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WELCOME TO ŠIBENIK – KNIN COUNTY!
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These are exciting times for Croatian tourism, even more so with EU entry in 2013. With the major increase in flights to the Dalmatian coastline to airports such as Zadar and Split, the accessibility of the region’s tourism has been visibly improved, allowing visitors to explore some of the lesser known destinations. Destinations such as Šibenik – Knin County, for example, which is conveniently nestled between the two airports above. A region which truly has it all, and yet is not overrun with tourism, thereby offering that rare combination of quality undiscovered tourism in a sophisticated and accessible location.
With the shores of its pristine beaches washed constantly by the lapping waves of the azure Adriatic, the region is a sailing heaven, from beginner’s sailing schools to advanced regatta participation. Symbols of the diverse culture are perhaps best epitomised by the only cathedral in Europe built entirely of stone (the impressive UNESCO-protected St. Jacob’s Cathedral in Šibenik) or the International Children’s Festival, now in its 53rd year. The real treasures of Šibenik – Knin county lie in its natural treasures and adventure tourism potential. Choose from a range of national and nature parks, which bring out the very best on offer in Croatia. The Vransko Lake Nature Park is an area of outstanding beauty, with its ornithological reserve a particular attraction for keen birdwatchers.
The majestic Kornati and Krka National Parks are among the top attractions in Croatia, with the Krka Waterfalls proving one of the most popular day trips from destinations such as Split. The 89 islands, islets and crags which form the Kornati National Park include some of the most spectacular scenery in Dalmatia. There are plenty of geological attractions as well, with two particular highlights being the visible waves in the Stara straža site, close to Knin on the road to Gračac (protected since 1961), and the site of Vrela Cetine, the spring of the Cetina River (protected in 1971), which contains a series of karst springs.
The region’s wines and food are well documented, perhaps nowhere better than on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations showon The Travel Channel last year, but a lesser publicised attraction is the potential of Šibenik – Knin County’s adventure tourism. This is a region rich in water, both rivers and sea, and there are excellent options for kayaking, rafting and diving, in addition to the sailing. Land-based activities are also plentiful, from the relatively rare regional activities from bungee jumping to falconry, while visitors can also indulge in additional diverse activities such as big game fishing, horse riding, cycling and trekking.
With 600 archaeological sites, 11 medieval fortifications and 230 cultural monuments, there is plenty to occupy the history buff, in addition to the main UNESCO attraction. A region then full of cultural treasures, breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque islands, spectacular beaches, a quality gastronomic scene and outstanding activities. An idyllic destination, but how hard is it to reach?This is perhaps the best news of all. With more than 80 destinations serving Split in 2013 and Ryanair opening a permanent base in Zadar, both airports are less than an hour’s drive away, meaning access to the region has never been easier, and with the entrance into the wider European family, there has never been a better time to explore Šibenik – Knin County.
This post is also available in: Croatian
