Punat, Krk: Travel Guide & Best Beaches!
Punat in Croatia is a beautiful seaside town in the south of Krk Island and in summer, it’s a real paradise for tourists from all over the world! Surrounded by Mediterranean landscape and situated in the protected Puntarska Draga Bay, this town attracts sailors and holidaymakers alike. The picturesque coastline is especially beautiful here, where the wonderful beaches of Punat are lined up and offer optimal conditions for an unforgettable summer vacation at the Adriatic. Also the many attractions around Punat and the fabulous possibilities to go on excursions make this small coastal town extremely attractive as a vacation destination!
In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips on Punat in Croatia. We show you amazing pictures, unique attractions, reveal the most beautiful beaches and where you can find recommended accommodations.
Good to know!
If you are still searching for a lovely place to stay in Punat, we can recommend the charming B&B Villa Maris with a fantastic pool and delicious breakfast.
You should definitely try the famous regional olive oil because it is considered the best on the island! This is grown in the olive gardens of Punat, and can be tasted on site.
Action is also provided here. Besides restaurants and bars, in Punat you can find an underwater park, massages by the sea, playgrounds, water sports as well as beach clubs.
In Punat are some of the most beautiful beaches on Krk Island! Most of the bays are pebble beaches and as almost everywhere in Croatia you should not forget your bathing shoes.
General Information on Punat
The small town Punat has about 2,000 inhabitants and is located in the south of Krk Island, about 10 kilometers from Krk Town and 10 kilometers from Stara Baska. Its location in the approximately 3 kilometer long Punat Bay, where one of the largest marinas in Croatia, the Marina Punat, and the famous monastery island of Kosljun are located, is particularly impressive. Also fantastic is the offer of activities and things to do. There are water sports centers, diving schools as well as great opportunities to go hiking, cycling or go on boat tours. Thanks to the central location of the resort, you can also embark on many exciting excursions because some of the best attractions of Krk Island are located just around the corner.
The history of tourism dates back to the 19th century, when even members of the imperial family traveled to Punat especially to visit the Franciscan monastery on the offshore mini-island. And still today, Punat is a small vacation paradise on the island of Krk. Surrounded by Mediterranean olive trees and pine forests, the vacation resort attracts visitors with its idyllic charm and, above all, with its fantastically beautiful beaches and a fabulous range of restaurants as well as great accommodations.
Best Things to Do in Punat
A wide range of things to do awaits you on a vacation. The most important attractions of Punat include the offshore islet of Kosljun with the Franciscan monastery, the beautiful waterfront, the historic churches and buildings, the Marina Punat and of course the countless beautiful beaches. Here are the most beautiful places of the resort summarized at a glance:
The Center and Marina
The heart of Punat and at the same time a meeting place for locals, as well as tourists, is the pretty center right next to the marina. During a walk, you can enjoy an extremely idyllic ambience and discover some really pretty green parks and historic churches in the old town center. Fabulous, moreover, are the numerous good restaurants, cozy cafés and ice cream parlors that provide culinary highlights and where you can best soak up the tranquil atmosphere. The marina in Punat is one of the most popular in Croatia among nautical enthusiasts. It is located directly in the center of Punat, in the protected bay, and offers more than 800 berths in the water and 300 pitches on land.
Even non-sailors are amazed by the splendor of the many large boats that drop anchor in this harbor. In addition, excursions are offered from the harbor to the monastery island and the offshore island world.
Island Otocic Kosljun
Probably one of the most important attractions of Punat is the small island of Kosljun, which is located in the middle of Punat Bay, only about 800 meters from the coastal town. It can be easily and cheaply reached by taxi boat from Punat. Once you arrive, several interesting attractions await you. The monastery of St. Mary with its cloister, the Franciscan church of the Annunciation and the Ethnographic Museum, where historical pieces of the islanders are exhibited, are all worth seeing.
The Promenade
A walk along the picturesque, approximately 2 kilometers long seaside promenade is a wonderful highlight that should not be missed on any visit to Punat. This romantic coastal path leads from the harbor past the center and on to the beautiful beaches of the pretty resort. On the way you will be amazed by the romantic atmosphere, the countless rocking fishing boats in the sea. You will discover charming churches and small cafés will invite you to linger. Also worth seeing is the olive mill, which together with the olive groves conjures up a particularly beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere.
Church Sveti Dunat
The Church of Sveti Dunat is one of the most historically significant attractions of Punat. This impressive church building is said to date back to as early as the 12th century and is one of the most important monuments of ancient Croatian architecture. This small church is only about 12 meters times 7 meters, was built of limestone and consists of a Romanesque cross vault. Interesting from the outside, you should also take a look inside, where you will encounter Glagolitic tablets.
Viewpoint Tri Krizi
Directly above the village is the Tri Krizi hiking trail, a Way of the Cross in beautiful nature. During an entertaining hike, sport enthusiasts enjoy a beautiful view of Punat, the sea and the picturesque landscape. Once you reach the top, you will find the 3 crosses, the Tri Krizi, and benches where you can take a break. If you feel like it, you can continue your hike to Veli vrh and Obzovo. It is also beautiful to climb up in the evening during sunset, when the sky turns into the most spectacular pink-red colors.
The Best Beaches in Punat
The many beautiful beaches in Punat make this resort a popular destination for sun-seeking beach vacationers. Along the idyllic coastline, there are numerous places to swim and relax. Most of the bays are pebble or stone beaches, which score with excellent sea quality and cleanliness. There are also dog beaches and nudist beaches in beautiful natural surroundings.
Punta Debija Beach
The Plaza Punta Debija, often known as China Beach, is the beautiful main beach of Punat. It is located almost 1.5 kilometers from the center, but can be reached either by walking along the coastal promenade or by car. Here you can choose between several wonderful bays, one more beautiful than the other! The beaches are a mix of fine pebble beaches and sandy beaches, where breathtaking sea colors provide a touch of Caribbean flair.
The atmosphere is always exuberant, and especially families with children love to come here to spend their vacation days. Moreover, the small bars and restaurants on the beach are fabulous, providing the necessary catering with ice cream and snacks.
Tip: Behind Plaza Punta Debija there is a small vacation settlement. Absolutely recommendable are the apartments Villa Punta in the best location and with great equipment!
Medena Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Punat is certainly Medena beach. While bathing, you can enjoy a true dream beach, as picturesque and unique as you know beaches from travel magazines. The sea shimmers in almost kitschy turquoise sea colors and the many straw umbrellas create a unique ambience. Even in high season, this bay is never crowded, so every visitor is sure to find a nice place to sunbathe. Fabulous and absolutely recommendable is also Medena Beach Bar, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails, excellent food and, if that wasn’t enough, an amazing view of the spectacular sea.
Galapagos Beach
Really cool and another lovely swimming spot is Plaza Galapagos. It is located at the beginning of Punat, near the small church of St. Dunat and is a private beach of the Galapagos beach club. During the day, you will experience a rather quiet atmosphere, with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and great views of the sea. In the evening, there’s good music, and you can enjoy a lively atmosphere with delicious cocktails.
Dog Beach
A real beach highlight that is especially a joy for 4-legged friends and their owners is the dog beach at the southern end of Punat. You can reach it via a beautiful coastal path, which is perfect for nature lovers. Once you arrive, you will experience a picturesque pebble bay that scores with clean water and beautiful scenery. In addition, you’ll find many more hidden little bathing coves in the area, perfect to relax.
Excursions from Punat
Not only a visit to Punat is worthwhile, but also the surrounding area is absolutely worth seeing. Thanks to its good location, the resort is also a fantastic starting point for excursions and trips to enjoy the best things to do in Krk Island.
Only a few minutes’ drive away is the beautiful Krk Town, where numerous attractions, as well as a lively nightlife, will surprise you.
Beautiful is the wine town Vrbnik, which delights with a spectacular location on a rock. There is also the smallest street in the world!
Not far away are also the mountain village Dobrinj and the Biserujka Cave, an interesting small stalactite cave that can be visited even during bad weather.
A side tour to Baska and Stara Baska is also truly recommended! Here you can find real dream beaches and from there you can go on countless coastal walks and hikes.
Where to Stay in Punat
For a vacation in Punat you will find a fabulous range of accommodations. Most of the places are privately run apartments, small guesthouses and campsites, but there are also fabulous hotels. If you’re looking for great places to stay in Punat, we can give you these recommendations along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Vacation home with pool: The Villa Fameja is a tasteful vacation home with pool. The location in the olive grove and only 50 meters to the sea is beautiful!
- Charming B&B with pool: The B&B Villa Maris is a real insider tip for a vacation in Punat. Guests love the beautiful rooms, the pool and, not to forget, the delicious breakfast!
- Cheap apartments: The Apartment Anton offers stylishly furnished apartments close to the center. Great is also the good price-performance ratio and the hospitality.
- 4-star hotel: The Falkensteiner Hotel Park is centrally located between the old town and the beaches. Especially the pool with the water slide is fabulous here!
Find the best accommodation in Punat:
More about Krk Island:
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Krk Island, Croatia: The Golden Island Travel Guide
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Malinska: The Vacation Paradise on Krk Island
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Njivice, Island Krk: Travel Guide & Beaches
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Omisalj, Croatia: The Old Town & Beaches
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Malinska: The Vacation Paradise on Krk Island
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