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 economic base once comprised agriculture, olive growing, fishing, sheep breeding and shipbuilding, especially with wood; presently, the prevailing activity is tourism, especially nautical tourism, in addition to trade. 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 Ko\u0161ljun. Punat \u2013 once a renowned shipyard for wooden boats and headquarters to a powerful steamship company \u2013 is now a popular tourist destination, thanks to the appreciation of the excursion\/tourist values of the islet of Ko\u0161ljun and one of the largest and best-equipped tourist marinas on the east coast of the Adriatic. Thanks to the marina\u2019s 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 \u2013 home port to all those enjoying the beauties of the Croatian sea and islands \u2013 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 Ko\u0161ljun) make Punat a highly visited tourist center.<\/p>\n
Beaches<\/h3>\n
Punat and Stara Ba\u0161ka 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 \u2013 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\u2026).
Visitors to Punat arriving by a vessel will find the coves between Punat and Stara Ba\u0161ka 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!<\/p>\n
Cultural heritage<\/h3>\n\n- The little church of St. Dunat from the 9th century, at the Dunat site ahead of the intersection where you turn for Punat.<\/li>\n
- Finds of the little church of St. Peter from the 6th century at the Kanajt site, only 30 m above the hotel bearing the same name.<\/li>\n
- The reconstructed little church of St. George from the 13th century at the Mala Krasa site, near the promenade running from Punat toward the Konobe Naturist Camp.<\/li>\n
- The partially reconstructed little church of St. Jerome at a site above the Zala cove in Stara Ba\u0161ka.<\/li>\n
- Excavations of a military complex at the Mir site above the Surbova cove in Stara Ba\u0161ka.<\/li>\n
- The Way of the Cross above Punat, at the Tri kri\u017ei site on the way to Kalabrinj, within the pedestrian paths.<\/li>\n
- Franciscan Monastery Ko\u0161ljun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ko\u0161ljun<\/h3>\n
Only 750 meters from Punat lies the islet of Ko\u0161ljun. It is known for the Franciscan monastery where the monks have collected and preserved numerous valuable items for centuries. The islet has a museum with an ethnographic collection containing numerous items produced by Krk fishermen and farmers, as well as folk costumes from across the Island of Krk. The monastery also owns a rich zoological collection consisting of a large seashell collection and unique animal specimens, such as the one-eyed lamb. The monastery also has a rich library with around 30,000 titles. It includes the Ptolemy\u2019s atlas printed in Venice in 1511 (one of the three preserved copies). The monastery is a zero category monument. There are two churches on the islet \u2013 the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary\u2019s Annunciation and the Church of St. Bernard.<\/p>\n
Ko\u0161ljun<\/h3>\n
Only 750 meters from Punat lies the islet of Ko\u0161ljun. It is known for the Franciscan monastery where the monks have collected and preserved numerous valuable items for centuries. The islet has a museum with an ethnographic collection containing numerous items produced by Krk fishermen and farmers, as well as folk costumes from across the Island of Krk. The monastery also owns a rich zoological collection consisting of a large seashell collection and unique animal specimens, such as the one-eyed lamb. The monastery also has a rich library with around 30,000 titles. It includes the Ptolemy\u2019s atlas printed in Venice in 1511 (one of the three preserved copies). The monastery is a zero category monument. There are two churches on the islet \u2013 the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary\u2019s Annunciation and the Church of St. Bernard.<\/p>\n