Vela Beach, Baška

Why it is worth your time

Vela beach in Baška is the reason many first came to Krk: an arc of almost two kilometres of fine pebble at the island's southern end, laid between sea the colour of glass and the bare, lunar slopes of the Velebit channel. The beach is a natural phenomenon: the pebble is fine and pleasant, the sea entry gentle for dozens of metres, so bathing suits children and swimmers equally; the Blue Flag flies regularly. The facilities follow the fame: sunbeds and parasols, showers, lifeguards, schools of water sports, cafés and restaurants along the promenade tracing the whole arc.

The August crowd ranks among the Adriatic's biggest, but the beach is large enough to swallow thousands; most peace is at the eastern end toward the arc's close. Baška is some twenty minutes' drive from Krk town across the pass, and itself worth half a day: an old village of narrow lanes, the promenade, the Glagolitic path. Come in the morning, park in time and let the beach keep you until sunset: Vela plaža is not a station but a destination.