Krk town crowned “Eco City”
Why the golden island is Croatia’s greenest holiday paradise!
Anyone spending their holiday on the island of Krk feels it from the very first breath: the air smells of pines and sea salt, the historic lanes sparkle with cleanliness and the water of the Adriatic shimmers such a clear turquoise that you can count every pebble on the seabed. This incomparable way of life has now been honoured at the highest national level! In the big vote for the “Best City in Croatia” (Najbolji grad), Krk town has won its first major title as “Eco City” – and at the same time secured an excellent second place in the category of education, demography and youth.
A triumph against strong competition: Krk makes history
The festive award ceremony took place as part of the 10th Days of Regional Development and European Union Funds in Šibenik. For the ninth time already, the renowned portal Gradonačelnik.hr, the major Croatian daily Jutarnji list and the market research institute Ipsos named the country’s model cities. What’s special: Krk town has been in the final continuously in all nine years since the competition began – a consistency unmatched in Croatia!
In the coveted category “Eco City” (environmental protection and sustainable development), our island capital prevailed against well-known competitors from all over the country, including large cities and strong centres such as Split, Zadar, Velika Gorica, Sveta Nedelja, Zaprešić, Petrinja and Buzet. An independent expert jury assessed concrete environmental projects, measures introduced and measurable ecological results. When Igor Hrast, head of Krk town’s economy department, received the trophy in Šibenik, it was already the eighth overall victory for Krk town in this prestigious competition.
But that’s not all: in the category “Education, demography, social policy and youth” (among Croatia’s small towns), Krk won a fantastic 2nd place based on official financial and statistical data – right behind Crikvenica and ahead of the neighbouring island of Mali Lošinj. Krk also once again made it into the top finalists as a “Smart City”. And another reason to celebrate for all island fans: for the first time this year, municipalities were also allowed to compete, and the picturesque neighbouring municipality of Punat promptly took a strong 3rd place in the economy category!
What makes Krk an “Eco City”? Figures that delight holidaymakers!
Why is this award so important for your next holiday in Croatia? Quite simply: sustainability on Krk is not a dry theoretical concept on paper, but pure holiday quality that you experience directly on every beach, on every promenade and in every holiday home. Krk town’s application convinced the jury with impressive facts:
♻️ Exemplary island ecosystem & crystal-clear sea
Krk has an island-wide waste management system with door-to-door collection, recycling yards, a sorting plant and its own composting plant. In the Krk town area alone, an impressive 55.63% of municipal waste was collected separately in 2024 – a top figure in Croatia! In addition, 89% of all households are connected to the modern wastewater treatment system. For swimmers, this means: unclouded swimming pleasure and the highest water quality at the most beautiful beaches on Krk such as Porporela, Dražica or Ježevac.
☀️ Solar power from the golden island
With around 2,500 hours of sunshine a year, Krk not only spoils sun worshippers but also produces clean green electricity. Three large solar power plants – Treskavac, Ponikve and on the fire station (Vatrogasni dom) – together generate around 238,000 kWh of electrical energy a year. At the same time, public buildings such as the fire station and the community centre in Bajčići have been renovated for energy efficiency, and the energy renovation of the health centre (Dom zdravlja) is already under contract.
⚡ 100% LED romance & relaxed e-mobility for your journey
Anyone strolling through the millennia-old old town in the evening after one of the spectacular sunsets on Krk enjoys an atmospheric lighting concept with a clear conscience: all public street lighting has been converted 100% to modern LED technology, reducing energy consumption by an average of 75% and reducing light pollution. Those travelling on holiday by electric car will also find perfect conditions: while the town administration and municipal companies have long been using electric vehicles, there are already 12 public charging stations or connection points for electric cars available in the town area.
An island that pulls together
That the culture and history of Krk combine so harmoniously with state-of-the-art environmental protection is the result of years of teamwork. After Krk had already been named best small town for the economy in 2018 and 2019, for the highest quality of life three times in a row in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and best small “Smart City” in 2021 and 2022, the “Eco City” title crowns this unique collection.
Mayor Darijo Vasilić and head of economy Igor Hrast stressed after the ceremony that this success did not come about overnight. Besides the millions invested in solar energy, energy renovations and water treatment, the prize belongs above all to the citizens and the municipal companies of the whole island. Because a town only becomes truly green when locals and guests alike understand that this unique Mediterranean nature is our most valuable shared asset.
Record tally in the competition
9 years in a row in the grand final – Krk is Croatia’s absolute leader for quality of life and holidays!
All 8 winning titles of Krk town at a glance:
- 🏆 2026: “Eco City” winner (plus 2nd place for education & youth)
- 💡 2021 & 2022: 2x best small “Smart City” in Croatia
- ❤️ 2019, 2020 & 2021: 3x best small town for the highest quality of life
- 📈 2018 & 2019: 2x best small town for the economy
Experience Croatia’s cleanest & most liveable island up close!
Treat yourself to a break in a place where nature conservation, family-friendliness and Mediterranean enjoyment go hand in hand. Discover our latest tips, dream beaches and highlights for your unforgettable holiday on the island of Krk!
Sources & references: This article is based on the official reports on the “Najbolji grad” award ceremony in Šibenik by Gradonačelnik.hr and on official information from Krk town (Grad Krk).
Insider knowledge about the island of Krk – first hand.
