Krk Island — a Hiker’s Paradise
With more than 300 km of marked walking paths, with sailing, diving, and wakeboard clubs, with cycling routes, tennis courts, and many other sports-related areas, the island of Krk is the perfect place for an active vacation.
Its location in the northern part of the Adriatic sea has made Krk famous as the “golden island,” a favorite vacation spot for Western Europeans ever since ancient times.
In 1980, the island was connected to the mainland by a 1,400m long bridge, which leads to many people not even considering it an island. But don’t let this accessibility fool you, because the peace, tranquility, and island charm have not been lost.
The southern coast is extremely steep with peaks rising vertically 40m above the water; Griffon vultures inhabit the area, which has led to its being declared an ornithological reserve. The northern coast abounds with greenness and gentle coves and bays where you can peacefully enjoy the clear waters of the Adriatic. Probably the best way to see all of this is to go hiking. Three types of walking paths make it quite easy for anyone to walk around the entire island.
As I’m not an expert in hiking, I only walked on the promenade paths by the sea. The experience was so fulfilling because when I thought that the sight couldn’t get any more beautiful, I walked a bit more and found an even better view: a small fishing village and a pebble beach hidden in the bay!
I plan to come back to this island and hike on the difficult hiking trails which give access to the inland of the island where rocky hills alternate with fertile fields toward the highest mountain peaks. The untouched natural beauty and numerous viewpoints are the main reasons fellow hikers have said these paths are worth exploring.
All of the paths not only lead through amazing scenery, but also connect to cultural and historical sites. One of the oldest and the most important Glagolitic monuments from the 11th century was discovered here on the island at St. Lucija church; this monument is the main historical attraction on the island.
A modern-day attraction is Valomet champagne, made from the island’s well-known wine Vrbnička Žlahtina. What makes Valomet champagne so special is that it is fermented in the sea. Yes, you read that right: bottles are not placed in a basement, but rather 30 m deep in the Adriatic sea, where the temperature remains a constant 12 C, perfect for champagne fermentation.
The taste is as unique as the method itself, which is why this champagne has won numerous awards: a definite ‘must-try’ for all.
Written by Vanja Nedić, an Eastern Europe travel enthusiast.
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We have also written about Prague, Viscri, Košice, the unique cave bath of Miskolctapolca, Kraków, Plitvice Lakes Natural Park, Lake Bled, Veliko Tarnovo, Novi Sad, Stari Bar, Bánffy Castle, Hunyadi Castle, Gyula, Kaunas, Gauja National Park, Kuressaare, Ruhnu, Zadar, Mostar, Tartu, Wigry National Park, Budva, Mileştii Mici Winery, Ljubljana, and Rupea Fortress.
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