← Split Marathon·2 nights

Šibenik: Stone Cathedral on the Bay

A hillside town above a deep bay, with a UNESCO-listed stone cathedral, four fortresses and a Michelin-starred restaurant beside the nave.

Duration2 nights
TransitArriva coach, about 91 km and 1 hour 30 minutes
DepartsSplit bus station

After the Split Marathon: Šibenik

The Route: Split → Šibenik (2 nights) → Split → Split Airport Logistics: Arriva coach between Split and Šibenik, about 91 km and 1 hour 30 minutes. Check the winter timetable. Marathon Month: February Duration: 2 nights

Split bus station ──(Arriva coach, about 1 hr 30)──> Šibenik
         ▲                                                │
         └──────────(Wednesday coach back)────────────────┘
              Split Airport (SPU) ◄──(Platanus shuttle, about 30 mins)

The Split Marathon is held in mid-February and Šibenik is a good Monday-to-Wednesday base: it is a compact old town with serious sights, and February keeps the crowds away.

February in Šibenik: days are cool and can be wet or windy. Interior sights are the strength of the winter visit. The fortress climbs are best in clear weather, and some seasonal businesses will be closed. The Šibenik Card covers the cathedral and fortresses, but check whether it is on sale in winter.

Coaches from Split take about 1 hour 30 minutes for the 91 km, according to Arriva's planning figures, and stops vary by service. Check arriva.com.hr, and book a departure after your hotel checkout. Bags go in the hold.

Nights One and Two: The Old Town

Šibenik climbs a hillside above the bay, and its lanes are stepped. The flat part is the waterfront, which is a good place for a first slow walk. Wear shoes that grip, because the stone is polished smooth.

The Cathedral of St James is the reason to come. It was built between 1431 and 1536 mainly by Juraj Dalmatinac and his successors, and it is made entirely of stone, including the vaulting, without brick or timber. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site. Along the outside of the apse runs a frieze of carved heads, around seventy in all, each a different face. Check the opening hours and ticket price, since the Šibenik Card may cover it.

The four fortresses above the town require climbing. After a marathon, choose one and go slowly, or save them for another trip.

Pelegrini, beside the cathedral, holds a Michelin star. Book ahead. Ask about stairs and lift access at your hotel, because the old town's heritage buildings often mean steps between the street and the room.

Getting Home

Take the coach back to Split on Wednesday, then the Platanus airport shuttle to Split Airport (SPU), about 30 minutes. Buy the coach ticket for a departure that leaves a comfortable margin.