Stara Baška
In June 2020, as the COVID-19 situation began to stabilize, we took the opportunity to travel beyond our borders. We opted for a short trip to neighboring Croatia, a place we both remembered fondly from our childhood visits to the seaside but hadn’t explored in years.
After a three-hour drive, we arrived on the island of Krk, the closest Croatian island to Slovenia. This time, our dog joined us on the adventure.
Our hotel was situated in the southern part of the island, in a charming little town called Stara Baška. It was the perfect retreat—relaxing, tranquil, and just what we needed. While the town has a limited number of restaurants, which might have become repetitive with a longer stay, it suited us for the time being. In hindsight, renting an apartment with a kitchen might have been a better option.
We spent our days exploring the nearby beaches and rocky hills, and the lack of crowds made the experience even more enjoyable.
Krk Town
We ventured beyond our cozy base in Stara Baška, driving through Punat and exploring Krk Town, reputedly one of the oldest towns in the Adriatic Sea with a history dating back to ancient times. Some Roman ruins are still visible in various parts of the town. While the center was quite bustling, we quickly retreated to the quieter, more secluded narrow streets to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
The beaches around Stara Baška are beautiful, with a mix of accessible and more rugged spots. We visited Zaglav Beach and Oprna Bay, both of which were stunning. On the east side of Stara Baška, we explored Zala Beach and Surbova Beach, each offering its own unique charm.
One morning, I set out to hike up the prominent peak towering above Stara Baška. Although I’m unsure of its name, the hike was both enjoyable and rewarding. From the summit, I was treated to stunning views of the nearby islands, including Galun, Prvić, Sveti Grgur, and Rab.
Fujifilm Slovenija hooked me up with a fantastic new lens—the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR. This all-rounder zoom lens has quickly become my go-to.
Vrbnik
Vrbnik was a delightful surprise. This village on the east side of Krk, perched 50 meters above the sea on a limestone outcropping, is famous for its indigenous white wine, Žlahtina. We enjoyed a tasting of the wine accompanied by local ham and cheese, all while taking in the views towards mainland Croatia.
We also visited Baška, a bustling and touristy town in the southeast. There, we had a wonderful seafood dinner with some friends before returning to the comfort of our cozy base in Stara Baška.
Baška
Fulfinum Mirine
As our short vacation drew to a close, we made two final stops. First, we visited Fulfinum Mirine to explore the ruins of an ancient Roman town. Then, we headed to Omišalj, a coastal town with a charming atmosphere. Afterward, we drove north toward the bridge and home. We were fortunate to have squeezed in this summer trip just before the borders closed again the following day.
