A calm fishing town on Krk island, with a 19th-century harbor and long pebble beaches. Known for traditional seafood restaurants and the 15th-century St. Apollinaire church.
Malinska, a coastal town on Croatia's Krk Island, has an active harbor where local fishermen sell their catch next to waterfront cafes. You'll find the 19th-century St. Apollinaris church rising above the town, and the 13th-century monastery in nearby Porat houses rare Glagolitic manuscripts. The town's beaches stretch from the central Plaza Malinska to the pine-shaded Rova Beach, while inland cycling paths wind through centuries-old olive groves. Each July, the Malinskarska Night festival fills the streets with local food, music, and fireworks.
Getting to Malinska
You can reach Malinska by car across the Krk bridge from mainland Croatia, with the drive from Rijeka airport taking about 15 minutes. The town sits on the northwestern coast of Krk Island, 12 kilometers north of Krk Town, making it an accessible base for exploring the island.
Beaches Around Town
The coastline near Malinska curves into several bays, each with its own character. Rupa Beach extends for 300 meters with small pebble coves. At Plaza Draga, you'll find concrete sunbathing platforms and a pebble shore that gradually turns to sand underwater. Rova Beach, in the southern part of town, sits under tall pine trees that create shaded spots for afternoon breaks.
Harbor and Town Center
Local life revolves around the harbor, where fishing boats dock early morning and cafes serve breakfast along the waterfront promenade. In summer evenings, local artists display their paintings and crafts along the walkway. Look for the small floating house in the harbor where a group of ducks have made their home - they've become a favorite photo subject for visitors.
Religious Architecture
The Parish Church of St. Apollinaris, dating from the 19th century, stands in Bogovići overlooking Malinska. Near the harbor, you'll spot the Chapel of St. Nicholas, built in 2000. The 13th-century monastery in Porat, a short drive away, contains a museum with Glagolitic manuscripts and religious artifacts from the medieval period.
Local Events
Malinskarska Night takes place on July 23rd, marking the feast of Saint Apollinaris. Food stalls line the streets selling local specialties, bands play traditional music, and fireworks light up the harbor at night. The Malinska Cultural Summer program runs from June to September, with weekly concerts in the church and art exhibitions in the town gallery.
Activities Beyond the Beach
Several biking trails circle the town, passing through oak forests and olive groves. The 5km coastal route is flat and well-marked, while the 12km inland trail climbs to viewpoints above the bay. The annual Malinska Trail running event includes 14km and 24km routes along coastal paths. Many hotels in town have wellness centers where you can book massages or use the saunas.
Day Trips
From Malinska, drive 20 minutes to reach Vrbnik, a medieval town perched on a 50-meter cliff above the sea, known for its white wine made from Žlahtina grapes. Omišalj, 15 minutes north, has Roman ruins and narrow stone streets dating from the 12th century.
Best Time to Visit
The main tourist season runs from June to September, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). The sea is warmest for swimming in July and August, around 25°C (77°F). May and October see fewer visitors and temperatures around 20°C (68°F), ideal for hiking and cycling.
