island
of krk

about island of krk

The highest peak is Obzova at 569 meters. There are 68 settlements on the island. Krk Island has mild Mediterranean climate with average summer air temperature 23 degrees Celsius. Sea water temperature is between 23-25 degrees Celsius. Island of Krk has almost 2,500 hours of sun a year. The relief is of the karst or limestone variety, with caves and caverns (Biserujka near Dobrinj). The central part of the island is occupied by fertile fields.

The coast is highly indented, with a great many bays, coves and naturally pebbly beaches. The biggest of the bays are Soline (with its medicinal mud) and Puntarska Draga. There are two lakes on the island, called Jezero and Ponikva, and three rivers: the Veli or Dobrinja Brook, the Vretenica and the Vela Rika.

The Island Krk has been inhabited since before 10th century BC. The first known settlers of the island were the Illyrian tribes of the Japods and Liburnians, followed by the Greeks. In the 6th century Croats began settling the island and became the island's major population. In the 9th century the Romans gained full control of the Island of Krk. The Romans called the island Curicta. During the Roman Civil War, the Bay of Curicta was the scene of sea combat between the fleets of Caesar and Pompey.

In the end of 12th century Krk Island was under domination of Frankopans, a powerful local family, one of the most powerful families in Europe. After fall of the Frankopan family (in 1480) Krk Island become part of Venetia. Five centuries latter, after France, Austro-Hungary, Italy, Germany and Yugoslavia, Island of Krk finally become integral part of Croatia.

Island Krk has seven administrative centres: Town of Krk, Omisalj, Malinska, Vrbnik, Punat, Baska and Dobrinj.

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