Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is full of picturesque towns that blend history, charm, and stunning seaside views. In the video below, we visit two gems—Tribunj and Vodice. These lesser-known coastal destinations offer a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure. Join us as we wander through their narrow streets, beaches, and marinas!
Tribunj: A Super Charming Small Village
Tribunj is located a few kilometers northwest of Vodice and 15 kilometers from Šibenik. The village is well protected by the islands Lukovnik and Logorun, and if it wasn’t for the intense boat traffic, you could easily swim to them. The population of the place is only 1,600. The village is centered around the Old Town Island and the large marina.
In Tribunj, we started our tour exploring the Old Town, located on a tiny island connected by a bridge. The Old Town is 100% inviting. The center of the island has somewhere between 50 and 100 houses, many of them beautifully renovated stone houses. Around the island, there is a one-way street, which I believe is reserved for inhabitants only. Along many parts of the pier around the island, you find restaurants and coffee bars with a stunning view, as we showed in the video.
After visiting the Old Town, our next stop was the viewpoint near St. Nicholas Church. Since we had never climbed there before, we asked locals for directions. Unfortunately, we were sent the wrong way to the top, but we eventually made it. As you can see in the video, the view was breathtaking. On the way down, we took the correct path, which led us almost directly to the small bridge connecting to the Old Town Island.
D-Marina in Tribunj
Tribunj’s D-Marina is quite big compared to the size of the village. The marina has 240 berths in the water and additional space for 150 boats on land. At the marina, you have a restaurant and a coffee bar, as well as various maritime amenities.
Beaches in Tribunj
The main beach in Tribunj is located just after the marina. Heading south, the beach is a pebble beach with some bigger rocks, so bathing shoes are highly recommended. On the beach, you have a fast-food and coffee bar, and amenities like an aquapark and jet ski rental. In the opposite end of the village, you can find Zamalin Beach, which is a mix of concrete and pebble.
My Take on Tribunj?
Tribunj’s small size and focus on tourism make it a calm getaway. The town’s cleanliness, colorful flowers, and cozy atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxing holiday. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Kornati or Telašćica Nature Parks, Krka National Park, or the cities of Zadar and Šibenik. Boat trips to nearby islands and bays are a must for water lovers.
Vodice: A Lively Coastal Hub
Next, we headed to Vodice, a larger town with around 5,500 residents and a more lively vibe. Known for its lively atmosphere, Vodice is perfect for families and those seeking a bit more action. The tourist season starts earlier here, so expect more people, especially as the day progresses. With temperatures reaching up to 30°C during our visit, the weather was perfect for exploring.
The Beaches and Promenade
We started our walk in Vodice at the Blue Beach, which is roughly a kilometer from the center of town direction north. We then walked around the peninsula to get to the Old Town. As you can see in our video, we walked along beaches all the way. Mostly pebble and concrete ones.
The area south of the center around the “Spaceship” (Hotel Olympia Sky) has a really nice beach area with waterslides, aquapark, and plenty of food and coffee places. Try out the Vruje Hangar and Baloo Beach, which have shallow water.
The seaside promenade is lined with coffee bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a sought after spot to soak in the coastal feeling.
Exploring the Old Town
Vodice’s Old Town is a delight, with narrow streets filled with souvenir shops, small boutiques, restaurants, and coffee bars. You’ll find everything from beach toys to handbags and magnets, perfect for picking up mementos. The green market offers fresh vegetables and fish, though you’ll want to arrive in the early morning hours to have the best selection.
The old park in Vodice’s Old Town is a beautiful spot, full of neat streets and beautifully decorated restaurants. The town’s name, derived from the Croatian word for water (“voda”), reflects its coastal heritage, and the effort to keep everything clean and inviting is evident throughout.
The ACI Marina
The ACI Marina in Vodice is an important part of the summer life in the city, with more than 400 berths. The marina attracts many boat tourists to the city during the summer season. Boat rental and other water activities are offered in the marina area.
Excursions and Activities
Like Tribunj, Vodice is a great base for excursions. You can take the Jadrolinija ferry to Šibenik for just €4 or €5, stopping at a few islands along the way—a budget-friendly way to explore without worrying about driving. Day trips to Kornati, Krka National Park, Zadar, Šibenik, or the Amadria Park (also known as Solaris) are also easily accessible. And of course, you have a bunch of boat excursions available from the seaside promenade.
Shopping in Vodice and Tribunj
In Tribunj, there are a few small supermarkets near the center of town, and a large Plodine supermarket by the town entrance.
Vodice has more selection: here you find Lidl, Plodine, Kaufland, Tommy Hypermarket, and in the direction of Šibenik, there is a Sunpark shopping mall with a large Konzum supermarket. Additionally, there are at least 10 smaller grocery shops in the central part of town.
Why Visit Tribunj and Vodice?
Both Tribunj and Vodice are fine-tuned for tourists, offering a mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and charm. Tribunj’s historic Old Town makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, while Vodice’s energy and extensive amenities cater to families and those looking for a livelier holiday. Both towns are gateways to the stunning Šibenik archipelago and nearby attractions, ensuring there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Final Thoughts
We were truly impressed by the care and attention both towns put into creating a welcoming experience for visitors. From the neat streets and colorful flowers to the stunning coastal views, Tribunj and Vodice are ideal destinations for a summer holiday. Whether you’re drawn to the calmness of Tribunj or the buzz of Vodice, these towns won’t disappoint.
Have you visited Tribunj or Vodice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! For more Croatian coastal adventures, check out our playlist of smaller coastal towns to find your perfect holiday spot. Until next time, happy travels!
