I have seen many beautiful places in Croatia but Primošten is really special and magical. I planned to stay here for only three days but when I arrived here and felt the spirit of this lovely little town, I knew that I had just found my little paradise on earth. So I could not just leave. I stayed here and discovered Primošten piece by piece.
Primošten, one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia.
In this blog article, I will tell about the best things to do in Primošten, the most beautiful beaches around the town and things to see. You will also find some interesting facts about Primošten, travel tips, as well as aerial photos to inspire you to visit this beautiful town in Dalmatia. I hope you enjoy it.
Where is Primošten, Croatia?
Primošten is a small coastal town in the southern part of Croatia, between the cities of Šibenik (30 km) and Trogir (30 km). The largest city in this area is Split (60 km) with an airport and a big ferry terminal where there are connections to all the most important Croatian cities on the coast, nearby islands as well as to the Italian cities of Ancona, Venice, and Pescara.
Mala Raduča Beach in Primošten, Croatia.
Interesting facts about Primošten
Primošten is located on a picturesque peninsula and connected to the mainland by a thin causeway. The interesting fact is that it was originally an island. About five centuries ago, the residents of Primošten, fleeing from the Turks, settled on the nearby island of Gola Glava. They surrounded it with city walls and built a wooden bridge, which they raised in times of danger. That’s how the town got its name: premošten means bridged over, hence Primošten.
The old town of Primošten is located on a picturesque peninsula which used to be an island.
Later, when the residents of Primošten no longer had to fear the invasion of the Turks, they filled the part of the sea over which there was a bridge. The town of Primošten was connected with the mainland and from the island, it became a peninsula.
There are many beautiful stone houses in Primošten.
In the meantime, Primošten has become a popular holiday resort. One of the beaches, Mala Raduča, has even been mentioned on the list of the top 10 beaches in Croatia! Rumor has it that the former US president, George W. Bush, spends his holidays in this seaside town every year. I also heard that Bill Gates wanted to buy one of the nearby islands.
Velika Raduča Beach and the islet of Smokvica.
Recently, Primošten became a place where one of the greatest statues of the Virgin Mary in the world is located. The monument of Our Lady of Loretto is 17 meters high and is apparently visible from the Italian coast. Is it true? I have no idea, but it sounds catchy, is not it? Actually, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Primošten.
Primošten is a mix of historical architecture and beautiful beaches.
What to see in Primošten, Croatia?
Primošten is more like a seaside village than a city so there are no museums etc. Most people come here to relax on the beautiful beach and feel the atmosphere of a real Croatian seaside town. It is also a very good base for visiting Šibenik, Trogir, Split, and the Krka National Park. Someone might say that there is not much to see in Primošten, but that’s not true. There are some interesting places here that you will definitely want to visit.
The statue of the fisherman with a cat, one of the most photographed places in Primošten.
The best 10 things to see in Primošten, Croatia:
2. Our Lady of Loretto Statue – the 17-meter high statue designed by architect Aron Varga and mosaic artist Milun Garcevic, one of the biggest shrines to the Virgin Mary in the world.
3. Mala Raduča Beach – the most famous beach in Primošten which is considered to be one of the best 10 best beaches in Croatia.
4. Bucavac Vineyards – the well-known Primošten vineyards often called the “stone lace” as they are entwined with kilometers of dry-stone walls.
5. The Church of St. Rocco (Crkva Sv. Roka) – the 16th-century church in front of the gate to the old town of Primošten.
7. Ulica Svetog Jurja – the main street of the old town of Primošten, which leads to the Church of St George and the old hilltop cemetery.
8. The old hilltop cemetery in Primošten – the best place to watch the sunset in Primošten with a beautiful view of the beaches of Raduča, the surrounding islets, and the Šibenik Archipelago.
9. Cape Kremik (Gaj) – a green peninsula with beautiful beaches, the abandoned Hotel Marina Lučica, and a coastal path that leads to a small lighthouse.
10. The Statue of the Fisherman with a Cat – probably the most frequently photographed place in Primošten with a beautiful view of the old town.
The old town of Primošten is full of charming nooks and crannies.
A lovely pink flower that grew on the roof of an old stone house.
One of the best things to do in Primošten is to walk the winding streets of the old town.
Beaches in Primošten, Croatia
Primošten is not only a lovely old town located on a picturesque peninsula. Beautiful beaches are what attracts more and more tourists every year. As I mentioned before, the Mala Raduča Beach in Primošten is on the list of the top 10 beaches in Croatia. Besides, there are also many other interesting places for swimming and sunbathing. In fact, Primošten is called the city of beaches.
Velika Raduča Beach in Primošten, Croatia.
There are typical resort beaches with sunbeds as well as secluded FKK nudist beaches. Below is a map where you can find them. I would like to thank Andrijana, who wrote to me on my Instagram and helped me create it. It turned out that many names of the beaches were wrong on Google as well as on other internet maps.
Pista Beach near the Hotel Zora in Primošten, Croatia.
The best beaches in Primošten:
2. Velika Raduča Beach – pebble beach located on the opposite side of the peninsula than Mala Raduča.
3. Garbina Beach – a small but very picturesque beach in the old town of Primošten, which is located in a charming rocky bay.
4. Marina Lučica Beach – a beautiful natural beach near the small port and the abandoned Hotel Marina Lučica.
5. June Beach – FKK beach with turquoise water and the amazing view of the town of Primošten.
7. Popožo Beach – a small beach near the harbor in the old town of Primošten.
8. Pista Beach – a popular beach near the Hotel Zora with sunbeds and other infrastructure, located close to Mala and Velika Raduča.
9. Dagna Beach – a small cove with a beach bar, located below the main road leading to Primošten.
10. Otočić Smokvica – a small island next to Raduča beach where there is a secluded place for swimming and sunbathing for naturists.
Otočić Smokvica, a small island in Primošten with a nudist beach.
Top 10 best things to do in Primošten, Croatia
I have written here about the best things to see in Primošten, but I would like to give you some travel tips from my point of view. I spent almost two weeks here and got to know this little town quite well. So I created a list of top 10 things to do in Primošten. Regardless of whether you come here for one day or stay longer, I hope that my suggestions will be helpful.
1. Take a coastal walk around the old town of Primošten.
Taking a walk around the peninsula is one of the best things to do in Primošten, Croatia.
Most tourists visiting Primošten enter the old town through the stone gate and go up to the church. I suggest you first take a walk along the seaside alley around the old town to better feel the atmosphere of this place.
Garbina Beach in the old town of Primošten, Croatia.
When you pass restaurants and shops, reaching the end of the peninsula, it is like a completely different world. Beautiful views of the sea are from here and there is even a small but lovely beach Garbina where you can rest for a while.
2. Visit the hilltop Church of St. George.
The bell tower of the Church of St. George in Primošten, Croatia.
The interior of the Church of St. George in Primošten, Croatia.
The 15th-century Church of St. George (Crkva Sv. Jurja) is the most important monument and the best place to visit in Primošten. Inside there is an altar dedicated to Our Lady of Loretto, which is the patron of the town. Be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling paintings while there!
The 15th-century hilltop Church of St. George (Crkva Sv. Jurja), Primošten, Croatia.
3. Enjoy the sunset from the old Primošten cemetery.
The old cemetery in Primošten is located near the hilltop Church of St. George.
It may sound strange, but one of the top things to do in Primošten is… visiting the cemetery. Located at the top of the hill, next to the Church of St. George, the old Primošten cemetery is probably the best place to watch the sunset in Primošten.
The hilltop cemetery in Primošten, Croatia.
The views are really beautiful and being here you have the feeling that you are surrounded by the sea. From here you can see the peninsula with beaches Raduča, nearby islands and even the Šibenik Archipelago on the horizon! What’s more, the atmosphere of this place is really amazing. It is so peaceful and quiet that you can really relax and contemplate the beauty around you.
4. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets.
The old town of Primošten is full of hidden gems.
I’ve written about it many times, in blog articles about the old town of Rhodes, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona as well as other travel itineraries that I created. I think the best way to get to know the place and feel its atmosphere is getting lost there. So when you’re in Primošten, put down the map and just wander through the winding streets.
A lovely stone house in the old town of Primošten.
The beauty of little things.
A small plot in the middle of the old town of Primošten.
Pay attention to the details: the roofs of stone houses, colorful flowers, small plots, vintage cars, lovely decorations. You will be surprised how much you can discover simply by not planning anything.
5. Relax on the beach.
Garbina Beach in the old town of Primošten, Croatia
Primošten is a city of beaches, a perfect destination for everyone who wants to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic and enjoy the sun. So if you’re here, just go to the beach, relax and forget about the whole world. In other words, try to learn ‘fjaka‘, the Dalmatia’s state of mind.
6. Enjoy the beauty of nature while walking around Cape Kremik.
The fragrant yellow flowers called brnistra can be found mainly in Dalmatia, especially in the area of Split.
Secret FKK beaches hidden in bays, the smell of sun-warmed earth, salty rocks, flowers, and herbs. And an amazing view of the Primošten peninsula. Sounds cool? If so, be sure to take a walk along the coastal path around Cape Kremik (also known as Gaj).
Cape Kremik with the statue of Our Lady of Loretto at the top.
The path leads next to the abandoned Hotel Marina Lučica and the beautiful FKK beaches, to the small lighthouse. If you want, you can wander further to Marina Kremik or climb to the top of the hill, to the statue of Our Lady of Loretto.
7. Climb up the hill to see the statue of Our Lady of Loretto.
The statue of Our Lady of Loretto in Primošten, Croatia
From the hill, there is a beautiful view of the town of Primošten.
The statue of Our Lady of Loretto was erected recently and is a new tourist attraction. This 17-meter monument was designed by architect Aron Varga and mosaic artist Milun Garcevic. This is one of the biggest shrines to the Virgin Mary in the world. They say it is visible even from the Italian coast. Is it true? Well, I do not know, but it sounds pretty catchy, is not it?
The peninsula of Primošten looks different every day, depending on the time and weather.
Anyway, from the hill where is the statue of Our Lady of Loretto, there is a breathtaking view of Primošten and the surrounding area. The monument itself is also unique. The mosaic has made a big impression on me, it shines in the sun like millions of tiny crystals. Visiting this place is definitely one of the best things to do in Primošten.
8. Listen to the sound of church bells.
June Beach, one of my favorite beaches in Primošten.
Perhaps you will find it as strange as visiting the cemetery and admiring the sunset there, but believe me, it is really worth listening to the sound of church bells in Primošten. It made a big impression on me when I was lying on the beach at Cape Kremik looking at the crystal clear blue sea and Primošten peninsula on the horizon.
The old town of Primošten just after sunset.
Everywhere around the silence and suddenly church bells began to ring. It is difficult to describe, but it was such a beautiful and authentic experience! For a moment I felt like time stopped and I see Primošten as it was years ago, before it turned into a tourist resort.
9. Try local food and wine.
Popožo Beach and Marina Primošten, Croatia.
If you stay in Primošten, try the local food and wine Babić from the Bucavac vineyards. This indigenous Croatian grape variety is one of the most balanced and unique Dalmatian red wines.
In the old town of Primošten, there are many restaurants and cafes.
When it comes to food, in Primošten there are many restaurants called konoba where you can try local specialties: fish, seafood, lamb, and others. Everything I tried was really delicious but my number one is the fish that my host Jure grilled on rosemary wood. It was a cipal (flathead gray mullet) bought at a fish market and prepared in a traditional Dalmatian way. Believe me, it was the best fish I’ve ever had!
10. Buy some handmade souvenirs.
There are many souvenir shops and art galleries in Primošten where you can buy authentic handicrafts.
I usually do not buy typical souvenirs, I prefer to bring some wine and local delicacies from my trip. But in Primošten there are many interesting shops and art galleries where you can buy really unique and beautiful things.
Beautiful filigree jewelry is one of the best souvenirs from Croatia.
It is also worth buying filigree jewelry with an ornament called botun, which is typical to the Šibenik region. I bought myself a pair of earrings with botun and pink coral, I love them!
What is Primošten like? Is it similar Rovinj in Istria?
Before I visited Primošten in Croatia, I looked at some photos of this place. I thought then that the town was a bit like Rovinj. Probably because it was also built on an island that was later connected to the mainland and there was a hilltop church.
Primošten is a town where there are some of the most beautiful sunsets in Croatia.
When I arrived to Primošten, I was surprised how this place is different from Rovinj in Istria! Rovinj is more urban, and Primošten is more like a village where everyone knows each other. This is a place where you can really relax and calm down, be close to nature and feel part of the community. Both places I mentioned here are beautiful, but if I had to compare, I would say that Primošten is more cozy and homely. I felt really good here.
Cute little houses in Primošten.
A picturesque beach Garbina in the old town of Primošten.
Primošten has old stone houses, narrow streets, beautiful beaches, atmospheric restaurants. However, you also need to know that the old city is not as big and well preserved as in Rovinj. You can still find magical places where time has stopped, but on the other hand, many historical buildings have been replaced with new apartments.
In Primošten, you can still find magical places where time has stopped.
Ulica Svetog Jurja, the main street in Primošten Old Town.
Charming details in the old town of Primošten.
If you are wondering which place is better to visit – Primošten or Rovinj, it’s hard to say. Everyone likes something different. Primošten will be a better choice if you are looking for beautiful beaches and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a kind of compromise between the location in the city and in the seaside village. If on the other hand you want to see colorful houses in Italian style and you would like to take some nice pictures on your Instagram, go to Rovinj in Istria.
How to get to Primošten, Croatia?
As I have already mentioned, Primošten is located between Šibenik and Trogir. To get to Primošten you just have to follow the coastal road E65 (D8) called Jadranska magistrala (the Adriatic Highway). If you are traveling from Zagreb on the A1 motorway, exit towards Šibenik and then continue along the coast.
Primošten Old Town looks like a postcard place.
The nearest airport from Primošten is Resnik in Split. You can get to Primošten by bus or rent a car. There are many buses to Primošten from both Split and Šibenik, so it will not be a problem. Sometimes there is an option that your host will pick you up from the airport, so if you are interested, ask him/her about it.
When you are in the old city, you feel like in a completely different world.
Where to stay in Primošten?
What is the best place to stay in Primošten? If you are looking for a hotel, there is only one in the town. Hotel Zora is located on the Raduča peninsula and has a beautiful view of Primošten. There is a swimming pool with heated sea water, so you can swim even in winter.
Relaxing on the beach and looking at the beautiful Primošten is one of the best things to do.
The rest of the accommodation is private apartments and rooms. Actually, Primošten divides into the old part on the peninsula and the new town built along the coast. Each location has its own advantages, but when it comes to me, I recommend staying in the old town. At the very end of the peninsula, if it is possible because it is peaceful there and you can really relax from the hustle and bustle. Note: the Primošten peninsula is a pedestrian zone so you will have to park your car somewhere outside the old town.
The maze of narrow streets of the old town, Primošten, Croatia.
The place where I stayed is called Apartment Podatok and I highly recommend it. There is a beautiful view of the sea and the atmosphere is really great. I think, thanks to this fantastic place and the friendly host, I have such good memories of Primošten. If you are looking for accommodation in Primošten, take a look at the map below. I hope it will be helpful.
Booking.com
When is the best time to visit Primošten?
Primošten is a holiday resort so most people visit it in the summer months like June, July, and August. Then the whole town comes to life and all tourist attractions are available, so there are much more things to do. However, if you do not like the heat and avoid the crowds, the best idea is to visit Primošten in May or September. I think it is the best time when you can feel the atmosphere of the town and relax, enjoying the beauty of nature and beautiful beaches that you have just for yourself.
Primošten is a special and magical place that is definitely worth visiting while in Croatia.
I believe that some places have a spirit. I mean atmosphere, beauty, amazing history, the way we feel there. Sometimes more time is needed to see it. However, there are places that have a very intense impact on the imagination, inspire and change the way we perceive what is around us. This is what Primošten is. It seemed special to me from the first moment I saw it. Just from the moment, I knew that I was supposed to be here. And I decided that I would not leave this beautiful town until I knew it better. I was supposed to spend only two nights here, but I stayed for two weeks! And I do not regret it. It was a very special and magical time for me.
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OMG this places looks incredible! I am visiting Croatia in September but unfortunately Primosten is too far from where we are staying. But after seeing your photos I really want to visit!! Would you mind sharing with me how you edit your photos? They look AMAZING!!!
Where are you going to stay in Croatia? When it comes to editing photos, there’s actually no rule. I just open Lightroom and experiment until I get the effect that satisfies me.
Hi.
We are studying an itinerary for a road trip along the coast of Croatia and, i discover Primošten on your blog, and I was immediately in love with it. What a perfect destination, it’s so beautifull!!! I wanna go there so much, It’s now for sure a must do, a treasure that I didn’t know but, that now is a destination for our visit to Croatia.
Hello! I am very happy that you like Primosten. For me, this place is unique and full of magic. When do you plan to travel to Croatia?
I love the medieval feel to the buildings in Croatia. I spent a few days in Dubrovnik recently and loved it but wish I’d gotten to see more of this beautiful country! What amazing iridescent water. The beaches look incredible. Pinned!
-Summer
travelingsummer.com
I have planned many times, but I have never been to Dubrovnik. I am curious how this pearl of the Adriatic coast looks like. But to be honest I’m afraid of tourist crowds. Maybe I will plan my trip there for the next spring when it is not so warm and there are not as many people as in the summer season.
It is just an opportune time to find your article. We are currently staying in Sibenik this week and our Airbnb host was kind enough to take us for a swim at Primošten yesterday. We have to agree. An amazing place.
Having now read your article, we want to head back there again tomorrow and investigate all the places you have mentioned. It needs to be in the morning – looks like another 35 degree summers day again.
Are you in Šibenik now? Lucky you! This city is really amazing. When I saw the cathedral, it just took my breath away! Let me know how your trip to Primosten. I hope you like the places I mentioned here. Have you visited Our Lady of Loretto?
Wow. What a beautiful city this is. I think I would have extended my visit too if given the chance. I’ll be visiting Croatia next March and really hope I get to this part of the country. I had never heard of it before, but you sure sold it to me. Your photos are stunning as well.
Spring is beautiful in Croatia! I’m not sure, but pink trees may flourish at this time. It’s also an ideal month for visiting cities. If you are going to Primosten, I suggest that you combine this with visiting Trogir and Sibenik.
I visited Primosten for the first time around 5 years ago and it has become one of my favorite summer getaways in Europe since. It’s easily one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing this, it brought back so many nice memories.
I am glad that you have beautiful memories of Primosten. It’s exactly like me. There is something magical about this little town, is not it?
Wow. This is such an amazing place. Truly magical. This surely our next destination for 2019. Everything about this place is absolutely beautiful – the beaches, the island, the town, the architecture and those narrow lanes. I am glad I came across this post.
Wonderful! If you are going to visit Primosten, check out Trogir and Sibenik. I will write about these places on the blog soon. There are many beautiful things to see!
Croatia looks stunning and as I see from this post, has much more heritage than I expected. The cute little streets are just perfect summer vibe, plus the beaches of Croatia make it worth visiting. I agree May or September would be the best time to visit, it’s just perfect weather and less tourists.
For three years I have been visiting Croatia only in May and I would not change it for the summer months. I do not like hot weather and crowds, so spring is perfect for me. This year I plan to go again to Croatia but in September. I hope I like it too. 🙂
I can call it off bit as in my Country, this destination is not much popular. But, the way you have pictured your journey, I want to visit this place.
True, this place is not as popular as for example Rovinj. But I heard that there are quite a lot of people there during the holiday season, so it’s better to visit Primosten in May or September.
I have been to Split but not specifically Primosten and OMG, I cannot believe I missed it. Your pictures are out of the world, especially the drone shots. I loved my visit to Croatia, and Primosten seems to be that kind of typical seaside town that I would like to visit. I love how gorgeous the beaches are and the old town with maze streets is extremely charming. Such a magical town!
It is a very nice seaside town with beautiful beaches. A great place to stay, I recommend!
Those beaches look surreal. I hadn’t even heard of Primošten until I had read this post and it’s making me want to visit. Your pictures are amazing and I loved reading this.
I am very happy that you like my photos. Primošten is really an amazing place and I highly recommend visiting it.
Hey 🙂 Gorgeous pictures! I would love to go there…In August, are there any less crowded and more chilled out beaches? And if so, which ones would you recommend?
We have been to Sibenik before and we cannot believe we missed this gorgeous place! Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful post about Primosten. We will visit it next time when in Croatia. Martina x x
Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Thanks for sharing the Useful and Informative Blog.