Šibenik (Croatia)

Astonishingly underrated as it is, the city of Šibenik is largely ignored by tourists, who prefer instead to go to Zadar, Split or Trogir. This is actually a good thing, however, because it has enabled Šibenik to conserve its distinct identity and keep its secrets hidden from the wider world!

I have to say that I was rather impressed with Šibenik. Perhaps this was because I had no prior expectations of the city, or because nobody had ever told me anything positive about the place, or perhaps because the concrete buildings you see in the suburbs on the way into the city do not seem to augur well for what is to come. In fact it was only once I arrived at the beautiful historic centre of Šibenik, which is dominated by a magnificent fortress, that I realised just how charming a city it is.

Furthermore, Šibenik is also an ideal base from which to explore the wider region in this part of Croatia, whether that involves visiting Krka National Park (which is also incredibly underrated) or exploring the wonderful islands that lie out in the sea off the city's coast. Šibenik is an off-the-beaten-track destination that definitely deserves a closer look!