Island of Krk
The Island of Krk (405 km²) is the largest island in Croatia — and the only one connected to the mainland by a bridge. Since 1980, the 1,430m long Krk Bridge (at its opening the world's longest concrete arch bridge) spans the strait. No ferry waiting, no ferry fare — just drive across. This makes Krk the most easily accessible island in Croatia and the most popular one as well.
On Krk, 20,000 inhabitants find space, and in summer, the number multiplies. The island is surprisingly diverse: the south is green and hilly, the north barren and wind-swept (Bora!), the west coast full of beaches, the interior covered with vineyards and olive groves. Krk also has the Rijeka Airport on its land — those flying here land directly on the island.
For first-time visitors to the Kvarner region, Krk is the logical first choice: well-connected, good infrastructure, enough to see for 3–4 days.
Sights
★★ Krk Town
The island's capital (6,000 inhabitants) is a compact medieval gem. The 12th-century city walls enclose a maze of stone alleys, squares, and churches. At the center, the Cathedral of the Assumption (12th century) with an early Christian mosaic floor and a Romanesque bell tower. Right next to it, the Frankopan Fortress (Kaštel), once ruled by the powerful Frankopan noble family — they controlled the entire Kvarner region.
The promenade at the harbor is the social hub: cafés, ice cream parlors, fishing boats, sunset. In the evenings, concerts and events on the Vela placa (main square).
Cathedral: 3€. Fortress: 4€. Both: daily 9–19 hrs (summer), shorter in winter. Town freely accessible.
★★ Baška & Vela plaža
At the southern end of the island lies Baška — and in front of it, the most spectacular beach on Krk. The Vela plaža (Great Beach) stretches 1.8 km along a crescent-shaped bay, framed by barren mountains. Fine pebbles, crystal-clear water, in the background the mountains of the island Prvić — almost unreal beauty. In summer, however, very crowded.
In the church Sv. Lucija near Baška, the Baška Tablet (Bašćanska ploča, around 1100) was found — the oldest written document in the Croatian language. The original is now in Zagreb, a replica in the church.
Beach freely accessible. Loungers + umbrella: 15€/day. Parking Baška: 5–8€/day (quickly full in summer — come early!). Church Sv. Lucija: 2 km north, 3€ entry.
★ Vrbnik
One of the most picturesque villages on the Adriatic: Vrbnik sits on a 50m high cliff above the sea, with houses that seem to grow directly out of the rock. The alleys are so narrow that you have to squeeze through sideways — the narrowest alley in the world (Klančić) is only 43 cm wide.
Vrbnik is also Croatia's wine capital: The Žlahtina, a fresh white wine, grows only here. Several wine cellars in the village offer tastings — the terrace of the wine cellar Nada with a sea view is legendary.
Wine cellar Nada: Tasting from 8€ (3 wines + snacks). Katica: from 6€. Both daily 10–22 hrs in the season. Village freely accessible.
★ Biserujka Cave (Špilja Biserujka)
Small but impressive stalactite cave near Rudine in the north of the island. On the 150m long circular tour, you see stalactites and stalagmites in a constant 15°C cool environment — a welcome change on hot summer days. According to legend, pirates hid their treasure here.
6€ (children 4€). Tours every 30 min. April–October: 10–17 hrs. November–March: only on request. Free parking.
Punat & Monastery Island Košljun
Punat, located on a sheltered bay, has the largest marina on the island. From here, taxi boats (15 min., round trip 5€) go to the tiny island of Košljun — a Franciscan monastery from the 15th century in the middle of a dense forest. Museum with curious collections, a centuries-old library, absolute silence. A meditative contrast to beach tourism.
💡 Tipp
Renting a car on Krk is almost a must — public buses run infrequently. The island is compact: Krk Town to Baška 20 km (30 min.), Krk Town to Vrbnik 10 km (15 min.). Refuel on the island — gas stations only in Krk Town, Punat, and Malinska.
Food & Drink on Krk
€€ Konoba Nono
An institution in Krk Town for over 30 years. Wood-fired pizza (the best on the island), grilled fish, Šurlice (handmade pasta, typical of Krk) with scampi or goulash. Always full — plan for waiting time or reserve.
10–20€ · Krčkih iseljenika 8, Krk · Daily 11–23 hrs
€€ Konoba Šime
In Baška, slightly off the beach promenade. Grilled lamb on a spit (Krk's specialty!), mussels na buzaru, homemade pasta. Terrace in the garden under vines. Family-friendly and honest.
12–22€ · Ul. Emila Geistlicha 32, Baška · Daily 12–23 hrs (season)
€€€ Nada
In the wine village of Vrbnik: Gourmet restaurant with a dream terrace over the sea — 50m straight above the Adriatic. Žlahtina wine tasting, creative fish dishes, local specialties. An experience for all senses. Reservation absolutely necessary!
20–40€ · Glavica 22, Vrbnik · Daily 12–23 hrs (season) · Tel: +385 51 857 065
€ Šurlice Stands
All over Krk you will find small stands and family-run places serving Šurlice — the typical Krk pasta. Handmade, spiral-shaped, usually with goulash or scampi sauce. Cheap and authentic. Especially recommended: Konoba Bracera in Krk Town (Ul. Josipa J. Strossmayera 13).
7–12€
Practical information for Krk
Arrival: Over the Krk Bridge (toll-free since 2020!) from Rijeka approx. 30 min. Rijeka Airport is directly on the island near Omišalj. In summer also catamarans from Rijeka and Rab.
Ferries: From Valbiska (west coast of Krk) to Merag on Cres — Jadrolinija ferry approx. 25 min., departure hourly, car + 2 pers. approx. 25€. In summer from Baška to Lopar on Rab (seasonal, approx. 1 hr).
Accommodation: Krk has it all: hotels, apartments, campsites. The best campsites are Camp Krk (directly by the sea, 4 stars) and Camping Bor in Krk Town. Apartments over 30–80€/night, hotels 70–200€.
Beaches: Besides Vela plaža in Baška: Stara Baška (gravel road, therefore deserted), Oprna (remote pebble bay, only accessible on foot or by boat), Vela Luka near Baška (wild pebble beach in a gorge).
Bora Warning: The north wind Bora can become extremely strong on Krk (up to 200 km/h). The bridge is then closed. In winter and spring, check the wind forecast beforehand!