Šibenik – A Hidden Gem for Luxury Cruise Tourism
Šibenik, a jewel of the Adriatic coast, is increasingly featured on the itineraries of luxury cruise ships sailing the Mediterranean. A city rich in cultural and historical heritage, with two UNESCO-protected monuments and close proximity to the natural beauty of Krka National Park, it has become an attractive destination for guests seeking an authentic experience. But what makes Šibenik a special cruising destination? How does it differ from other Mediterranean cities? What are its strengths and where lie the challenges? What impressions do guests take with them after visiting Šibenik?
We talked about all this with Ante Carić, an experienced tour guide from Šibenik, who has been welcoming guests and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about his hometown for two decades, creating unforgettable experiences for tourists.In our conversation, Ante told us what it’s like working with cruise passengers, what excites them, and how he sees Šibenik’s future as a cruise port on the Adriatic.
Ante, we’ve known each other a long time—friends, former classmates, and colleagues—so I’m familiar with your background, but for our valued readers, could you briefly share how you became a tour guide in Šibenik?
Gently nudged by my parents, I studied languages—Italian and English—and literature, but my greatest love has always been art history. In a casual chat with a friend, I heard about a course for tour guides and decided to combine my love for art history with languages. I became a licensed tour guide in 2006 for English and Italian and joined the Mihovil Association of Tourist Guides, also founded that year. I work as a freelancer, grateful for a job where every day is extraordinary. I’ve had the chance to organize city tours for royal family members, British nobility, and young students alike.
Tour guides, as ambassadors of our tourism, can make the first impression unforgettable—for better or worse—so it’s essential to keep learning and improving to provide guests with a truly memorable experience.
Šibenik and the Cruise Industry
Šibenik is steadily positioning itself as a Mediterranean cruise destination. Viking, Azamara, Emerald, Ritz Carlton, and Silver are just some of the companies whose ships dock in the port. How would you describe Šibenik as a destination for cruise passengers?
Šibenik is a fantastic city and a kind of niche destination. Few people were familiar with it until recently, thanks to increased promotion. It’s not as commercialized as other Mediterranean cities, which works in its favor. Cruise guests are typically affluent world travelers who value authentic, lively cities. Šibenik still has that soul—you’ll see kids playing in the old town, clothes drying across narrow streets, and the smell of lunch wafting through alleys.
Its geographical location is impressive. Arriving from the sea, through the St. Anthony Channel, you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of a medieval city with four fortresses. The walk through the city, filled with alleys, chapels, and palaces, tells the story of the largest medieval urban center in Dalmatia. Once the wealthiest city in Venetian Dalmatia, Šibenik surprises visitors with its richness. It offers a more authentic experience, fewer crowds, and a pleasant atmosphere. Importantly, all landmarks are within walking distance from the port—a big advantage for time-limited cruise guests.
Evrima and Emerald Azzurra, small luxury cruise yachts / source: Cruiseclipping.com / author: Zagorka Stančić
Top Attractions for Cruise Tourists
The Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO site, is the top highlight, along with the city itself—a vibrant medieval core. In the 15th century, Šibenik had over 150 noble families with their residences, and you can still see that splendor today. The Šibenik Theatre, one of the first in the world with electric lighting, would be a wonderful visit if it were open to the public. I sometimes bring guests there during the International Children’s Festival to show off its beautiful interior. Krka National Park is also a must-see—just 15 minutes away—along with the Fortress of St. Nicholas, which is gaining popularity as a tourist attraction.
Impact on the Community
What impact does cruise tourism have on the local community?
The impact is positive, but there’s room for improvement. As guides, we contribute by telling stories—for example, about the šibenski botun, a traditional local silver ornament now sold throughout Dalmatia. We encourage tourists to buy authentic souvenirs. We also talk about local wines, give dining tips, and aim to help the local economy thrive.
Revitalizing the old town is crucial—bringing in boutiques, galleries, quality restaurants, and genuine experiences. We lack offerings for guests who’d like to stay longer. One major issue is seasonality. The season is short—May to October—when we’re overwhelmed with tourists. Outside that window, visits drop significantly.
Interesting souvenirs like the bagatin coin, originally minted in Šibenik, are nearly impossible to find.
Another idea is kotonjata, a traditional quince dessert once common in noble homes, which could be revived as a unique Šibenik treat. Rose liqueur is another forgotten gem that could be reintroduced..
Tourist Reactions
What are the most common reactions when tourists first visit Šibenik?
They’re usually very positive! Many are surprised at how beautiful and compact the city is. They appreciate the locals’ hospitality, the clean coast, and the authenticity. Entering the city from the sea is an experience in itself. Tours are short—about an hour including the cathedral—so I try to show them as much of the city as I can in that time.
What are the biggest challenges of working with cruise groups?
Safety is always the priority, especially for older guests who aren’t used to our cobbled streets. Navigating those can be a bit tricky for them
Sustainability and the Future
Šibenik is known for its nature and history. How do we balance increased tourism with heritage preservation?
Ideal cruise ships for Šibenik are smaller ones—Seabourn, Azamara, Viking—with under 1,000 passengers. Motor yachts like Evrima bring millionaires and billionaires. These are the best fit for our port, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism goals. We don’t have the crowds of bigger ports, and we focus on quality over quantity
And what can we offer guests who have seen and done everything?
These high-end guests value exclusivity. We need to shape offerings accordingly—package experiences, tell stories. Even sipping coffee in the town square can become a colorful, authentic event if presented the right way.
The Šibenik and County Tourist Board has done great promotional work, but there’s always more to do—improving hospitality standards, organizing cultural events, creating thematic tours.
One of the standout local products is the Šibenik oyster—among the few places in Europe where you can get the original European oyster, along with the Bay of Mali Ston and the Belon estuary in France. Another gem is favete, a traditional pastry with roots in northern Italy once prepared in noble homes—perfect for a souvenir list.
A Personal Reflection
What do you love most about being a tour guide?
Giving someone an unforgettable experience—visiting a living city full of vibrant people. Putting a part of myself into each tour so that every tourist gets what they came for: a feeling, a memory
Any advice for those looking to work in tourism?
The secret ingredient is love for the job. Educate yourself, stay informed, grow constantly—but most importantly, love what you do. I’m a happy man because I do what I love and make a living from it.
