Šibenik’s warm welcome makes it a city for everyone
December 3, 2021 – On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we take a look at how inclusive Å ibenik makes it a welcoming city for all
Located on a truly unique stretch of the Croatian coast, the town of Å ibenik is famous for many things.
History, heritage and events
Barone Fortress © Šibenik Tourist Office
Above the city are three fortresses. Historically, they have defended Å ibenik from attacks from any direction possible. There is another fortress below the city, in the middle of the Canal Saint-Antoine. It guards the entrance to Å ibenik from the sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He’s not the only one here.
Events at Barone Fortress © Šibenik Tourist Board
The spectacular St. James Cathedral in Å ibenik is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is understandable. It is an architectural treasure. These five titanic monuments are the cornerstones of Å ibenik’s old town. Its historic streets are among the most charming and atmospheric in Croatia. During the warmer months, Å ibenik’s famous music, children’s, dance, theater and cinema events flow through these streets.
Special gastronomy
Å ibenik includes: Bakalar (salted cod), traditionally served with potatoes © Maja Danica PeÄanić
Å ibenik has long been known for its classic Mediterranean brunches – the marenda. As far back as we can remember, these simple yet tasty dishes have been casually tasted in the alleys and cobbled alleys of Å ibenik’s old town.
Å ibenik included: octopus © Maja Danica PeÄanić
Consistently voted Croatian restaurant of the year, the international reputation of Å ibenik Pelegrini’s restaurant was reinforced in 2018 when it received a Michelin star. Not only does it still hold the award, but its presence in the city has also helped raise the bar of fine dining in Å ibenik restaurants.
Å ibenik included © Maja Danica PeÄanić
Plus, in the hills surrounding Å ibenik you will discover some of Croatia’s largest small-scale wine producers. They may not be the most famous, but the winemakers of Å ibenik-Knin County are regularly among the most decorated producers and presented at the international elite wine awards.
Landscape, nature and recreation
© Krka National Park
Few Mediterranean cities can boast of having natural assets like Å ibenik. And nowhere else looks exactly like this city.
Just a 20-minute drive from the city is the Krka National Park. It is one of the most famous, popular and spectacular national parks in Croatia. Within 100 square kilometers of epic river valley, verdant wilderness and rocky karst canyons, you’ll discover seven spectacular waterfalls and a variety of birds and animals.
© Šibenik Tourist Office
Closer to the city center, the Saint-Antoine Canal is a natural waterway that flows from the sheltered port of Å ibenik to the Adriatic. Running along the southern side of the canal is one of Å ibenik’s most popular recreation areas. Here you will find the St. Anthony walking trail and beaches with endless walks.
Warm welcome
© Šibenik Tourist Office
When talking about the distinct qualities of Å ibenik, sooner or later you will have to mention hospitality. Å ibenik loves visitors. The people of Å ibenik appreciate nothing more than those who come to watch and spend time here. This is why the city and the Å ibenik Tourist Office are making a special effort to make Å ibenik accessible and a city for everyone. The recent EU Tourism4all project has helped to significantly improve Å ibenik’s ability to receive all visitors, including disabled and elderly people.
Å ibenik’s Inclusive History and Heritage: Fortresses and Old Town
ibenik included © Šibenik Tourist Office
The old town of Å ibenik was not designed with accessibility in mind. In fact, it was not at all strategically planned. Instead, the Old Town simply evolved over several centuries, rising up slopes when its expansion made it necessary. In total, there are more than 2000 stairs and steps leading through the old town. Charming for some, they are an obstacle for others. To help overcome these obstacles, the Å ibenik Tourist Office – with the support of local associations of people with disabilities – has mapped the accessibility of all public buildings and tourist attractions. You can view the map here.
ibenik included © Šibenik Tourist Office
Experienced guides from the Professional Association of Tourist Guides of Å ibenik Mihovil have recognized that on average at least one member of each tour group they lead has special needs. In response, they invested time and effort to create tours tailored to the needs of people with different disabilities. An additional tool that has been created to help visitors move around the city center is a mobile phone application – Å ibenik Audio Guide. It was designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, although it is useful for everyone. Å ibenik Audio Guide is available in English, Italian, German and Croatian and can be downloaded from Playstore and iStore.
Šibenik included: Barone Fortress © Šibenik Tourist Office
As a result of these efforts, two of Å ibenik’s fortresses – St Michael’s Fortress and Barone Fortress – were rebuilt to be fully accessible to people with disabilities. Inside the fortresses, you can learn how they helped defend Å ibenik and more about the history of the city itself. One of Croatia’s most breathtaking event spaces, there is a spectacular backdrop of city, nature, sea and islands to performances at St. Michael’s Fortress. All of its dance, theater, music and film events are fully accessible.
Fortress Saint-Michel
The Tourism4all project supported the introduction of transport services – a minibus equipped for the transfer of wheelchair users visiting the city. It is operated by the local NGO Aurora.
Find out which Å ibenik food and drink is right for you
Å ibenik included: Brudet © Maja Danica PeÄanić
In recent memory, many places in Croatia have struggled to cope with the growing number of vegetarian and vegan guests arriving at their destinations. But, great strides have been made over the past decade. Nowhere other than in the city of Å ibenik, where you can access a specially designed food card for people with food intolerances or special dietary needs.
© Cave Baraka
Want to learn more about the local cuisine and the famous Å ibenik-Knin County wine? Baraka winery, just outside of town, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Their new cooking classes have been designed to be accessible to everyone and are perfect for small groups. You will learn to cook local dishes using ingredients popular in the area. Then you can have lunch or dinner in this beautiful natural setting.
Å ibenik’s Inclusive Nature, Wildlife and Recreation
ibenik included © Šibenik Tourist Office
The nature that surrounds Å ibenik is spectacular. No matter what your abilities or fitness level, this nature can be enjoyed by anyone. The sections of Krka National Park with wide accessibility are specially designated by the park authorities.
Šibenik included: Krka National Park © Šibenik Tourist Board
There are many walks and hikes through the cityscape designed for people of all ages and abilities. Family groups made up of several different generations can enjoy exotic walks around the Saint-Antoine canal. High above the city, Šubićevac Forest Park has a fully equipped playground, designed for inclusion and accessibility. You will get amazing views from both of these places.
Šibenik included: Falconry Center Dubrava © Šibenik Tourist Office
If you want to get up close and personal with some of the animals that live in this area, there are several options available to you. Located in a dense pine forest less than 10 kilometers from the center of Å ibenik, in the Falconry Center of Dubrava, you will encounter several different birds of prey.
Šibenik included: KK Kolan riding club at Farma Happy Horse © Šibenik Tourist Office
At Farma Happy Horse you will meet horses and llamas. In fact, there are plenty of pets waiting for you on this small family farm. They are all very nice. In addition, the KK Kolan Riding Club operates on the farm. Their experienced team offers therapeutic riding sessions specially designed for children and adolescents with disabilities.
Accessible accommodation in Å ibenik
© D-Resort Šibenik
D-Resort is a modern hotel complex located next to the Å ibenik Marina. It sits at the end of a small, thin peninsula that stretches all the way to Å ibenik Bay. Its bright and spacious rooms have balconies overlooking the bay, town and nature opposite. The hotel has 4 bars and lounges and, next door, a spa area. The hotel has rooms designed to be accessible and specifically adapted for people with reduced mobility.
© D-Resort Šibenik
Visitors to Å ibenik can take advantage of the Å ibenik Card and get various discounts, including a 20% reduction on accessible rooms at D-Resort. For more information on the Å ibenik Card, click here.