This Adriatic island has clear waters, pebble beaches, and a Mediterranean climate. Its main town offers restaurants and nightlife, while the island produces olives and grapes.
Krk, the largest island in the Adriatic Sea, is home to medieval castles in Krk Town, golden Žlahtina wine in Vrbnik, and the 2-kilometer long Vela Plaža beach in Baška. You can hike through pine forests, swim in hidden coves, and explore ancient Roman ruins. The island's cuisine includes hand-rolled šurlice pasta and locally produced olive oil.
Getting to Krk Island
You can drive to Krk via the 1,430-meter Krk Bridge from the mainland near Rijeka. The island also has its own international airport, making it easy to reach for travelers. From May to September, ferries connect Krk to other islands in the Kvarner Bay.
Exploring Krk Town
In Krk Town, the island's main settlement, you can walk along 2,000-year-old city walls and visit the 13th century Frankopan Castle overlooking the harbor. The town's narrow streets lead to squares with cafes and shops. The Romanesque Krk Cathedral, built in the 12th century, has a 52-meter tall bell tower visible from many parts of the town.
Wine Tasting in Vrbnik
Vrbnik sits on a cliff 50 meters above the sea and produces the golden Žlahtina wine. You can walk through the narrow medieval streets, some only 40 cm wide, before stopping at a konoba (tavern) to sample the local wine paired with sheep's cheese. From the town, you can see across the Adriatic to the islands of Cres and Rab.
Beaches and Coves
Krk has over 100 beaches along its coastline. Vela Plaža in Baška stretches for 2 km with fine pebbles and shallow water, making it suitable for children. For fewer crowds, you can visit the cove of Vela Luka, accessible by boat or a hiking trail. The small bay of Oprna near Stara Baška has clear waters where you can see fish while snorkeling.
Local Cuisine
On Krk, you can try šurlice, a hand-rolled pasta often served with goulash or seafood. Taste pršut (dry-cured ham) and sheep's milk cheese, often served with locally produced olive oil. For dessert, try presnac, a traditional cheesecake made with sheep's milk ricotta.
Hiking and Nature
You can hike through Krk's pine forests, along coastal cliffs, and up to viewpoints like Obzova, the island's highest peak at 568 meters. The island is home to the Barbašova lazarkinja plant, which grows only in the Baška area and blooms with small white flowers in spring.
Historical Sites
In the village of Jurandvor, visit the Church of St. Lucy to see the Baška Tablet, an 11th century stone inscription that is one of the earliest examples of the Croatian Glagolitic script. In Omišalj, you can explore the remains of a 5th century basilica, and at the Fulfinum archaeological site, you can see the ruins of a Roman settlement including a forum and thermal baths.
