Primošten – old town on an island, wine on the rocks

Primošten sits like a postcard on a small island once separated from the mainland: stone houses cluster around St George's Church on the hilltop, surrounded by pines and pebble beaches. Inland, the vines of Babić wine grow on tiny terraces enclosed by dry-stone walls – a photo of this landscape once hung in the UN headquarters in New York.

At a glance

Region: North Dalmatia
To Šibenik / Split: approx. 25 km / approx. 60 km
Airport: Split (approx. 40 km)
Speciality: Babić red wine
Best time to visit: June, September
Ideal for: couples, families, photographers

Old town and St George's Church

The old town was an island until the 16th century; first a drawbridge, then a causeway linked it to the mainland. The walk up to St George's Church and the cemetery on the summit is one of Dalmatia's loveliest strolls – at the top the view opens over the open sea and islands.

Beaches

Mala Raduča pebble beach just north of the old town, often called one of Croatia's most beautiful
Velika Raduča long pebble bay on the peninsula with pine forest, bars and water sports
Coves towards Rogoznica quieter rocky coves, reachable by car or boat

Vineyards and honest verdict

The Bucavac vineyard terraces above the village show how laboriously soil was won from the karst over centuries; Babić is considered one of Dalmatia's most characterful red wines. Primošten is popular in summer and busy accordingly, especially at Mala Raduča. The village is small and nightlife limited – just right for couples and families.