Punat

Punat is a tourist town in the south-western part of the island, nested in the picturesque Punat Cove. According to a legend, it was named after a Roman bridge (‘pons’) that once connected the south side of the narrow passage to Punat Cove. Today one of the most prominent Croatian marinas and a true boating paradise, it was inhabited as early as the prehistoric era, and was later home to the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans. What makes it truly special and recognizable is the magical islet of Košljun, nested in the middle of the cove.

The Franciscan monastery of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected here in the 9th-century, holds a collection of valuable items, collected and kept by diligent monks for centuries. Visit this islet with amazing heritage and natural landscapes to find spiritual bliss and peace.You will be won over by its picturesque alleys and typical houses with konobas, where top-quality wine and olive oil is kept.

Vineyards and olive groves adorned by drystone walls stand as proud witnesses of the island’s tradition. If you are looking for an authentic experience, do not hesitate to ask their owners if they need a hand with olive picking. The production of olive oil may have been modernised, but the good old millstone called toš is still being used in this area. You can find all the secrets about growing, harvesting and processing olives at the Stari Toš Gallery and Interpretation Centre.Punat Cove is ideal for water sports, so lovers of scuba diving, sailing and water skiing will enjoy their time in Punat. If you prefer walking and cycling, many well-kept hike and bike trails on the outskirts of Punat offer enchanting views of green olive groves, boats in the port, the peninsula of Prniba, and the islet of Košljun.If you continue in the direction of Stara Baška, you will discover a perfect refuge to enjoy the peace of pristine nature. You will also get to see why Stara Baška is known for the most beautiful beaches on the island.They say that olive oil is both food and cure, so take a bottle to bring back home and make sure to taste not only homemade sheep’s cheese and honey infused with sage, but also delicious local lamb.