Krk is the northernmost island in the Mediterranean and lies in the Kvarner Gulf. Its character emerges through a variety of discoveries: town walls preserved almost in their entirety, with the oldest section dating back to prehistoric times; elsewhere, karst caves, a deeply indented coastline and winemaking traditions shape the landscape. You can therefore make cultural history, nature and outdoor activities different focuses of your trip.
From the town walls to historic sites
The town walls in the city of Krk are almost completely preserved. Gradec, near Risika, offers another perspective on the island’s history: the site preserves the remains of a large castle fortress belonging to the Frankopan princes. Meanwhile, in Sepen Bay near Omišalj lie the remains of Fulfinum-Mirine, a Roman city dating from the 1st century. These places represent different chapters of history and are located at different points around the island.
An important testament to Croatian writing is found in the Church of St Lucy in Jurandvor near Baška. The Baška Tablet was carved there around the year 1100. It is considered the oldest surviving document written in Croatian using the Glagolitic script. Near Punat, the island of Košljun adds to the cultural and historical discoveries on Krk.
Coastlines, karst and distinctive landscapes
Krk’s coastline is deeply indented, with numerous coves, bays and pebble beaches. The terraced dry-stone walls and shepherds’ stone shelters known as mrgari above the Baška Valley offer a different kind of landscape. A bird sanctuary lies along the steep northeastern coast, home to griffon vultures. The coastal landscape, cultural landscape and protected nature reveal different sides of the island.
Biserujka Cave lies 300 metres north-northwest of the village of Rudine, in the municipality of Dobrinj. It is equipped for tourist visits and features calcite formations, including columns and stalactites. Biserujka is also part of the national ecological network. Its conservation objectives include endemic species and habitat types found in karst caves and pits.
On foot, by bike and along other routes
Krk has 500 kilometres of marked walking and hiking trails; most hiking trails can also be used as cycling routes. If you have a specific route in mind, it is worth checking the current trail conditions. One short, well-described route leads from Biserujka Cave to Slivanjska Bay: this easy walk takes about 30 minutes and features five information boards.
A cycling route along the reconstructed road from Krk to Malinska runs from the turn-off to Valbiska to the entrance to the city of Krk. Green spaces separate it from the road. The Edison Zipline at the Treskavac Pass on state road D 102, near the Glagolitic Trail, offers another kind of activity. The “Šetnja među krošnjama” experience includes an off-road drive, a walk through the landscape and zipline descents over a distance of more than two kilometres.
Vrbnik and its winemaking tradition
In the Vrbnik Valley, you can visit the Katunar and Toljanić wineries and sample cheese and Vrbnik wines. Vrbnička Žlahtina is made from an indigenous grape variety that grows exclusively in the Krk wine-growing region, specifically in Vrbničko polje. This makes the wine a direct introduction to local agriculture and gives a visit to Vrbnik its own culinary accent.
Getting there and ferry connections
You can reach Krk by car via the Krk Bridge. Ferries from the port of Valbiska connect to Merag on Cres and Lopar on Rab. Check the current timetable before your trip so you can plan your connection accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Općina Krk, Općina Dobrinj, Općina Omišalj, Općina Punat, Općina Vrbnik, Općina Baška, Općina Malinska-Dubašnica, Virovitica-Podravina.
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