Visiting the really pretty town of Primošten
I had never heard of Primošten – It was only last week, when planning our road trip to Šibenik, that I heard about this pretty little town.
If you are coming from the direction of Trogir/Split, you’ll get a spectacular first view of Primošten. Orange roofs, blue sea, white beaches – it’s the idyllically typical Central Dalmatian town.
Primošten dates back to the mid-1400’s. Initially it was an island connected to the mainland by a large wooden bridge which could be lifted in the case of enemy invasion (The Turks were threatening the whole region at the time). Later the bridge was replaced by an earth bank and the island was no longer an island but a peninsula.
Today Primošten is a quiet little town where the main industry is tourism. It is perfect as a short day trip from Šibenik or Trogir. There’s not a heck of a lot to do in town except see the Church of St. George (St. Juraj), lie on its white-pebble beaches or relax at the restaurants and cafes along the shoreline. I was thinking though that Primošten could make a really nice base for someone who wants the vibe of a small town but the proximity to nearby attractions (Krka, Trogir, and Šibenik are very close, even Split, Drnis and Knin are within an hour).
![Sv. Juraj [St. George], primosten, Croatia interior](https://bbqboy.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Sv.-Juraj-St.-George-primosten-Croatia-interior-2.jpg "Sv. Juraj [St. George], primosten, Croatia interior")
.
.
Related: Šibenik, just 20 minutes from Primošten
Practical Information
– Car. Getting here by car is easy by just following the coastal road E65 (also sometimes indicated as 8). It took us an hour to get to Primošten from Split. Worthwhile stops along that route: Trogir and Šibenik (which is about 20 minutes from Primošten). See this post on car rental in Croatia.
– Bus. The same route is easily done by bus. There are frequent buses stopping at Primošten from Split, Trogir and Šibenik.
– Accommodation. Primošten is a great place for a very chilled out beach holiday and there are lots of apartments in town of good quality. Villa Šiša is highly recommended and well priced. Apartments Primošten and Apartmani Marija are other alternatives.
Summary: A really pretty place (that kind of reminds me of a smaller Rovinj) that is really worth visiting, whether it’s for a short visit or for a longer beach vacation.
Related: Exploring the Best of Central Dalmatia
Related: Exploring the highlights of Croatian Istria
PS. Looking to book flights, hotels, tours, or rent a car? Have a look at our Travel Resources page.
I’d just like to correct you that Primošten was founded in the mid 1400’s not 1500’s 🙂
Many greetings from Primošten
You are correct! Thank you 🙂
The sea side town is amazing. Love the photos.
Where were all the tourists, Frank? It is so untypical for Croatian cities.
Or was it in January?
Small town and I guess not too many people know about it. We were there in May and you’re right it was pretty quiet!
beautiful photos! I’ve never been..
Thanks Tanja.
This was so close to me when I was in Zadar. It is so funny how Croatia always has something beautiful around every corner and most of us have never even heard of the places! Definitely needing to get back down that way someday and explore it well!! Great photos!
Thanks Megan!
Aw, I love the fisherman statue with the little kitty! Looks like a beautiful town.
You are right, Primošten is very similar to Rovinj, even to us that seen them both many times. Sometimes, at first glance, when I see the picture of Primišten I think that is Rovinj.
Great! Nice to hear Croatians feel the same way about the resemblance 😉
You’re right Frank – Primosten looks like a lovely place to set up a base and enjoy the island’s beauty. The stone roofs are really interesting and the whole town looks inviting and timeless. Love the fisherman’s statue with the cat and, really I love all the photos: the definition of picturesque! Road trips and exploring new villages close by are the best reasons to slow down and set up a base for a time – absolutely the best thing about expating and slow travel!
Thank you Anita 🙂
Hey Frank, thanks for yet another great destiantion in Croatia. Right now were across the Adriatic from you in Lecce, Italy, so your Croatia posts seem more relevant than ever. I especially liked the video — I’m inspired to put together my own travel video!
I’m looking forward to your further adventures in Croatia (since it looks like you’ll be there for a while!!).
Thanks Paul. I’m actually off to Montreal (for 3 weeks) and then to Mexico (for another 3 weeks) where I have a few adventures planned. I guess around the same time you’re back in the US.
Any ideas when you’ll be back on the road?
Looking forward to your impressions of Lecce, have heard good things about it.
Wow its picture perfect! Always great when you find a place that is awesome that you didnt know about!
It does look nice Frank. I think probably better outside the main season when it’s not crawling with tourists. I like those stone roofs too. The country seems to have some interesting towns.
Thanks Ted. Yes, actually I tell people they shouldn’t come to Croatia in July and August. Too many people.
Looks like such a quaint little town. I love the sculpture of the man by the sea and the church looks really pretty too. For some reason, I’m undecided as to if l want to visit it or not. Can’t put my finger on why.
As I say, depends on the purpose. If driving that road between the larger cities it is worth it, even if just for an hour. For others it might be a really relaxing base away from the busier towns. For sure it doesn’t compare to places like Split, Sibenik, Makarska or Dubrovnik as far as sights go.
Can you stop it Frank, our time in Croatia (when we eventually get back there!) keeps extending and extending :-). Yet another place to add to the list!!
🙂
Wow, what an absolutely beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this Frank! I have now added this destination to my list! 🙂
Thanks Mike. Yes, lots of pretty places in Croatia…
Primošten is gorgeous and the beaches are really great too. Now the newest highlight is the giant statue of Our Lady of Loreto put up on the hill above the town – they say it’s so huge it can be seen from Italy across the Adriatic!
Thanks Andrea. I didn’t think to look in that direction – I’ve included a link to the statue here. It seems that it is supposed to be unveiled sometime this month.
Thanks for the comment Andrea!
My gosh, another pretty town in Croatia! The country is so full of picturesque medieval villages and cities :-). We just love Croatia…
Yes, it is – lots to see!
Oh wow looks so beautiful and timeless, I’m going to Croatia in September so hope to see this area too!
There are some beautiful places in the area Becky: make sure not to miss Trogir (about 30 min away) or Šibenik (20 min away – I have a post coming up on it). Krka is also very close.
You’ve also chosen a good time for a visit.