BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Punat is a town and port in the southwestern part of Krk. It is located on the Puntarska draga and has about 1,800 inhabitants. Punat can be reached by car after crossing the Krk Bridge, which is about 30 kilometers away. Another option is to arrive by plane, since Rijeka Airport is located at a similar distance from Punat. Travel by catamaran or ferry has a destination in the Valbiska port, which is 20 kilometers away from Punat. For arrivals by train, the railway station in Rijeka is provided (54 kilometers away), after which you change to a bus that goes to the station in Punat. You can also take a catamaran or ferry in the port of Rijeka. The port of Punat is intended for local ship traffic, and the marina in Punat is one of the most popular in Croatia and provides berths for a large number of vessels.

CULTURE, HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS

The first traces of settlement on Punat date back to the time of the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans. The name Punat comes from the Latin word "pons", which means "bridge". The name itself was first mentioned in documents in 1377. Punat's medieval heritage is visible in most of the sacral landmarks that dominate the town. In Punat and its surroundings, you can visit the church of St. Dunat from the 9th century (at the Dunat location), the remains of the church of St. Peter from the 6th century, the reconstructed church of St. George from the 13th century, the church of St. Jerome above the Zala bay, the excavations of a military complex at the Mir location and the Stations of the Cross above the town towards Kalabrinje. The islet of Košljun, which is a first-class historical and cultural attraction, deserves special mention. The islet is only 750 meters from Punat and is home to the famous Franciscan monastery. The monastery houses a museum with a rich ethnographic collection. In addition to the museum, the monastery houses a rich zoological collection and a library with around 30,000 books, among which the Ptolemy Atlas printed in Venice in 1511 is worth highlighting.

BEACHES

Punat is widely known for its beautiful and clean beaches. The main town beach is located within Puntarska draga and is suitable for children and the elderly. At the exit from Puntarska draga there is a large series of pebble beaches. Those who like compact and small bays can take the road between Punat and Stara Baška. These beaches and bays are peaceful and quiet, and the sea is very clean. Stara Baška, which is 9 kilometers from Punat, offers new beaches to choose from. Oprna beach should be especially highlighted, which is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.

STILL CONTENT

Gastronomy in Punat is always linked to traditional Krk and Mediterranean foods: Kvarner scampi, fish, lamb, šurlice, olive oil (Punat's is one of the most famous on the island), homemade brandies and wines. Famous restaurants in Punat are K'ribaru, Lara, Marina, Mirta, Rendezvous, Vele Vode, Bescha Vecchia, Bocoon and Ulika. Many taverns, pizzerias and bistros also have a great offer. To enjoy coffee and other drinks, you can visit the Bonaca, Cinema, Jadro, Piccolo, Ponte, Sunny and many others. The Jadran, Oaza, Obala and Venezia pastry shops are particularly noteworthy. For nightlife, the Ulika beach bar is recommended. Gastronomic events and concerts are very common during the summer season. The Velvet Festival, Barufe va dragi, Punat Nights, Krajan Night and Fisherman's Days are noteworthy.

SPORT

Most of the sports offer is related to the sea, so in Punat you can go water skiing, sailing, surfing or rent various vessels such as pedal boats, boats, jet skis or sailboats. There is the possibility of going fishing day and night, and those interested can learn to dive at the Octopussy diving center in the diving school. On the hills near the city there are a number of hiking and cycling trails. The city center offers tennis courts, five-a-side football, handball, basketball, table tennis and beach volleyball. Punat's cove is a particularly attractive destination for surfers.

WHAT TO DO – EXCURSION POSSIBILITY

Probably the most beautiful nearby destination for a trip is the islet of Košljun. The beauty of such a small island will enchant every visitor, and there is much to learn from visiting the various museum, zoological and ethnographic collections. Panoramic drives are another popular form of excursion during which you can see the coast of Puntarska draga and the rest of the island, and you can also make a trip to the nearby islands of Cres, Rab, Lošinj or Pag.

ACCOMMODATION

A great offer of hotels and hotel services in Punat is linked to Hotel Park I, Hotel Park II, Kanajt, Omorika and Aparthotel Vila Ponte. A great offer also exists with private apartment renters, and camps with very high quality service are Konobe, Pila, Maslinik, Marušina and Škrila. All camps are surrounded by beautiful surroundings and are located near beaches. The marina in Punat is the most famous similar destination on the island of Krk and one of the best in Croatia. It has a large capacity for receiving vessels and a very high quality offer on a world level.