Krk Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Towns & Tips
Krk is one of the two largest islands in the Adriatic and is known in Croatia as the "Golden Island". The Krk Bridge connects it directly to the mainland, so you can start your holiday without taking a ferry. On Krk you'll find everything close together: pebble and sandy beaches, lively harbour towns, quiet villages in the interior, vineyards, olive groves and a history that goes all the way back to antiquity.
Getting there via the Krk Bridge
The Krk Bridge has connected the island to the mainland near Kraljevica since 1980 and has been toll-free since 2020. Rijeka Airport is also located on the island. From Valbiska, ferries run to Cres and, in season, to Rab – ideal for day trips to the neighbouring islands.
The towns on Krk
Krk Town impresses with its city walls, the cathedral and the Frankopan Castle right by the harbour. Baška in the south is known for the long Vela plaža and the mountains all around. Vrbnik sits perched on a cliff above the sea and is home to the white wine Žlahtina. Punat lies on a sheltered bay with the little monastery island of Košljun. Malinska and Njivice are popular with families, Omišalj has an old town high above the bay, and in Stara Baška, Dobrinj or Šilo you'll find quiet spots away from the crowds.
Beaches and bays
Krk has beaches for every taste: shallow, child-friendly pebble beaches in the towns, sandy beaches like Sveti Marak near Risika, and wild bays that you can only reach on foot or by boat, for example Oprna, Vela Luka or the bays around Stara Baška. There are also dedicated dog beaches for dog owners.
History and culture
Krk is considered the cradle of the Glagolitic script, the oldest script of the Croats. In the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor near Baška you can see the Baška Tablet, one of the most important written monuments in Croatia. Churches, monasteries, Frankopan castles and small museums tell the story of the island's long history.
Nature, activities and excursions
Hikers and cyclists will find a dense network of trails on Krk – from coastal paths to tours through the barren, moon-like landscape near Baška. The Biserujka stalactite cave, boat tours, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving and snorkelling are among the most popular activities. Keep in mind that the Bora, a strong, cold wind, blows on Krk from time to time.
Food and drink
Try Krk ham, the homemade Šurlice pasta with goulash or scampi, fresh fish, lamb and local olive oil. A glass of Žlahtina from Vrbnik goes perfectly with it. You'll find the most authentic food in the konobas in the interior.
You'll find all the beaches, restaurants, activities, events and insider tips for Krk in the categories above – and everything at a glance on our map.