Baška: the spectacular finale of Krk Island

If you drive the island road from north to south, your journey ends in a dramatic valley basin. Here, sheltered by the massive Velebit mountain range on the mainland and the local hills, lies Baška. It is Krk’s place of superlatives: here you’ll find the most famous beach, the oldest history and probably the wildest landscape in the entire Kvarner Bay.

Once a village of fishermen, winegrowers and shepherds, Baška has developed since 1904 (when the first hotel opened) into one of Croatia’s most sought-after holiday destinations.

Vela Plaža: the beach that changed everything

The heart of Baška is undisputedly “Vela Plaža” (the big beach).

• The facts: A 1,800-metre-long natural crescent of fine pebbles and sand (in the water). It is one of the few beaches on the island where you can walk barefoot for ages in shallow water.
• The experience: In high summer the beach is very lively and colourful. This is where life pulses. If you prefer it quieter, take one of the water taxis from the harbour to the hidden bays of Vela Luka and Mala Luka, which are hard to reach on foot.

Good to know: Since 1999 Vela Plaža has proudly flown the “Blue Flag” for excellent water quality and cleanliness.

A look at history: the cradle of Croatia

For Croatians, Baška is a sacred place.

• 1100 AD: In the church of St Lucy (Sveta Lucija) in the suburb of Jurandvor, the “Baška Tablet” (Bašćanska ploča) was discovered – one of the oldest documents of the Croatian language, carved in Glagolitic script.
• Experience culture: Today you can see a replica of the tablet in Jurandvor and learn more about the Adriatic underwater world at the local aquarium in the centre.
• Tradition: In the past the village lived almost entirely from winegrowing and sheep farming. The barren hills around Baška still bear witness to the painstakingly built dry-stone walls (“gromače”) erected by shepherds.

Active holidays: hiking on the moon

While life is in full swing down on the beach, above Baška you’ll find absolute silence.

• The moon plateau (Plato Mjeseca): One of Croatia’s most spectacular hiking routes. The landscape up here is so stony and barren that it really does resemble the surface of the moon. The view from up here of the islands of Prvić and Rab is priceless.
• Hiking: With over 90 km of marked hiking trails Baška is the island’s hiking centre.
• Climbing: Three climbing areas (including Bunculuka) attract athletes from all over Europe.

Baška today: facts & lifestyle

Baška has a dynamic all of its own, shaped by its geographical “dead-end” location – those who come here want to come exactly here.

• Population: In winter around 1,600 locals live a quiet life here. In summer the number of people in the valley grows many times over.
• Food & drink: Along the long waterfront promenade and in the narrow lanes of the old town (“Stari Grad”) you’ll find more than 30 restaurants and konobas.
  • Tip: Try the handmade “Šurlice” (pasta) with goulash or the region’s famous lamb specialities.
• The bora: Baška is known for its wind. The famous bora (north wind) often blows strongly here, bringing crystal-clear air and fantastic visibility – it’s also why the mountains facing the mainland are almost bare of vegetation.

Conclusion

Baška is the perfect place for holidaymakers who want to make no compromises – You get the big sand/pebble beach for the kids, the high mountains for hikers and historical depth for culture lovers. It is wilder and more dramatic than gentle Malinska or quiet Njivice.