Promajna: A Croatian Coastal Experience
Insider Tips for the Makarska Riviera.
Update: October 20, 2024
What Can You Expect from Our Guide?
We have already spent our summer vacation twice with our children in the beautiful Dalmatian coastal town of Promajna. We would like to share our experiences here and help families have an unforgettable holiday in this beautiful place.
Contents
- Where is Promajna?
- Why Choose Promajna for a Family Vacation?
- Getting There
- Best Time to Travel and Weather
- Holiday Apartments and Villas
- The Most Popular Beaches
- Activities
- Restaurants
- Shopping Opportunities
- Do I Need a Rental Car?
- Video about Promajna
1. Where is Promajna?
Promajna is a former fishing village on the Makarska Riviera in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. With its breathtaking Adriatic coast, nature-close beaches, and relaxed Mediterranean ambiance, Promajna has proven to be an ideal destination for a family-friendly summer holiday away from tourist hotspots. The Makarska Riviera is known for its stone and pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, small natural bays, and the impressive Biokovo mountain range in the hinterland. The Riviera, with a 45-kilometer stretch of coastline, offers a combination of Mediterranean climate and rich vegetation, making it a popular destination for beach and hiking holidays. Promajna, one of the villages along this coast, particularly attracts families seeking a relaxed summer vacation. Located about 1.5 hours’ drive south of Split, Promajna offers good transport connections and a variety of beach-close, child-friendly accommodation options.
2. Why a Family Vacation in Promajna?
Due to its compactness and family-friendly atmosphere, Promajna is the ideal destination for us as a family. The gentle pebble beaches stretch along the clear Adriatic Sea and offer safe waters for our children to splash, swim, and play. The proximity to the impressive Biokovo Nature Park allows for joint adventures in nature, whether through hiking or exploring the diverse wildlife.
Promajna itself exudes a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The town is very comfortable to explore on foot, and along the promenade, you will find numerous restaurants and shops. The selection of family-friendly accommodations, some with pools, ensures comfortable lodging options. In addition to beach activities, there are water sports, local markets, and cultural events. If you’re looking for a change of pace, we recommend a short hike along the coast to the neighboring towns of Bratuš or Baška Voda.
3. Getting There
Promajna is easily accessible from many European cities, both by plane and by car. Travelers arriving by air can use the Split Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers from Promajna. From there, there are various options for reaching Promajna, including rental cars or transfer services like the ones we used. Alternatively, you can, of course, also travel by your own car. From most European cities, well-developed highways and roads lead to Croatia. Traveling by rental or your own car also offers the flexibility to stop along the way and enjoy the stunning landscape. When planning your journey, it’s advisable to consider the traffic situation, toll fees, and potential border crossings.
In Promajna, there are various parking options. Most accommodations usually offer free parking for their guests. It is recommended to clarify parking options with your accommodation in advance. Furthermore, there are public parking spaces along the streets of Promajna that visitors can use. These are often chargeable, and during the high season, availability may be limited. If you plan to go on day trips or explore the surroundings, you should inform yourself about parking options at the respective locations.
In general, we recommend arriving early at the beaches or attractions to find enough free parking spots, especially during the busy summer months.
4. Best Travel Time and Weather
During the summer months, from June to September, Promajna offers a pleasantly warm to hot Mediterranean climate. The temperatures usually range between 25°C and 35°C, and the sun shines generously, creating perfect conditions for a beach holiday. The water temperatures of the Adriatic Sea are also pleasant for swimming and other water sports activities.
For us, the best travel time was between June and August. During these months, the days are longer, the temperatures are warm, and the local facilities and activities are in full swing. The school holidays in many European countries also fall during this time, allowing you to connect with other families. If you prefer a quieter time, September can be a good alternative, as the tourist high season winds down. It is also not as hot, making activities outside of the water, such as hiking, more pleasant.
5. Holiday Apartments and Villas
In Promajna, a variety of accommodation options are available to you. If you are looking for accommodation with a more private atmosphere, holiday apartments or villas might be something for you. These options offer space and flexibility, as they have kitchens and living areas where you can prepare your own meals. Some accommodations are located directly on the promenade and offer a magnificent sea view with sunsets. Accommodations in the town center or on the outskirts sometimes offer a breathtaking view of the huge Biokovo mountain range in the hinterland.
Campsites are also an option if you like a bit of adventure. Between Baška Voda and Makarska, there are campsites located near the beach and offer a beautiful connection to nature.
6. The Most Popular Beaches
We have compiled a selection of beaches in and around Promajna that are particularly dear to us. Before you set out to explore, we would like to give you the following tips: Invest in water shoes as the beaches can be rocky, and there’s a risk of stepping on sea urchins. If you plan to walk to a more distant beach and need to carry beach towels and toys for the children, a backpack on wheels is often more practical than conventional bags. Along the beaches, you will often find trees that provide shade. However, the space under them may not be enough for all beachgoers, so you should definitely bring your own shade providers. Suitable options include umbrellas that you can buy on-site or beach shells that fit into your luggage and can be brought from home. With these tips in your bag, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable day at the beach!
Promajna Public Beach №1
The main beach of Promajna is a beautiful pebble beach lined with shade-giving pine trees and located along the promenade. With the glittering sea right in front of you and the impressive Biokovo massif at your back, beach bars and restaurants invite you to linger and enjoy. Private providers offer parking for the entire day. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented. Toilets and showers are available. The beach is easily accessible and located right on the promenade, but it can get very crowded early in the day during the high season.
Promajna Public Beach №2
This well-maintained pebble beach is a bit off the main beach and has some shade-giving pine trees. Not as crowded as the main beach but still well-visited during the high season. Water sports facilities are also nearby. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented here as well.
Beach Dječje selo
This idyllic little natural beach is one of our favorite beaches. Surrounded by shade-giving trees, it is located below a former SOS Children’s Village. Just a 10-minute walk from Promajna, you can reach this beach via a stone staircase. Thanks to its seclusion, it is rarely overcrowded. With its pebble and stone ground and the crystal-clear sea, it is a real insider tip. If you walk further towards Baška Voda from here, you will find more hidden bathing spots away from the main beaches.
Our Tip: Beach in Bratuš
Bratuš is a quaint fishing village, comfortably reachable on foot in about 15 minutes along the coast from Promajna. The quiet pebble beach has been our favorite among the beaches in and around Promajna since this year. Despite its seclusion, it offers numerous facilities, including restaurants, cafés, a kiosk, beach bar, and a fruit stand. The beach is not as crowded as in Promajna, although it can be quite popular during the high season. From the beach, you have a beautiful view of the island of Brač. From our perspective, the beach in Bratuš is ideal if you prefer a quieter setting.
7. Activities
Promajna offers a perfect mix of relaxation and sporting activities. We have compiled a selection of activities for you.
Water Sports
There are numerous opportunities for fun in the water. At the main beach, you will find a small water park that is especially popular with older children and teenagers. Adrenaline junkies can try parasailing at the Orka water sports station or zip over the water on a jet ski. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a pedal boat ride might be a pleasant option to experience the coast from a different perspective.
Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters of Promajna are a dream for snorkeling enthusiasts. The colorful underwater world with its variety of marine life will captivate you. So, pack your snorkeling gear and let the beauty of the Adriatic Sea fascinate you.
Boat Trips
From Promajna, you can take daily boat trips. Popular destinations include the nearby city of Makarska or the opposite island of Brač. Departures are from the pier opposite the Astoria restaurant.
Bike Tours
Along the coast, there are well-developed bike paths that lead through the breathtaking landscape. Rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace.
Cultural Events
During the summer, you can attend music concerts in and around Promajna or experience the traditional “Fishermen’s Night,” where the culture and traditions of the region are celebrated.
Hiking
The picturesque coastal landscape of the Makarska Riviera invites you to hike. Along the coast or in the hinterland, you can enjoy the impressive nature. Various hiking trails offer the right level of challenge for both beginners and experienced hikers.
8. Restaurants
Restaurant & Apartmani Hajduk
A restaurant situated on a quiet side street of the waterfront promenade, it boasts an excellent selection of grilled fish and local dishes. The portions and prices are reasonable. Particularly noteworthy is the wood-fired grill, which gives each dish a unique flavor. The service is friendly and accommodating, and the grill master is truly skilled at his craft. Note that only cash payment is accepted here, no card payments.
Tribidrag Restaurant & Bar
The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. Although the prices are a bit higher than in other local eateries, it impresses with its excellent quality. The service is not only quick and attentive but also exceptionally accommodating. If you appreciate a sophisticated environment and high-quality cuisine, this restaurant is the right choice. Additionally, Tribidrag is known for its child-friendliness and good accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Pizza Matej
Located on the outskirts of the town, this pizzeria by the sea offers excellent service and delicious food. From pizza to pasta to salads, there’s something for everyone. Guests are served by friendly and attentive waiters in a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere. If you wish, you can order your pizza to go and enjoy it, for example, at the beach during lunchtime.
Hoja Lero
An ideal place right on the beach to round off the evening. Delicious dishes, especially excellent burgers, are served here. You can also enjoy cocktails and milkshakes. The staff is friendly and accommodating. And as a highlight, you get a picturesque view of the beach.
Our Tip: Konoba Bratuš
This small restaurant is located in the quaint fishing village of Bratuš, about a 15-minute walk from Promajna. It is very idyllically situated directly on the beach and in an alley with charming old houses. Here, you can enjoy an authentic flair in a relaxed atmosphere, served by extremely friendly staff who speak Croatian, English, and German. The good food at fair prices is served on a terrace right by the sea and surrounded by palm trees — the ideal spot for a summery lunch or dinner.
9. Shopping Opportunities
In Promajna, there are several shopping options where you can buy everything you need for your stay. The shops and markets are centrally located and easily accessible on foot.
Market Konzum
This grocery store is part of the largest retail chain in Croatia, offering a variety of products such as food, beverages, household goods, cosmetics, and more. The market is located on a street leading from the center of the town to the beach, where you can get everything necessary for your stay in Promajna.
STUDENAC MARKET
This small but fine market is located at the end of the promenade near the beach. The market offers a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and other products. For those wanting to send postcards, there’s a mailbox located to the left of the entrance.
Market Optima
Easy to find, as it is located on the street running parallel to the beach.
Pekara PALMA
Offers a selection of delicious and fresh baked goods, such as pizza, burek, strudel, rolls. The filled doughnuts are particularly recommended. There are two stalls at the beginning (View on Google Maps) and at the end (View on Google Maps) of “Ul. Obala”, the promenade that runs parallel to the beach.
Tip: Fruits and Vegetables
You can get fresh fruits and vegetables near the beach, to the left of the bakery Pekara PALMA at the beginning of Ul. Obala street.
10. Do I Need a Rental Car?
The need for a rental car in Promajna depends on your travel plans and preferences. Promajna itself is a small place, and the beaches, restaurants, shops, and attractions are easily accessible on foot. Some neighboring places like Bratuš or Baška Voda can be easily reached on foot after a short hike. If your goal is to stay within the village and use the nearby beaches and facilities, a rental car is not necessarily required.
However, a rental car can be advantageous if you plan to explore the surrounding towns, beaches, and attractions. This way, you have great flexibility.
11. Video about Promajna
After watching the video by Andrzej Kruk, you will surely be eagerly counting down the days until your stay in Promajna. The breathtaking footage from Promajna will entice you to visit this beautiful coastal town on the Makarska Riviera.
Have you already been to Promajna? What were your impressions? Which places particularly impressed you? Do you have any insider tips to share, or do you have questions about getting there or accommodations? Is there anything missing in our Promajna travel guide? Let us know in the comments!
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