Kaprije, Šibenik
About this place
Kaprije is the only settlement on its namesake island, 15 kilometres south-west of Šibenik between Zmajan and Kakan. Houses gather around a deep, sheltered harbour, while the older village and St Peter’s Church occupy higher ground above the waterfront. Conventional car traffic is absent: Jadrolinija explicitly states that vehicles cannot disembark at Kaprije without special permission. Visitors therefore reach the island’s rocky and pebbly coves on foot or by boat, crossing a landscape of olives, vines and capers. North of the island, at a depth of 30–50 metres, lies the protected wreck of the Italian warship Francesca da Rimini, sunk in 1944; diving is allowed only with an authorised guide. Kaprije’s residents cultivated vineyards and olive groves on nearby Kakan for centuries, while their dry-stone heritage reaches its most striking expression on Baljenac, a 0.14-square-kilometre islet carrying some 22 kilometres of walls. Jadrolinija route 532 links Kaprije with Šibenik and Žirje throughout 2026.
Stays
No stays listed here yet
Things to see
St Peter’s Church stands in Kaprije’s older quarter on high ground above the natural harbour and the newer waterfront houses. An entirely different landmark lies underwater: the wreck of the Italian warship Francesca da Rimini, sunk in 1944 off the northern coast at a depth of 30–50 metres. The site is protected, so divers may visit only with an authorised guide. A boat excursion reveals Baljenac, a tiny 0.14-square-kilometre islet crossed by approximately 22 kilometres of dry-stone walls, creating the fingerprint-like pattern for which it has become known.
Beaches
Kaprije’s shoreline alternates between rocky stretches, stone bathing entries and small pebble beaches. Swimming is possible near the village, while quieter coves are reached along island paths or by boat. With no conventional car traffic on Kaprije, a trip to a more distant bathing spot involves walking in the sun; carry water, footwear for the rocky shore and adequate sun protection. The deep village harbour is naturally sheltered and particularly popular with sailors, whereas the indented outer coast faces more open water. Choose a cove according to the wind and allow enough time to walk back to the ferry landing.
Bathing water quality nearby
- Kaprije, mjesto · 367 mexcellent · season 2025
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA); data from Croatian authorities. · bathing water profile
Things to do
After disembarking, walk around Kaprije harbour before climbing to the old village and St Peter’s Church above the newer waterfront houses. Continue along island paths through olives, vines and capers towards one of the rocky or pebbly coves. Boaters can circle Kakan, where Kaprije families maintained vineyards and olive groves for centuries, and view dry-stone-walled Baljenac from the sea. Experienced divers can arrange a guided descent to the wreck of Francesca da Rimini; because the site is protected by the Ministry of Culture, independent diving is not permitted. Time the return walk carefully around Jadrolinija route 532’s departure.
Food and drink
Kaprije’s dining scene is split between the village and outlying coves, with some establishments reachable only from the sea. The regional tourist board lists Bilo Jaje, Mačkova Lula and Matteo restaurants, plus the Šampjer and Toni taverns; Matteo is in Mala Nozdra Cove. Restaurant Capri, established in 2024, caters to guests arriving by boat and serves dishes such as the catch of the day, Adriatic scampi, tuna, cuttlefish risotto and pasta with shellfish. As island restaurants may operate seasonally and around boat traffic, confirm opening arrangements and land access before walking towards a remote cove.
Practical information
Getting there and around
Jadrolinija state ferry route 532 connects Šibenik, Zlarin, Obonjan, Kaprije and Žirje. Under the 2026 timetable, Kaprije has a year-round link with Šibenik, with additional sailings during the summer periods; exact times depend on the weekday and seasonal timetable block. The full route to Žirje takes about one hour and 25 minutes. Cars cannot disembark at Kaprije unless they hold special permission, so visitors should leave their vehicle in Šibenik. A ticket bought for this route guarantees boarding on the selected departure, a useful detail when arranging the return from the island.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a car to Kaprije?
Not under normal circumstances: Jadrolinija allows vehicles to disembark at Kaprije only with special permission.
Which ferry serves Kaprije?
Kaprije is served year-round by Jadrolinija route 532, running Šibenik–Zlarin–Obonjan–Kaprije–Žirje.
Can visitors dive to the Francesca da Rimini wreck?
Yes, but the protected wreck at a depth of 30–50 metres may be visited only with an authorised guide.
Where is St Peter’s Church?
St Peter’s Church stands in the older village on higher ground above Kaprije harbour.
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Photo credits
- Kaprije, Šibenik — Chriskaprije · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Žirje — Nino · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Tribunj — Sztudva Gyöngyi · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Prvić Šepurine — croatguy · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
