Along the Dalmatian coast, between Šibenik and Trogir, lies the small peninsula of Primošten. Many consider Primošten to be one of the most beautiful villages in Dalmatia. It’s a place visited by many holidaymakers. Tourist hotspot or not, if you’re spending your holiday in Dalmatia, Primošten is definitely worth a visit.
Primošten, busy yet still idyllic
The municipality of Primošten covers an area of about 57.18 km², but the actual village centre is relatively small. The village has around 3,000 inhabitants. Most of the buildings are located on the mainland, but what makes the village so special is the small peninsula that juts out into the sea. You can spot the peninsula from afar, surrounded by a handful of small islands. On your way to Primošten, there are numerous higher viewpoints where you can take beautiful photos of this lovely village.
Challenge: parking in Primošten
As in many small, popular Croatian villages, parking in Primošten can be a bit of a challenge. On the mainland, there are several large parking areas, but especially during the high season, these tend to fill up quickly. There is a parking lot just outside the centre, at the end of the harbour, where you can park for free. From there, you can walk along Porat by the harbour towards the Primošten peninsula, either via the promenade or along the narrow pebble beach.
Exploring Primošten on foot
At the point where the peninsula connects to the mainland, you’ll find a few souvenir shops and I’m immediately a bit wary. Is the entire Primošten peninsula packed with shops? We quickly pass by the souvenir stands and enter the village through the town gate, where we find a small square. There are still a few craft shops here, but also plenty of cosy terraces and the atmosphere feels charming right away. We soon slip into one of the narrow alleys and from that moment on, we hardly see another person. No cars either, as the village on the peninsula is almost entirely car-free.
It’s a real pleasure to wander through these narrow streets. The houses are small and built tightly together. Colourful shutters, crooked stairways, beautiful front doors… It’s all incredibly photogenic!
Church of St. George in Old Town Primošten
In the centre of the peninsula, perched on top of the hill, stands a church: the Church of St. George (Sveti Juraj). The church dates back to the 15th century and is one of Primošten’s most important landmarks. To reach the church, you’ll need to climb quite a few steps, which makes it inaccessible for strollers and wheelchairs. But once you arrive, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the surroundings from multiple angles. Around the church lies the cemetery. What a beautiful place to be laid to rest.
Walking around the Primošten peninsula
You can walk all the way around the peninsula. Of course, through the narrow streets, but also along the walking path on the outer edge of the peninsula. Meandering along the coast, you’ll pass a small harbour, a charming promenade with cosy restaurants and of course, plenty of houses. The views are beautiful in every direction and the overall vibe is wonderfully relaxed.
From the right side of the Primošten peninsula, you have a view of Raduca Beach and another peninsula. It’s a beautiful, lush green area surrounded by beaches. This is where Hotel Zora is located; a hotel with many facilities, right by the beach and within walking distance of Primošten’s town centre.
Since the centre of Primošten isn’t very large, you won’t need more than half a day to explore this charming place. A visit to Primošten pairs perfectly with a trip to Trogir and/or Šibenik, small towns that lie right between them. Of course, you can make your visit as long as you like. After all, sitting on one of those terraces by the water for a drink or a delicious lunch sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?
Croatia road trip
The perfect way to discover Dalmatia in Croatia is by car, if you ask me. Renting a car is easy and with all costs included, you won’t face any surprises. You can pick up your car upon arrival at Split Airport and within no time, you’ll be on the move. The roads in Dalmatia are in excellent condition, which is very convenient. On the main highways, you’ll need to pay tolls, but if you’re in no hurry, you can opt to avoid the toll roads and explore the country via smaller routes.
