Skradin, Croatia: A Hidden Jewel near Krka NP
Skradin is a small town in Croatia and a really charming destination in the Sibenik region on the Dalmatian coast! Situated in a protected bay of the Krka River and known as the gateway to the Krka National Park, Skradin offers a unique and idyllic setting. Among the most important attractions are the picturesque harbor, the dreamy old town and, of course, the famous Krka waterfalls. Just right behind the village, you will see the start of a breathtaking natural landscape, which is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. Lovely are also the small beaches of Skradin, which, especially in summer, invite to cool off.
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about Skradin in Croatia. In addition, there are numerous tips for the best things to do, beautiful pictures, we share our experiences, and you will find some of the best places to stay in Skradin.
Good to know!
Skradin is the best starting point for a visit to the Krka waterfalls. Boats depart from the harbor every 15 minutes directly to the park. The national park center, where tickets can be purchased, is also located in the town.
If you are still looking for a fantastic place to stay in Skradin, we can recommend the charming Apartments Kantunal in a good location.
A few days in Skradin are worth it because this place is really idyllic, and the surrounding area invites you to go on excursions, hikes and bike tours in the nature! There are also some romantic beaches to relax on.
Boaters love this romantic place on the Krka Fjord, which is connected to the sea. Luxurious yachts regularly dock in the port of Skradin, where you can often meet celebrities.
General Information about Skradin
Skradin is a small idyllic town of 4,000 inhabitants, situated in a bay on the Krka River, where freshwater mixes with the salt water of the Adriatic Sea. Only about 19 kilometers from Sibenik, 80 kilometers from Split and 90 kilometers from Zadar, this place is a popular spot for nature park visitors, boaters and individual travelers looking for an exceptional Croatia experience. In Skradin you can expect a typical Mediterranean climate. Most vacationers come in the summer, but a visit in the off-season, so in spring and autumn, where you will have the optimal sightseeing and hiking weather, is absolutely recommendable.
The history of Skradin goes back a long way. It is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and had already been populated 2,000 years ago during Illyrian times. Later, the old Romans, Goths, Venetians and Ottomans ruled here alternately. The town owes its name Skradin to the Roman period when the ancient Scardona was founded. Today, the historical center is a protected monument because of its rich historical heritage.
Best Things to Do in Skradin
When visiting Skradin, you can experience some really beautiful highlights. Here is an overview of the best attractions in the small town and the surrounding area:
The promenade in Skradin
The heart of the town is the beautiful port with the promenade at the end of the Krka, the river that connects Skradin with the sea. It enchants with an extraordinary charm, with the typical pastel-colored houses and the fantastic Croatian restaurants that line the promenade. Compared to other Croatian vacation resorts, the atmosphere here is still very contemplative, and especially when the day tourists leave the place, the flair is uniquely beautiful.
Skradin Old Town
An important attraction of Skradin is the old town, which enchants with its beautiful squares, narrow cobbled streets and historical buildings from the 17th and 18th century. Worth seeing here are also the many places of worship, such as the Church of the Mother of God, also called Crkva Male Gospe, with the high bell tower from the 18th century and the Orthodox Church of St. Spiridon. Moreover, in the charming streets and squares of the old town there are many excellent restaurants and lovely cafés, which provide the culinary well-being. Also small boutiques, wine-shops and souvenir stores are great to go on a shopping tour.
ACI Marina Skradin
The ACI Marina Skradin is a real gem of the coastal town. Nautical enthusiasts in particular appreciate the town of Skradin with its sheltered bay, which is a welcome mooring place for boaters. Not far from the town center is the beautiful ACI Marina Skradin, which impresses above all with its idyllic location, good facilities and a fantastic restaurant.
Fortress Turina
A fascinating place to see in Skradin is the Fortress Turina. This medieval ruin is enthroned above the historic old town. From the center, you can reach the castle by a short steep walk and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area. The Turina Fortress had already been built during the reign of the Croatian ban Paul Subic Bribirski in 1273 -1312 and is therefore one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Old-timers Museum
The Old-timers Museum in Skradin is a small highlight for car lovers. Opened only in 2018, it houses a unique collection of vintage cars as well as motorcycles, bicycles, various photographs, other artifacts and memorabilia documents. It exhibits 120 years of automobile history in Croatia! Among the most interesting pieces is, for example, an ambulance car from the 1970s, and the supposedly oldest truck in Croatia is also on the display here.
Viewpoint Krka Belvedere
A wonderful attraction and a real insider tip is the viewpoint Krka Belvedere. It is located on the E65 freeway when you arrive in Skradin from the south. Directly at the highway rest stop Krka you will probably find the most beautiful viewpoint of Skradin and the impressive Krka Fjord with the impressive highway bridge. From up here you can admire the beautiful sailing boats and yachts coming from the sea to the port of Skradin.
Krka National Park
The town Skradin is the gateway to Krka National Park, one of the most beautiful attractions in Croatia. Directly in the town there is also the National Park Center, where you can get a map, information and entrance tickets. The best way to enter the park is by boat. Every 15 minutes, it takes visitors up the river directly into the national park. Once you arrive in the park, breathtaking scenery with beautiful waterfalls awaits you, and you can even go swimming in the famous Skradinski Buk.
However, only a few people know that there are other beautiful parts of the national park that can be visited from Skradin by car or by bicycle. The real highlights in the area around Skradin are the waterfall Roški Slap, the monastery island Visovac and the many hiking trails that lead through the park and to amazing viewpoints.
Beaches in Skradin
Although Skradin is not located by the sea but next to Krka River, you don’t have to miss out on refreshing bathing pleasure during your vacation. Probably the best beach is Skradin Beach. It is a very well-maintained pebble beach in a beautiful natural environment. An ice cream shop and a bar provide cool refreshments, and there is a small playground for children. Another great option to go swimming is the small town beach of Skradin. This well-kept concrete beach is located near the ferry and is the perfect place to jump into the cool water. The trees that provide pleasant shade are also lovely here.
Where to Stay in Skradin
Although the village is relatively small, Skradin offers a great range of accommodations. These are mainly privately run vacation apartments or small B&Bs. If you are looking for a recommendable place to stay in Skradin, we can give you these accommodation tips…It’s worth a look!
- 4-Star-Hotel: The Hotel Bonaca is a great choice for a vacation in Skradin. Top is also the pool and the beautifully landscaped garden to relax.
- Charming Apartment: The Apartments Kantunal convince with really nice furniture and a small roof terrace with a direct view of the church.
- Lovely Hotel: The Scardona Park Luxury Accommodation is a wonderful small hotel with beautiful rooms, delicious breakfast and a fantastic pool. A beach is also nearby!
- Fantastic B&B: The Guest House Ankora offers modern double rooms and also fantastic apartments. Outside, there is also a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Find the best accommodation in Skradin:
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Top 20 Best Beaches in Croatia
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The 10 Best Cities to Visit in Croatia
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Croatia Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of Croatia
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