October 14, 2022 - The drought created big problems for Croatian sheep farmers. The largest sheep farm in Krk produces five and a half tonnes of cheese annually. And while last year, despite the pandemic, was good for them, they are adding damage due to the drought this year.

As HRT writes, they do hope that the sheep will recover by the time they need to be milked and that they will persist in the quality of the cheese.

Both in summer and winter, about four hundred sheep of the Mrakovčić family roam freely in the pastures on the sunniest side of the island of Krk. They learned everything about sheep from their ancestors and founded their OPG and Sirana (family farm and cheese production) about thirty years ago. But due to the dry summer, this is their first year which they think could be critical.

"We normally do not add fodder or dry hay during the summer, but only during February and March when the vegetation is scarce. I don't remember having to add so much water and food," says Mirjenko Mrakovčić, owner of OPG from Kornić, Krk.

Typically, sheep consume a cubic meter of water daily and up to twelve hay bales." And you can see that the sheep are not in the best condition and have lost some weight. Well, you can't see it now because of the wool, but if you fleeced them, it would become apparent. They graze on grass, eat young olive leaves, blackberries, whatever they find, and laurel is the sweetest for them", said Marko.

Everyone hopes the sheep will have recovered by the time they need to be milked.

"We exclusively milk sheep who graze on vegetation; we do not add anything, which is why our milk and cheese are of high quality," emphasizes Mirjenko.

They are the eight-time champions of Croatia and the region. The flavours of their cheeses - Green and Black Bodul, Ordinary, and Magriž - are enjoyed on all continents. They even refined the offer on the doorstep with olive oil and sweet delicacies.

"One month is better; another is worse; we get some incentives from the county and some from European funds. We have had customers for about 20 years," pointed out Vesna Mrakovčić, owner of the OPG.

Their good results are spoiled by wild boars and jackals, killing about twenty sheep yearly.

"As far as I know, two farms are now selling sheep; there is no future if the wild boars and jackals are not removed from the island of Krk," emphasized Mirjenko.

The reality is these humble OPGs are just desperate to maintain the high quality of their products.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Lifestyle section.

October 10, 2022 - This October has been a dream in Croatia. The temperatures are still reaching the high twenties and might inspire you to spend time outdoors, doing all the activities. If you're looking for something unique, fun, and challenging this weekend, we have just the right thing. Head to the island of Krk, visit the Baška Outdoor Festival, and pick your favourite category. There's something for everyone.

So far, the seven successfully held editions have confirmed that Baška is the perfect destination for an event whose ambition, from the very beginning, was to become one of the leading outdoor events in Croatia. Baška Outdoor Festival is an event where professionals and enthusiasts of various outdoor sports and activities gather to enjoy the experience of one of the most exciting events on the island of Krk, which brings together all of Baška's outdoor forces and resources.

This most popular out-of-season event attracts many visitors to Baška, so the weekend in mid-October (October 14 - October 16, 2022) is already traditionally reserved for the autumn charms of Baška and numerous outdoor activities, accompanied by a great gathering of outdoor athletes and recreationists from all over Croatia, but also beyond its borders. All lovers of an active and sporty lifestyle will find an activity for themselves in the rich three-day program of this year's edition of the festival, organised by the Baška Municipality Tourist Board in partnership with Valamar and numerous organisers of sports events.

Baška Outdoor Festival brings five attractive outdoor sports programs - trail running, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and zipline- all with special accommodation benefits and numerous accompanying facilities that are richer than ever this year!

The program begins on Friday, October 14, with the Zip & Fly adventure, organised in cooperation with Zipline Edison. During Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (with prior notice), all adventurers will be able, at a promotional price for the duration of BOF, to try driving an all-terrain vehicle, walk in nature and descend on cables longer than two kilometres! The ride of a lifetime, with a total duration of approximately two hours, with a view of Baška, the sea and the island of Prvić, and the beautiful rugged landscape, is a unique experience you don't want to miss!

On Saturday, October 15, all visitors to the Baška Outdoor Festival will be invited to numerous challenges, the biggest of which may be which activity to choose! In the competitive part for cyclists, Adria Bike is organising the 6th edition of the now legendary Krk'n'Roll MTB Marathon (e-bike and Mtb), with three carefully prepared tracks of different lengths, 70, 46 and 27 km, intended for women and men. Trail lovers are also in for a treat, the 12^th edition of the first Croatian trail race Krk'n'Trail (Krk Island Trail), a competition organised by the Trekking League in three length/difficulty categories: 7, 14, and 24 kilometers. Both amateurs and those looking for more significant sporting challenges will be able to enjoy the race. It should be mentioned that the race route includes still undiscovered trails of the southern part of the island of Krk, which pass through some of the most beautiful bays in the vicinity of Baška!

In the last few years, there has been a significant increase in interest in sport climbing, with Baška boasting as many as four equipped climbing areas, which will equally satisfy those who are new to climbing and those for whom conquering peaks is a lifestyle. Due to the great interest in natural rock climbing in the vicinity of Baška, climbing has been organised at two locations - at the Portafortuna climbing site on Saturday, October 15, and at the Belove stene climbing area on Sunday, October 16. The aptly named Touch the Sky programme is suitable for beginners (from the age of 12), and all lovers of heights will be taught climbing by the expert team of Anima Adventures.

On Sunday, October 16, for those who prefer hiking, the Rocky Hill Hike Tour has been organised along a route of 12 km, Baška/Heritage hotel Forza – Batomalj – Bratinac – Gabri – Stanikovica – Vraca – Zarok – Baška, accompanied by an expert Promotiv Travel Outdoor guide. The excursion will allow all mountaineers to get to know Baška and its surroundings. Considering the incredible views and untouched nature that awaits you around every corner, we recommend that you carry a camera!

In addition to the sports part of the program, the weekend schedule of the Baška Outdoor Festival also includes interesting lectures, free workshops, and a rich programme for children!

On the very first day of the Festival, on Friday 14 October, do not miss the interesting travel lecture "Everest Then and Now", during which the legendary Stipe Božić and Mario Celinić will tell about their most extraordinary life adventures and share their experience of climbing the highest peak in the world 42 years apart: in 1979 and 2021! Mario Celinić will show in detail the way to the final goal - the top of Mount Everest, where he decided to go with the mentorship and help of the experienced alpinist Stipe Božić, who conquered that peak twice and stood on the highest peaks of all seven continents.

What kind of programme would it be without an excellent musical background? DJ performances in Bistro Funtana will complete the favorite Baška Outdoor Festival, and the indispensable Infinity Band will ensure a happy and dancing atmosphere in the after-race zone of Baška Outdoor Festival, Porto Club Baška. The highlight of the party awaits us on Saturday, October 15, at the Cubismo Group concert, which will bring an avalanche of the excellent energy of Afro-Cuban rhythm.

The concerts are free for all participants and visitors, so join these fantastic performances and enjoy the excellent music!

The youngest participants of the festival will be able to enjoy various free activities in the Outdoor Corner for Children (October 15 and 16), located on the green areas of the Zvonimir Sunny Hotel by Valamar. Slackline, climbing on an artificial rock, and a mountain bike school will introduce even the youngest participants to the world of adventure.

Find the detailed festival programme here.

The festival's partner, Valamar Riviera, offers special prices on accommodation for all visitors. You can choose between hotels and campsites, but of course, there are other accommodation options available in Baška. Hurry up with your reservations because the capacities are filling up fast!

HOTELS
CORINTHIA BAŠKA SUNNY HOTEL BY VALAMAR*** - soon SOLD OUT!
The price of a double room with buffet breakfast and dinner with drinks: from 66 EUR
Promo code: BOFTRAIL / BOFMTB ; www.valamar.com
HERITAGE HOTEL FORZA****
10% discount on all accommodation units
Promo code: OUTDOOR 2022; www.hotelforza.hr

CAMPS
BAŠKA BEACH CAMPING RESORT**** - SOLD OUT!
Promo code: BOFTRAIL / BOFMTB ; www.valamar.com
CAMP "MALI"
10% discount on lots; phone: +385 51 864 164; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.kamp-mali.hr

OTHER ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
PENSION "BURIN"
phone: +385 51 856 697; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.pansionburin.hr

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Contact the tourist agencies from the Baška area, which will find the best possible accommodation for you:
"ŠILOTURIST" - phone: +385 51 860 171; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"LPD TOURS" - phone: +385 51 856 460; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"POLO LINE" - phone: +385 51 856 533; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"PDM-GULLIVER" - phone: +385 51 864 007; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"ADRIA SOLE" - phone: +385 51 293 801; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"AGENCY ARA" - phone: +385 51 856 321; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All photos are courtesy of the Baška Tourist Board.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

June 23, 2022 - While the Dalmatian islands remain the most popular among tourists, others like the island of Krk deserve your full attention and you don't even know it yet.

Let's try something. Go ahead and think of a Croatian island other than Hvar. Or Brac. Or Korčula. Or Vis. Or Pag. Or Mljet. Or Dugi Otok. Or Lopud. Or Lastovo. Remember, there are more than 1000 islands in Croatia! This is in no way a criticism. These islands are positioned better than any other and for the fairest reasons. The reputation of its beaches, nightlife, traditions, heritage, and more precedes them. The marine traffic in the Dalmatian islands is impressive, and it is understandable. However, some paradises on the northern Adriatic sea have little or nothing to envy the Dalmatian ones.

One of them is the island of Krk, located in the center of the Kvarner Bay and belongs to the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county. Krk has an area of 405.80 km2 and a population of almost 20,000 inhabitants and is the second-largest island in Croatia. Known as the ''Golden Island'', Krk is perhaps the most accessible island in the country. Why? For starters, Krk is connected by a bridge to the mainland, which allows residents and visitors to get around by car and bus very easily. In addition, Rijeka airport is located precisely on the island of Krk, so if you have booked an island accommodation and arrive by international flight, you will not have to worry much about how to get to your destination.

If the island of Krk is your choice as your next travel destination, you will enjoy a place that boasts an enormous history as it is home to the largest heritage of Glagolitic writing in the country, premium wines and olives, one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the world, Camino Krk; as well as being recognized as a health tourism destination, due to its impeccable air.

Although the island of Krk deserves to be recognized as a spectacular whole, in this article we share a little detail about the destinations that you can visit on the island.

Omišalj

Omišalj is a historic town located on the north-western part of the island of Krk and situated at 85 meters above sea level. Omišalj's privileged position seems to have attracted not only modern humans but also prehistoric inhabitants, which explains why Omišalj has existed for more than 10,000 years. Omišalj is one of the oldest towns on the island and today it is an important glagolitic and cultural center. Learn more about Omišalj HERE.

Image: Krk Island Tourist Board

Njivice

Njivice is located very close to Omišalj and belongs to the Municipality of Omišalj. Also with a rich history, Njivice has been inhabited mainly by fishermen, olive groves workers, and cattle-breeders. Njivice has always stood out for its picturesque houses along the shore and the fishermen's boats and nets, creating a typical postcard of the place. Njivice today has modern and high-quality accommodation, including hotels and camping sites. Learn more about Njivice HERE.

Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons

Malinska

Malinska is one of the most popular destinations on the island of Krk, and in addition to its excellent beaches and accommodation options, it has an important marine heritage. Malinska, surrounded by forests, was once a timber export port and a favorite destination for the Viennese aristocracy. Due to its position, Malinska was also an anchor point for many ships to protect themselves from strong winds and tides. Today Malinska has a new and modern interpretation center, and the old shipyard is still operating on the same site. Learn more about Malinska HERE.

Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons

Krk Town

The town of Krk is the administrative, political, economic, and religious center of the island of Krk. It is the town with the most inhabitants on the island, with a population of approximately 7,000 inhabitants. It is worth mentioning that the town of Krk was mentioned by the famous Greek writer Homer in a poem under the name of Koureto. Undoubtedly, the highlight of Krk is its impressive cathedral complex, built in the 5th century. Learn more about the town of Krk HERE.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Punat

Punat is located on the east coast of the island of Krk and is considered one of its most popular destinations. Despite being considered the most recent town on the island, Punat also boasts a lot of history, culture, and heritage. There you will find not only one of the most modern nautical and marina centers in the entire country, but Punat is also the main olive-growing center on the island. When speaking of Punat, it is always necessary to refer to the small island of Košljun, where a Franciscan monastery is located. Learn more about Punat HERE.

Image: Krk Island Tourist Board

Baška

Baška is located at the southern tip of the island of Krk, and is definitely one of the most prominent destinations. No matter what angle you see it from, the beauty of Baška is undeniable. In addition to its spectacular and extensive beach, Baška also stands out for the architecture in its old town, as well as its various cultural and historical monuments. Baška can boast of being a very important part of Croatian history, as it is there that the Baška tablet was found, one of the first monuments containing an inscription in the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language, dating from c. 1100 AD, thus being one of the most important elements of the Glagolitic script. Learn more about Baška HERE.

Image: Krk Island Tourist Board

Vrbnik

Vrbnik is indisputably one of the most famous settlements not only on the island of Krk but in all of Croatia. Vrbnik is well known for its Glagolitic heritage and especially for its delicious wines, and in particular is its golden-yellow wine – the Žlahtina, with a great national and international reputation. It's not the only old town on the island of Krk that sits on top of a hill, but Vrbnik sits on a large cliff by the sea, giving it a wonderful view into the distance. Learn more about Vrbnik HERE.

Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons

Dobrinj

Dobrinj is located in the upper part of the island of Krk, to the east. Dobrinj includes other places of interest such as Šilo or Klimno, but surely the first thing one should do is visit the main town, which stands on a 200-meter-high hill. Dobrinj is very reminiscent of the settlements one can find in central Istria, also on hills. A beautiful destination without a doubt, surrounded by thick forests and with a great Glagolitic heritage. Likewise, many other important traditions stand out, such as its folkloric events, its typical costumes, its school of wind instruments, and its home cuisine. Learn more about Dobrinj HERE.

Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 27 May 2022 - A maritime heritage interpretation centre - DUBoak - that was built as part of the Arca Adriatica project, opened on Friday in Malinska on the Island of Krk.

The project is aimed at protecting, promoting and adding tourist value to the Adriatic's maritime heritage.

The premises are valued at about HRK 11.5 million and exhibit rich maritime heritage, shipping culture, shipbuilding skills and the life of islanders.

The design for the centre was prepared by a team of architects, heritage interpreters, marketing experts and experts in the field of multimedia.

The centre's name - DUBoak - recalls the unbreakable tie between the sea and traditional boats on the coastal side facing the mainland and the Dub oak on the forest-covered side of the island. The name reminds of the deepness of the sea and is a play on words, combining the local (dub) and English (oak) terms for oak trees.

The centre is located on the Malinska promenade where residents from Dubašnica in the past used to unload oak trunks transported on ox-driven carts and then would load them into wooden boats and transport them to Rijeka and as far as Venice.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

October 19, 2021 - The ancient way in which the inhabitants of the village of Punat used to take care of their olive trees, harvest the olives and process them to produce the famous Krk extra virgin oil is now available to everyone through a new Stari toš interpretation center.

HrTurizam.hr reports that, in the town of Punat, on the island of Krk, an interesting interpretation center Stari toš was opened as part of the Olive Week. The Interpretation Center is actually a concept of a permanent exhibition in a unique space that reveals heritage stories from the culture of growing and harvesting olives and the production of olive oil.

According to the Turističke Priče portal, in the dialect of the island of Krk, "toš" is actually the name for the millstone that was traditionally used for crushing olives and producing olive oil. For Puntare, olive oil has been a currency for centuries, and locals will often recount how owning olive oil was and is equal to owning gold.

Modern technology today has accelerated the process of oil production and today's multi-hour production in the old tosh has been modernized and accelerated. But old toševi today come to life through heritage stories and become and remain places of fun and merriment, song, rich social life, and numerous heritage stories.

The interior of the Stari toš interpretation center building, which dates back to the beginning of the 19th century and has not been used since the 1950s, has been arranged and presented. Funds for the renovation of the complex come from the European "Interreg" program, and this area is one of the best-preserved olive mills on the island of Krk and is truly a valuable example of folk economic architecture. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Ministry of Culture also protected this building as an individual intangible cultural heritage.

The Stari toš Olive Interpretation Center uses modern interpretation tools to retell the olive history in Punat after restoration and interpret olive growing in the best way, preserving the olive heritage for future generations.

The 25th edition of the event that celebrates green gold, the Olive Week, lasts until Sunday in Punat on Krk. With this event, the citizens of Punat proudly show their tradition of olive growing and gathering. Krk olive oil from these areas is one of the most famous extra virgin olive oils in Croatia.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, November 28, 2020 - The Toljanic family from the northern Croatian Adriatic island of Krk has been named the European Large Family of the Year 2020 by the European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC).

The Toljanics were nominated for the title by the Croatian association 3plus Families, which brings together families with three or more children.

The Toljanics, a family with 12 children, are one of the best known large families in Croatia and they are running a successful private wine business with more than 50 employees, the 3plus Families association said.

Katarina Toljanic said they were surprised at being nominated for the title and even more so when they won it, as well as that being recognised meant a lot to the family in the current challenging period of their lives, following her husband Franjo's death in an accident in spring this year.

3plus Families brings together close to 1,000 families with around 6,000 members, parents and their children. Its activities are geared towards contributing to the creation of better living conditions for Croatian families, notably those with three or more children.

ELFAC brings together large families' associations across Europe and it currently represents more than 60 million European citizens or nine million large families.

3plus Families has been a member of ELFAC since its establishment in 2018.

ZAGREB, October 22, 2020 - An agreement on the extension of the port of Baska on the northern Adriatic island of Krk was signed on Thursday. The project is worth HRK 41.1 million, of which HRK 39.7 million will be provided by the EU and the rest by the county port authority.

The work will be carried out by the Aqua Mont Service company and will include extending the existing quay and ensuring necessary protection of the waters within the port area and appropriate berths for passenger ships. The deadline for completion of the work is December 2023.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butkovic, who said that a large cycle of investment in ports and coastal zones had been launched in all seven coastal counties.

"We are talking over a billion kuna worth of active projects with 85% of financing provided by EU grants," Butkovic said, adding that five such projects were being carried out in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

(€1 = HRK 7.57)