A coastline with different ways to access it
Vela Plaža is 1,800 metres long and offers views of a crystal-clear sea. Baška has more than 30 other beaches in addition to Vela Plaža. Parasailing, surfing and sailing are offered at Vela Plaža; water sports may be available seasonally. The beach carries the European Blue Flag, which signifies high standards of quality and beach management.
Another side of the coast is represented by the Kuntrep ornithological reserve in the Municipality of Baška: it stretches for 10 kilometres from Cape Glavine to Mala Luka Bay. The reserve can be reached only on foot or by boat. Check the applicable conservation rules before your visit. Access also varies among the beaches: some can be reached on foot, while others are accessible only by boat or water taxi. Options may vary by beach and season.
Traces in stone, script and tradition
The Baška Glagolitic Trail passes through paved local lanes and the extensive natural landscape of the surrounding area. It includes 32 stone sculptures engraved with Glagolitic letters. The trail also presents the full Glagolitic alphabet and the meaning of its letters.
The Baška Tablet was found in the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor; a replica remains in the church. The church was probably built around the turn of the 12th century on the remains of an early Christian basilica and did not take its present form until the 14th century. A short route from Jurandvor connects St. Lucy’s Abbey, where the tablet was found, with a viewpoint overlooking Baška and the island of Prvić.
Near Vela Plaža stands the Chapel of St. Mark. Built in 1514 in the Romanesque style, it is now used as an exhibition space and museum of sacred art. The Church of the Holy Trinity dates from 1723 and is the largest church in Baška. The Church of Our Lady of Gorica was built in 1415; it is considered one of Croatia’s oldest shrines and the largest shrine in the Diocese of Krk. You can reach it by road or by climbing 237 steps.
The Church of St. John also combines architectural history with a view: it was built in 1232, and the adjoining Sveti Ivan Gallery houses the “Starac” bell, dating from 1431. The church is known for its views across the entire Baška Valley and towards the island of Prvić; visibility depends on the weather.
Two annual dates offer a chance to experience local religious customs. On the feast day of Saint Lucy, 13 December, a small loaf called hlipčić is still thrown from the bell tower in Jurandvor. On the Assumption of Mary, 15 August, pilgrims carry a statue of the Virgin Mary by candlelight up the steps above Batomalj.
Trails for different schedules
Eleven officially marked trails start in Baška, Jurandvor, Zarok and Draga Bašćanska. The options range from a two-hour walk by the river to a full-day crossing of the Moon Plateau. For a shorter hike, the Put ka Mjesecu trail starts at the Heritage Hotel Forza in central Baška and covers 4.5 kilometres; it takes about one hour and 15 minutes and reaches an elevation of 370 metres above sea level.
Another option is the six-kilometre Baška–Zarok–Batomalj–Pod Lipicau educational trail. It takes about two and a half hours on foot and leads through the landscape, history and traditions of the Baška Valley; the route may be adjusted if there are diversions. A family loop follows the bed of the Vela Rika River, passes through Batomalj and climbs 237 votive steps to the Shrine of Our Lady of Gorička, as well as to the Mrgari near Lipica.
For mountain biking, the Mjesečeva staza (Moon Path) is described as a 26.6-kilometre route with 690 metres of total ascent and a technical difficulty rating. Route length, elevation gain and difficulty may change due to diversions or changing ground conditions. Baška also has four climbing areas. Portafortuna comprises 76 routes across four sectors; the Belove Stijene climbing area has about 50 routes. Route numbers may change as the areas are developed and updated.
Those interested in marine life can visit Akvarij Baška in central Baška, which has 21 aquariums containing 35 cubic metres of seawater. It displays more than 100 fish species and 400 species of shells and snails.
Discover more destinations: Stara Baška, Municipality of Vrbnik, Municipality of Punat, Municipality of Dobrinj.
Back to the main travel overview: Krk.
