The Best Things to See and Do on Krk, Croatia

One of the largest islands in the Adriatic, Krk is a vacationer’s paradise of sun-kissed beaches, rolling vineyards, olive groves, and millennia-old stone villages. Situated along the northern coast, Krk offers all the elements of the island lifestyle that Croatia is so famous for, but without the larger tourist crowds that fill Croatia’s more southern cities.

The moderate Mediterranean climate makes Krk a comfortable destination year-round, although the majority of vacationers visit during the summer months to avail themselves of the island’s popular beaches.

This guide details the best things to see and do on Krk island, organized by town and region.

Jump to:

• How to Get to Krk Island
• Where to Stay on Krk Island
• Recommended Number of Days on Krk Island
• The Best Time of Year to Visit Krk Island
• What to See and Do on Krk Island
  • Krk Town
  • Vrbnik
  • Baška
• Where to Eat on Krk Island

How to Get to Krk Island

By Car

It’s undoubtedly easiest to get around Krk via car. Roads are well-paved, and a vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Krk connects to the mainland via bridge, just outside the larger port town of Rijeka. There is no toll to cross the bridge, thus making it a smooth drive onto the island.

By Air

Rijeka International Airport is located on the northern tip of Krk, and services daily flights from various cities around Europe. Once you land, you can grab a bus or taxi to your final destination. Learn more, including flight routes and ground transportation options, on the airport website.

By Bus

If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can catch a bus from Rijeka (approximately a 1 hour drive, operated by Arriva). Additionally, Zagreb is 3 hours via Arriva or Croatia Bus.

By Ferry

You can catch a ferry to the island, although the service routes make this the most complicated option. The port at Valbiska (located outside of Krk City) has routes to Rijeka and Zadar on the mainland, as well as the islands of Rab and Silba. You can book tickets via Croatia Ferries.

Where to Stay on Krk Island

Krk offers accommodations for every budget, with a variety of hotels, smaller B&Bs, private apartments, and even campsites.

• For the biggest selection of hotels (as well as the most amenities within walking distance), head to Krk town, the largest town on the island.
• Those looking to maximize beach time may opt for either Baška or Stara Baška along the southern shore. While more arid and remote, some of the largest beaches are here.
• The quaint hilltop town of Vrbnik is strongly reminiscent of Tuscany, with narrow cobblestoned streets that haven’t changed for centuries. Vrbnik boasts its own unique appellation of wines grown nowhere else, that will appeal to oenophiles.
• Punat, with just 1,800 inhabitants, offers a break from the crowds for beachgoers wanting a little more solitude. Plaža Punta Debij, just outside of town, is one of the island’s only sandy beaches. (As compared to most other beaches on Krk, that are pebbly).

Recommended Number of Days on Krk Island

You can reasonably explore the island in a few days. We recommend a minimum of 2 nights/3 days, to adequately see everything. However, you’ll be tempted to add on extra time during the warm summer months, to laze at Krk’s numerous beaches.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Krk Island

Noted for its beaches and water sports, summer is extremely busy on Krk. Sunshine seekers will enjoy the summer months, with long days and warm water, while those looking to avoid the worst crowds should consider going during the shoulder season or off-season.

June, July, August, and early September promise the best beach days, with sea temperatures climbing to 24°C/75°F during these months. Water temperatures rise and fall quickly though, with May and October averaging 19°C/66°F.

If swimming is not a priority, the shoulder season makes a lovely time to visit. Here, the tourist hordes are noticeably diminished but warm, sunny days remain plentiful. Expect crowds to significantly lighten by late September.

Best Things to See and Do on Krk Island

Krk Town

The largest town on the island, Krk boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. It is fully walled, with preserved Roman mosaics and medieval fortifications. Winding through its narrow streets, confined by millennia-old stone houses, feels like a step back in time, before you are deposited along the bustling waterfront promenade with its host of restaurants and cafes.  

Highlights:

• Visit 12^th century Frankopan Castle, the walled fortress built on the rocks above the Adriatic. The Frankopans were Croatia’s ruling family from the 11^th – 17^th centuries, and while there’s not a lot left to see from their days in town, the castle still offers lovely views of the sea. You can either roam the compact grounds for free, or climb the ramparts for a small fee.
• Get lost in the old town. Krk is tiny enough that you won’t be lost for long, but let yourself meander aimlessly through its ancient streets – you can genuinely feel the history of the place.
• Grab a drink or snack at Volsonis, the 2,000-year-old Roman catacombs that now operate as a bar/restaurant by day and a club by night. You can see the tomb of the man himself (Volsonis was a town elder), and check out an altar to Venus, tucked between ancient stone walls and modern couches.  
• Get on and under the water. Ranging from kitschy to adventurous, Krk’s water activities have something for everyone. You can rent kayaks out near Punta Di Galetto beach, go scuba diving with Fun Diving Krk, or even ride the Semisubmarine for a unique underwater view. If you’re just looking to swim, both Punta Di Galetto and Porporela (on opposing sides of the marina) offer great public beach access right in town.

Vrbnik

Located on Krk’s eastern shore, this compact hilltop town is an absolute delight, and makes for a wonderful day trip from elsewhere on the island.

Highlights:  

• Sample žlahtina, a local wine appellation grown nowhere else in the world. This dry, crisp white wine is similar to a Spanish albariño, and pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood. For local wines, head to Ivan Katunar winery for some of the best bottles of the žlahtina varietal. The tasting room offers a refined experience, with first-rate views of the town’s bright terracotta roofs and sparkling sea behind. Another option, if you can’t get in at Katunar, is Nada restaurant and wine shop, where you can create your own wine tasting out of a robust menu of local varietals. (If you’re feeling adventurous, follow what we did and do both Katunar and Nada!)

• Squeeze through the narrowest street in the world. There may be conflicting reports of which town holds this quirky title, but Klancic Street is a local source of pride and squeezing your way through this 40 cm-wide alleyway makes for a fun photo op. Directions here.
• Enjoy quality pizza with a view at Pizzerija Gospoja. This genuinely delicious restaurant offers sumptuous wood-fired pizza as good as any in Italy, with a bird’s eye view of the hills and sea coves on the outskirts of town. It’s worth a stop to rest your feet and refuel.
• Dip in the sea, either at Zgribnica beach (a small, rocky beach whose protected inlet promises calm waters) or scuba diving with Dive Loft.

Baška

While more arid and remote than other parts of Krk, Baška’s beaches are considered some of the best on the island, thus making it a popular destination for summer holidayers.

Highlights:

• Visit Vela Plaža Baška, called the “jewel” of Krk’s beaches. This expansive shorefront curves in a crescent along the length of town, with plenty of space to stake your spot amongst the many other holiday trippers. Restaurants and cafes abound along the waterfront, although Porto Club and Luna Bar consistently rank as favorites.

Where to Eat on Krk Island

• Pizzerija Gospoja (Vrbnik): as mentioned above, this casual spot offers tasty wood-fired pizzas with a bird’s eye view of the hills and sea on the outskirts of town. The menu is well-regarded by both locals and tourists alike.
• Nada Restaurant and Wine Shop (Vrbnik): for views of the sea, it doesn’t get much better than Nada, perched on the cliffs overlooking the water and Croatia’s mainland, 9 miles across the channel. Besides a prolific wine selection, Nada features local pastas and fresh-caught seafood.
• Konoba Nono (Krk): Set a 5-minute walk outside of town, Konoba Nono does a delicious take on local staples. Šurlice pasta is native to the island of Krk, and consists of a doughy, elongated noodle typically prepared in a light cream sauce with seafood. The šurlice at Konoba Nono is exceptional, with delicate noodles and fresh shrimp. Their seafood platter is also a local favorite, with two types of fish, mussels, shrimp, and squid pulled just offshore. Nono also serves its own homemade olive oil, closing for two months each fall to harvest and press (check out the traditional olive press while you’re there!).
• Konoba Galija (Krk): You won’t find much variety of cuisine on Krk, it’s true, but for another flavorful take on regional dishes, we found Konoba Galija to be popular amongst the locals, thus validating its menu. Choose from fresh seafood, pasta dishes, pizzas and more, with a hearty wine list to round out the offerings.
• Neptun (Krk): For a waterfront setting, head to Neptun, located just steps above Krk’s marina. The food is more of the same regional cuisine, but the views of the old town and the harbor make for an enjoyable meal. Additionally, you can drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink, in between the lunch and dinner rush.