Municipality of Punat: Olive Culture, Sea and Shepherds’ Paths

The Bay and Shepherds’ Paths

The “Pastirske staze” shepherds’ paths lead from Punat and Stara Baška to the highest peaks on the island of Krk. The destinations listed include Veli vrh (541 m), Brestovica (558 m), Obzovo (568 m), Zrnina (537 m) and Veli Harn (482 m). Along the way, the paths pass dry-stone walls, vineyards, karst ponds and sheep pastures; from the rocky peaks, panoramic views extend across the sea and surrounding area. The different peak elevations provide specific destinations for planning your hike.

The lower plateaus are also part of the shepherds’ paths. The walk there takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Expect rocky paths, partly covered with grass or soil. This information can help you factor hiking destinations and the condition of each path into your day’s plans, without treating the routes to the peaks and access to the lower plateaus as the same thing.

Alleys, Gallery and History

A walk through Punat’s old town follows narrow, paved alleys from the waterfront to Vela Placa, then continues through the settlement’s oldest lanes. The “Toš” gallery is located on Klančić Street. It displays paintings, sculptures and other works of art in an almost authentic ethnographic setting. The gallery is housed in a former traditional space that was adapted for this purpose and where olives were once ground by hand.

The history of olive growing can also be explored at the Stari Toš Interpretation Centre. It offers a comprehensive insight into olive harvesting and processing in Punat and preserves fully intact equipment used in the traditional production of olive oil. Punat is surrounded by olive groves and is known for its local Punat olive oil. Restaurant menus in the town feature seafood with olive oil and wine. At the end of October, organised participation in the olive harvest is offered—a specific seasonal opportunity for travellers interested in the work involved in olive growing.

The Church of Sv. Nikole is also part of the town’s history: dedicated to Saint Nicholas, it was built in 1911 as a protective church for sailors, travellers and children. A mass is held there every year on 6 December in memory of all sailors. The Street Workout Park is located on the waterfront promenade next to the children’s park and has several pieces of equipment for outdoor training.

Water Activities and Boat Trips

In Punat, you can water-ski using a cable tow or behind a speedboat, go parasailing, sailing or surfing, try the Aquagan, and play beach volleyball. Diving and a diving school are also available. Punat Underwater Park is located at the main beach and can be reached on foot along the waterfront promenade or by car. Non-divers can also take part in a guided underwater walk with qualified, experienced guides. Visitors can discover marine flora and fauna, as well as an underwater pirate treasure theme.

Taxi boats run from Punat harbour to the bays between Punat and Stara Baška. These bays offer secluded pebble beaches and crystal-clear sea; Stara Baška is known for its beaches. If you would like to visit the island of Košljun, note that it can only be reached by boat. The nearby island lies about 750 m from Punat. Local boat operators from Punat are available on request; there is no fixed timetable. Košljun is home to a Franciscan monastery, an ethnographic museum and a library with about 30,000 titles.

The location of your accommodation is also relevant if you are travelling with a small boat: guests staying in private accommodation or hotels in central Punat can use berths in the central harbour and launch or retrieve small boats up to 5 m long. The “Punat” Marina is located in Puntarska draga. Developed alongside a shipyard, it became a nautical harbour and the first nautical marina on the Croatian Adriatic for clients commissioning ships and boats. Whether you want your stay to centre on hiking paths, olive-growing history, old-town alleys or boating experiences, these options provide a practical starting point for choosing your destination and holiday apartment.

More destination pages: Municipality of Dobrinj, Municipality of Krk, Municipality of Baška, Municipality of Omišalj, Municipality of Vrbnik, Municipality of Malinska-Dubašnica.

For the main travel overview: Krk.