Less developed and with fewer visitors than more well-known destinations along the coast, the Šibenik Islands have retained a staunchly traditional feel, giving you a different perspective of life on the Dalmatian Coast.
On this full-day tour with a private guide, you’ll get to explore the islands of Zlarin, Prvi膷 and Krapanj using local transportation, hear about their history and customs and get a taste of island life. You’ll find out why sea sponges, coral and olive oil have had an impact on the local economy and why the islands became a refuge for rebels across the ages.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Šibenik and you’ll head down to the city’s waterfront, where you’ll take the local city bus to the nearby town of Brodarica. Here, you’ll take a quick, five-minute ferry ride to the island of Krapanj.
The island has a rich seafaring and deep-sea diving history, with residents diving for sea sponges since the 17th century. Small rock houses sit along the tiny streets of the town which lead to the island’s 16th-century Franciscan monastery.
The monastery has a small museum telling the story of the sea-sponge divers as well as a couple of Renaissance treasures including The Last Supper painted by Francesco da Santa Croce.
After a visit to the monastery and some time to walk around the other sites in town, you’ll continue on to the heavily-forested island of Zlarin which is known for its red coral. Used in traditional costumes as well as for necklaces and bracelets, you can learn more about the coral industry at the town’s museum.
Wander the town and walk along the tranquil bay among fig and cypress trees before heading on to your next stop, the island of Prvi膰 to the north.
Known as a refuge for mainlanders during the Ottoman raids of the 16th and 17th century and then, as base for the anti-fascist movement during World War II, Prvi膰 is a car-free island offering good views of surrounding islands and the coastal mountains. Today, the island has a thriving olive oil and wine industry, a few handsome churches and plenty of old stone houses and quiet coves.
From here, you’ll take the ferry back to Šibenik, passing through Saint-Anthony’s Channel. Along the route you’ll pass the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Nicholas Fortress, which dates to 1525 and was an instrumental piece of the Venetian defence system on the mainland.
Arriving back at the Šibenik waterfront, your guide will escort you back to your hotel or you can continue to explore at your own leisure.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Croatia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Diocletian Palace walking tour
Walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors, warriors and traders in the Diocletian Palace in Split. With a private guide, you鈥檒l get expert commentary on the history, construction and preservation of the city and the lives of those who lived there.
Krka National Park visit and winery lunch
On this full-day private tour, take in the karst scenery and gushing waterfalls of Krka National Park by boat before visiting a 15th-century monastery. Then, join the owners of a small vineyard on a tour of their estate before sitting down to a wine-paired lunch.
Trogir with a local chef
Explore the cobblestone streets and historic architecture of Trogir, tour its market with a local chef, and enjoy a five-course meal in the city鈥檚 botanic gardens on this unusual tour that offers a comprehensive overview of local history and culture.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
