CROATIA

Croatia has 1,185 islands, of which 66 are populated. With a surface area of 406 km2, the second largest island after Cres is the island of Krk, also called ‘the golden island’.

THE ISLAND OF KRK

The island of Krk is known for its lush nature. The island was formed when the sea level rose by 100 to 120 metres approximately ten thousand years ago. This is how the North Adriatic received the shape it has today. The name of the island dates back to the 4th century BC. Its roots are in the Illyrian name of ‘Kurik’. When the Croats arrived in the area, the name was shortened to ‘Kark’, ‘Kerk’, ‘Krk’. The island and the mainland are now connected by a 1,430-metre long bridge. The special feature of the bridge is the concrete arch between the mainland and the island of St. Marko. At the time it was built, the bridge was the largest of its kind in the world. The island has an international airport called Aerodrom Rijeka. This is where large international aircraft land and take off. Passengers can use the 24/7 customs’ service, a restaurant and the other necessary infrastructure together with a large parking area. The airport also has runways for private planes.

You can reach Krk in three ways:

  • By ferry,
  • Via the 1.7km long bridge that connects the island with the mainland,
  • By plane.

The island is also famous for its viticulture. The best known vineyards where the famous and high-quality wine called ‘vrbnička žlahtina’ are located in the town of Vrbnik and its surroundings. The island also has a strong agriculture and olive growing tradition. Throughout history, life on Krk has been marked by its olive trees. The only oil-extraction plant where high-quality olive oil is produced is located in the town of Punat. The plant is one of the oldest buildings in Punat, which is known and unique for its marina, the largest in the Adriatic. Sheep breeding and cheese production also have a long tradition on the island.

STARA BAŠKA

Stara Baška is located in the southwestern part of the island. It can be reached by road from Punat, via passes and winding roads. The town, situated above the bay bearing the same name, has been a shepherd settlement since the 14th century. In addition to fishery and sheep breeding, apiculture and the production of high-quality honey are well-developed due to the aromatic Mediterranean plants. Stara Baška used to be quite isolated in the past. The sea road and narrow tracks used to connect it past the hill until 1980 when the road that we have now was surfaced and it connected the area with the rest of the island and opened up the stunning beaches to the many visitors. The restaurants’ terraces offer breathtaking views of the sunset between the islands of Krk and Cres.

Stara Baška is famous for the beautiful beaches along its coastline, as well as for the peace and quiet and unspoilt nature. This wild, yet already familiar part of the land is great for a family holiday without hordes of tourists and overcrowded beaches. The locals built houses to rent for families, and the inns and restaurants where they offer fresh fish caught daily, locally produced olive oil, tasty lamb dishes and sheep cheese, and other local products. This part of the island is perfect for long walks in the unspoilt countryside, narrow footpaths surrounded by the scent of sea salt, the clean sea, and secluded beaches that are known as some of the most beautiful in the Adriatic. This is a dream holiday for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy nature and the tranquillity.