600 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
230 CULTURAL MONUMENTS
11 MEDIEVAL FORTIFICATIONS
2 NATIONAL PARKS
ONE REGION…

Šibenik-Knin County is located in the very heart of the Croatian coast. This convenient location makes it one of the best starting points of excursion tourism in Dalmatia, which is particularly facilitated by the construction of the “Dalmatina” highway.

The region itself is renowned for nature and culture – two of eight of our national parks are located in this area: “Krka” and “Kornati”. The very center of city of Šibenik boasts one of seven UNESCO sites – Cathedral of St. Jacob. Another important cultural aspect of the Šibenik area is the International Children’s Festival first held back in 1958, due to which the city earned the name “City of Children”.

Šibenik archipelago hides a number of traditions – the extraction and processing of sponges which began in the Medieval Age on the island of Krapanj; coral mining and manufacture of coral jewelry on the island of Zlarin. The neighboring island of Prvić offers the possibility of visiting the exhibition of 50 hand-crafted models of inventions by Faust Vrančić, a scientist who invented the first usable parachute in human history. For lovers of peace and tranquility, the islands of Kaprije and Žirje are the best choice, and wine lovers are advised to visit the famous vineyards of Primošten, whose photography is permanently installed in the building of the United Nations as evidence of painstaking human effort throughout the centuries.

The Šibenik hinterland has also numerous excursion possibilities, such as the Town of Knin and the source of the Krka River. The Fortress of Knin as a symbol of freedom now represents a museum area. The village of Otavice near Drniš is known for the Mausoleum of Ivan Meštrović – an artist admired all over the world. For lovers of nature there is the unavoidable Falconry Center in Dubrava, were children and adults can meet and handle a variety of species of birds of prey under the expert guidance.

Due to the diversity of contents our hotels are increasingly turning to incentive and congress tourism – at their guests’ disposal are more than 25 conference halls with modern technical equipment (hotels Olympia, Punta Imperial, Radin in Vodice; Solaris hotel complex in Šibenik, hotel Zora in Primošten).

Turistička zajednica Šibensko-kninske županije
Adresa: Fra Nikole Ružića bb 22 000 Šibenik
Telefon: 00 385 22 219 072
Fax: 00 385 22 212 346
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.sibenikregion.com

Once the crown city of Croatian kings today Biograd on sea is a well-known tourist and nautical center as well as the center of the Riviera. It lies on a peninsula surrounded by modern marinas and a promenade with an unforgettable view of the Pašman Canal and the islands scattered in it. It is also surrounded by 5 National Parks and 2 Nature Parks, the vicinity of the Kornati Archipelago and Lake Vrana, its long-standing tourist tradition are only some of the reasons for choosing Biograd as a destination for an interesting and dynamic vacation. Biograd on sea is a Croatian royal city first mentioned in the 10th century while in the 11th century it was the seat of the Croatian kings and bishops. The city flourished as the crown city of the medieval Croatian kings and in 1102 the Hungarian – Croat king Koloman was crowned in it. The city was destroyed by the Venetians in 1125 and the only cultural monument that survived is St. John’s Basilica (11th cent.). Remaining proof of its tumultuous past can be seen in the Native Museum. We must emphasize a valuable hydro-archeological collection from a sunken 16th century ship found not far from the island of Gnalić in the canal of Pašman. Lake Vrana is rich with fish (carp, catfish and eel) and it is also an ornithologic reservation. It is at a distance of 5 km from Biograd and a favorite vacation and picnic area for nature and fishing lovers. It is worth visiting, especially the old center on the peninsula full of churches, historical buildings, museums and ramparts surrounding the peninsula. The gastronomy has all the characteristics of the best Dalmatian cuisine based on fish and vegetables boiled in plain water. A real delight is food made from lamb, especially stirred over an open fire. More than 36 sailing
regattas are organized in Biograd.

Važnija događanja u 2012. god
31.05.-2.06. Festival izvorne hrane, pića, gastro delicija,
izvornog suvenira i folklora ENO-EKO-GASTROETNO STOL 2012.
4.08. Biogradska noć
24. – 27.10.2013. Biograd boat – show Međunardni sajam nautike

Once just a fishing village, now an attractive tourist destination, Tribunj captivates at first glance due to the picturesque architecture that gives it a Mediterranean flair: from the large and beautiful parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1885)., to the emblematic St. Nicholas votive church (1542.) on a beautiful panoramic site – once the location of the Jurjevgrad Fort. Among significant objects of sacral heritage, the 15th century Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is definitely worth a visit.

However, the most dilligent keepers of cultural treasure are inhabitants of Tribunj, who nurture traditional customs and craftsmanship to keep the soul of the place alive. There is no shortage of fun either – you will enjoy lively evenings full of dance and entertainment – Fishermen’s Nights in late July and hilarious Donkey Races in early August.

From sightseeing and entertainment, you will surely go hungry, but don’t worry: indulge in the appetizing smell of tasty grilled fish emanating from every corner and in delicious seafood prepared according to traditional recipes of local caterers. The restaurant in the heart of the Nautical Center often finds itself on the list of top 100 in Croatia, and wherever you arrive, friendly hosts will offer you traditional sweets and high-quality wine.

After a delicious meal, enjoy the sea pleasures on beautiful pebble beaches, of which Sovlje is the largest and the most attractive – natural lagoon protected by pine trees. Besides by a light walk, the best way to experience the magic of the area is by bicycle, while strolling through Olive Roads will reveal you the fascinating raster of Dalmatian drystone walls. If you wish to try your hand at fishing or dive into the underwater world, sports fishing club and diving centres are at your disposal.

Paradise near Split

Šolta is becoming a favorite destination for a growing number of tourists – from the curious who discover new destinations from season to season, to those who want to find their ideal place to relax and be loyal to it – for years. It imposed itself on a tourist map due to the excellent investments and by careful listening to what costumer wants. Ferry and catamaran lines are excellent, and every ship coming to the island is followed by the bus, so from Rogač Ferry Port you’ll immediately move towards your destination.

We will set off from Rogač to the right, on the west side of the island, because at the very beginning of the season this part received a new look. It is namely the marina Martinis-Marchi in Maslinica, which embellished and rounded up a whole new front of ancient castle formerly known as Avlija and now a luxury hotel with a swimming pool for only a dozen guests, with mooring of 55 berths and the outer breakwater for luxury yachts.

The fishing village of Maslinica, a place for a real quiet vacation, offers you a trip to the sea with experienced connoisseurs of the underwater world, and you can also join the tours that arrive on the island by wooden sailing ships and go on an expedition by bike. If you aren’t into pedaling and physical activities, you can relax on beautiful hidden beaches, or go visit the seven islands of the Maslinica sea surface, each one more beautiful than the other…

Return to the heart of the island – Gornje and Donje Selo, exudes with history and preserving of the tradition, while Grohote is the center both of the island and of municipal administration. These “onshore” sites will return you to the calm pace of life reflected by those narrow alleys, but only for a moment. Already in the evening at the Cultural Centre of Grohote will be lot of opportunities for fun – you can choose among numerous plays, between which the greatest applause however is earned by a local amateur theater and cultural and artistic society; all in order to tear off old traditions from the oblivion, leaving the guests breathless by beauty of the costumes, dancing and singing.

Moving towards the eastern tip of the island will bring you up to Stomorska, another fishing port, protected bay, which is also mandatory on nautical charts. It is also known for cheerful fishing evenings that last long into the night, and you should definitely not miss a unique event in the world – pulling of an island!

It is Mrduja in question – an islet situated between Brač and Šolta. It is a fifth year of stretching the rope between the fleet of vessels from Brač and the one from Šolta, so the ones who draw the islet closer to themselves are this year’s Mrduja owners. A victory is of course celebrated, for even two evenings – one at Milna on the island of Brač, and the other at Stomorska. Who could resist being a participant of a two-day island celebration and outstanding entertainment!

Moving towards Brač leads us to Nečujam, the largest bay on the island with a beautiful pebble beach. Apartments are at your disposal if you choose a quiet family holiday, but there is entertainment for young people as well.

Everyone will find something for themselves, but a warm welcome by the local people is offered to all. Besides autochthonous products and local lick-your-fingers cuisine, they will provide you with souvenirs that characterize the island – from fragrant lavender sticks to a variety of seashells, small olive oil bottles and all forms of owls – namely of ćuvita, which is an emblem of the idyllic life on the island. Choose one of these lovely little things as a reminder of an unforgettable holiday in this small paradise called – Šolta!

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Vela Spila (it means Big Cave in Croatian) is situated on the hill of Pinski rat, above Kale cove in Vela Luka. It is one of the most important archaeological sites on the Mediterranean. From the plateau in front of the cave the view stretches over the entire Vela Luka bay, Blato depression and nearby islands all the way to the open sea. A source of drinkable water was once located below the cave, on the lower slope leading to the bay.
The first indirect reference to Vela Spila can be found in The Statute of the Town and Island of Korčula from 1214. The first description was made by Nikola Ostojić in 1853, who depicts its natural beauty. First real researches were conducted from 1951. The amount and the importance of findings encouraged JAZU (Yugoslavian Academy of Sciences and Arts) to begin systematic research of Vela Spila. From 1974 research is done almost every year. At the beginning, projects were conducted by Grga Novak, continued after his death by Božidar Čečuk. Member of the team from the very beginning was Franko Oreb, and Dinko Radić joined the excavation in 1986.
Around 250m2 have been examined so far, which is around 20 per cent of the cave’s surface. Nevertheless, the results show that this is one of the most significant and most important cave localities on the Mediterranean, inhabited from the end of the Paleolithic till the middle of the Bronze Age. Findings bear witness to the life of several prehistoric societies to whom the cave was not only a home, but also a place where they buried their dead. Thousands of ceramic artifacts, pottery and other objects are a proof of the cultural, social, religious and economic history of Vela Spila, but also the areas of The Adriatic and the Mediterranean.
Artifacts found in Vela Spila are kept in the Museum Collections in the Vela Luka Cultural Center, which is open to the public since 1991, but only a small number out of thousands of objects is exhibited.
Other than being a place to live, Vela Spila was also a place to bury. Prehistoric people sometimes buried their deceased in the immediate vicinity of the living area, wanting to ensure the closeness with ancestors, but also possibly because of the belief that death was just a temporary state, after which a rebirth would follow. In 1986, a shallow grave with the remains of the two individuals (an adult woman and a young man) were found in Vela Spila. The findings drew a lot of attention of the people of Vela Luka, who gave hypocoristic names to the deceased: ‘the grandma’ and ‘the grandpa’.
Stanko, the oldest Mediterranean skeleton was also found in Vela Spila. Stanko lived in Mesolithic 9,000 years ago and he was a hunter, a fisherman and a collector of fruit. The tomb where the skeleton was found is the oldest tomb discovered on area of the former Yugoslavia.
The Queen Elizabeth, who is a big promoter of history herself, has got her eye on the cave. For years she has been financially helping the research at The University of Cambridge, which is involved in the program on the area of Vela Luka. Archaeologists have recently discovered important ceramic artifacts 17,500 old in the cave’s interior. It is an evidence of the community of prehistoric artists and craftspeople who ‘invented’ ceramics during the last Ice Age – thousands of years before pottery became commonplace. The finds consist of 36 fragments, most of them apparently the broken-off remnants of modelled animals. Archaeologists believe that they were the products of an artistic culture which sprang up in the region about 17,500 years ago. Most paleontologist had so far believed that the Ice Age nomads were not familiar with the technology of making ceramic and practical-use items, but this discovery has shown that the prehistoric pottery making was more spread out than they had thought. The finds at Vela Spila seem to represent the first evidence of Paleolithic ceramic art at the end of the last Ice Age.
‘It is very rare to see thousands of years old sediments on one location. It looks like a cake’ – says Dinko Radić and notes that there are indisputable arguments for the existence of life continuity in the cave during all of 17,500 years. There is a possibility that new layers will show even higher age of life of the Vela Luka Homo sapiens. Experts from The University of Cambridge have recently published their discoveries in The New York Times and The Sunday Mirror, which only confirmed Vela Spila as a synonym for the island of Korčula and Vela Luka in scientific circles.