Things to do on Krk Island

Krk Island is a Croatian island located near Rijeka in the Bay of Kvarner. Krk is the largest and most accessible Croatian island connected with the coast by road and by sea with the centre in the same named medieval town of Krk, which during the summer becomes a big stage with a number of festivals and concerts.

Krk Island is a tourist destination which throughout the year offers a mild climate and most varied content. The island is perfect for recreation. The coast and interior intertwine cycle paths are perfect for exploring on two wheels that can end up tasting of local specialties – Krk lamb or fresh fish.

In the 1980s, the extremely convenient location of Krk Island was helped by the addition of a strategic structure with the 1400m long Krk Bridge which connects the Krk Island to the mainland. Particularly noteworthy is the International Airport of Rijeka, which is located just on the Krk Island, near Omisalj. In this airport are several flying low-cost airlines and with the regular or charter flights Krk Island is connected with many European cities.

What to see on Krk Island

The Frankopan Castle

The Frankopan Castle is one of the greatest historical testimonies of Krk’s inhabitance. See authentic stone passages which are nine hundred years old and partially restored and converted into exhibition areas and partially left in their authentic appearance which displays layers of eras and generations inscriptions. Nowadays the whole edifice can be seen while walking on walls, visiting floors of three towers and observing spacious castle interior. Frankopan noble family built the Frankopan castle through extended period of time i.e. between 12th and 15th century with the purpose of city’s defense: in event of attack the troops and citizens would find shelter within the castle’s walls.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral was built on a large area at the bottom of the hill on which lies the city of Krk. The first known dated mention of this Cathedral is in the deed of gift by bishops Ivan in 1186, but archeological evidence suggests that the site was used by Christians as early as 4th century.

Double Church of St Quirinus and St Margaret

Double Church of St Quirinus and St Margaret is certainly the most important Romanesque sacred building in Krk. The church is dedicated to the patron of the city of St Quirinus and dates from the 12th century. The church was built on a small area opposite the Cathedral.

Island Kosljun

Only 750 meters from Punat is the Island Kosljun. He is known for the Franciscan monastery where the monks have collected and preserved many valuable items. The island has a museum with an ethnographic collection containing numerous items Krk fishermen and farmers as well as folk costumes from across the island. The monastery has a rich zoological collection consisting of a large seashell collection and unique animal specimens, such as, one-eyed lamb. The monastery has a rich library with about 30,000 books. Among them is the Ptolemy atlas printed in Venice in 1511 (one of three preserved). On the island there are two churches – St Mary’s Annunciation and St Bernardin. For a tour of the islands you’ll spend about two hours, but there are no catering facilities.

The Franciscan Church and Monastery

Near the center of Malinska, in Porat, is the Franciscan Church and Monastery of St Mary Magdalene. It was built in 1480. Within the monastery is a museum with many exhibits from the past which shows the religious, cultural and economic presence of the Franciscans in this area.

The Church of St Dunat

On the road from Krk to Punat, at the very bottom of Punat bay stands the Church of St Dunat. It was built sometime in 12 century. The church is of great importance and is one of the most sacred monuments on the Croatian coast, along with the churches of Zadar and Nin.

Dobrinj and Surrounding Villages

In Dobrinj and surrounding villages you will find several old churches, the remains of churches, several museums and galleries, and numerous Glagolitic monuments.

Biserujka Cave

On the Island Krk are so many valuable cultural and historical sights to be seen. The situation is similar with natural sights. Among the many I will mention just three: Biserujka Cave near the village of Rudine near Cizici, a protected reserve of forest vegetation, the woods of holm oak at Glavotok and ornithological reserve Kuntrep on the eastern coast of the island south of Vrbnik.

What to do on Krk Island

Scuba Diving

For divers or those who want to become (there are islands diving school) definitely recommend a tour of the sunken Greek ship Peltastis and sailing ships from the time of Napoleon.

Krk Trawling

Meet the old traditional way of fishing. Take a trip that starts in the warm summer evening and enjoy in the unique experience of night fishing.

Don’t miss gastronomy of  Krk

Cuisine of Island Krk is characterized by typical Mediterranean dishes from fish and seafood, but here has been developed sheep breeding for centuries; there are lamb, and sheep cheese. The vegetation of the island is rich in medicinal, spice and aromatic herbs, and because of its mild climate sheep grazed here all year round. Therefore, the Krk lamb without doubt is among the best in Croatia, and cheese from sheep’s milk is alongside that of the most famous from the Island Pag. The sea is clean and rich in fish, a long tradition of olive groves and the obligatory olive oil which is much appreciated.

Wine Cellars and Vrbnicka Zlahtina

Vrbnicka Zlahtina is a wine made from white zlahtina which is grown exclusively in the vineyards in the vicinity of Vrbnik on the Krk Island. Almost every restaurant on the island offers authentic local dishes and wine from their own cellar.