The island of Krk is one of the most popular and largest islands in Croatia, located in the Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic. It is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, as well as numerous cultural and natural attractions that you can visit while staying in the Meliores Moments apartments in Šil. Here is a guide for visiting the island of Krk:
City of Krk
The city of Krk is the center of the island of Krk and one of the oldest urban settlements on the Adriatic. Its history goes back to ancient times, when it was inhabited by Illyrian tribes, Romans and Byzantines. During the Middle Ages, Krk was under the rule of the powerful Croatian noble family Frankopan, which significantly influenced its development.
• Walls and the old city core: The walls surrounding the city were built in ancient times, and were later expanded and reinforced in the Middle Ages to protect the population from attacks from the sea. Today, these walls extend around the old city center, and within them you can find numerous cultural monuments and narrow, stone streets that exude the Mediterranean spirit. In the city center there are cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as historical buildings such as churches and palaces. A walk through these streets reveals a mixture of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic to Renaissance.
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The cathedral was originally built in the 12th century on the foundations of an early Christian basilica. Today it is one of the most important sacred buildings on Krk. Its architecture combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements, and inside the cathedral there are a number of works of art, including frescoes and altarpieces. The bell tower of the cathedral, built in the 16th century, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
- Frankopan castle: The castle was built in the 13th century by the Frankopan family, which ruled the island of Krk in the Middle Ages. This impressive fortification is located right next to the coast and today offers an incredible view of the sea and the surrounding islands. Inside the walls of the castle there are rooms that serve as exhibition spaces, and during the summer concerts, theater performances and other cultural events are held here.
Baška
Baška is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the island of Krk, primarily because of its beautiful beach, but also because of its rich history.
Punat
Punat is a small but important place on the island of Krk, located in the quiet bay of Puntarska draga. It is known for its rich nautical tradition and the Franciscan monastery on the island of Košljun.
- Islet of Košljun: Košljun is a small island located inside Puntarska draga, where there is a Franciscan monastery founded in the 15th century. The monastery has an impressive collection of historical and religious objects, including a rich library with books from the 16th century, an ethnographic museum with artifacts from everyday life on Krk, and a collection of sacred art. The island is also known for its peaceful and spiritual environment, and the monastery still serves as a center of religious and cultural life.
- Olive groves: Punat is known for its olive groves that have been present here for centuries. Local residents still cherish the tradition of olive growing, and the olive oil from Punat is one of the highest quality in the region. During their stay in Punt, visitors can visit traditional oil mills and taste local olive oil, as well as learn about the processes of olive cultivation and oil production. This region is known for its oblica olives, which produce high-quality oil with a specific taste.
Vrbnik
Vrbnik, located on a steep cliff overlooking the sea, is one of the most famous towns on Krk, known for its rich wine tradition and architecture.
- Narrow streets: Vrbnik is a city known for its narrow streets, and the narrowest street, Klančić, is one of the narrowest in the world – it is only 43 centimeters wide! A walk through Vrbnik leads through a labyrinth of stone streets that exude history. The city is also known for its historical buildings, including several medieval churches, the most famous of which is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Vrbnik is known for its vineyards of the autochthonous žlahtina grape variety, Krk prosciutto and sheep’s milk cheese.
Omišalj
Omišalj is an old village located on the northwestern side of the island, with a rich history dating back to ancient times.
• Troskotar Castle (Fulfinum): Not far from Omišalj is the archaeological site of the Roman city of Fulfinum, which was built in the 1st century. The city was a port and settlement for the Roman aristocracy, and today visitors can see the remains of Roman villas, thermal baths and aqueducts. Particularly interesting is the remains of the early Christian basilica, which bears witness to the transition of this area to Christianity in the late antique period.
• The old town of Omišalj: Omišalj is located on a high rock with a beautiful view of Kvarner. The old town center consists of narrow, stone streets that lead to churches and other historical buildings. The most famous is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which dates from the 12th century and contains valuable artistic relics.
Njivice
Njivice is a small fishing village that has grown into a popular tourist destination in recent decades. Located on the west coast of the island of Krk, Njivice is known for its relaxed atmosphere and mild climate.
• Beaches: Njivice is known for its many pebble and sandy beaches, which are ideal for families with children and those looking for a quiet vacation. The beaches are surrounded by a pine forest that provides natural shade during the summer months, and the clear sea attracts many visitors. Njivice is also popular among diving enthusiasts because of the rich underwater world.
Dobrinj
Dobrinj is a picturesque village located in the interior of the island of Krk, known for its tradition, cultural heritage and specific Mediterranean charm.
• Ethnographic museum: The museum in Dobrinje offers an insight into the rich history and daily life of the inhabitants of Krk throughout the centuries. The objects on display include traditional tools, household items, costumes and handicrafts, all of which testify to the rural way of life that was present in this area until recently.
• Church of St. Stephan: Dominant building in Dobrinje, the church of St. Stephan dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most important religious buildings on the island. Throughout history, the church has been a central gathering place for the local community, and today it is an important tourist attraction due to its historical and cultural value.
• Biserujka Cave: One of the most famous caves in the region, which is very visited. Rich in stalagmites.
Beaches
Apart from Vela Plaža in Baška, the island of Krk is full of beautiful beaches that attract tourists because of their natural beauty and crystal clear sea.
• Oprna Beach (Old Baška): Located near Old Baška, Oprna Beach is a hidden gem of the island of Krk. This beach can only be reached on foot or by boat, which ensures peace and untouched nature. The beach is pebbly and surrounded by rocks, which creates a feeling of complete isolation.
• Potovošće beach (Vrbnik): Potovošće is another beach known for its natural beauty and peace. Located not far from Vrbnik, the beach is popular among local residents and tourists who want to escape the crowds. The crystal clear sea and the silence of this place make it a perfect destination for relaxation.
Outdoor activities
The island of Krk is a great place for an active holiday:
• Cycling: The island has numerous cycling paths that pass through olive groves, forests and along the coast.
• Diving: Krk is a favorite destination for divers due to its rich underwater world and shipwrecks.
• Mountaineering and hiking: The trails around Baška and Vrbnik offer beautiful views of the sea and mountain peaks.
Gastronomy
Krk offers authentic flavors of Croatian cuisine:
• Krk prosciutto: Known for its unique production, it is protected as an autochthonous product.
• Sheep’s milk cheese: Homemade sheep’s milk cheese is very popular on the island.
• Šurlice: Traditional pasta that is often served with stews or seafood.
Tips:
• Accommodation: There are numerous hotels, camps and private accommodations on Krk. The summer season is the busiest, so it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
• Transportation: The island is connected to the mainland via the Krk bridge, which allows easy access by car. There is also a bus connection with larger cities such as Rijeka.
• Climate: The summer months are sunny and warm summer for swimming, while spring and autumn are suitable for research and active vacations.
The island of Krk offers a combination of rich history, cultural sights, natural beauty and beautiful beaches. Each of the places on the island offers a unique experience, and the discovery of these localities provides insight into the diversity and richness of Croatian cultural heritage.
By: S.O.S. English
