Krk, ancient croatian island, one of the prettiest

15.07.2019.

Krk- one of the prettiest islands in Croatia seems to be totally underrated in comparison what it offers. Such a treasure of history and gorgeous beaches perfectly blends with the tranquil promenades and sweet little towns. It’s an island to discover delicious ice-cream and awesome power of nature. With places of sonant names, Krk hides exquisite beauty of uniqueness.

Discover the Mediterranean treasure of Croatia near island Krk- Opatija, the queen of the Adriatic;

See also: Istria, the magic land that reminds of Tuscany;

See also: The world of waterfalls- stunning hike in Istria;

How to reach Krk

Krk is one of the easiest Croatian islands to reach as you don’t even need a ferry. Only a bridge divides it from Rijeka, the second largest city in Croatia. The Airport of Rijeka actually takes place at island Krk.

Either you will arrive to Krk directly from Rijeka or even take the 2h bus from Zagreb.

About Krk Island

Island of Krk is the second largest in Croatia, together with the neighbouring island Cres. Long time ago island Krk had the reputation to be the largest, but only 5 km of difference exists between Cres and Krk. Only 5 km is the difference between these two islands and long time yet Krk had this reputation.

Krk town is an enchanting capital of the island, which intertwines the labyrinth of streets in the Mediterreanean sweetness. Malinska greets us with promenade all the way to Njivice along the nicely decorated shadowed beaches. Baška is a popular destination due to its breathtaking beaches, where sea and nature perfectly blend.

A brief history of the island Krk

The traces of history will embrace you all over the island. Krk town holds a particular charm of historical treasure. Not only you will see a beautiful cathedral, one of the symbols of Krk, but the ancient habits of locals. One of them depicts a way in which the women washed the laundry in the bath tubes, right in the city.

Following the seaside promenade, you will see a large castle surrounded by impressive walls and round tower. It’s the Frankopan castle, which includes the exhibition area inside. The Frankopan family was one of the most poweful families of its time (12.-15. century) and this castle was a great defense area. More impressive though, during my visit I met a friend in the medieval mood. She was promoting the game with the bow and arrow in the authentic clothes. It was a good introduction into the way that Krk use to live with its platform for the cultural events.

About the Krk town & its squares

Little further, by the port we can find the entrance to the town, sympathic stone doors like the symbol of the walls that embrace Krk. If you didn’t know, Krk is the third place in Croatia by the size of the fortified walls surrounding it. Upper in the town the symbiosis of history doesn’t end, it gives place to the one of the three main squares. It’s the Glagolitics square, where you can find another wave of history. On the beautiful ceramic table with the street name there’s the story describing purpose of the place once. „Little Vatican“ was the nickname of this square due to its great traffic and crossroad point.

The Roman heritage on Krk island

I was surprised to see next to one shop, right on the wall the picture of Venera with historical explanation of her meaning. Looking all around where the temple of Venera could be, I didn’t find it. Wandering what this temple is, I was enchanted with the broadness of the picture. The fact is that it’s a place where once was a Roman sacral edifice- a temple, dedicated to the goddess Venus. The temple of Venus is situated in the present town of Krk right close to the Small Gate. Offering an intimate atmosphere of the narrow streets, it’s truly astonishing to visit.

The marvelous Cathedral of the Krk town

The cathedral is a beautiful building, from the opposite side of the seafront looks like the otoman heritage. Pleasantly shaped with door and etage of white stone, the Cathedral of St. Mary is an evolutional process.

Its origin might be already in the 5th or 6th century, which can be also attached to the title and dedication of the cathedral. Part of the cathedral complex is the Church of St. Kvirin, another beautiful example of sacral place. Also, cathedral contains an interesting Bell tower dating in 16th century with wooden angel on the top.

Another church, only with one wall representing it, is the Church of St. Peter as an older church and interesting trace of history. It takes place near Plodine, just out of the Old town.

The main square in Krk is the Great market or Platea Magma, an important meeting point of old times and nowdays. Large stone wall with the clock is a symbolic trace of history.

Noticing only sign to the antique mosaic without really finding it between narrow streets, I was overwhelmed once again. It is located in the cafe „Mate“ and pictures the mythological creature Triton, with a human body and fish tail but also three other characters.

The stunning nature of island Krk

Except many coves (Voz, Sepen, Stara Baška, Konobe, Stipanja..), on island Krk you can visit the cave Biserujka near Omišalj with richness of the content.

If you’re near Baška, don’t hesitate to visit Obzova. It’s the highest peak with its 569m and completely rocky. My friends that went mountaineering in Gorski kotar slightly changed the plans because of the wheather so Obzova drop in here. Baška has the most beautiful beaches at Krk and.. the famous Baška tablet. Baška tablet is one of the first monument of croatian literacy at Glagolitic, dating from around 1100.

Hiking on island Krk

Krk is an ideal place to visit during the entire year thanks to the Mediterranean climate and mild winters. Though not appropriate for swimming, you can admire the fabulous beaches of island Krk.

Hiking in the summertime can be too exhausting, so even in the wintertime it can offer a pure delight.

The trail to Canyon Vrženica starts at Baška village with the most breathtaking beaches on the island. Near the camping Bunculuka you can park the car and enjoy the scenery. Gradually, the path transforms into a rocky terrain like on Mars. The entire hike takes around 10 km or 5h of walking. After passing the canyon Vrženica you’ll reach the stunning viewpoint toward Vela Luka Bay. The gorgeous colours will reward your effor to reach the canyon and finally you can relax at this awesome beach.

The highest peak Obzova is one of the most popular trail, which I mention above. From the rocky summit you can see the islands of Cres, Prvić and Rab.

Baška also offers a stunning hike to Bracol bay, which unveils incredible view toward Velebit mountain and island Prvić.

The most beautiful beaches at island Krk

The underrated spirit of island Krk hides many incredible beaches. Though the prettiest ones stretch along Baška village, island Krk is full of surprises.

Vela Plaža, Baška- is the principal beach in the village, where you can enjoy the crystal sea along 2 km.

Mali Raj- is a cute and tranquil beach at the outskirts of Baška, towards Vela Luka Bay.

Oprna Beach- is a pebble beach near Stara Baška, challenging to reach.

Golden Bay- offers the shadow of golden cliffs, near Stara Baška.

Sv. Marak Beach- near the Risik village is a very tranquil and breathtaking bay.

Redagara Beach is a small pebble beach in Krk town with the pure tranquility.

Malin Draga (Malinska)- offers a deep shadow under a concrete beach, lovely decorated.

The lakes and towns

Even two lakes decorate the island: Jezero near Njivice and Ponikve between Malinska and Krk. Jezero near Njivice is the great resource of ornithological treasure. Once I went to the ornithological course so we visited many nice places but not this one.

There’re many inhabited places at Krk but I visited only Krk, Malinska and Punat. Malinska got the name by the mill, not the raspberries (malina=raspberry in croatian). It’s not so rich with the history like Krk but the beach is the real discovery.

Events at island Krk

Some of the most important happenings at the island are:

Krk Spring Bike Adventure in May;

Krk Fair in August, that honors the richness of offer and middle-aged atmosphere;

Jazzart Festival at the end of June, including also the School of jazz;

Days of figs in september- with plenty of workshops and products;

Final thoughts

One of my favourite islands in Croatia is Krk. What is yours? If you’re in the doubt what to visit in Croatia, go to Krk.