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.