Planning on visiting Baška on the beautiful Island Krk? If so, you came to the right place! Since Baška is my hometown I will give you advice, first hand, from a local. Expect to find information on ways to arrive, accommodation in Baška, best beaches, best restaurants & cafes, list of outdoor activities in Baška & more. If you are an outdoor type of person that loves being active, Baška is a great choice. With two surrounding mountains, you will have plenty of hiking and cycling trails to enjoy. For the more adventurous, Baška offers 4 climbing areas. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, where the biggest activity is swimming and tanning, Baška will offer you exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s get into it and let me show you why my hometown is a place you have to visit!
Table of contents
- Baška info
- Where to stay?
- How to get to Baška?
- When to visit Baška?
- What to do in Baška?
- Where to eat in Baška?
- Where to grab a drink?
- Additional tips
Need more info about Baška?
Let’s fill you in with some general info so that you know where you’re going! Baška is situated on the very south of Island Krk, one of the biggest islands in Croatia. If you have ever googled Baška (and since you’re reading this I’m guessing you just have), you must have seen its stunning beach. Vela plaža (in translation big beach but also called Baska Beach) is one of the longest beaches in Croatia. Vela plaža is a 2km long, natural pebble beach with a mostly sandy sea floor. This means that there is no worry about stepping on sea urchins. Except for Vela plaža, Baška has a large number of smaller beaches all throughout the coast that I will mention later. Ps, there are around 30 beaches in Baška!
The long history of Baška holds one of the most important monuments in Croatia, the Baška tablet, or in Croatian, Bašćanska ploča. The Baška tablet is one of the first documents written in Glagolitic script dating back to the year 1100.. Unfortunately the original tablet can be found in Zagreb. Today, the home of Bašćanska ploča, the church of Sveta Lucija (St. Lucy) in Jurandvor, holds its replica.
Baška is a small town with the population of around 1500 people. These numbers of course grow rapidly in summer months. If you want to experience the true life of an islander, come visit us in January! Even though summer here is amazing, if you want to meet locals and really feel what living like a local looks like, the best time to visit is in spring and fall.
Where to stay in Baška?
Hotels
Baška offers various types of accommodation. The range of 3 to 5 star hotels, camps & private accommodation, such as apartments and rooms, means there is something for everyone. If your perfect vacation involves an all inclusive accommodation, a hotel would be the best choice for you! Baška offers 6 hotels, all situated along the one and only Vela plaža. Choose your favourite – Heritage Hotel Forza, Hotel Tamaris, Valamar Atrium Baška Residence, Corinthia Baška Sunny Hotel by Valamar, Valamar Villa Adra, Valamar Zvonimir Hotel. Find more info like pictures, prices & availability here!
Private accommodation
If you’re looking for a more homey vibe and don’t mind making your own meals from time to time, your best option is private accommodation. Private accommodation in Baška can mean renting a whole house or villa, an apartment or just a room. If you don’t know how to pack light and going for a swim involves a LOT of accessories (umbrella, floaties, ball, snorkeling gear…), trust me you will appreciate all the space you can get!
A great number of private accommodation is on Booking & AirBnb but also make sure to check out the local tourist agencies. Often these agencies have even better prices and maybe even more date options available. These tourist agencies can give you a lot more information about accommodation but also about Baška!
Since my family owns a house with private accommodation (shown in this photo), I will give you the link so that you can check it out. Who knows maybe we will meet! Ps. I would love to meet you!
Camping
If you are more into van life (take me with you!), campers & camping, you will find your spot in one of 3 campsites that Baška offers. The biggest campsite in Baška is the 4 star Baška Beach Camping Resort situated along Vela plaža.
The second, Bunculuka Camping Resort, is a naturist campsite situated in the most beautiful cove in the Baška valley – Bunculuka. With a private pebble beach it is the paradise place for those who don’t like getting tan lines! No wonder so many people return year after year! Even though it is pretty secluded from the crowds, it is still only a 15min walk to the centre! Surrounded by pine trees and crystal clear sea I would say that this is the most stunning naturist camp in Croatia! The last but not least is the Camping Ground Mali, a private, family owned camp. Kamp Mali is only a 2 min walk from Vela plaža (Baska Beach) and offers 30 camping pitches, so make sure to get yours in time!
How to get to Baška
Even though it is an island, Krk is connected with the land by bridge. Opened in 1980., the Krk Bridge makes this island feel like the mainland. Since recently it has been renovated and free of charge. If you are arriving without a vehicle, you don’t have to worry. Island of Krk has an airport that is well connected with many European cities during the season. Rijeka International Airport (don’t let the name fool you, its situated on Island of Krk) is 45km from Baška. From Rijeka Airport you can take a taxi to Baška. I can recommend Taxi Gizmo, they offer taxi services for up to 8 people.
When to visit Baška
We all know that Baška is famous as a summer destination. Even though summer obviously offers the best weather, visiting in summer is not the best choice for everyone. Let’s put it this way! If you are looking for a proper summer vacation, swimming in crystal clear sea, tanning, snorkeling, kayaking, renting a boat, going parasailing, tubing, diving… Then yes, visiting Baška (and Croatia in general) in the summer months, from June to September, is ideal for you! If you are looking for an active holiday, a great time to visit is mid October during Baška Outdoor Festival. Baška Outdoor Festival is a celebration of all the sports that Baška offers. The festival offers activities for both families, beginners and sport enthusiasts so no one will be left out!
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more active holiday or just a weekend getaway, visiting in the spring/autumn is a better choice. Often, spring and autumn have great weather, just perfect for hiking or biking. With its two hills surrounding the valley, Baška has become famous as the perfect outdoor destination. Now don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to be a professional hiker, there is a trail for everyone. The lower temperatures in the off-season are perfect for enjoying the nature and all the views Baška has to offer. Not to mention that you will have the place pretty much for yourself!
Baška all year round
The nature around Baška is the most breathtaking in spring and fall months. The stunning spring views of blooming sage (kuš, kadulja), scotch broom (brneštra), immortelle (smilje) will make a beautiful backdrop for your photos. You can also go asparagus picking and make a dinner! The fall on the other hand offers mushroom picking. The colours in the off-season are truly spectacular and make every month special.
What to do in Baška
Enjoy the beaches
The main reason why people visit Baška is its stunning beaches. Vela plaža is the main beach in Baška and one of the most famous beaches on the Adriatic coast. This beach is great for families with children. Vela plaža offers an easy access to the beach as well as many shops, caffes, ice cream places & fast food which will make your day carefree. Besides Vela plaža you can find many smaller beaches on your way to the port.
Secluded beaches
For those who are looking for a more off the beaten path kind of beaches, Baška has something for you as well. These beaches will require either a walk or a taxi boat ride. Some of these beaches are Storišće beach, Mali Raj, Vrženica, Dubna beach, Konjska.
The two most famous beaches are Vela Luka and Mala Luka. These beaches are situated in beautiful coves and are around 15min by boat from Baška. They are connected with a path which means you can walk to one another. Both of these beaches offer a restaurant. Vela Luka has a larger beach that offers sunbeds and sun umbrellas at a certain price. You don’t have to worry about lunch, since there is a restaurant but make sure to bring a snack or two since swimming all day can definitely make you hungry! Also the restaurant offers a toilette which is always great.
Island Prvić
Island Prvić, situated in front of Baška, is the largest uninhabited island in Croatia. Prvić is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in this area. Since the island is mostly used by shepherds, don’t be surprised if you see sheep walking around! With 17 species of endemic plants, Prvić is protected as a botanical and bird reserve. The bees that are kept on the Island of Prvić make some of the best, high quality sage honey so make sure to buy a jar! The best way to find it is to ask a local. Also, keep in mind that the amount of this honey per year is limited!
How to get to secluded beaches?
There are a few options on how to visit the secluded beaches near Baška. The first option is booking a tour, this means booking a seat on the taxi boat that will drop you off and pick you up at a certain time. These boats depart every 10-15min and you can find them in the port.
Another option is renting a boat, but for this option you have to have a boat license. Renting a boat is great because it gives you more flexibility and you can visit more places in a day. If this sounds appealing, but you do not have a boat license, don’t worry.
Another option is booking a private tour where a skipper will show you some of the best spots, not only on Island Krk but also on Prvić, Goli Otok or Grgur!
For renting a boat or taking a private tour with a skipper, my recommendation is Regula Rent a Boat. You can find more info about what they offer on their website.
Boat excursions
I would highly recommend booking a boat excursion and making a trip to the nearby islands. These tours will take you to islands Rab, Goli Otok, Grgur and sometimes the stunning Zavratnica fjord. The chance of seeing dolphins is not excluded! This is a great way to see more islands in a short period of time. You can find these boats in the port, but you can buy the tickets on stands along the promenade. One of them can be found in front of hotel Zvonimir.
Walking, hiking, biking & climbing
Mjesečev put or Moons Trail
Our stunning valley offers much more than just beaches. Its hills are home to some of the best views, that are well worth hiking for! Baška offers many trails across both hills. These trails come in a variety of lengths and stages of difficulty.
One of the most popular and also easier is the “Trail to the Moon and Back” or “Moons Trail” (Officially “Put ka Mjesecu”). This stunning trail offers spectacular views from every corner, so don’t forget to bring a camera! It also offers some shade which is always a plus! The first stop on your way up will be the church Sv. Ivan which offers the first view of the day. After many beautiful views, you will arrive to the “Moon Plateau” or “Mjesečev plato”, the endless rocks will make you realise where the name came from! While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the most popular pond on the island, called Lokva Diviška!
Vela Luka and Mala Luka
A more difficult trail is the one from Baška to Vela Luka and Mala Luka. Because of its difficulty it would be best to start hiking early in the morning when the temperatures are lower. Make sure to bring enough water and food, good hiking shoes, sun screen and of course a camera. If you will be visiting in the summer months, don’t forget a bathing suite! The Vela Luka beach is definitely one of the prettier ones in Croatia!
Bag
Another one of my favourite trails is the one that takes you to Bag and offers a stunning view of Baška from a different perspective, as if you were watching from the sea. This is not a difficult trail and it is pretty short, it will take you about an hour. Again make sure to bring good shoes and NOT FLIP FLOPS!
Near Bag you can find a new installation called Kapi. It consists of two glass drops situated in Ljubimer, surrounded with mrgari (dry stone walls used for separating sheep into groups). Kapi (Drops) are a new installation made by two artists Smiljan Radić and Marcela Correa as part of the Rijeka 2020 project. From here you can walk all the way to the village Batomalj. Which ever trail you choose, you can expect amazing views from every corner!
If you are more into biking than hiking, Baška offers trails for you as well. The network of cycling trails connects the whole Island of Krk. Many visitors cycle their way to “Moon Plateau”, this is a much more difficult version than hiking, but if biking is your passion you will love it! If biking all the way up to “Moon Plateau” is not challenging enough for you, you can continue all the way to Portafortuna and make your way back by road. This is a 26km route and it requires a mountain bike! If you are looking for an easy family friendly route, you can take the Zarok – Draga Bašćanska route. This is an easy route and does not include climbing which means it is perfect for all ages.
Another route is the Portafortuna track that goes from restaurant Mošuna to the source of Vela Rika. Baška also hosts the famous international 4 islands race. With so many beautiful trails, with all stages of difficulty, no wonder this great organisation chose Baška to be one of its race destinations!
If rock climbing is your go to activity, Baška offers 4 climbing areas for you. These are Portafortuna, Belove Stene, Bunculuka, & Bag.
Zip-lining
Another fun outdoor activity is Zip-lining. Zip-line Edison can be found on Treskavac, before entering the Baška valley. The zip line offers amazing views of the valley with 8 lines and a total length of 2km. The duration is around 2h and it depends on the group size. Make sure to bring some comfortable close and sneakers! Children under 12 years have an instructor with them for safety reasons. Here you can find more information about Zip Line Edison.
Water sports
Make time for water sports, the sea is what Baška is famous for after all! You can find parasailing, tubing, diving, surfing, you can rent a SUP or a Kayak and enjoy our beautiful bay. The best thing is that is you go parasailing, you will get to see Baška from a birds perspective!
Visit nearby towns
When visiting Baška make sure to have a day just for exploring nearby towns. Krk and Vrbnik are definitely a must while on the island. The city of Krk is the centre of the island. Visiting its Frankopan Castle, Tower by the sea and the walls surrounding the old town will give you a glimpse of its rich history. The town of Vrbnik is famous for its wine Žlahtina. Surrounded with vineyards, Vrbnik is a town everyone should visit while on the island. I would advise you to enter a local winery and taste some of the best wines and delicacies Vrbnik has to offer. Its old town is also well worth admiring!
Baška Aquarium
Another great activity, specially for families with children is visiting the Baška aquarium, situated in the centre.
Where to eat in Baška
Baška offers many restaurants and fast foods all along the cost and it’s impossible to name them all. I will recommend those that I have personally visited. Some of the restaurants are Kalun, Mareta, Franica, Cicibela, Lantino, Malin (it’s in Batomalj and the view of the green fields and the hill is amazing).
Croatian cuisine
A must try are: fish, prosciutto, octopus, scampi, local cheese from the island, local olive oil, šurlice (traditional pasta) – my personal favourite are in restaurant Zora in Dobrinj. Another specialty is roast lamb on the spit, you can find a local one in restaurant Mošuna (entrance to the Baška valley). Lamb or locally called “janjetina” even has its own festival called “Crna Ovca”. Crna Ovca is held in May and it is a weekend dedicated to lamb & having a great time! Its a weekend for sports and recreation, music and gastronomy. Lamb is something Baška is know for. The secret for its amazing taste is a diet full of aromatic herbs from Island Prvić. Thats why you’ll see sheep while tanning on a beach on Prvić!
On the picture, you can see šurlice with kozice (shrimp) from restaurant Zora in Dobrinj.
Since my family owns a fast food, soft ice and ice cream places, I have to mention it too! We had our fast food for over 30 years now and last year we expanded it a lot. Its name is Tomatino and you can find it right in front of the hotel Corinthia, on the promenade. In front of Tomatino is our ice cream place which has also been operating for over 30 years. Another ice cream place “Tutti frutti” is in Zarok, at the end of Vela plaža and the soft ice “Pinguino” is on the beach in front of hotel Atrium. If you are looking for burgers, pizza or ice cream, pay us a visit, I would love to meet you!
Where to grab a drink
Baška offers many caffe bars scattered all around Baška so finding a favourite place shouldn’t be a problem. If you are looking for a place to get a cocktail in the evening, check out Porto Club, Bikini and Giardino by Lantino.
Additional tips
Go to Stara Baška for sunset
Go to Dobrinj, restaurant Zora and try Šurlice with gulaš
Try the cake Krčka kneginja in Casa del Padrone in Krk
Visit the Golden Beach – accessible by boat (see the picture)
Go to Olive Garden in Punat for sunset & olive oil degustation
Visit Kuća krčkog pršuta (House of Krk’s prosciutto) and the most delicious local prosciutto
Go to Agroturizam Dvori Svetog Jurja in Pinezići (beware that a reservation will be needed)
Explore more
When visiting Baška, make sure to use the hashtag Visit Baška and tag Visit Baška profile. This is the official profile of the Baška tourist board and they love seeing and reposting stories from our dear tourists. If you prefer Facebook, they post all of the upcoming events on they Visit Baška profile. Also for more details and maps of Baška head to Visit Baška – the tourist board website. If you are to google Best beaches in Croatia or Best beaches on Island Krk, Baska beach or Vela plaža as we call it, will definitely pop up! Another paradise beach in Croatia is our Vela Luka beach that is a must visit! There are countless things to see in Croatia but visiting Baška and Island Krk should definitely be high on your list!
Some other paradise places in Croatia are Island Hvar, Island of Vis and Istria. If you will be making a trip down south make sure to check out things to do on Island Hvar and why you just have to visit Island of Vis. If on the other hand you will stay up on the northern coast, make sure to visit the magical Central Istria!
I hope I managed to share the love for my hometown. My wish is that everyone visits our little town and has the best holiday ever! If you need any more information, contact me on insta: @donateladekanic. Until next time, love, laugh, travel, explore, stay healthy and see you in the true paradise in Croatia – Baška!
