Krk
is the largest island in the Adriatic Sea,
situated in the Kvarner Bay. It covers an area of 409,90 m2 and it
is 38 km long and 20 km wide. Its population of 16 400 inhabitants live in 68
settlements. The island is connected to the mainland by a 1430m long bridge,
called the Krk Bridge. Being just a relatively short drive away
from major European cities, makes it a very interesting destination for
summer vacation, weekend getaways and other holidays.You can visit the islands
of Cres and Rab by ferry, or Krk can be your starting point for visiting
tourist destinations along the coast and on the mainland, too.
The
island can be reached in approximately one to two hours by airplane from most
European countries.
A
real treasure, a gift
from God, are the many pebbly beaches which
attract tourists more than anything. The most popular one is the lovely beach
in Baška.
The
highest peak is Obzova,
569 m above the Baška valley, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area
and the typical drystone walls and stone terraces.
Take
a walk, go hiking in the hills or
simply rest in touch with nature any time of the year, not only in the peak
season. Enjoy spectacular views, stunning landscapes and nature abounding in
Mediterranean medicinal herbs.
The
island Krk, together with its smaller settlements and towns, has an appealing
architecture and rich cultural and historical heritage.
Every place on the island is unique in its own way, so we sincerely recommend
visiting other places on the island besides your holiday destination.
Tourism
on the island Krk has
a hundred-year old tradition and the island is not just an average seaside
destination. 75 % of the island's population is enagaged directly or indirectly
in tourism. Besides agriculture,
the population is also engaged in sheep-farming. Mutton and lamb are much
appreciated and prepared in many delicious ways.
The
island Krk has high quality
accommodation, a rich gastronomic offer, numerous sports facilities, as well as
many cultural events and live entertainment.
The
Sun and the Sea
The
coastline of the island Krk is well-indented, with numerous bays, coves and
natural pebbly beaches, attracting tourists from everywhere. The beaches, a
well-kept environment and clear
sea are the greatest assests of Krk as a tourist destination. One of the most
beautiful pebbly beaches is the two-kilometre long beach of Baška which is also
one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its blue flag is
proof of a
clean environment and well-preserved nature.
Climate
The
island has a pleasant Mediterranean
climate with mild winters and warm summers. More than 2 500 hours of sunshine
per year, make it the sunniest part of Europe.
Air
temperature winter
7?C
Air
temperature summer
24?C
Sea
temperature
winter
10?C
Sea
temperature
summer
26?C
Winds:
Bura,
a north wind, which brings clear weather,
Jugo,
a south wind, which brings rainy weather,
Maestral
, a pleasant summer wind.
Water
Krk
is proud of its clean and safe
drinking water which can be drunk
from the tap. The island Krk is supplied with water from its own
underground sources and deep wells. There are 3 rivers on the island:
Veli and Dobrinjski potok, Vretenica and Vela Rika. There are also 2 lakes:
Jezero and Ponikve.
The
Flora and Fauna
The
north and the south of the island are mostly covered by rocky ground and
pastures, while the central and western area are dominated by forests,
vineyards and olive groves.
The
island has about 220 bird species and a great diversity of plants with
approximately 1500 different plant species. The most widespread herbs and
plants known for their aromatic and medicinal effect are: sage, rosemary,
basil, laurel, wormwood, thyme, milfoil, myrtle, mint, lavander, figs and
olives.
History
and Culture
The
island of Krk has a rich cultural
and historical heritage. The first settlements go back to the prehistoric age (
archaeological findings in caves
near Baška Draga and Vrbnik ). Because of its geographical position, this area
was the meeting point of different peoples and cultures, from Liburnian and
Greek seamen, to Romans, Venetians and Austro-Hungarian nobility who all left
an indelible imprint on the island
and its people.
In
the past, Krk was the center of glagolitic literacy.
Glagolitic is the oldest
Slavic alphabet which originated in the mid 9th century. Holy books, missals
and and other manuscripts were written in Glagolitic, as well as many secular
texts and legal documents, such as the Statutes of Vinodol, Vrbnik and Krk.
There
are two types of the Croatian Glagolitic alphabet: the round (older) and the
square (younger) version. The most treasured Glagolitic monument is the Baška
Tablet, created in Jurandvor, near Baška.
Numerous
small churches, the cathedral, and other monuments on the island Krk have a
great historic significance and are definitely
worth seeing.