Located on Croatia's largest Adriatic island, this medieval town has a 13th-century castle, the country's oldest theater, and local wine cellars along its coastal promenade.
Krk, the largest island in the Adriatic Sea, lies just off Croatia's northern coast. A 1,430-meter concrete bridge links the island to the mainland, leading to a world of medieval architecture and clear waters. Walk through Krk Town's 2,000-year-old stone streets, swim at Baška's 2-kilometer white pebble beach, or sip locally-produced Žlahtina wine in the cliff-top village of Vrbnik, where vineyards stretch to the sea.
Getting to Krk
The Krk Bridge connects the island directly to mainland Croatia, making it one of the most accessible Croatian islands. The bridge carries both vehicles and pedestrians, with two concrete arches spanning the strait. Rijeka Airport operates on the island's northern end, receiving flights from major European cities. Regular buses run from Rijeka and Zagreb to various towns on Krk.
Towns of Krk
In Krk Town, narrow streets wind between buildings dating from Roman times to the Renaissance. The 12th-century cathedral rises above the old town, while the Frankopan Castle stands guard over the harbor. In Vrbnik, stone houses cling to a 50-meter cliff, and you can walk through streets so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Baška's waterfront promenade runs along its 2-kilometer beach, where you'll find cafes and restaurants in converted stone houses.
Beaches and Swimming
Head to Baška's main beach for white pebbles and clear water, with views of the bare rock face of Prvić island. Between Krk Town and Malinska, you'll find small stone coves where locals swim. The western shore near Malinska has several beach clubs with sun loungers and umbrellas. At Stara Baška, follow the coastal path to find natural rock pools perfect for swimming.
Cultural Sites
Visit the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor to see where monks carved the Baška tablet in 1100 - one of the earliest examples of Croatian Glagolitic script. Inside Krk Town's Frankopan Castle, you can examine medieval weapons and stone carvings. Take a boat to Košljun, where Franciscan monks tend their monastery museum and its collection of religious artifacts. The small island also contains a botanical garden with 400 plant species.
Local Food and Wine
Try Žlahtina wine in Vrbnik's konobas (taverns), where vintners grow the white grape variety in the surrounding fields. In Punat's harbor restaurants, fishermen bring in the day's catch directly to the kitchen. The strong bora winds that sweep down from the mainland help create Krk's prosciutto, which you can taste in most restaurants. Many family-run establishments in Malinska and Krk Town cook traditional dishes like lamb under the bell (peka) and seafood risotto.
Natural Features
Explore Biserujka Cave's 110-meter tunnel system, where limestone formations create unusual shapes in the underground chambers. The southeast coast shows nature's raw power, where bora winds have shaped a rocky landscape. Walk through pine forests along the western coast on marked trails connecting various beaches. Climb Obzova peak (568 meters) for views across to the islands of Cres, Rab, and the mainland mountains.
