Among the 1185 Croatian islands, Krk island is the largest one and as locals proudly say this is the only Golden island on the Adriatic.
Krk island is Croatia’s largest island, with 409 sq-km. It is one of the most visited islands. Krk may not be the most important or most beautiful island in Croatia, but surely one of the easiest islands to visit, thanks to good transportation connections.
This island is only 30 km from Rijeka, the capital of Kvarner district. It’s one of the rare islands with 1430 m long bridge connecting the island of Krk to the mainland. It has also an airport (Krk airport), capable of receiving the largest air-crafts operating on international flights.
The north-western coast of the island is rocky and steep, probably because of the strong winter wind (bura) while the south part of the island has milder climate with more vegetation and beaches, coves and inlets.
The forests covers almost one third of the island and are mainly concentrated on the south-western coast, spreading from towns of Krk, Punat and Baska.
Getting To Krk Island
By car
If you are traveling by car, the fastest way is to use the Krk bridge that links the northern part of the island with the mainland.
By plane
If you are searching for a flight to Krka airport, it’s important to know that IATA code is RJK (Rijeka) and it has nothing to do with the island. It’s located near Omisalj village, only 17 km from Rijeka railway station.
By bus
The town of Krk is well connected by frequent bus lines with the mainland, and with Rijeka, as well with other cities on the island, for example – Omisalj, Njivice, Malinska and Baska, and by daily departure to Zagreb.
If you have to to travel to the rest of Croatia, it will not be a problem, since the Krk has excellent connections with Rijeka, and from Rijeka there are regular bus lines to many Croatian towns and to cities abroad.
By ferry
Krk island being connected by bridge with the mainland, has no ferry connections from the mainland to the island. There are only two ferry lines that connect the island with nearby islands, Cres and Rab. Below you’ll find 2018 updated schedules:
- Jadrolinija car ferry from Krk to Cres island – line N° 332 Valbiska (Krk) – Merag (Cres)
- Jadrolinija car ferry from Krk to Rab island – line N° 338 Valbiska (Krk) – Lopar (Rab)
Krk Town
Krk Croatia, the capital of the island. popular summer resort located in the bay of the same name, lies on the south-western coast of the island. Today this town offers a large tourist diversity. Nature, with the typical Mediterranean landscape, narrow streets leading to the numerous cultural monuments.
The most important is the cathedral of Assumption of Mary, early Christian basilica built in the 5th century on the site of Roman baths. Over the years the cathedral experienced a variety of styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque. It was first mentioned in written documents in 1186.
Krk Island Beaches
On the island with so many bays on all sides of the island, it’s difficult to list all beaches. Beach ranges from fine pebbles, sand beaches, rocky beaches through modern paved beach areas or those dedicated to naturist lovers.
Officially there are 32 beaches around the island, mostly all reworded by Blue Flag, which which symbolizes a cleanness of the sea and safety. Lake any of island along the coast, island of Krk has its ‘the most beautiful beach’.
- One of the most famous beaches in Croatia, Vela Plaza (Big beach) in the town of Baska, stretches over 1800 metres. The beach is a combination of pebbles and sand. Alongside the beach is Baska promenade with restaurants, coffee bars and souvenir shops. Keep in mind that this beach could be very crowded in July and August.
- Another beach that I like more is Oprna beach near Stara Baska village on the southern side of the Krk Island. It’s a fine pebbles and sandy beach but it’s reachable only by a boat. There is a possibility to visit it by car but only to the certain point following the sign to ‘Stara Baska’. From there you have to park your car and walk down the narrow pathway to the beach.
Golden Bay beach – Island of Krk
The name golden island derives from a “Golden Bay” or “Golden Beach” located on the southern part of the island of Krk, about half way between Punat and Stara Baska and can be reached only by a boat. The golden color comes from the vertical cliff in the beach background.