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This Krk island guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to Krk, the only large Adriatic island you can drive to over a bridge. Krk lies in the Kvarner Gulf, about half an hour from Rijeka, and has old towns, pebble beaches, wine villages and quiet coves.
Below you will find all the main towns, the top sights and beaches, plus practical tips. Our base is Malinska on the west coast, where I work every summer as a skipper. That is why every town comes with its driving time from Malinska.
Krk Island at a Glance
- Size: Krk is tied with Cres as the largest island in the Adriatic.
- Population: almost 20,000 (2021), the most of any Adriatic island.
- Location: northern Adriatic, Kvarner Gulf, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
- Connection: Krk Bridge (1,430 m) since 1980, toll-free since 2020; Rijeka Airport is on the island.
- Towns: the town of Krk and the municipalities of Baška, Dobrinj, Malinska-Dubašnica, Omišalj, Punat and Vrbnik.
Getting to Krk Island
Most visitors arrive by car over the Krk Bridge. It opened in July 1980, is 1,430 metres long and has been toll-free since 15 June 2020. On summer Saturdays, however, traffic can build up before the bridge, so allow extra time.
Rijeka Airport is not on the mainland but on Krk itself, near Omišalj, only about 15 km from Malinska. Buses also link the island with Rijeka and Zagreb. From the ferry port of Valbiska near Malinska, car ferries run to the neighbouring islands of Cres and Rab. All routes are in our guide to getting to Malinska.
Towns on Krk Island
Every town on Krk has its own character. Here is an overview, each with the driving time from Malinska.
| From Malinska to | Distance | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Njivice | 7 km | 10 min |
| Omišalj | 13 km | 20 min |
| Krk town | 13 km | 20 min |
| Dobrinj | 12 km | 25 min |
| Šilo | 17 km | 30 min |
| Punat | 20 km | 30 min |
| Vrbnik | 23 km | 30 min |
| Stara Baška | 28 km | 40 min |
| Baška | 31 km | 45 min |
Times are approximate and do not include summer traffic.
Malinska
Malinska is the centre of the Municipality of Malinska-Dubašnica on the north-west coast. It is compact, the beaches are right by the village, and a long seaside promenade runs all the way to Njivice. Many boat trips along the west coast start from its harbour. Everything else is in our Malinska travel guide.
Njivice and Omišalj
Njivice is a small resort among pine woods, just 7 km from Malinska, and belongs to the Municipality of Omišalj. The old town of Omišalj sits on a hill above the sea in the north of the island, close to the Krk Bridge and the airport. Below it lies Fulfinum, a Roman site with the remains of an early Christian church at Mirine.
Krk Town
Krk town is the island’s main town, on the south-west coast. Its old town, with the town walls, the cathedral and the Frankopan castle, is a must. Krk has also been the seat of a bishop for centuries. In the evening, take a walk along the harbour promenade.
Punat and Košljun
Punat lies on a sheltered bay and is known for its large marina. In the bay sits the small islet of Košljun, with a Franciscan monastery, a museum and a shady park. Small boats take you across from Punat in a few minutes. Stara Baška, with its coves in the south, also belongs to the municipality.
Vrbnik
Vrbnik is perched on a limestone cliff about 50 metres above the sea on the east coast. It has a history of around 900 years and was a centre of the Glagolitic script. Today Vrbnik is best known for Žlahtina white wine. Its narrow lanes and the view across the Vinodol Channel make it a lovely visit.
Dobrinj and Šilo
Dobrinj is a small hilltop village in the interior, with wide views over the island. The seaside resort of Šilo on the east coast belongs to the same municipality. Nearby, in the village of Rudine, is Biserujka cave, open to visitors since 1998. It is only about 13 °C inside, so bring a jacket.
Baška
Baška lies in the far south of the island, in a valley between bare mountains. It is best known for Vela plaža, a long pebble beach facing the open sea. In 1851 the Baška tablet (Bašćanska ploča) was discovered in the church of St Lucy in nearby Jurandvor. Dating from around 1100, it is one of the oldest records of the Croatian language, written in Glagolitic script.
Top Things to Do on Krk
- Krk old town: town walls, cathedral and Frankopan castle.
- Vrbnik: the clifftop village with wine cellars and views.
- Košljun islet: Franciscan monastery and museum off Punat.
- The Baška tablet: in the church of St Lucy in Jurandvor.
- Biserujka cave: a cave with stalactites near Rudine.
- Fulfinum near Omišalj: a Roman site by the sea.
- DUBoak in Malinska: the maritime heritage centre on the waterfront.
For details on every sight, with driving times and day trips from Malinska, see our guide to the best Krk attractions. For more ideas, read about the history of Malinska.
Beaches on Krk Island
Most beaches on Krk are pebble, rock or concrete, with very clear water. The best known is Vela plaža in Baška. The many small coves on the west coast around Malinska and Glavotok are quieter, and some of the best, such as Vela Luka, can only be reached by boat.
All the best beaches on the island, including dog and naturist beaches, are in our guide to Krk beaches. Water shoes are a good idea almost everywhere on Krk. For the beaches in and around Malinska, see our guide to Malinska beaches.
Exploring Krk from the Sea
The island looks its best from a boat. From Malinska you can reach Vela Luka bay, the uninhabited island of Plavnik and the Blue Cave on Cres. For route ideas, see places near Malinska you can only reach by boat.
No boat licence? Small boats up to 5 HP can be driven without one, or you can book a trip with a skipper. Here is how: Krk boat rental without a license.
Food and Wine on Krk
Island cooking is simple and honest. Try šurlice, the hand-rolled pasta, island lamb, sheep’s cheese and fresh fish. A glass of Žlahtina from Vrbnik goes with everything. Our tips are in the guide to Krk gastronomy.
Best Time to Visit Krk
July and August are the warmest and busiest months. In June and September the sea is warm but the beaches are calmer. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are great for walking and cycling. Events across the island are listed by the Krk island tourist board. Read more about the best time to visit Malinska.
Where to Stay on Krk Island
Malinska is a good base for the whole island. Krk town, Omišalj and the airport are about 20 minutes away, and Vrbnik and Punat about half an hour. In addition, boat trips leave right from the harbour. For areas and accommodation, see where to stay in Malinska, where we also introduce our own Apartments Katarina.
FAQ – Krk Island Guide
Krk is tied with Cres as the largest island in the Adriatic. With almost 20,000 inhabitants (2021), it is also the most populous Adriatic island.
By car over the Krk Bridge, which has linked the island with the mainland since 1980. Rijeka Airport is on Krk itself, near Omišalj, and buses run from Rijeka and Zagreb.
No. The Krk Bridge has been toll-free since 15 June 2020.
It depends on what you want. Krk town is best for history and an old town, Vrbnik for views and wine, and Baška for its long beach. For quiet coves and boat trips, Malinska is a great choice.
A car is very useful for day trips, because buses between the towns are limited. Within each town you can usually get around on foot.
Malinska is a central base on the west coast: Krk town, Omišalj and the airport are about 20 minutes away. See our guide on where to stay in Malinska.
More about Malinska
Photos: Vrbnik, Krk town and Košljun by Arne Müseler (CC BY-SA 3.0 DE), Baška beach by Andorado (CC BY-SA 3.0), all via Wikimedia Commons.