Krk Island

Krk Island

Krk, often called the “Golden Island”, is known for its varied landscapes — from the rocky, wind‑shaped terrain of the north to the greener, more sheltered shores of the south and west. Its coastline offers pebble beaches, small sandy coves and a string of attractive villages, while the island’s interior is dotted with older settlements and a respected wine‑producing area. 

Krk is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic, sharing this distinction with Cres depending on measurement methods, and lies in the northern Adriatic close to Rijeka. It is easily reached via the Krk Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland and ensures quick road access. The island also hosts Rijeka Airport, located near Omišalj, and Punat Marina, one of the largest marinas in Croatia, situated in the deep natural bay of Puntarska Draga. 

The town of Krk sits on the southwest coast and remains the island’s main cultural centre. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the Adriatic, with origins stretching back to the Liburnians and Romans. Evidence of Roman baths still survives near the present‑day Franciscan monastery, while the town’s medieval heritage includes Venetian fortifications and an 11th‑century cathedral. Across the sheltered waters from nearby Punat lies the small island of Košljun, home to a 15th‑century Franciscan monastery reached by a short boat ride. To the east, Baška is one of the island’s most popular resort towns, known for its long beach and surrounding trails.

Exploring Krk is rewarding in any direction. A drive along the quieter back roads via Vrbnik, Dobrinj and Kras reveals rural communities, vineyards and traditional stone architecture. Other places of interest include Omišalj, a historic village with medieval fortifications and a small harbour, and Malinska, a resort surrounded by forest trails. Near Baška is Jurandvor, where the parish church houses a copy of the Baška Tablet, an early example of Glagolitic script, the oldest known Slavic alphabet.

Local produce is another of Krk’s strengths. The island is known for excellent olive oil, cheese, fresh fish and lamb, and many traditional konoba offer simple, authentic dishes rooted in island traditions. 

Krk enjoys one of Croatia’s longest tourist seasons thanks to its mild climate and wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, water‑skiing, wakeboarding, tennis, quad‑bike routes, and over 130 km of cycling trails. Inland, the Biserujka Cave offers an interesting natural detour, while boat trips and charters provide easy access to nearby bays and islets.