If you’re visiting Krk Island this summer, here’s a list of the best things to do so you don’t miss a thing!
Whether you’re staying nearby and planning a day trip to Krk, or spending a whole week there, the island has plenty of fun things to do that are definitely worth checking out. Keep reading to discover some must-see spots and experiences on Krk Island!
>>> CROATIA: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WHERE IS KRK ISLAND
Krk is one of Croatia’s largest and most accessible islands. It’s located in the northern Adriatic Sea, just southeast of Rijeka. The unique thing about Krk is that it’s connected to the mainland by the Krk Bridge. That means you can easily reach it by car and don’t have to deal with ferries. This makes traveling to Krk much quicker and more affordable than visiting other Croatian islands. Krk also hosts Rijeka Airport, so if your airport has a connection to Rijeka, you can fly directly to the island.
However, people don’t visit Krk just because it’s easy to reach. The island is also incredibly beautiful. Krk is home to historic coastal towns, rolling vineyards, secluded beaches, and cultural landmarks dating back to Roman and medieval times. There’s truly plenty to see on Krk, which is why this island is a favorite destination for many travelers coming to Croatia.
HOW TO REACH KRK ISLAND
BY CAR
Driving is definitely the easiest way to visit Krk Island. It’s one of the few Adriatic islands connected to the mainland by road (thanks Krk Bridge!). You can reach Krk in about 30–40 minutes from Rijeka and around 2 hours from Zagreb. The bridge is free to cross, which makes it super convenient for anyone coming by car. I honestly think this is the best option, because you really need a car to explore the island properly. Without one, there’s not much you can do or see on Krk.
BY PLANE
If you want to fly directly to Krk Island, that’s also possible. Rijeka Airport (RJK) is actually located on Krk, near the town of Omišalj. During the summer season, there are several direct flights from various European cities, including places in Germany, the UK, Belgium, and Poland. Once you land, you can either head to the mainland to explore other popular destinations or stay on the island. Just grab a taxi, hop on a shuttle, or rent a car.
BY BUS
Bus is not the most flexible option, but it’s a cheap and frequent option. Regular intercity buses run to Krk Island from major cities such as Rijeka, Zagreb, and others. You can book tickets on Arriva, and main stops on the island include Krk Town, Baška, Malinska, and Punat. If you stay in one of these towns, you can still have a great holiday, even without a car.
IS KRK ISLAND WORTH VISITING
Krk Island is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a beautiful yet easily accessible destination. This island truly has everything, from crystal-clear beaches like Oprna Bay and Stara Baška, to medieval towns such as Krk Town and Vrbnik.
Krk also offers excellent food and wine, along with fun outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, and diving. Add to that the charming coastal villages and the laid-back atmosphere, and there’s truly nothing to dislike about Krk Island.
BEST THINGS TO DO ON KRK ISLAND:
EXPLORE KRK TOWN
Krk Town is the largest town on Krk Island, and it’s an absolutely charming place. It’s located on the island’s southern shore, roughly in the middle of Krk. Krk is actually one of the oldest towns in Croatia and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. It resembles many typical Croatian small towns, with narrow, winding streets, medieval walls, and Roman ruins. Some of the most popular landmarks you should definitely check out in Krk Town are Krk Cathedral, the Frankopan Castle, the city walls and the Roman ruins scattered throughout the town.
Once you’ve finished exploring the historical gems, make your way to the Krk Marina. It’s a beautiful spot, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and boats creating a lovely setting where you can relax and take in the views.
RELAX IN BAŠKA
Baška is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations on Krk Island, and it draws plenty of visitors during the summer months. It’s located on the southern tip of the island, so it’s one of the farthest spots to reach. Baška is known for its stunning beaches, so if you want to enjoy the stunning Adriatic Sea, you’ll love Baška.
The town itself is charming, with traditional stone houses, quiet streets, and a laid-back atmosphere. It can get a bit too lively and crowded during summer, so if you’re looking for peaceful and calm holiday, maybe Baška in summer time isn’t for you.
One of the highlights of Baška is the beautiful Vela Plaža, which is a large pebbly beach lined with cafes and restaurants. There, you can enjoy the sea, the amenities, and great food. This beach is really popular and a favorite among families, but honestly, it’s so big that you can easily find a spot for yourself, even during peak crowds.
HAVE A DRINK AT BIKINI BAR
While you’re in Baška, make sure you visit Caffe Bar Bikini. It’s located near Vela Plaža, and it is a charming beachfront café with some of the most stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the beach. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after spending a few hours at the beach. There’s an outdoor beach terrace you can visit, but I would highly recommend their first-floor open terrace with the incredible views and great shade from the sun. Whether you’re looking for a beer, colorful cocktail, or a tasty ice cream, Caffe Bar Bikini should be your number one choice!
VISIT VRBNIK
Vrbnik was an absolute delight for us, and I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s a charming town on the eastern coast of Krk Island, and it’s one of the most stunning landscapes on the island. This small town is incredibly captivating and it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It has lovely, narrow medieval streets, and the historic bell tower with panoramic views of the town and surrounding area.
The town is known for its production of Žlahtina wine, a unique white wine that is exclusively produced in the region. Make sure you stop at a local bar or restaurant and try it out. There are also winery tours starting in Vrbnik if you’re a wine lover. After exploring the town, make sure you go down to the Vrbnik Marina, where you can get the most incredible views of the town from the Port Beach.
WALK THROUGH ONE OF THE NARROWEST STREETS IN THE WORLD
While in Vrbnik, don’t miss the opportunity to walk through Klančić, which is one of the world’s narrowest streets. At its tightest point, this medieval alley is just 43 cm (17 inches) wide. Walking through Klančić is really a unique experience and you need to try it. Even if you don’t feel like passing through (could be quite claustrophobic for some!) still check it out just to see it!
EXPLORE STARA BAŠKA BEACHES
Stara Baška is one of the most gorgeous areas on Krk Island, known for stunning views and relatively secluded beaches. It’s located on the southern coast of the island, and it’s a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas, such as Krk Town or Baška.
The beaches in Stara Baška are mostly pebbly, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are a few beaches in Stara Baška you should definitely add to your itinerary. Oprna Bay is perhaps the most famous beach in Stara Baška, and for good reason! It’s an absolutely stunning, crescent-shaped bay surrounded by steep cliffs. Even just seeing it is jaw-dropping, and swimming there is definitely a unique experience. It’s a bit more challenging to reach, but it’s absolutely worth it. A few other great beaches are Stara Baška Beach, Zala Beach, and Surbova Beach.
VISIT CRES AND LOŠINJ ISLANDS
While you’re on Krk, you’re only one ferry ride away from Cres and Lošinj, two stunning Croatian islands. The ferry takes you from Krk (Valbiska) to Cres (Merag). It’s a short 25-minute ferry ride. From Cres, you can easily just drive to Lošinj island.
Cres Island
Cres is known for its rugged landscape, incredible nature, and charming towns. The island is not overly developed, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy calm, uncrowded towns and love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring beautiful beaches. The main town on the island is Cres Town, which is quaint and cute, and you can see it in under an hour. If you’re a beach lover, there are many secluded beaches on Cres. Some great beaches you can explore are Lubenice Beach, Miholašćica Beach, Slatina Beach, Raca Beach, and many more!
Lošinj Island
Lošinj island is even more charming than Cres. The island is well known for its historical towns, Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj, both of them built in beautiful old Mediterranean-style architecture, with cute cafes and small markets. Lošinj is a paradise for nature lovers, with many walking trails and parks. You can also enjoy various outdoor activities like sailing, diving, and hiking.
I would highly recommend cycling. We had an incredible time cycling through the Cikat Forest Park, and it’s something we won’t forget. Lošinj is also home to some stunning beaches, such as Silver Bay, Blatina Beach, Veli Žal Beach, and Cikat Beach, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
