Krk Island, often known as the “Golden Island” since ancient times, is home to Stara Baska – a somewhat lost Croatian paradise. This charming little town, thanks to its unique natural characteristics, has dreamy beaches with clear waters and small pebbles and even some that are off the beaten path and scattered in between the hills that will surprise you! This is the destination for all those looking to explore stunning views of the northern Adriatic Sea.
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What is Stara Baška?
Located on the south-western side of Krk island, Stara Baška (which is Croatian for Old Baška) is an old shepherd’s village, thanks to its bordering hills, that was developed in the 14th century when local herdsmen sought refuge from the Ottoman invasion. While it’s beautiful, don’t expect a huge resort! The town of Stara Baška is very small, with only 100 inhabitants. Its roads are also among the narrowest on the island.
The town is part of the Punat municipality, where the only road leading to Stara Baška begins. Its remoteness makes the village of Stara Baška a quiet and unique destination even during the busiest summer months, especially if you don’t mind walking a few hundred meters to find a deserted beach. (Which we totally recommend!)
The landscape is mountainous and incredibly arid with almost no vegetation, but with incredible sunsets and the clearest waters. The town is home to several homestays and hotels, as well as 5 restaurants, a camping ground and a couple of small supermarkets, so you can easily spend a few days here.
Don’t mistake Stara Baška with the town of “Baška”. New Baška, or simply Baška, is located in the south-central part of the island on the other side of the mountains, and the only way to get there is by driving up until the town of Krk, passing Punat, and then drive south again towards the other valley. Even though the two towns have similar names and look close by on a map, you’re looking at a 40-minute drive by car from one to the next.
Overall, Stara Baška is ideal if you like clear water and deserted beaches. The town has a very laid-back vibe and its beaches are simply stunning. Most people come here as a day trip from the rest of the island, while some decide to spend a few days here in an attempt to avoid the most touristy area.
How to get to Stara Baska
GET TO KRK ISLAND: In order to reach Stara Baška, you need to get to the island of Krk first. Luckily, even though it is an island, there is no need for a plane or a ferry. In fact, the island of Krk is easily accessible via a bridge located on the northern side of the island. The bridge, referred to as “Krčki Most” in Croatian, was tolled from its opening back in 1980 until the removal of tolls in June of 2020 (yay!).
Alternatively, you can also get to Krk island by ferry. From mainland Croatia, get to Krk via ferry from the cities of Rijeka or Zadar. From other Croatian islands, check out ferries from Rab, Cres and Silba. All these routes operate both ways so take note to plan your Croatian itinerary. If you’re travelling by bus, check out Arriva Croatia for options from Rijeka and other major Croatian towns.
GET TO STARA BAŠKA: The island of Krk is relatively big and it will take you about 45 minutes to drive the 42km that divides the Krk Bridge from Stara Baška.
For those planning a car-free trip, keep in mind that Stara Baška is very remote compared to the other towns in Krk, meaning no public transport is available. The nearest place you can reach by bus is the town of Krk, about 17km north of Stara Baška.
✈️ NEAREST AIRPORTS: The nearest airports are located in: Rijeka Airport (RJK) – 22 km from Krk, Pula Airport (PUY) – 54 km from Krk, Zadar Airport (ZAD) – 120 km from Krk.
Best beaches in Stara Baska
Stara Baška is home to numerous idyllic beaches which are considered by many the most beautiful ones on Krk Island. The water is incredibly blue and clear, while the beaches are mostly made of stones. Numerous cliffs create a secluded and scenic environment on most beaches, however, it is important to notice that staying too close to those cliffs is very dangerous as there is a constant risk of rockfall which may cause injuries or even be fatal, so keep that in mind.
You can explore all of these beaches by foot or by boat or kayak. Trails aren’t well marked in general but there are several pretty much everywhere, used both by tourists and by shepherds. Also, parking spots are often limited or do not exist, but the police seem to be quite relaxed as we didn’t see any tickets on cars for over 5 days.
Here are some of the best beaches you can find in Stara Baska!
1) Slatina Beach (Stara Baska Beach)
This is the most accessible beach from Stara Baska. It is a 130m long pebble beach located in the town of Stara Baska itself. It is about 10 meters wide, the water is clear and it’s usually not very busy either. The bathing area is limited by marker buoys and you’re meters away from restaurants, bars and everything else you may need.
It is an ideal beach for people with children, non-swimmers, and for those who just want to chill and don’t go out exploring too much to find a relaxing spot. There is parking nearby (paid), while the entrance is free of charge. In case you’re traveling with furry friends, just note that at this beach pets are not allowed.
2) Oprna Bay (Oprna Beach)
Oprna Beach is probably Stara Baška’s most popular beach. It’s a 200m-long dreamy beach made of small pebble and with super clear water. It includes services such as sun beds, beach umbrellas and a small snack bar. It’s located about 2.5km from the town of Stara Baška and there is no parking nearby. Most people however decide to park on the side of the road, and it seemed to be a common solution also accepted by the local police. Naturism here is forbidden and pets are not allowed.
Read more about it and how to get there on our full guide to Oprna Bay.
3) Beach Zala Stara Baska
Beach Zala in Stara Baska is another great option for those who seek a gorgeous beach that is easily accessible. There is a wide private parking lot next to the beach, which for a day is slightly cheaper than the public paid parking next to it (who would have thought but yes!). This is the southernmost point you can reach by car on Krk island unless you’re willing to continue driving for one more km on the dirt road that leads to Surbova Beach. The road until Beach Zala is paved.
Zala is a pebble beach with small stones, and it’s about 110m long. Just like Oprna beach, beach umbrellas and chair rentals are available here. Since it’s a popular spot, expect Zala to get quite crowded during the high season in summer.
The private parking costs 30KN or €4/day, while the public one costs 5kn/hour or 50KN/day (€6,5/day).
4) Surbova Beach
Continuing on the dirt road that leads south from beach Zala, you’ll end up in Surbova, an enchanting lonely beach. If you come here early in the morning you’ll have this slice of paradise all to yourself, while it gets slightly more crowded during the central hours of the day.
Surbova is about 90m long so it’s slightly smaller than Zala. Like pretty much all beaches in Stara Baska, it’s a pebble beach with stones of various sizes across the beach.
The last part of the road is unpaved, but there is parking located just 50m from the beach. Alternatively, you can use the parkings described above for Beach Zala. Surbova beach is also accessible by bike and by boat, as well as on foot. Note that naturism is forbidden and pets are not allowed.
5) Tišina Beach Stara Baska
This is the first beach in Stara Baska that is only accessible by boat, by kayak or on foot. The nearest parkings are located either in beach Zala or in Surbova beach. This beautiful enclave is just a 200m walk from Surbova, and about 1km from Zala beach. The path is rocky and not always well marked, but it’s actually easy not to get lost.
Half of the beach is made of large stones while the other half has smaller pebbles. The beach is very similar to the Surbova one, and is a great spot for snorkeling.
6) Črnikovica Secret Beach
Are you fantasizing about laying on a private beach and having it all for yourself? Črnikovica Secret Beach is exactly what you are looking for! This is a beach you won’t find on other guides, trust us we’ve checked! Črnikovica Secret Beach is tiny, so tiny that there is barely room for a couple of towels. In fact, the beach is less than 8m long!
This was hands down our favourite beach in Croatia. The water of Črnikovica Bay is so clear that is perfect for snorkeling and discovering the local marine life. Bring your mask, you won’t regret it! It’s really quiet here and we were so happy to find this little gem. When exploring the island be sure to stop around now and then and you’ll find these jewels by the coast.
7) Zaglav Beach
Next to Oprna Bay lays Zaglav Beach, a very similar place in terms of beauty and water clearness with its very fine sand. It’s slightly less popular than Oprna Beach, but it’s definitely worth checking out if the main Oprna Beach is too crowded. This is quite the quiet cove! The beach is about 140m long and there is enough room for plenty of people to sunbathe and enjoy the sun without it feeling too crowded.
Just like for Oprna beach, there is no parking nearby and the only option if you’re travelling by car is to leave it on the side of the road.
🐶 DOG FRIENDLY BEACH: This is the only beach where dogs are allowed in Stara Baška, located between the bay of Oprna and camp “Škrila”.
Please note that on Google Maps this beach is referred to as “Strand”, which means “beach” in Croatian. When planning your route keep this in mind.
8) Oprna Mini Beach
Did you like Oprna Beach? Then you’ll love Oprna Mini Beach! This tiny, secret beach is located minutes away from main Oprna beach, and you can only reach it on foot, by kayak or by boat. The pebbles here are small making it easy on your feet, and the fact that it’s smaller than Oprna makes it feel that much more secluded. It’s a great little spot to relax and enjoy the sun all to yourself! With all secluded beaches, take precautions when swimming out, this wasn’t a beach with high waves but on a windy day just take a moment to assess the area and go out only as far as you’re comfortable.
The cliffs here create a stunning environment, but please be aware of the rocks that may fall from the cliff. Read more about it on our full guide to Oprna Bay!
9) Pokrive Beach
Pokrive is a gorgeous beach, about 80m in length, that is only accessible by sea. Are you up for the challenge? You can get to this pebble beach only by boat, sup or kayak. Planning a visit to this spot is as much about admiring the natural cliff landscape as enjoying the clear waters. The contrast between the dry land and the blue of the sea is something to take in. This area is definitely one to add to your list if you’re looking for a boat ride.
10) Pečen Beach
Pečen Beach can be reached both by sea or by land, starting from Oprna Beach and following a narrow trail. It is a small yet stunning pebble beach located west from Oprna Bay. This beach is just 30m long, has white small pebbles and offers a quiet environment far from the bustle of the rest of Krk island to its visitors. In fact, it’s so peaceful you’ll feel like you’re very far away, on an island apart.
These are just some of the many stunning beaches that you can find around Stara Baska, so don’t be afraid to explore and discover more amazing places! And be sure to let us know which is your favourite in the comments.
Below is a map with all the beaches in this post, as well as some of the parking options, the stores and the restaurants.
🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the top left icon to get more info about this map. Use the star icon next to the title to save it in your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, then go to “your places“, tap on “maps” and you will see this map on your list.
Our tips for Stara Baska
⦿ Change money in advance. Credit Cards are widely accepted in Krk island, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand if needed. As of 2022, Croatia doesn’t have Euro so all non-Croatian need to get some local “Kunas”.
⦿ The little market in Stara Baska is small in size but it has pretty much everything you need, including fresh fruit, cold water, personal hygiene products and snacks. However, prices are much higher compared to other shops, so it may be a better idea to stop in a bigger store near Krk or Punat before reaching Stara Baska.
⦿ Food-wise, prices are pretty much the same across the island, regardless on where you go, and the restaurants in Stara Baska are no exception. Food in Stara Baska is great, and there is a big variety of seafood as well as meat dishes. If you’re vegan or vegetarian you’ll find some dishes here and there (mostly pastas or salads), but the offer is generally quite poor.
⦿ For what concerns the length of stay, you won’t regret spending a few days in Stara Baska. Even though you can easily visit it on a day trip, we’d say that 3 nights is the optimal duration for visiting Stara Baska.
⦿ Pack a snorkeling mask and bring lots of water with you if you plan on exploring the more deserted beaches on the south.
⦿ Look out for sea urchins when you step in the water! Bringing and wearing sea shoes might be a good idea, rocks are often sharps and sea urchins are everywhere when you visit wild beaches.
Rent a kayak in Stara Baska
Renting a Kayak is a great option to explore the coastline of Southern Krk. Kayaks can be rented in several spots around Stara Baska, mostly located at the north and at the southern sides of the town. This is great since the beaches that are only reachable via sea are located exactly north and south from the town.
Here is a list of some of the options available:
- SURF&FUN: Located at walking distance from Oprna Beach, kayaks cost 300KN (€40 EUR; $40 USD) a day. They can also be rented per hour.
- OZIRIS also offer kayak rentals and it’s located just next to Surf&Fun.
- More south you can find NKA, which is located in Zala beach. This is a great starting point for those who want to explore the southern beaches.
- Another place to rent a kayak can be found at OPRNA BEACH. A kayak for 2 people costs 80KN/hour (€10.5 EUR/h; $10.5 USD/h), while a kayak for 3 people costs 90/KN/hour. However, keep in mind that the bar is only open from 11AM to 7PM.
Best time to visit Stara Baska
The best time to visit Stara Baska is summer (June to September). This is the time of the year with the least amount of rain and the highest temperatures, averaging between 25 and 30°C.
However, August is usually the busiest month in Croatia. This is when most Italians and Germans get their holidays, and they flock on Croatian beaches. Make sure to book things in advance if you plan on travelling during this time.
Where to stay in Stara Baska
Stara Baska has several accommodations spreaded for 2km along the only road. You can easily pick the one you like the most, the only thing to keep in mind is that all the restaurants are located south. Check out our map to have a better understanding. Here are some of our favourite accommodations:
Rooms N: located near all the restaurants and the beaches, Rooms N is a modern accommodation. It’s part of Rooms Nadia, which also have a restaurant. Rooms N start from €83/night per a double-bed room while Rooms Nadia is more affordable at just €53/night per 2 people. Prices refer to low season, expect to find higher prices during high season.
Another great option is Sunshine Residence. An apartment here costs €110/night and sleeps 4 people.
Looking for a villa to share with friends? Check out Shepherd’s Residence. This villa costs 315€/night and it sleeps up to 10 people. There is a minimum of 5 nights for a reservation, but it’s great value for the money if you’re travelling in a group and the private pool is beautiful. Another great villa for a smaller group is Kuća da Odmor Baya, listed at 213€/night for up to 6 people and located just next to the beach.
Off the beaten path: check out Kuća u uvali Surbova. This rustic house is located far from everything you’ve seen so far. It’s a small house built in the wild, next to Surbova beach. It is very basic and it costs €120/night for 2 people, but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something unique.
On the northern side of Stara Baska near Oprna beach you’ll find Škrila Sunny Camping by Valamar, a small camp suitable for tents and campervans. It may not come with a lot of amenities, but it has all you need for a quiet and peaceful vacation. However, keep in mind it’s an isolated camp, with the closest village (Stara Baska) being 3km away.
Best restaurants in Stara Baska
There are 4 restaurants in Stara Baska, all with similar prices and food quality. Here is a list of them:
- Restaurant Nadia
- Bistro Pizzeria Mul
- Restaurant Mariana
- Grill Felix Stara Baska
We liked Gril Felix in particular for the grilled calamari and its views over the Slatina beach, while Restaurant Mariana is also a great restaurant, especially at sunset.
One more restaurant is located in the camping. We haven’t been, but it’s worth mentioning that it has quite a few bad reviews on Google.
More things to do in Krk Island
Visit Krk town! The town of Krk is the biggest settlement on Krk island and one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Sea. Today, whithin the city walls history and bars/restaurants merge into a unique holiday destination.
Try ZipLining! Edison Zip Lining is located in central Krk and offer memorable experiences, allowing you to expore the landscapes of Krk island via zip lines, all ranging more than 2 km. The zip line tour costs 450kn or €60 EUR and lasts about 2 hours.
Visit Vrbnik! Located on the opposite side of Krk town, on the eastern coast of Krk island, Vrbnik is a must-visit spot. The town is famous for its wine heritage, and its dotted with bars and shops where you can get your hands on some bottles. Its beaches are also worth a visit!
[…] Bay is a stunning cove located 3km north of the town of Stara Baska, one of the most stunning villages and areas of Krk Island. The most popular spot is Oprna Beach, […]