Croatia's Oldest Coastal Town Is A Budget Mediterranean Destination With Cobbled Alleys

When you first think of planning a trip to Croatia, your first thought is likely to visit Dubrovnik, with its long history and beautiful architecture. Instead, there's a stunning old coastal town with gorgeous cobbled alleys, medieval fortresses, and terracotta rooftops. Welcome to Šibenik. Tucked along the Adriatic coast, and known as Croatia's oldest Slavic coastal settlement, this picturesque town offers old world charm without sky-high prices or large tourist crowds.

Though Dubrovnik draws in crowds and cruise ships, Šibenik is a laid-back destination that quietly wins the hearts of all who visit. It's an affordable destination, where guests can enjoy stunning coastal views, historic architecture, and fresh seafood, even on a budget! Šibenik sits just less than an hour's drive from Split Airport, and is easily accessible via a 1.5-hour bus ride along the scenic coastline. The town is well-connected by public transport, with train lines to Zagreb and other major cities. Most travelers prefer to travel by bus here as these can be faster and more convenient. To make your visit to Šibenik even better, U.S. citizens can travel visa-free to this top destination.

What makes Šibenik a true hidden gem is how much there is to see and do here without breaking the bank! If you're going to visit anywhere in this iconic town, the top spot on your list should be a visit to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St.James. This 15th and 16th-century stone building boasts an ornate facade, and 71 unique carvings of the faces of ordinary townspeople on the exterior. Guests can enter for a small $3 fee, and it is open for visiting all year-round.

Another spot that simply cannot be missed from your Šibenik bucket list is St.Michael's Fortress. It sits perched high above the town and boasts panoramic views of the Adriatic ocean and all across Šibenik. It's a truly stunning spot that attracts a lot of attention, even hosting frequent concerts and outdoor events during the summertime. It is open for visits year-round and more than worth the general admission fee of $13 purely for the stunning views it provides. If history-meets-popular culture is your thing, you'll love Croatia — a country all "Game of Thrones" fans should visit.

Šibenik is full of meandering cobbled streets and alleyways, and as you saunter through them, you'll be sure to discover cozy cafes and boutique shops selling local crafts. Unlike the more tourist-friendly Dubrovnik, you won't be learning to avoid over priced restaurants and stay away from tourist traps. Dining in Šibenik is a truly authentic experience, and surprisingly very affordable. One of the most unmissable restaurants here is Pelegrini, a fine dining spot with innovative flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

The best time to visit Šibenik is between May and early October. At this time of year, the Adriatic ocean sparkles under clear skies, the weather is warm, and the town plays host to various festivals like the Šibenik International Children's Festival and The Medieval Fair Šibenik. It's worth keeping in mind that July and August are the hottest months and typically also the busiest for tourism. If you're planning a budget-friendly getaway, it's better to visit during the shoulder seasons.

If the weather permits, many tourists like to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor attractions that also sit within easy reach of Šibenik. One such destination is Krka National Park, an underrated National Park that is an otherworldly waterfall paradise. A true haven for hiking and exploring the beautiful nature Croatia has to offer.

In terms of accommodation, Šibenik boasts a great range to choose from, including family-run B&Bs and hostels to stylish boutique hotels in renovated stone buildings. Guesthouses like Heritage Hotel Life Palace or D-Resort Šibenik both offer elegant and unique stays, perfect for those in search of culture or unparalleled luxury. Backpackers traveling on a shoestring budget can head to the popular Hostel Splendido, where they can find a bed for less than $30 a night. Charming B&Bs start at just $50 per night and boutique hotels average around $150.