A beautiful natural phenomena, 2500 meters long channel that connects Sibenik and its bay with the open sea. Named after a saint, its spectacular rocky coast is embellished with numeorus pine trees and small hidden rocky beaches. Due to this channel, Sibenik port was always one of the safest harbours in the Adriatic.
Exploring the channel
Actually, the best way to explore it is by foot, following the path on the left side of the channel that leads from Sibenik bay to St Nicholas fortress. The path was built in 2013 ain harmony with this beautiful and protected landscape. It is long about 4.4 km and it takes about two hours of walking from one side to another. One of the highlights of this promenade is a panoramic view of the entire city and Sibenik’s archipelago.
Here you can enjoy couple of hours of family-friendly hiking, and it is also good spot for cycling, jogging and other recreational activities. Every now and then you can stop, relax and admire the scenery or jump into the sea to freshen up.
At the highest point of the channel there is a great spot, a lookout with a telescope for panoramic viewing. Here you can take a break and enjoy the view that overlooks Sibenik, the entire channel, nearby islands, Zablace, Solaris and St Nicholas Fortress.
Buildings in the channel
Not only it is beautiful to see, but there are couple of interesting buildings in the channel that you should visit.
- “Hitler’s eyes“ – a tunnel dug as a shelter for military boats and torpedo boats.
- The Cave of St Anthony – there is a little church located inside the cave. The cave is actually in the midldle of the channel, next to the previously mentioned military tunnel. It is named after St Anthony of the Desert. Over the centuries hermits used to live in this cave before it was converted into chruch at the begining of the 15th century.
- Minerska Cove – it is a bay with a complex of military facilities (barracks, warehouses, piers). In Jugoslavija the whole channel was a military zone prohibited to the general public. Today you can sightsee the remains of these buildings, take a swim at the beach, experience a nightlife in one of the ex-military tunnels… Visitor Center “St Anthony’s Channel” is also situated in Minerska.
- A bridge to the islet of Skoljic – a flat, wooden bridge was constructed recently. It provides an easy access to the small islet from the mainland and it is one the most popular spots for taking photos in Sibenik area.
- St Nicholas’ Fortress – it was built in the 16th century to defend an entrance to St Anthony’s Channel. The fortress is impressive and very well preserved.
So, if you would like to enjoy beauty of St Anthony’s Channel from the sea, feel free to contact us and join us on one of our boat tours.
More about interesting things to see in many other posts on Blog about Kornati and other stories.