Photo: Tourist Board of Šibenik-Knin County
BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION
Vodice is a town north of Šibenik and south of Murter, and is also a port in the northwestern part of the Šibenik Channel. It is 13 kilometers from Šibenik, 80 kilometers from Zadar, and 100 kilometers from the largest Dalmatian center, Split. According to the latest census, it has 6,775 inhabitants, and the most important branch of the economy is tourism. It is located on the Adriatic Highway (D8). Vodice can be reached from Zagreb or Rijeka via the A1 highway, with the exit at Šibenik. The nearest airports are Zadar and Split.
CULTURE, HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS
Vodice was first mentioned in 1402. The area today was inhabited in ancient times under the name Arausa. In the 15th century, the settlement was under Venetian rule, and in the 16th century, the population settled on the coast, fleeing from the Turks. At that time, they surrounded themselves with walls and towers for protection. The Čorić Tower has been preserved from that time. On the Okita hill is the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There were several sources of drinking water within the walls, and two wells have been preserved to this day. The central church is the parish church of the Holy Cross. Be sure to explore Velika Mrdakovica (Arauzona), the Brick Kiln, and the Roman enclosure for collecting rainwater.
BEACHES
Vodice is known for its two main beaches, Hangar and Plava plaža. They are full of restaurants and entertainment. In the very center of the town there is a small pebble beach for pets. For those who want solitude, just a few minutes by boat you can reach the islets of Prvić, Logorun and Tijat, where there are numerous secluded coves. Nearby are the beaches of Sovlje, Zamalin and Bristak, mostly pebble or partly concrete.
OTHER CONTENT
The gastronomic offer is extremely diverse. Look for local specialties in the restaurants Adria, Arausa, Argola, Fortuna, Burin, Fjaka, Gulož; in the taverns More, Karoca, Cesarica, Okit, Draži and Bonić and many others. Local specialties are also offered by the Kalpić agrotourism. Nightlife is equally rich in the clubs Hacienda, Bunny, Opium, Playmate and Exit and in numerous bars.
SPORT
Fans of active holidays can try surfing, sailing in the Vodice archipelago, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, diving, climbing and cycling.
WHAT TO DO AND EXCURSION OPPORTUNITIES
The favorable location and proximity to numerous natural beauties offer various possibilities for one-day trips from the national parks Krka, Kornati, Plitvice and Paklenica to safaris in Zrmanja. You can rent boats and sail through the archipelago, visit the Vrana Lake Nature Park, Šibenik, Split, Skradin, nearby islands, the Cetina River Canyon and Omiš.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation options are truly impressive. We will mention the hotels Duje, Miramare, Olymia, Punta, Villa Radin, Imperial, Maestral, Dalmatino, then the hostels Cool and Vodice Inn, the camps Imperial, Bagić, Dom, Grubelić, Oliva, Roko, and there are also numerous other accommodation units in private apartments, houses or holiday villas. The town is also home to the Požega resort and the ACI marina Vodice, which has 290 berths at sea and 60 on land.
