In the Adriatic Sea there are more than a thousand islands. The largest of them is Krk, in Croatia. Spectacular landscapes, mild climate, interesting history made it a real gem of the country. For over a hundred years, it has been one of its most popular tourist and cultural centers.
A bit about history and geography
Like the entire Adriatic coast, Krk was inhabited in pre-Roman times. In antiquity it was called the “Golden Island”. The Slavs came here in the 7th century, but were unable to maintain control over the lands for a long time. The territory of Krka was in the hands of the Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, Germans, French, Italians. It was part of Yugoslavia, and after its collapse again became Croatian.
At the end of the 19th century, Krk in Croatia was the only place where the Dalmatian language was preserved. In the rest of the region, it disappeared in the 16th century. The last native speaker was Tuone Udayna, who died in 1898.
The island of Krk in Croatia belongs to the Dalmatian region. It is washed by Kvarner Bay and is located near the cities of Rijeka and Opatija. It has more than 20 settlements, in which up to 18 thousand people live in total.
On the island of Krk in Croatia is located the international airport of Rijeka, which receives tourists mainly from Europe. It is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. He is often called Titov in honor of the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tit. This is the second longest arch bridge in the world, with a length of 1,430 meters.
Krk Tourism
Croatia is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for holidays. The tourist potential of Krka was noticed at the end of the last century. There are no industrial enterprises, but there is a lot of sun and heat, and the sea temperature lasts 20-26 degrees until mid-September.
The first hotels and guest houses on the island appeared before the First World War. They came here mainly from Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but now the geography of visitors has expanded significantly. Today, local residents earn exclusively tourism.
Sights of Krka in Croatia are fishing villages with clean beaches, boat trips, mud baths, dishes with freshly caught seafood. Here you can visit the festival dedicated to Krk folklore, admire medieval architecture and unique nature.
Krk beaches
Despite all its advantages, the first reason they go to Krk in Croatia is beaches. Most of them are sand and gravel. The most popular resorts are located in the cities of Baska, Solin, Malinsk and Krk.
Family is good to relax in Malinsk. Here you can go in for water sports and volleyball with special coaches. The entrance to the water is shallow, which is great for children. There are rocky beaches in Krka, and lakes with healing mud are located in Solin.
Cities
Krk is the largest city of the island with a population of 5 thousand people. It contains the remains of a fortification and the Roman Forum, supplemented by a Venetian tower in the Middle Ages. The main attraction is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in 1186 and still operating today.
Baska is the capital of Croatia. In it was found "Bashchanska plocha" - the oldest example of the Croatian Glagolitic alphabet. The city has an aquarium with sea fish Adriatic. Around it are many medieval churches.
Writing glorified and Vrbnik. Once upon a time there was a printing house where Croatian verbal texts were printed. Now signs on some houses testify to it. It is located on a hill in the eastern part of the island of Krk in Croatia.
It houses one of the best-preserved fortresses in the country, the chapel and bell tower of the Renaissance, and one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Particular attention is paid to Vrbnik plantations. Autochthonous grapes are grown on the local slopes, and then Vrbnichka Zhlakhtina wine is made. Champagne is also produced here, which is not aged in cellars, but under water.
Nature
Krk is famous for its unique nature. It contains 1400 species of plants, which makes up almost half of all types of Croatia. In the vicinity of the town of Baska, there is one rare species that is characteristic only for this area - barbašova lazarkinja.
A lot of birds nest on the island. In its northeastern part, bjeloglavi sup or white-headed vulture settles. This is a large neck, up to one meter in size and wingspan from 2.30 to 2.70 meters. Typical poultry foods are sheep and other large mammals.
There is also a large karst cave of Biseiruk on the island. It is equipped with lighting and safe trails. Here you can see beautiful mineral growths, various stalactites and stalagmites. Its lowest point is at a depth of 13 meters.