Croatia is home to many islands, and Krk is one that is located in the northern portion of the Adriatic Sea.  Krk can be found in the Bay of Kvarner, near Rijeka.  It is the second largest island in the Adriatic, 405 square kilometers.  Not only is it the second largest island, but also it is the second largest in population.  The population of Krk is just under 16,500 people.  It is close to the size of Cres, and many people believe Krk is larger, but statistics show it is slightly smaller.  The highest point on Krk, Obzova, is 569 meters high.  Around twenty small islands and reefs surround Krk and there are sixty-eight settlements on the Krk.

The island of Krk is made of limestone, or karts, which explains why there are so many caves and sinkholes to explore on the island.  One of the most popular caves to visit is the Biserujka Cave; legend says there is a pirate’s treasure hidden in the cave.  The passages have been widened by the many visitors over the years, and now it is relatively easy to travel the caverns of this popular location.

The center of the island is a beautiful section of fields where the natural flora flourish.  Along the coast, people enjoy exploring the coves, bays, and rocky beaches.  Soline is the biggest bay on Krk, where visitors come from all over to enjoy the medicinal mud of the Bay of Soline.  The other large bay that is popular amongst visitors is Puntarska Draga.  In addition, there are smaller bays all along the coast, which have several secluded beaches.

The climate of Krk is typical of the Mediterranean.  It is mild, with average temperatures in the summer hovering around 23 degrees Celsius.  The water of the Adriatic around Krk is also warm, around 24 degrees Celsius.  Krk receives 2,500 hours of sun every year, which makes it one of the sunniest locations in the Mediterranean.  Krk is affected by the Sirocco, Maestral, and Bora wind patterns.

Krk has two lakes, Jezero and Ponikva, and three rivers, the Vela Rika, the Veli, and the Vretenica.  The island has many other natural areas to explore, as well.  In the western central parts of the island, there are forests and woods that provide hiking opportunities for those who like to enjoy nature in her finest.  Here you can also see farms where fruits and vegetables native to the Mediterranean such as vineyards and olive trees are grown.  Visitors should be sure to sample some of the native foods, especially the olives. There are no better olives then those found in the Mediterranean region!  In the North and South of Krk, the island gives way to stony areas as well as fields.

Some of the small islands around the main Krk Island have forest preserves that allow guests to get close to nature.  Both Glavotok and Koðljun have large areas of forest preserves.  Prvix and the northeast of the main island are bird sanctuaries for the griffon vultures.  Bird lovers will want to catch sight of these birds roosting on the slopes.  These areas are continuing their conservation efforts, so visitors need to be careful to respect the rules of the areas.

Krk has several areas that provide excellent scuba diving opportunities, because the water is so warm and clear.  Near Silo, divers can explore the wreckage of a Greek ship that sank in 1969.  This can sometimes be a crowded dive spot, as it is very popular.  Near Vrbnik, divers can explore both underwater caves and reef walls and for diving to see sea sponges, head to Veli Pin.  There are many more excellent locations for diving on Krk, as well.