping HR-22244 Betina, Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 190 +385 (0)22 435 268 +385 (0)22 435 268 @ [email protected] 43°48'20" N, 15°36'45" E
Located on the eponymous islet of the Šibenik archipelago, the Obonjan camp offers its guests the unique experience of camping in the attractive glamping tents and mobile homes.
OBONJAN Camping HR-22000 Šibenik, otok Obonjan +385 (0)99 442 2662 [email protected] www.obonjan-island.com 43°40'49"N, 15°47'08"E
KOSIRINA Camping
In Betina, on the island of Murter, this campsite stretches over land covered with pines and olive trees and includes two pebble beaches, one of which is for naturists.
KOSIRINA Camping HR-22244 Betina, Kosirina bb +385 (0)22 435 268 日 +385 (0)22 435 268 @ [email protected] 43°47'50" N, 15°36'36" E
If you want to cram as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as possible into your trip, your wish will be granted in central Dalmatia, in the county of Split-Dalmatia. In fact in this leading tourist region of Croatia, within around thirty kilometres of each other are Diocletian's Palace in Split itself, the largest city in Central Dalmatia, Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar and Trogir's town center, all sitting waiting for your visit.
And that is not the full extent of what the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture has included on its prestigious lists. UNESCO has also put the following 'intangible cultural heritage' under its protection from this part of Croatia: Hvar's agave- and aloe-lace-making and is procession Za križen (following the cross), and the Sinj Alka (a traditional knightly tournament originating in Sinj in the 18th century). The list also includes Nijemo kolo (a silent circle dance) from Vrlika and Klapa singing, which is a traditional style of unaccompanied polyphonic singing, recently spread to other Croatian regions from its cradle in Dalmatia.
There are numerous archaeological sites, including the well-known
Solin. Solin is the biggest such site on the eastern Adriatic coast, and it is proof that there could have once been even more of these great historic monuments. It comprises the remains of the ancient town of Salona, the former capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, and it is located about six kilometres north of Split. Away from the coast, sustainable tourism and a return to nature have been promoted by ever more popular eco-ethno villages, whereas on the coast, campsites have been promoting the same philosophy by using the plentiful sunlight to generate energy for heating, amongst other things.
Campsites in Central Dalmatia are involved with and promote culinary specialities of this part of Croatia. Given the inevitable local fish and seafood, it would be worth tasting delicacies with recipes dating back to the time of Marko Marulić, the father of Croatian literature, who was born in Split. For example, gingerbread flavoured with lots of saffron. This spice, along with honey and coriander, was an exceptionally important product of the islands in the 16th century.
Away from the sea, into the Dalmatian hinterland, Cetina trout is an indigenous dish, as is frog brujet (stew) on baškotin (crispy bread-roll): frogs' legs are bathed in lemon juice and then cooked with other ingredients over a low heat and served with toasted bread.
A rarer drink to find is the 'cocktail' of young wine and goat's milk, which is known by various names in this region: bikla is its name in Vrgorac, the home-town of Tin Ujevića, the well-known Croatian poet. Today, Vrgorac also produces a quality wine and the best strawberries in Dalmatia.
You can find additional information about Split-Dalmatia county and individual destinations on www.Dalmatia.hr.