Discover Krk: Coast, Culture and Nature

The city walls of Krk, which are almost entirely preserved, date back to prehistoric times in their oldest section. The island is also home to traces of Roman and medieval history, distinctive coastal landscapes and paths through the karst terrain. Krk is the northernmost island in the Mediterranean and lies in Kvarner Bay. When planning your trip, you can tailor your stay to your interests, whether they are cultural heritage, nature or activities.

History and Cultural Heritage

The Gradec archaeological site near Risika preserves the remains of a large castle-fortress belonging to the Frankopan princes. Fulfinum-Mirine in Sepen Bay near Omišalj preserves the remains of a Roman city from the 1st century. The Baška Tablet was carved around the year 1100 in the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor. It is the oldest surviving document written in Croatian using the Glagolitic script. The island of Košljun near Punat is a unique cultural and historical site.

In the wider regional context of Kvarner Bay, the Putovima Frankopana cultural and tourist route in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County includes a total of 17 Frankopan castles and three religious sites.

Coasts, Karst and Landscapes

Krk’s coastline is highly indented, with numerous coves, bays and pebble beaches. Above the Baška Valley, terraced dry-stone walls and shepherds’ mrgari are part of the landscape. A steep stretch of the northeastern coast is a protected ornithological area where griffon vultures live.

Biserujka Cave is located 300 metres north-northwest of the village of Rudine in the municipality of Dobrinj. The cave contains calcite formations, particularly columns and stalactites, and has been prepared for tourist visits. Biserujka is also part of the national ecological network. Its conservation objectives include endemic species and habitat types found in karst caves and pits.

Hiking, Cycling and Other Activities

Krk has 500 kilometres of marked walking and hiking trails. Most hiking trails can also be used as cycling routes. As maintenance and conditions can affect their suitability, check the latest information before setting out. An educational trail connects Biserujka Cave with Slivanjska Bay. The easy hike takes about 30 minutes and features five information boards.

A cycle path along the reconstructed road from Krk to Malinska runs from the turnoff to Valbiska to the entrance to the town of Krk; green spaces separate it from the road. For a different kind of nature experience, the Zipline Edison attraction is located at the Treskavac Pass on state road D 102, near the Glagolitic Trail. The “Šetnja među krošnjama” experience includes an off-road ride, walking through the landscape and zipline descents over more than 2 km. The Dunat ski lift is located before Kornić, between the town of Krk and Punat. Visitors can rent equipment there and benefit from the guidance of experienced instructors.

Wine and Regional Flavours

In the Vrbnik Valley, you can visit the Katunar and Toljanić wineries and sample cheese and Vrbnik wines. Vrbnička Žlahtina comes from an indigenous grape variety that grows exclusively in the Krk wine-growing area, specifically in the Vrbničko polje. Wine and tastings add a distinctive regional dimension to the island’s historical and landscape highlights.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

Krk is accessible by car via the Krk Bridge. Ferries run from the Valbiska ferry port to Merag on Cres and Lopar on Rab; check the latest timetables before travelling.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Općina Krk, Općina Dobrinj, Općina Omišalj, Općina Punat, Općina Vrbnik, Općina Baška, Općina Malinska-Dubašnica, Krapinsko-Zagorska.

See the main travel overview: Croatia.