The first written mention of Přeštice is in a deed of King Ottokar II from 1226, when it was referred to as a market village.

During the Hussite Wars (1419–1434), Přeštice was acquired by the Švihovský z Rýzmberk family, who owned it for two centuries.

[3] In the early 19th century, Přeštice was badly damaged by a large fire, but the town recovered.

The construction of the road from Plzeň to Klatovy, which began to be built in 1809, contributed to the development of the town.

[4] The I/27 road (the section from Plzeň to Klatovy, part of the European route E53) passes through the town.