So you’re thinking about moving to Šibenik? Maybe you fell in love with the Adriatic sunsets, the old town charm, or the idea of drinking coffee for two hours without anyone judging you.
I did it. I packed my bags, said goodbye to traffic jams and overpriced lattes, and moved to this sleepy Croatian gem. And while I wouldn’t trade it for the world, let me be honest—Šibenik is magical, but it’s also full of surprises.
Here are the things I really wish someone had told me before making the move.
🕰️ 1. Time Works Differently Here (In a Good Way… Mostly)
You know that “Dalmatian chill” people joke about? It’s real. Expect everything to move slower—bureaucracy, construction, restaurant service, even people walking.
But once you lean into it, it’s a gift. You’ll actually start enjoying the moment, lingering over kava, and realizing not every task needs to be done today. Or this week. Or this month.
✨ Lesson: Patience isn’t a virtue here—it’s survival.
📃 2. Croatian Bureaucracy is a Sport
You haven’t truly lived in Croatia until you’ve waited in three different lines only to be told you’re at the wrong office. Documents need to be in triplicate. Sometimes handwritten. Bring ID. Bring a photocopy. Bring your grandmother.
🏛️ Pro tip: Befriend someone local or hire a fixer (for real). They’ll save you hours—and your sanity.
📦 3. Apartment Hunting Is a Bit… Wild
Šibenik’s rental market isn’t as crazy as Split or Zagreb, but good long-term places go fast—and they’re often not listed online. Facebook groups, word of mouth, or just asking around old-school style is how most people find homes.
Also: Don’t expect central heating. Or dishwashers. Or insulation.
🔥 Winter survival tip: Buy a heater. Or two. Dalmatian winters are colder indoors than outdoors.
🧼 4. Sunday Is Sacred (And So Is Coffee)
On Sundays, Šibenik shuts down. Don’t plan on doing much shopping, and absolutely don’t disturb anyone before noon unless it’s an emergency—or coffee-related.
Coffee isn’t just a drink here—it’s a ritual. Locals will nurse a macchiato for two hours and call it a productive afternoon.
☕ Join the club: Learn to order “kava s mlijekom” and practice your sitting.
🌊 5. The Sea Is Part of Daily Life
Šibenčani don’t just admire the sea—they live with it. Swimming after work, fishing off the rocks, or kayaking around the St. Nicholas Fortress isn’t a holiday activity here—it’s normal life.
🩴 Bring water shoes. Rocks, sea urchins, and slippery stones are part of the Adriatic charm.
🥘 6. Eat Like a Local, or You’ll Overpay for Mediocre Pasta
Locals know where the real food is. Touristy restaurants along the Riva? Nice view, average food. Real Šibenik flavor is in konobas tucked away in the old town or near the market.
And yes—everyone makes their own olive oil, their uncle catches fish, and their neighbor makes wine. You’ll be invited eventually.
🧄 Stock your kitchen with blitva, garlic, and local anchovies. You’re halfway there.
🎉 7. Šibenik Has a Soul—and a Calendar Full of Surprises
From the Children’s Festival to Adventura (the Christmas market) and countless concerts at St. Michael’s Fortress, the city transforms regularly.
But events can pop up last-minute, and info is often spread by word-of-mouth or Facebook.
📅 Hack: Follow local pages and just walk around often. The city will tell you what’s happening.
🧠 8. Learning Croatian Helps. A Lot. Even the Basics.
While many young people speak English, a little Croatian goes a long way—especially with landlords, older neighbors, or your future fishmonger.
People genuinely appreciate the effort, even if you mangle the cases.
📘 Try these survival phrases:
- “Dobar dan” – Good day
- “Koliko košta?” – How much does it cost?
- “Jednu kavu, molim.” – One coffee, please
- “Ne razumijem, ali pokušavam!” – I don’t understand, but I’m trying!
🚗 9. Public Transport Is… There. But a Scooter Is Better.
Buses exist, but they’re not exactly synced with modern life. For beach hopping or fortress exploring, a scooter or small car is ideal. Bonus: parking is free in many places during winter, and driving around here is kind of fun.
🛵 No car? No problem. Many locals rely on scooters or electric bikes.
💸 10. Life Is Simpler, But It’s Not Always Cheap
Šibenik is cheaper than major EU cities, but not dirt cheap. Groceries are reasonable, wine is gloriously affordable, but electronics, cars, and anything imported can cost more than you’d think.
Still, the quality of life? Invaluable.
💡 Splurge tip: Invest in a good Wi-Fi plan and a decent moka pot. Trust me.
🫶 Final Thoughts: Would I Move to Šibenik Again?
In a heartbeat.
It’s not perfect—no place is. But Šibenik has something rare: authenticity. It’s a town that lets you slow down without feeling behind, where the sea is part of your story, and where people still value a good meal and a good conversation.
Just bring patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to get lost (literally and figuratively).
Have you moved to Šibenik or thinking about it?
Drop your questions or stories in the comments, or tag us on Instagram @mysibenik – we’d love to hear from you.
