Its islands are mostly small, harmonious, and green, and the absence of traffic in the traditional sense makes them, without exaggeration, ideal places for a vacation. Here, you can truly hear the sound of the sea, the chirping of crickets and cicadas, the cry of seagulls, the distant buzz from the beach, and the quiet murmur from restaurant terraces – all without the congestion of traffic noise. At night, the stars are clearly visible, and the sky is dark and vast because there is no light pollution, which is otherwise present on the mainland. The further you venture from the coast, the further civilization feels, and the closer you get to pristine nature.

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Prvić, Zlarin, Krapanj, Kaprije, and Žirje are not just points on a nautical chart, but rare oases of Adriatic peace where time is still measured by the ebb and flow of the tide, the shifting of the sirocco and bora winds, and the arrival of the ferry. And by ferry, or passenger ship, you can travel from Šibenik to Prvić and Zlarin, which share one route, and to Kaprije and Žirje, which share another. Departing from the port of Šibenik is an experience in itself, as the panorama of the "City of Krešimir" unfolds before you, amphitheater-like on the hillside, with its three land fortresses and the UNESCO-listed beauty – the Cathedral of St. James. You will encounter the fourth Šibenik fortress, also a UNESCO monument, as you exit the St. Anthony Channel, whose beauty you must pass through to leave the Krka estuary and reach the open sea, and thus the islands themselves.

The smallest of the islands, and also the lowest inhabited island in the Mediterranean – Krapanj – is the only one located slightly off the usual shipping routes leading from the Šibenik port. In fact, the fastest way to reach it is from nearby Brodarica, from where a boat departs every hour for the shortest crossing – in just 3 to 5 minutes, you are on the low-lying ground of Krapanj, ready to discover the sponge-diving tradition that the entire island lives by.

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It will take you about twenty minutes to reach Zlarin and a little over half an hour to reach Prvić – depending on whether you disembark in Prvić Luka or Šepurine, as it is the only island with two settlements. However, passengers often wish the ride lasted longer to enjoy the blue-green landscape and the authentic scenes passing by. Since this ferry line connects the islands not only with Šibenik but also with Vodice, excursionists often use it for a panoramic tour before deciding which island to visit.

Beyond the beauty of the island architecture, the authentic island lifestyle, and the omnipresent peace that no longer exists on the mainland, Prvić and Zlarin are also mini-destinations for cultural tourism, as both islands house centers dedicated to the very best that these two pearls of the archipelago have to offer. In Prvić Luka on the island of Prvić, you will find the "Faust Vrančić" Memorial Center – a place dedicated to interpreting the life, work, and legacy of this great Croatian figure who, according to his last wish, is buried in the church right next to the Center, and who spent his childhood on the island. The interactive part of the exhibition and the models of Faust's ingenious inventions are particularly interesting, the most famous being the "Homo Volans" (Flying Man) – the first functional parachute in history. It is equally interactive and educational at the Croatian Coral Center on Zlarin, where, under the slogan "red like you've never seen before," the centuries-old coral-diving tradition of the Zlarin people is proudly presented. The exhibition features traditional coral-hunting tools, valuable coral jewelry, and, in the service of protecting the marine ecosystem, tells the story of coral as a living organism. Best of all, thanks to the ferry connections, both islands and both centers can be visited in a single day with a bit of smart planning.

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Reaching Kaprije and Žirje by boat or ferry takes a bit more time, depending on which vessel you choose, but once you step ashore on the untouched Kaprije or the open-sea island of Žirje, all your land-based worries simply vanish. Both islands are favorites among sailors due to their numerous natural coves and the abundance of fresh fish in local taverns, yet they differ in size, terrain, and vegetation. Kaprije can truly be described as Dalmatia stripped down to its essentials, where you can experience a complete reset, precisely because there are no distractions, making it highly valued by those who seek peace and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The landscape of Žirje is much more dynamic, filled with fortresses, military bases, bunkers, and caves. Due to its size and the scattered layout of its houses, it is also the only island in the archipelago where cars are permitted. It is well-connected by cycling trails, making it an interesting destination even outside the main tourist season.

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Not so long ago, just a few decades back, these islands were densely populated, as evidenced by the large number of stone houses and buildings that once served as schools. Today, alongside fishing and agriculture, the islands have turned toward nautical, family, and excursion tourism, and in every island village, you can find excellent taverns and restaurants offering fresh fish and local ingredients. The archipelago also hosts its own traditional sports and entertainment event, Bodulska pripetavanja , in which all the island villages participate with the goal of connecting with one another and promoting island values.

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If you want to feel the still-vibrant spirit of the old Mediterranean, extend your stay in Šibenik with a trip to one—or why not several—of the islands in the Šibenik archipelago. For detailed information on sailing schedules and ticket prices, check the official Jadrolinija website for ferry line 505, which serves Zlarin and Prvić, and ferry line 532 for Kaprije and Žirje, as well as the Miatours website, which operates boat line 9502, also serving Kaprije and Žirje. For information on the 501 Brodarica-Krapanj boat line, please visit the Gradski parking d.o.o. website.