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

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January 13, 2022 - As part of an initiative of the Association of Croatian Tourist Guides, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of the Republic of Croatia, the Kvarner Tourist Guides Association traditionally organizes free organized tours, and this year will be around Krk Old Town.

All interested citizens and visitors can join the tour of the Krk Old Town this Saturday, January 15 at noon, which includes a visit to the Frankopan Castle and the Interpretation Center for the History of Maritime Heritage of the Island of Krk; the place of departure is on the waterfront in front of the sundial, reports Turističke Priče.

The Association of Croatian Tourist Guides organizes the project "Get to know your country", through free guided tours for citizens in Croatian cities, on the occasion of marking the Day of International Recognition of Croatia.

In addition to organizing free tours in cities where ZDTVH member associations operate, free guided tours were organized in smaller cities belonging to the counties where ZDTVH member associations operate, as well as in areas where tourist guide associations have not been established. Prior to the pandemic, this extremely successful project took place at the same time in 60 cities across Croatia.

Given the positive reactions of a large number of citizens and the media in recent years, the project is repeated this year and points to the importance of tourism professionals for Croatia's international reputation, as well as the importance of national identity and cultural heritage.

The tour of the city of Krk will be held regardless of the weather conditions and with strict adherence to epidemiological measures.

Announcements are required to the email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It is necessary to state the number of registered persons and the location for which you are applying. All additional information can be obtained at 0958611913.

You can find more information at the official website of the Tourist Board of the Town of Krk.

For more, check out our dedicated travel section.

October the 7th, 2021 - The beautiful island of Krk is and always has been very popular with tourists from the rest of Croatia and from all over the world alike. Given the fact that this year's summer season went remarkably well, preparations have begun for 2022 and a brand new Krk island tourist map has been published.

As Morski writes, the new Krk island tourist map has been created and published with the intention of intensifying promotional content, in the context of preparations for the next tourist season, and the Tourist Board of the island of Krk has focused part of its activities precisely in this direction.

In addition to the redesign of the Krk information brochure, which includes all relevant information for the island, a new Krk island tourist map was published back in early September, containing all of the most important and clearly structured data on various island destinations, in a shortened, easy to follow version.

It is a B1 format map (700 x 1000 mm) with all of its content arranged on two sides. The first side contains a map of the island with marked cultural and historical monuments, information centres, general information and advertisements related to previously published cycling and walking maps, while the second includes data on destinations: the City of Krk and the municipalities of Omisalj, Malinska-Dubasnica, Punat, Baska, Vrbnik and Dobrinj.

Each of these destinations is presented with full descriptions, recommendations, gastronomic specifics and outdoor activities, and events, cultural and historical sights and other attractions are singled out in separate units. The texts included in the map were published in Croatian, English, German and Italian, while its design was entrusted to Valter Stojsic.

In the coming period, this new Krk island tourism map will be available at fairs attended by the Tourist Board of the island of Krk, and can currently be downloaded at the tourist information centres of all island destinations, including the Krk Tourist Information Centre, located on Ulica Josip Juraj Strossmayer 9.

With the intention of adapting to the growing trends of digitalisation, and with the aim of introducing environmentally friendly solutions, the preparation of this Krk island tourist map in the digital version is currently underway, which will lead to the creation of a corresponding QR code.

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

June 4, 2021 - After an arduous competition between a record number of 39 proposals and 21 producers from all over Croatia, 16 were chosen by a Krk tourist board committee as part of the Krk souvenirs project, ''Gift from Krk''.

As reported by turistickeprice.hr, the jubilee tenth competition application for the Krk souvenirs "Gift from Krk", announced by the Tourist Board of the City of Krk, has ended. The focus of the competition was on the cultural and tourist values ​​of the town and the island of Krk, with an emphasis on accepting creative challenges inspired by the island's natural heritage. A record of 39 proposals was received, 21 producers and authors from all over Croatia, of which 16 were selected, which met the tender criteria.

''Gift from Krk'' Official Banner - Krk Tourist Board

Namely, the souvenir, as a kind of present of the town and the island of Krk, is a reflection of the continuity of its artistic, cultural, cultural-historical, or cultural heritage, i.e., it presents its tangible, intangible, or natural heritage in various ways.

The very thematic dimension of this year's competition is motivated primarily by one of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, which is reflected in the return to nature and which, among many other benefits, has the potential to stimulate creativity and encourage the creation, as evidenced by several newly selected souvenirs.

Tenth Gift from Krk - selected souvenirs

• Alen Mrakovčić: Golden drops of the island - 100 ml, extra virgin olive oil with the addition of edible golden leaves
• Andrea Marhofer: Hand-painted wooden magnets
• Blanka Petric (Craft for making unique ceramics Atelijer Cambun): Thunderbolt flowers, ceramic bracelet with margarine motif
• Blanka Petric (Craft for making unique ceramics Atelijer Cambun): Thunderbolt flowers, ceramic necklace with margarine motif
• Blanka Petric (Craft for making unique ceramics Atelijer Cambun): Thunderbolt flowers, ceramic brooch with margarine motif
• Jasminka Gršković (OPG Gršković Jasminka): Handmade balls made of Krk sheep wool for dryer and washing machine
• Katica Orlovčić: Kamižot, a decorative ceramic vessel inspired by Krk folk costumes
• Ivica Lukarić (Craft for making advertisements and engraving Konto): Six-sided well from Vela place, decorative jewelry box made of laser-engraved plywood
• Ljubica Marević: Cotton men's short-sleeved T-shirt with an applied portrait of Antonio Udine Burbur - the last speaker of the February language
• Ljubica Marević: Cotton women's T-shirt with appliqué text Antonio Udina Burbur - name and surname of the last speaker of the February language
• Mirela Rušin Kokotović and Andrijana Fiorentin Rušin (Craft for Lavandin Services): Big soapy greeting from Krk, gift package with natural soaps
• Monika Kovač (Anagraf d.o.o. - KuSshh Plantation): KuSshh, a line of natural cosmetics for facial care
• Smiljka Franjić and Kristina Ladika: Immortelle - immortelle, set of brass jewelry (earrings, bracelet, and necklace) inspired by immortelle flower
• Zvjezdana Depikolzvane (Craft for production and trade Piccola Stella): Krk hammer, decorative ceramic vessel
• Zvjezdana Depikolzvane (Craft for production and trade Piccola Stella): Noble periscope (Pinna nobilis), decorative ceramic tray
• Zvjezdana Depikolzvane (Craft for production and trade Piccola Stella): Empty (ram), decorative ceramic vessel

Alen Mrakovčić: The Golden Drops of the Island (Krk Tourist Board)

Andrea Marhofer, Hand-painted wooden magnets (Krk Tourist Board)

Blanka Petric, Gromača roses - ceramic bracelet with margarine motif (Krk Tourist Board)

Ljubica Marević, Cotton men's T-shirt - Burbur (Krk Tourist Board)

Monika Kovač (Anagraf d.o.o.), KuSshh - a line of natural cosmetics (Krk Tourist Board)

In the selection of souvenir proposals received during February and March, along with the director of the Krk Tourist Board Ivana Kovačić, the Commission, consisting of Dino Jakovljević, as president, and members Lucija Morić and Igor Gržetić, invested their efforts and expertise.

Considering all the Krk souvenirs selected so far, which are distinguished from the rest of the offer by originality, authenticity, thoughtful concept, and perhaps most of all the quality of workmanship, the people of Krk and their guests have at their disposal a whole range of works of art, various decorative and/or useful objects. and interesting publications, which are also presented through the digital catalog available from the following link.

The new Krk souvenirs will be awarded a recognizable stamp with a prominent bilingual motto Dar from Krk and will be included in a digital bilingual catalog that combines the entire certified souvenir offer in one place, with a photo and contact information of the manufacturer/author.

For more, follow Made in Croatia.

April 18, 2020 - From April 21-26, experience the Camino Krk route through your computers, mobile phones, or tablets thanks to a virtual tour provided by the Krk Tourist Board.

HRTurizam writes that Camino Krk is a great new tourist product as well as a motive for arrivals in the pre and post-season. It is an event commemorating the Croatian Camino Route following the medieval pilgrimage routes on the island of Krk. The Camino Krk themed route also joined the European network of St. James pilgrimage routes, and created the preconditions for the development of pilgrimage and religious tourism on the island.

However, since we are all in isolation at the moment and as tourism has literally stopped, the Tourist Board decided to organize a virtual Camino Krk that brings the experience of the Way of St. James directly to everyone's homes.

Although it is difficult to connect the island of Krk with the famous 'Camino' pilgrimage at first, it is further proof that there are hundreds of phenomenal and authentic stories in Croatia that we need to put together, brand and tell. It is this content that we are chronically missing.

So, how does the island connect with the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James?

The Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Spanish Sanctuary of Santiago de Compostela - the last resting place of St. James the Apostle, patron saint of pilgrims and travelers. From northern Norway and the Baltic countries, signposts lead to Santiago de Compostela, with over 320,000 people traversing the Franco-Spanish section of the route as long as 800 kilometers each year. In 1987, the Council of Europe awarded Camino the longest street in Europe, while in 1993, UNESCO declared its Spanish and French parts a World Heritage Site. Although the network of Camino routes stretches across Europe, Croatia was almost the only European country that, despite its rich pilgrimage tradition, until recently had no route to Santiago.

In Croatia since 1203, the Fraternity of St. James organized pilgrims who then walked from Croatia to Santiago de Compostela and back. The present-day Brotherhood of St. James, based in Samobor, inherits this tradition. They are a member of the St. James in Santiago de Compostela, the central institution that brings together the associations and fraternities of St. James from all over the world. They publish the Croatian pilgrimage passport - Credentil, officially accepted as a pilgrimage certificate with which in Santiago de Compostela, a diploma of completed pilgrimage is obtained.

Last October, at the initiative of the Krk Tourist Board and the Brotherhood of St. James, medieval Krk pilgrim routes were marked as a Croatian contribution to the European network of pilgrim routes of St. James.

Camino Week on Krk is a project that lays the foundations for the development of pilgrimage and religious tourism in order to extend the season and develop tourism following the principles of sustainability and preservation of tradition.

As the first in a series of Croatian Camino routes, Krk proved to be an ideal choice. The island, which, due to its natural and material treasure, rightly prides itself on the epitome of Croatian history and culture, is an ideal backdrop for a spiritual journey, thanks to its old castles and churches, abandoned villages, small medieval towns and beautiful beaches. It is not disingenuous to say that the interior of the island gives the impression of an outdoor cathedral.

"The situation that has spread around the entire world has made it impossible for much of the planned activities, including the holding of the second Camino Week. We have therefore decided to provide the interested audience with a part of the experience with the help of digital tools and hold a Virtual Camino Krk Week, which will be available on our Facebook pages. At the moment, most everyone is spending time in isolation and quarantine, and digital media in the true sense has become their only window into the world. Perhaps this particular story from the island of Krk will embellish our days," said Natasa Jurina, director of the Krk Tourist Board.

Camino Krk is a circular route Krk - Porat - Omisalj - Dobrinj - Vrbnik - Baska - Kornic which covers the whole island. It is about 107 kilometers long and is advised to walk through using the six-day program. Trails are marked between the cities listed, and one is passed each day. Camino Krk also has its own special sign, which with the recognizable symbol Camino bears the Glagolitic script - the oldest Slavic script specific to Croatia and Krk.

The first Camino Week in Krk was held in October 2019, and at the end of April, the second guided tour of the Camino Krk route was to take place.

As this is not possible now, the Krk Tourist Board decided to approach part of this experience virtually. Over the course of six days, you can experience part of the Camino experience virtually through:

- multimedia story for every single day through pictures, video, voice-over, music
- an online photo exhibition with Camino de Santiago with different subjects
- interactive description of daily routes
- attractions and descriptions of individual places, natural and cultural sights along the route
- testimonies of pilgrims who passed Camino Krk
- the messages and thoughts of the day about what can be learned on the Camino

The tour will also include e-stamps, or an e-passport for pilgrims, and at the end of the six-day virtual tour, all "travelers" will receive an e-Composel, while the original Compostela will be able to be picked up at the Krk Tourist Board live when possible.

"This is a new experience for all of us, we are doing it for the first time, and we apologize in advance if the production is not flawless due to the short preparation time. However, we have a strong desire to provide you with some of the experience you have been deprived of because of the current situation and we want to do the best we can. Join us and be part of the first virtual Camino Krk adventure. Thank you to everyone who will join and contribute," concludes Natasa Jurina.

The project was designed by the Krk Tourist Board and the digital marketing agency Smartingo.com, and the great news is that all tourist boards on the island of Krk have joined the project: Tourist Board of Omišalj and Njivice, Tourist Board of Malinska, Tourist Board of Baška, Tourist Board of Dobrinj, Tourist Board of Punat, and the Krk Island Tourist Board.

From April 21-26, experience Camino Krk through your computers, mobile phones or tablets on the City of History and Culture's Facebook page.

Find out more about the whole project HERE

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January 16, 2020 - Gifts from Krk is a project of the Krk Tourist Board, which has proven to be the most successful in the Croatian market when talking about defining and encouraging the creation of authentic souvenirs for a tourist destination.

HRTurizam writes that it is essential to emphasize that this project focuses on quality and not plastic souvenirs from China. This year, the Krk Tourist Board announced the ninth consecutive tender to apply to be an official souvenir, which will be marked with the ‘gifts from Krk’ stamp.

The souvenirs can be works of art and art objects, arts and crafts and gastronomy, clothing and usable items, and graphic materials and multimedia [photographs and video materials]. The solutions must be of high-quality artistry made of environmentally friendly materials, the competition states.

This year's competition will give preference to souvenirs that interpret the cultural and tourist values of the city in different ways, taking into account its historical heritage, the richness of architectural, sculptural, and artistic heritage, and the specialty of natural surroundings.

The tender is guided by the most renowned Krk manifestation ‘Camino Week’, which began at the beginning of October last year, following the medieval pilgrimage routes of the island of Krk, the commemoration of the official Croatian Camino route as part of the European network of pilgrimage routes of Sv. Jakov. Thus, the emphasis is placed on accepting creative challenges that are stimulated by the lives of saints related to the city and island of Krk, their specific iconography and related symbolism, added the Tourist Board.

Gifts from Krk is a stamp that is given to a souvenir as a kind of presentation of the city, thus reflecting the continuity of its artistic, cultural and historical heritage, while also presenting its material, intangible and natural heritage.

You can find the souvenirs thus far labeled as a gift from Krk here, while you can find more details about the competition here. 

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