‘Šibenik or Trogir, which city is better to visit?’ – one day I asked my Croatian host, Jure. The beautiful town of Primošten where we stayed was exactly halfway between these two cities, only about half an hour drive. So it was a great opportunity to see places in Croatia where my husband and I have not been yet. Jure said: ‘Both cities are beautiful, but you will like Šibenik more. There are many narrow streets, hidden gems, nooks, and crannies. Trogir may be too touristy for you but see for yourself.’ Was he right or not?
Šibenik, the underrated Croatian city
Did you know that Šibenik is the oldest Croatian town? Of course, in today’s Croatia, there are other, much older cities like Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik or Stari Grad on the island of Hvar (check: Top 10 things to do in Hvar Island, Croatia). But unlike them, Šibenik was not founded by Greeks, Romans, Illyrians. This is the native city of the Croats. There is also something more that makes Šibenik different than the other cities of in Dalmatia: it is not so touristy and it is still a bit off the beaten path.
The Cathedral of St. James (Katedrala sv. Jakova), Šibenik, Croatia
Narrow streets in the old town of Šibenik, Croatia
The Šibenik Cathedral made me speechless
The best place to visit in Šibenik is the Cathedral of St. James. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Šibenik Cathedral is the largest and most beautiful building of the transitional Gothic-Renaissance period in Dalmatia. The interesting fact is that no bricks or timber were used in the church’s construction, it was built entirely of stone from the islands: Brač, Korčula, Susak, Rab, and Krk. I think this is the most beautiful building I have ever seen in Croatia. Every smallest detail is a real work of art!
The Renaissance building of the Town Hall in Šibenik, Croatia
I think the best way to explore historical cities like Šibenik is to get lost in the maze of streets. Besides, the old town of Šibenik is like a labyrinth, so there is no other option. Of course, you can walk while looking at the map or navigation on the phone, but the question is why? Is not it better to just go ahead without a plan? I love this kind of sightseeing because I always find some hidden gems then.
The maze of winding streets in Šibenik, Croatia
There are many picturesque spots in Šibenik
What I liked about Šibenik is the fact that it is located on a hill. Interesting perspective and historical buildings make it a very photogenic place. Strolling through the narrow streets, surrounded by old stone houses, I had the impression of traveling in time. Šibenik is a place with atmosphere, authentic and full of magic. Still a bit unexplored and not destroyed by mass tourism.
St. Michael’s Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila) situated on a steep hill above the old historic center of Šibenik
I wish I had more time to explore Šibenik. I know I have not seen even half of what this city has to offer. Picturesque fortresses, antique churches, museums, street art, cool handicraft shops… There are so many things to see in Šibenik! Three or four hours is too short to get to know this city. Next time I will stay in Šibenik for more than one day, definitely!
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Trogir, one of the must-see places in Croatia
‘Have you ever been to Trogir?’ You have no idea how many people have asked me this question. Especially when I was telling them about some lovely towns in Croatia which I saw like Stari Grad, Hvar, Rovinj. According to many, Trogir is the most beautiful place in Croatia and nothing can compare with it. Do I share these opinions and have I found this place so amazing and special?
The Church and Monastery of St. Dominic (Samostan i crkva sv. Dominika), Trogir, Croatia
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Katedrala sv. Lovre), Trogir, Croatia
The Southern City Gate (Južna Gradska Vrata), Trogir, Croatia
Sometimes we do not even know how many factors affect how we perceive the places we visit. Weather, people, attitude, expectations… These are just some of them. When I arrived in Trogir, it was quite gloomy, right after the storm. It was a cold May afternoon but despite this, there were a lot of tourists in the city. Well, maybe you can not see it in the pictures, but the town was a little bit crowded. Another thing that surprised me was the fact that the old town of Trogir is much smaller than I thought. Do not get me wrong, there are many things to see in Trogir, but unlike in Šibenik, two or three hours are enough to explore this city.
The Kamerlengo Fortress (Tvrđava Kamerlengo), Trogir, Croatia
Trogir is undoubtedly a beautiful city, full of historic architecture and quite photogenic. So I do not know why I did not feel the spirit of this place. Maybe because there was too much of everything there. I mean colorful signs, restaurant gardens with umbrellas, shops with tourist souvenirs. Everyone likes something different. I prefer to explore off the beaten path places and look for something authentic. Maybe must-see places are not for me? That makes a sense.
Narrow streets in the old town of Trogir, Croatia
The beautiful door that I found while walking around Trogir
There are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the old town of Trogir
Another thing is that maybe I was not in the right place at the right time. I think I will give Trogir another chance and visit this city again when the weather is better or in the evening. There is something that makes so many people excited about this place. Maybe I just need more time to feel it? Or maybe it’s all about expectations and attitude? I do not know, I admit I’m a little bit confused.
Probably the most instagrammable place in Trogir, Croatia
The old town of Trogir, Croatia
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Šibenik and Trogir, two beautiful cities in Croatia. Which one is more worth visiting? I can not tell you, you just have to check it out yourself. There is an old saying in my country that there are as many opinions as people and it’s true. I have a feeling for Šibenik, you may like Trogir more. Give each of these cities a chance and then decide what you prefer. Have you ever been in Šibenik and Trogir? Which city did you like more?
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Oh this post is just amazing and your photos are incredible!!! I love all of them and the editing,
I still haven’t been to Croatia, but it is so high in my bucket list. Hopefully soon!
Thank you! 🙂 Croatia is beautiful, you will love it.
I am so glad I came across your post as we have been planning a visit to Croatia and Slovenia – so had been trying to come up with our itinerary. I never knew Šibenik is the oldest town in Croatia and so would love to visit it – exploring those narrow lanes and discovering its hidden gems sound like the perfect way to experience this town. Thanks for the details.
Actually, Šibenik is not the oldest town in Croatia, there are much older like Trogir, Split etc. But it is the oldest Croatian town founded by Croats – not Greeks, Romans, Illyrians. So this is the best place to feel Croatia, its atmosphere.
This city looks so beautiful! I’ve never thought of visiting Croatia before, but now I want to.
So visit Croatia as soon as possible. Now everything is changing very fast and unfortunately, some places lose their charm and become more and more touristy every year. However, there are still a lot of hidden gems that are really full of atmosphere.
Such a beautiful country, you’re giving me so many great ideas for my visit there next year. I appreciate that you’re highlighting some of the less popular cities, I’m all about avoiding crowds. Can’t wait to see where else you visited in Croatia!
I also prefer to avoid crowds, so I am looking for such hidden gems. Not so long ago I also visited the islands of Cres and Losinj, which are off the beaten path. I will write about it soon on the blog.
I sadly only made it to the very popular Dubrovnik while visiting Croatia. You are right these are underrated and deserve all the praise! Next time!
How did you like Dubrovnik? I have never been there! I would like to but I am a bit afraid of the crowds.
Those are beautiful towns with all its cultural/historical heritages carefully preserved. We love walkable towns like this; it makes us see the history and culture of the place up close. It’s quite surprising actually. From the air, it looks busy, but when you’re in there, it seems very serene and quiet.
I also love walkable towns with pedestrian streets. In the aerial photographs you can see some tourists near the Cathedral, because this is the most important place in Šibenik. However, the old town is so vast that everyone will find a place for themselves and there are no crowds of people.
Such a cool introduction to two gorgeous cities! I truly love how honest you are in your assessment of both Šibenik and Trogir, as well as the contrasts between them. I tend to like small cities, but that’s not set in stone. Sometimes a place just vibes with you, and other times not. It’s admirable that you intend to give Trogir another chance, but I think many of your pictures speak for themselves. If I had to choose just one, I’d definitely do Šibenik 🙂
Šibenik, this city is really magical. You’re right, sometimes it depends on whether a place vibes with you. There are places that are considered beautiful, but I did not feel anything. And vice versa, sometimes the city is seemingly uninteresting but I feel a special atmosphere there and try to capture it in my pictures.
Oh nice! Never heard about Sibenik and I love how it looks! Would really love to hang around there with my camera.
This is not a top tourist destination in Croatia, but every year more and more people visit Šibenik. I advise you to visit this city as soon as possible until it becomes too commercial and crowded.