Municipality of Baška: Beaches, Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Municipality of Baška
Vela Plaža, a varied network of trails and religious buildings with a long history give a trip to the Municipality of Baška several distinct focuses. Vela Plaža is 1,800 m long and offers views of crystal-clear waters. It has been awarded the European Blue Flag in recognition of high quality and beach standards. Baška has more than 30 other beaches besides Vela Plaža. Some can be reached on foot, while others are accessible only by boat or water taxi; access conditions may vary depending on the beach and the season. Parasailing, surfing and sailing are available at Vela Plaža. Water sports may be available seasonally. Before your beach day, check access to the beach you plan to visit and, if you have an activity in mind, whether it is available during your travel dates.
Along the coast, the Kuntrep ornithological reserve stretches for 10 km from Cape Glavine to Mala Luka Bay. The reserve is accessible only on foot or by boat. Before visiting, check the rules currently in effect for the protected area.
Walking routes for short strolls and longer hikes
Eleven officially marked trails start in Baška, Jurandvor, Zarok and Draga Bašćanska. They range from a two-hour riverside walk to a full-day crossing of the Moon Plateau. This makes it easy to choose between a manageable outing and a hike for which you might want to set aside a whole day. Two stages of the Camino Krk pass through the Baška area; check the route of each stage before setting out.
A short trail from Jurandvor links St. Lucy’s Abbey, where the Baška Tablet was found, with a viewpoint overlooking Baška and the island of Prvić. The Put ka Mjesecu trail starts by the Heritage Hotel Forza in the centre of Baška. It is 4.5 km long, takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and reaches an altitude of 370 m above sea level. For comparison, the six-kilometre Baška–Zarok–Batomalj–Pod Lipicau educational trail takes about 2.5 hours on foot and passes through the landscape, history and traditions of the Baška Valley. Detours may change the published information about the educational trail.
A circular route for families follows the bed of the Vela Rika River, passes through Batomalj and climbs 237 votive steps to the Shrine of Our Lady of Gorička, as well as to the Mrgari near Lipica. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. For a technically challenging bike ride, the Mjesečeva staza (Moon Path) MTB route is described as 26.6 km long with a total ascent of 690 m. Its distance, elevation gain and difficulty may change due to detours or the condition of the surface.
Climbing is another activity in Baška. There are four climbing areas; Portafortuna has 76 routes in four sectors, while Belove Stijene has about 50 routes. As the areas continue to be developed, route numbers may change.
Churches, Glagolitic script and living traditions
Near Jurandvor, a short trail leads to St. Lucy’s Abbey, where the Baška Tablet was found; a replica is still on display in the church. The abbey was probably built around the turn of the 12th century on the remains of an early Christian basilica, and did not take its current form until the 14th century. The Baška Glagolitic Path runs through paved local lanes and the surrounding open countryside. It includes 32 stone sculptures engraved with Glagolitic letters, as well as the complete alphabet and the meanings of its letters.
The Church of Our Lady of Gorica was built in 1415. It is considered one of Croatia’s oldest shrines and the largest shrine in the Diocese of Krk. It can be reached by road or by climbing 237 steps. The Church of St. John dates from 1232; the adjoining Sveti Ivan Gallery houses the “Starac” bell, dating from 1431. The church is known for its view across the entire Baška Valley and towards the island of Prvić, although visibility depends on the weather. Near Vela Plaža stands the Chapel of St. Mark, built in the Romanesque style in 1514. Today it serves as an exhibition space and museum of religious art. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1723, is the largest church in Baška.
Two annual traditions take place on fixed dates. On the feast day of Saint Lucy, December 13, a small loaf called hlipčić is still thrown from the bell tower in Jurandvor. On the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, pilgrims carry a statue of the Virgin Mary up the steps above Batomalj by candlelight.
A glimpse of marine life
Akvarij Baška in the centre of Baška has 21 aquariums containing 35 m³ of seawater. Visitors can see more than 100 fish species and 400 species of shellfish and snails. A visit adds a closer look at marine life to days at the beach and on the trails.
Then compare the location of your accommodation with the places you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Stara Baška, Jurandvor, Batomalj, Draga Bašćanska, Baska, Municipality of Vrbnik, Municipality of Malinska-Dubašnica, Municipality of Omišalj.
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