November the 19th, 2025 – There’s a popular little Croatian town that was once an island. It was later linked to the mainland via a bridge back during the 16th century.
As Putni kofer writes, we all usually (and quite naturally) associate Dalmatia and the beautiful Adriatic coast exclusively with summer. The boiling sun, short sleeves, and a slight breeze (if you’re lucky) in your salty hair… But maybe that’s a mistake. Yes, the warm months in Dalmatia’s many coastal villages and towns are synonymous with relaxation, but the most beautiful places along the coast are also worth visiting in the winter months. The days are often still sunny and clear, and the lack of tourist crowds, noise and insufferable heat opens up the possibility of experiencing real Mediterranean life and getting better acquainted with rich local cultural and historical heritage. One such place worth visiting is gorgeous Primošten, a little Croatian town that used to be an island.
In the past, residential settlements across Dalmatia were built further from the sea, on plateaus suitable for agriculture, and people only ventured down to the coast to fish. This was the case until the 15th century, when some of the inhabitants of the settlements of Prhova, Široka and Kruševo took refuge from frequent Ottoman attacks on the nearby islet of “Gola Glava” (Caput Cista). This once “bare headland” is now a peninsula known throughout Europe. First, it was connected to the mainland by an old wooden bridge, and later a causeway was filled in, and so the place was “bridged”. (Croatian: primošteno). With that, the little town became a single entity and received the name it still bears today.
the croatian town which was once an island is the home of an iconic wine
Primošten is not only known for its magical old town, but also for being the home of one of the most prized Dalmatian wines of all. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll probably already know exactly what we’re referring to here. It is of course the much loved Babić, a variety that has been growing here for countless centuries on steep, rocky fields facing out towards the crystal clear sea. These old vineyards look like a gnarled stone mosaic that has been hand-assembled by generation after generation, and it’s precisely this special combination of sun, stone and wind that gives Babić its recognisable character. Today, this Croatian wine carries a truly interesting story about tradition, perseverance and love for the land, and many consider it one of the most authentic flavours of the Primošten region.
the european best destinations portal is full of praise
Last year, the globally renowned website European Best Destinations included Primošten among the most beautiful hidden destinations in all of Europe. “If you’re looking for relaxation, to enjoy the sun, the crystal clear sea, rich heritage and gastronomy, there’s nothing better than a holiday in Croatia. Located in Dalmatia, just a 20-minute drive from Šibenik, Primošten is a great destination for sun and sea lovers,” they stated.
“Mala Raduča beach and its bars, restaurants, umbrellas and water activities will all delight you at first sight. It is one of the longest beaches in Croatia, so you won’t have to get up early in the morning to find a spot and enjoy a well-deserved holiday,” wrote the journalists of the European Best Destinations portal in their article about Primošten, which they ranked in a high third place.
one of the most famous views of croatia
The aerial view of Primošten, with its old town centre surrounded by the sea, is one of the most famous sights on the entire Adriatic. You don’t have to have a drone or rent a helicopter to enjoy this sight, either. All you have to do is climb up to the viewpoint on Gaj Hill, where the magnificent statue of Our Lady of Loreto was erected in 2017. A beautiful view of the town, Rogoznica, the sea and all of the little islets will open up before your eyes, and on a clear day you may even see neighbouring Italy in the distance. Our Lady of Loreto was not chosen by chance. She’s known as the protector of Primošten and is believed to have saved the town from the plague. The magnificent statue dedicated to her stands at an impressive 17 metres high, and is the largest of its kind in the world.
At the foot of this imposing statue, one feels truly small, but fulfilled and grateful for all the beauty of the entire area. On the head of Our Lady is an ancient Croatian crown encrusted with precious stones that is the family property of mosaicist Milun Garčević. He worked closely with a talented team of experts on the mosaic that makes the statue so recognisable, and the final appearance of the statue of Our Lady was designed by architect Aron Varga. The statue is symbolically facing the Italian Loreto, and is also located on the pilgrimage routes of Marian shrines.
A visit to Primošten, the Croatian town that used to be an island, is always worth it. No matter the time of year you come, you’ll experience its unique Mediterranean charm by taking a stroll through the narrow, ancient stone streets of the old town, enjoying the view of the endless blue of the sea and islands, and feeling the spirit of authentic Dalmatian tradition at every single turn.
