10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KRK ISLAND
1. The largest island in the Republic of Croatia (405km2)
2. Nickname: Golden Island (Zlatni Otok)
3. For many people Krk is certainly one of the most beautiful islands of the Adriatic because of beautiful beaches, untouched nature, enormously large number of olive trees, beautiful wine and cycling trails, crystal clear sea and rich cultural heritage.
4. Only Krk in Croatia has a five-star campsite.
5. Long term tourist destination
Tourism development dates back to the 19th century when tourism started to develop in Omišalj. It was inspired by the “Društvo za poljepšanje Omišlja” which operated until the beginning of the First World War.
6. SPECIAL GASTRONOMIC OFFER OF THE ISLAND OF KRK
Šurlice – special pasta made by hand. Šurlice are best for dining with lamb goulash. Also, is very interesting to know that lamb is very good when is grilled and that for sure is in Punat, restaurant “Tarac” (https://restaurant-tarac.com/) Famous glass of domestic white wine “Zlatna Vrbnička Žlahtina” has even better taste with owen baked octopus.
7. Something is mystical in number 7
- In the seventh century, the Croats settled on the island Krk,
- the seventh prince Frankopan was the last Prince of Krk,
- the island successfully defended the sword seven times.
- there are seven administrative units. Krk, Omisalj, Malinska, Punat, Baska, Vrbnik and Dobrinj.
- Seven variants of the Chakavian dialect (čakavski) of the Croatian language
- seven ways of customs, dances and folk costumes.
8. PUNAT is mentioned for the first time in written documents in 1377 as Villa di Ponte. In 1891, the first restaurant is open at today’s Little Plaza. That house is now under protection as a cultural monument. In 1908 was organized and made the first serious steps to increase the level of gastronomy as a condition for the development of tourism. In 1923, the first hotel was opened in Vila Lucija. Punat is also the beginning of the organized form of nautical tourism on our coast. Namely, the first foreign yachts to be kept and maintained are located right at the shipyard in Punat in 1964.
9. The Frankopan castle
The Frankopan castle in one of the greatest historical testimonies of Krk’s inhabitance. Today we set off on a tour of the castle from quiet and spacious Kamplin square, to see authentic stone passages which are nine hundred years old and partially restored and converted into exhibition areas and partially left in their authentic appearance which displays layers of eras and generations’ inscriptions. Nowadays the whole edifice can be seen while walking on walls, visiting floors of three towers and observing spacious castle interior.
Frankopan noble family built the Frankopan castle through extended period of time i.e. between 12th and 15th century with the purpose of city’s defense: in event of attack the troops and citizens would find shelter within the castle’s walls.
10. KOŠLJUN Only 750 meters from Punat lies the islet of Košljun. It is known for the Franciscan monastery where the monks have collected and preserved numerous valuable items for centuries. The islet has a museum with an ethnographic collection containing numerous items produced by Krk fishermen and farmers, as well as folk costumes from across the Island of Krk. The monastery also owns a rich zoological collection consisting of a large seashell collection and unique animal specimens, such as the one-eyed lamb. The monastery also has a rich library with around 30,000 titles. It includes the Ptolemy’s atlas printed in Venice in 1511 (one of the three preserved copies). The monastery is a zero category monument. There are two churches on the islet – the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary’s Annunciation and the Church of St. Bernard. Today on Košljun you can also organise fancy weddings.
