Day Trip to Krk, Cres & Lošinj Islands

Island in Croatian is Otok. To visit all three islands you will need an entire day, so if your vacation itinerary is pretty packed and you only have a day to spare this is a great way to make the most out of it. There are several cities and towns to visit on each island. You could spend an entire day on just one island or you could even spend an entire day just in one town. Taking a day trip to these three most northern islands of Croatia gives you a taste of each place. Then the next time you visit the area, you can always explore one location further. Here is how Igor and I take a day trip to Krk, Cres & Lošinj Islands:

Krk Bridge, Croatia from mainland to Krk Island — Krk Bridge

Want another day trip idea? Check out our travels in Istria and Plitvice Lakes National Park.

You have two routes you can choose to get from the mainland to the islands:

1. Cres Island - from the town of Brestova in Istria take the ferry at the Brestova Ferry Port to the Porozina Ferry Port near the most northern point of the island.

2. Krk Island - drive over the Krk Bridge to the island. From Crikvenica to the bridge only takes about a 15 minute drive so it is very convenient to visit just this island for the day. However, be aware that days where the weather calls for strong winds could cause authorities to close the bridge and then you either have to take a ferry or stay on the island until the winds die down.

Igor and I like to ride his Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle when we go the islands. For a day trip we like to take route #1 to see more of the island of Cres along the way. We start our day early in the morning by driving from Crikvenica to Opatija for coffee and then hopping on a ferry boat in Brestova for a short, tranquil ride to the island of Cres. The ferry is first come, first serve. Get to the ferry early in the day if you do not want to wait in a line. Motorcycles and scooters usually do not have to wait in the line as they are easier to fit on the ferry than cars or buses. Jadrolinija is the main ferry line serving most islands in Croatia.

Cres is the second largest island in the country but one of the least inhabited. As Igor puts it, "Cres is more wild." The locals motto is "No Stress in Cres." The island is made up of some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches, coves, caves and lagoons in Croatia. Nature preservation is a top priority on the island and helps maintain it's authenticity. Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Center for Griffon Vultures is a rehabilitation hospital for this rare bird of Croatia and offers educational programs and resources. The terrain varies from olive fields, fig trees and rocky pastures to thick shrubs and pine forests and from cliffside shores to the large freshwater lake, Vrana (Vransko Jezero). The main city is named after the island. It may be small but it has a nice sized marina and lots of medieval architecture.

In order to get to the island of Lošinj you have to go to the island of Cres first. There is a short bridge connecting the two islands together at the town of Osor, Cres. Lošinj is a vacationer's paradise because of it's convenient accommodations, popular year-round. Due to the island's temperate weather, it is famous for it's climatic health resort, Lječilište Veli Lošinj, known for treating respiratory diseases and allergies. Besides the ultimate relaxation at the beaches, you can enjoy activities like a visit to the Museum of Apoxyomenos, diving, sailing, hiking and much more. There are great restaurants along the way to stop for lunch. Since you are on an island we highly suggest experiencing the fresh seafood caught and delivered every morning. Take a walk around the charming towns of Mali Lošinj and Veli Losinj. From here, you can cool off by taking a dip in the crystal clear waters at one of Lošinj's pristine beaches. We recommend Čikat beach on Mali Lošinj.

Looking for another way to get to the islands? Check out our article,

Take a Boat Tour from Crikvenica.

On our journey back toward Crikvenica we took the ferry from the town of Merag at the Merag Ferry Port on the island of Cres to the town of Valbiska at the Valbiska Ferry Port (Trajektna luka Valbiska) on the island of Krk. This is the northern most and largest island on the Adriatic Sea. Due to Krk's location, it is the closest Croatian island for vacationers from continental Europe to visit. This island is the most accessible because of the mile long bridge from the mainland. For those flying in, Rijeka International Airport is located here as well. Krk offers it's tourists not only stunning beaches but centuries old cities and towns, historical sites, humble villages where you can experience traditional Croatian culture and authentic cuisine, hidden swimming holes, and a vibrant restaurant, bar and club scene. In the city of Krk you can visit the 12th-15th Century Frankopan Castle. On the northeastern side of the island you can tour the Biserujka Cave. The beach town of Baška contains a 12th Century tablet written in Glagolitic script and is the first document that mentions Croatia. The town of Vrbnik is located along a cliff and is surrounded by vineyards producing Žlahtina white wine, one of Croatia's best.

Find out more about FOOD & WINE in Croatia.

If time permits, on the way back toward the Krk bridge to the mainland you can stop by the town of Malinska. Here you can check out DUBoak Maritime Heritage Interpretation Center. Other lovely nearby beach towns to visit are Njivice and Omišalj.