Šibenik Islands like a local

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, Prvič 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 Prvić 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, Prvić 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.