Punat, Island of Krk, Croatia

Punat is a small town situated on the east coast of Puntarska draga (Puntar Bay), on the south coast of the Island of Krk, only 8 km from the Town of Krk. Signs of inhabitation have been observed since the prehistoric times, including Illyric, Greek and Roman eras. It is believed that the name Punat originates from the Latin word Pons, meaning bridge, because a bridge once possibly existed here, connecting the narrow passage into Puntarska draga from the south. The name itself was first mentioned in written documents in 1377.

The former activities that survived are fishing and sheep breeding, and almost each family is engaged in olive growing. In front of the town, in the central part of the shallow bay, lies the woody islet of Košljun. Punat – once a renowned shipyard for wooden boats and headquarters to a powerful steamship company – is now a popular tourist destination, thanks to the appreciation of the excursion/tourist values of the islet of Košljun and one of the largest and best-equipped tourist marinas on the east coast of the Adriatic. Thanks to the marina's year-round operation and events such as the Croatia Cup regatta and Olive Days, Punat receives foreign visitors even after the end of the season.

Improved beaches and parks, rich vegetation, hotels, guesthouses, holiday houses, the Punat Marina – home port to all those enjoying the beauties of the Croatian sea and islands - sports and recreation options (sailing, diving, skiing, windsurfing, tennis, aqua park, miniature golf, hiking, boccie), homemade food offered in numerous taverns and restaurants, and the cultural offer (especially on the islet of Košljun) make Punat a highly visited tourist center.

Island of Krk

Among the 1185 Croatian islands, only one of them is the golden one, the Insula Aurea – the island of Krk. Located in the centre of the Kvarner bay, it is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its mild Mediterranean climate, good geographical position and variety of natural and cultural beauties gave it, even in ancient times, the name "golden island". Its cultural heritage has given it another name – the cradle of Croatian culture, whilst at the beginning of the 20th century it gained the name the “sixth continent”.

Its coast is around 190 km long. The closest mainland is only about a hundred metres away and its neighbouring islands are the islands of Cres, Goli and Rab; a few smaller islands also pertain to it (the largest being Plavnik, which has 17 km of coast, and the smaller Školjić with just 400 m of coast); it has an unusual and varied relief, climbing from the north-western part to the south-eastern part – from picturesque gentle coves and lagoons, along fertile fields and dense forests with sub-mediterranean vegetation, to the parts of bare limestone and real mountain landscape.

Literally all roads lead to the island of Krk: from the land – over theKrk bridge; from the sea – by boats into the ports or small marinas, and by ferry to the Valbiska harbour, from the air – by plane to Rijeka's airport which is located close to Omišalj.

Discover our island – uncover its charms and treasures in every season: cruise through its beautiful and varied landscapes, visit its thousand year-old monuments, museums and galleries. Breathe in the feeling of wellbeing whilst walking along the romantic pathways by the sea or along the wild shepherd's rock paths. Enjoy the magical tastes of Krk cuisine and delightful home-made wine. Take advantage of your stay by enjoying the delights the entire island is offers in the solidity of its rich and varied accommodation, and tourist and catering offer.

The Beaches

Punat and Stara Baška are popular for their beautiful beaches situated in the immediate vicinity of the town and only accessible by boat.

Punat has its town beach within Puntarska draga (Punat Bay), suitable for children and seniors, with improved access to the sea, shallow water and protective barriers for the bathers. As soon as you leave the bay, you will find gravelly beaches – a landmark of our island. The beaches are numerous and a bather will always find a spot, while the leisure time can be spent on sporting activities offered on the beach (water sports, beach volley, windsurfing, ski-lift, paragliding, jet ski, aqua park...).

Visitors to Punat arriving by a vessel will find the coves between Punat and Stara Baška interesting for the wonderful secluded gravelly beaches and crystal-clear sea. You can reach them by a taxi boat from the harbor. Peace and quiet prevail in an intact nature. Make sure you try bathing early in the morning when the first rays of sun shine down upon the crystal-clear sea. A truly unique experience!

Stara Baška, situated only 9 km from Punat, is the place popular for its beaches, visited by numerous tourists. Anyway, take a look at our photos and see for yourself...