Night-time earthquake shakes the Kvarner Bay: holidaymakers on Krk woken from their sleep
Last night (7 August 2026), many locals and tourists in the Kvarner Bay were rudely woken from their sleep. Just a few minutes before this article was published, a distinct rumbling and shaking passed through the region. The night-time natural event was clearly noticeable, especially on the mainland coast but also for many holidaymakers currently spending their well-deserved time in their accommodation on the island of Krk.
The facts about the earthquake
According to initial automatic analyses by the independent seismological centre EMSC (European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre) the quake occurred at exactly 01:20 local time.
- Magnitude: 3.3 on the Richter scale
- Depth: 9 kilometres
- Epicentre: About 8 km east-south-east of Crikvenica and approx. 33 km from Rijeka.
Even though a magnitude 3.3 quake does not usually cause serious damage to buildings, it is strong enough to set hearts racing in the night. The fright is often great, especially when you are in a foreign holiday country. The Kvarner Bay region and Croatia in general are seismically active – lighter quakes do occur, but they often serve to release tension between the tectonic plates. Dangerous major earthquakes are absolute exceptions in this immediate coastal region. So you can continue to enjoy your excursions and your next beach holiday on Krk without worry.
“Like a loud clap of thunder” – the first reactions from eyewitnesses
We have gathered the first, most exciting and most immediate comments from eyewitnesses who experienced the event very close to the epicentre. This is how people from Crikvenica, Selce and the surrounding area describe the short but intense seconds:
- “Like a strong blow from below, very unsettling.” – Eyewitness from Bribir (approx. 9 km from the epicentre)
- “First there was a loud rumble, then it shook slightly.” – Eyewitness from Crikvenica
- “It shook quite a bit, like a loud clap of thunder.” – Eyewitness from Mrkopalj
- “The fridge wobbled and there was a brief loud noise.” – Report from Selce
- “Quite strong and unpleasant for about 5 or 6 seconds.” – Eyewitness from Crikvenica
- “A jolt with a rumble and then a trembling.” – Eyewitness from Selce
- “Slight vibrations. At first I was very confused about what was happening, but in the end nothing too serious.” – Eyewitness from Crikvenica
- “Like driving over a speed bump while sitting in the car.” – Eyewitness from Mrkopalj
The reports show that the quake was mainly announced by a loud rumble, followed by a short but distinct jolt. Fortunately, it remained no more than a fright in the night.
Important note for property owners: what to check after an earthquake
Do you have a holiday home or a villa with a pool on the island of Krk or in the Kvarner Bay but are not currently on site? News of earthquakes in your own holiday region often makes many owners uneasy from afar. Even after supposedly light quakes, it is advisable to check the property promptly for possible invisible damage in order to avoid costly consequential damage.
This is what should be checked on the property:
- Pool and building services: Are there new hairline cracks in the pool basin? Is the plant room dry, or are there leaks at the pumps and filters?
- Water pipes and plumbing: An unnoticed drop in pressure or damp patches on the walls can indicate cracked pipes.
- Facade and structure: Have new cracks appeared in the plaster or on the load-bearing walls?
- Roof and chimney: Have roof tiles shifted? They could become a real problem in the next bora storm.
Our expert tip: If you can’t check things yourself, a reliable partner on site is indispensable. The professionals at Property management Krk carry out exactly these kinds of inspections quickly and easily for you. The team drives straight to your property, checks all critical points from the pool to the roof and gives you an immediate all-clear with photos and a short report. That way, even from afar, you can always be sure that everything is in perfect order with your property.
Did you feel the earthquake on Krk too? Were you woken from your sleep? Share your experiences with us in the comments below! Stay safe and keep enjoying the beauty of Croatia. For more tips, the latest news and the best excursion destinations, stay tuned to www.Krk-info.eu.
