Communities around the Šibenik hinterland – Drniš, Knin and Skradin – are known for their gastronomic specialities. You can look forward to prosciutto from Drniš, Babić wine, a special kind of artisanal cheese known sir iz mišine, aromatic local brandy (rakija), as well as dessert wine prošek, plus maraština wine, both made according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. The Šibenik hinterland also prides itself on a long tradition of preparing succulent meat dishes, such as savoury lamb or tender pork roasted under a so-called cooking bell. To round everything off, you should try the delicious dried figs, which go into the soparnik pie with figs, olive oil and olives.
Two of Croatia’s eight national parks are near Šibenik, Krka and Kornati. At Krka, you can stroll along well-maintained trails and marvel at the historic fortresses near the Krka river, archaeological sites Burnum and Bribirska Glavica, as well as the Danilo site with prehistoric remains. Kornati is simply unique, an archipelago of mainly uninhabited islands left open to nature.
The Šibenik archipelago has its own attractions, where an age-old way of life is still preserved. One of them is sea sponge harvesting and processing, which has its origins on the island of Krapanj and dates back to the Middle Ages. The neighbouring island of Zlarin is known for corals, and the island of Prvić contains an exhibition of handmade replicas of the inventions conceived by the brilliant Fausto Veranzio, designer of the world’s first parachute. Head out, too, to Žirje and Kaprije, where time stands still and unspoiled beaches await.
Back on the mainland, you can visit Sokolarski Centar, where falcons are cared for and trained. Further inland, the village of Otavice contains the family mausoleum of Ivan Meštrović, considered Croatia’s greatest sculptor.
This article is sponsored by Šibenik and The Croatian National Tourism Board: 'Croatia Full of Life.
