Municipality of Pirovac – Bays, history and experiences by the water

Bay, beach and landscape

Pirovac Bay extends about 10 kilometres into the rock and encompasses numerous natural beaches and bays. At Lolić Beach, a playground, slide and trampoline are among the facilities for children; the beach also holds the Blue Flag. These are useful details for families who would like to include time at the beach in their vacation plans.

The Makirina viewpoint offers a different perspective: it is about 113 metres high, and from there you can see across Pirovac and the bay. The area of Makirina Hill is considered a microecological and ornithological reserve and is included in Natura 2000. Healing mud in Makirina Bay was first used by local residents and later increasingly by tourists as well. The view, natural surroundings and history of this use make Makirina a topic in its own right alongside a day at the beach.

History in the townscape

Stari grad Pirovac is a historic fortified settlement. On maps from the 16th and 17th centuries, it appears under the names Sloßeln or Sloslein. Until the mid-19th century, Pirovac was an island surrounded by walls, entered via a drawbridge through Vrata sela. Sections of the wall there date back to the 16th century; they were built in 1505 by Count Petar Draganić. A Templar cross is also carved at the foot of Vrata sela.

Churches and historic keepsakes also offer a reason to learn more about the area's history. The Church of St. George, dating from the 15th century, stands in the centre of Stari grad Pirovac. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the old centre of Pirovac was built in 1506 and reconstructed in the Baroque style in the 18th century. The ruins of a 16th-century Franciscan monastery are located on Sustipanac (Sveti Stjepan). Valuable objects and documents of significance to Croatian history were kept for centuries in the castle of the Draganić-Vrančić family, including the will of Faust Vrančić. A pyramid-shaped monument in Pirovac was unveiled in 1930.

On the move and on the water

Well-marked walking and cycling routes in Pirovac suit different fitness levels. If you prefer to be active on the water, diving and snorkelling are options for exploring the underwater world of the Adriatic. Water skiing is considered a popular activity in the bay; stand-up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular in Pirovac. These different options can help you weigh up what you want to focus on during your stay, without limiting your vacation to just one activity.

Pirovac Marina has 200 berths in the sea and is located in the centre of town. It is described as a suitable starting point for excursions, cruises and regattas because of its proximity to Kornati and Krka National Parks. If these activities fit your vacation plans, the marina is a useful point of reference when deciding which experiences you would like to prioritise.

Dalmatian cuisine and holiday plans to suit you

The local cuisine includes “Dalmatinska spiza”. In Pirovac's restaurants, konobas and other food establishments, seafood delicacies are traditionally prepared with local olive oil, regional herbs and wine. This adds a culinary focus to the choice between the beach, activities and culture.

Pirovac brings these themes together at specific places such as Lolić, Makirina, the marina and Stari grad. Putičanje is also among the places you can discover in the Municipality of Pirovac.

More destinations to explore: Municipality of Ražanac, Municipality of Sukošan, Municipality of Posedarje, Municipality of Poličnik, Municipality of Lišane Ostrovičke, Municipality of Biograd Na Moru.

Places in the Municipality of Pirovac include Pirovac and Putičanje.

For the broader travel overview: Zadar County.