Along with Cres, Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic – and the most convenient: a bridge connects it to the mainland, the crossing is toll-free, and Rijeka airport is actually on the island. Its towns are very different: the bishop's town of Krk, the resort of Baška in the south, the wine village of Vrbnik on a cliff and quiet coves in the north-west. Krk is ideal for families and anyone who wants an island without a ferry.
Krk town walled old town with cathedral, Frankopan castle on Kamplin square and remains of Roman baths; lively harbour evenings
Baška in the south, with the roughly 1.8 km pebble bay Vela plaža beneath bare mountains; base for hikes
Vrbnik medieval village on a cliff above the sea, home of Žlahtina white wine; Klančić lane is said to be one of the narrowest in the world
Punat marina and boat stop for the monastery island of Košljun with its Franciscan friary
Malinska and Njivice green west coast with pine woods and family-friendly coves
Omišalj hilltop village above the bay near the bridge
Culture: the Baška Tablet
The Baška Tablet, a stone inscription from around 1100 in Glagolitic script and one of the most important documents of the Croatian language, was found in St Lucy's Church in Jurandvor near Baška. The original is in Zagreb; a copy can be seen on site. The Glagolitic liturgy survived especially long on Krk, and information boards and themed trails recall it.
Nature and activities
Krk is surprisingly varied: a green, wooded north-western half and bare, rocky plateaus in the south-east (the bora side). Biserujka cave near Rudine is short and easy to walk. Signposted hiking and mountain-bike trails link the villages; around Baška paths lead to secluded coves such as Vela and Mala Luka. Klimno beach has healing mud.
Honest verdict
Precisely because Krk is so easy to reach, it is very busy in July and August – the bridge gets congested on Saturdays. The island is well developed rather than wild. For remote island atmosphere, carry on to Cres or Lošinj. But for a family holiday with a short journey, good infrastructure and varied excursions, Krk is a very good choice.
