Šibenik

Something of a late-bloomer, Šibenik is growing out of the shadow of its more popular Dalmatian siblings. The restoration of its four fortresses and the construction of a shiny new marina and hotel complex are deftly transforming the fortunes of this small city: Šibenik has rocketed from a quietly industrial port town to the region's most promising destination.

Šibenik offers everything you could want from an Adriatic holiday: unhurried streets, ancient city walls and pellucid waters. Compared with neighboring Zadar, its marina is blissfully uncramped, and the city is far better connected to the myriad of islands and islets that define this landscape. The surreal Kornati archipelago, a scattering of bone-dry islands surrounded by translucent waters is a short sail away.

Šibenik's marina D-Marin Mandalina is the first in Croatia to receive 5 Gold Anchors, meaning its a verified quality place to berth. Here, NCP runs a top sailing school, offering high-class courses on a variety of yachts.

The beauty of sailing in Šibenik is that its geared towards both new and experienced sailors. Away from the tourist throng of Dubrovnik and Split, visitors can hone their sailing skills in comparative peace - or sit back and relax while someone else does the work.