In the first seven months, there were 14,000 more arrivals and 34,000 more overnight stays than last year, while tourism workers also highlight challenges with prices and parking.
Šibenik is climbing toward a record season despite a relatively weak start to the year. According to data released by HRT, in the first seven months of 2026, there were 14,000 more arrivals and 34,000 more overnight stays than in the same period last year. August is currently on par with last year, and a strong post-season is also expected.
After a slower start, July ended on a positive note. Dino Karađole, director of the Šibenik Tourist Board, shared specific figures with HRT: "We had about 3,000 more arrivals, which is around 4 percent, and 11,000 more overnight stays, which is about 5 percent more than last year. Cumulatively, from the start of the year, we had a good pre-season, and that's 7-8 percent in arrivals and overnight stays."
Private renters are rating the season as surprisingly good, but with a weaker pre-season. A restaurant in Kalelarga, which operates year-round, best illustrates the growth in turnover. Ivana Špernalj, a cook at a Šibenik tavern, believes the impact of the World Cup and perhaps slightly higher prices are being felt, but she notes: "We can't complain about a lack of work."
Marko Plavičić, marketing director at Hotel Jadran in Šibenik, confirms good occupancy: "Since the beginning of June, we've actually been full." He adds that this season they've changed the guest demographic and have targeted a younger crowd. Magdalena Guzić, marketing manager at Amadria Park, emphasizes that the season is significantly better than last year and that, in addition to guests from Croatia, they are seeing an increase in guests from Hungary.
Tourists praise Šibenik's charm. Marina from Germany described the city to HRT: "The city is beautiful, kind of old-fashioned, it has that charm from before, all in stone. Especially the old town, we like it." Joanna from Finland, visiting Šibenik for the first time, simply said: "It's wonderful."
However, prices are once again a topic of conversation this season. Marina from Germany notes that Germany and Croatia are now roughly on par when it comes to restaurant prices. Renata from Zagreb shared a comparison from her trip to Australia: "Last year we traveled to Australia; the price of coffee was the same as here, which is cheap for them there, but for us it was like it is here."
Špernalj particularly highlights the parking issue in Šibenik: "Here in Šibenik, parking is a bit of a problem, so when you park in a garage, you pay for that, you go to your apartment and pay for it, and if you also go out for dinner or lunch, you'll leave a substantial amount of money."
Tourism workers see the most room for improvement in higher-quality accommodation capacities, longer guest stays in the city, and extended restaurant hours, especially at night, HRT concludes.
