Krk is the largest island in the Croatian Adriatic, chosen by many for vacations and visits.
It has a length of 38 km, a maximum width of 13 km, and nearly 200 km of coastline. Generally hilly, the higher elevations are only in the southern parts, with the highest point being Obsova (569 m). The western part is more gentle, while the eastern landscapes are characterized by steep, rugged cliffs, deciduous forests, and few settlements.
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Getting to Krk Island
The highway branches off near Rijeka, and taking the A7 leads to the 1.5 km bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
No toll for crossing the bridge since 2020!
Krk attractions
Krk Town
The center of Krk Island, and the former seat of the Counts of Krk.
Located in the southwest of the island, on the northern shore of the expansive bay of the same name. It is one of those Mediterranean towns where visitors encounter historical traces at almost every step.
The old town of Krk has retained its medieval character, still surrounded by 15th-century city walls, narrow streets, and alleys. There are hardly any buildings less than 100 years old in the old town.
In terms of city walls, Krk is Croatia’s third-largest walled town. The walls were initially built by the Illyrians and were expanded and rebuilt over the centuries. The town is completely surrounded by walls on the mainland side, with four gates opening through them.
The most famous building is the Frankopan Castle, located in Kamplin Square. The Frankopans were an old medieval Croatian noble family, significant in Croatian history. According to records, the castle was built in the 12th century, and the complex reached its final form by the 14th century.
Beside the castle stands the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, dominating the cityscape. The three-aisled basilica features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
In Krk’s main square, Vela Placa, stands the 15th-century City Hall. The tower-like building’s lower level was once a city gate. A hexagonal well in the square dates back to the 16th century.
Baska
Located in the southern part of the island, this settlement hides one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. The town is flanked by large
rocky mountains on both sides, making it worth visiting for the scenery alone!
The nearly 2 km long main beach, Vela Plaza (Big Beach), is well-protected from strong winds due to its southern orientation. The beach is pebbly, and the water is beautifully crystal clear.
The beachfront, extending all the way to the harbor, is very well developed, with numerous restaurants and bars along the promenade.
Above the town stands Kastel Baska, a castle ruin, and Sveti Ivan, a Catholic church. It’s worth climbing up for the beautiful view of the town, and it takes about half an hour to reach the top.
Stara Baska
In the southeastern part of the village, there is another popular beach (Zala Stara Baska), which is a pebbly beach in a small bay.
Be sure to visit the ruins of Saint Jeromos church above the beach, as the view of the sea and the surrounding area is very beautiful.
Vela Luka and Mala Luka Beaches
If you enjoy a scenic view from the hillside and don’t mind a bit of hiking, you can walk to these two beaches from the eastern side of Baska.
These beaches can only be reached on foot from the mainland, making the beach areas in these bays not very crowded.
Vela Luka is 4 km and Mala Luka is 5 km from Baska. The fine pebble beaches are worth the hike!
Oprna Bay
A charming, short stretch of beach west of Stara Baska.
The beach is fine pebble, with shallow, crystal-clear water. The approach is a bit adventurous, descending a serpentine road from above.
Malinska
Located in the north-northwest part of the island, it has grown together with several settlements to become a popular holiday destination.
Its most visited beach is Rupa, which is a Blue Flag beach. It’s ideal for children, as the first part of the waterfront is partly sandy.
Vrbnik
A small town on the eastern side of the island, it’s a typical Mediterranean settlement with narrow streets and alleys. It’s often said to have a Tuscan atmosphere.
The town and its surroundings are known for Vrbnicka Zlahtina wine, made from the unique Zlathtina grape variety grown only here.
An interesting fact is that it has one of the narrowest streets in the world, Klančić, which is only about 40 centimeters wide.
Northwest of the town, near the village of Risika, are the ruins of the former Vrbnik fortress (Gradec). The castle, including the Church of the Holy Spirit inside, was built by the Frankopans in the 12th century and was the family’s first seat.
Soline Bay
Not many know, but Krk Island has a healing mud beach!
Located in the northeastern part near the village of Soline, at the tip of the bay, there is a therapeutic mud bath, reputedly effective for joint ailments. The water gets deep gradually.
The sea here is not the usual blue due to the mud, but green. Visitors often see people covered in mud. It’s worth giving it a try!
Punat
The second largest settlement on the island after Krk Town, famous for its marina.
Here lies the Adriatic’s oldest and one of the largest marinas. It’s worth walking up the hillside above the town to admire the boats and yachts in the harbor from there.
Biserujka Cave
Upon arriving on the island, near the village of Rudine, is this underground cave. Originally used by pirates to hide their treasures.
The 15-meter-deep cave is not very large and can be explored in about a quarter of an hour. It’s a good option to include in your itinerary on a rainy day.