Do this: paddleboarding along the coast of the Croatian island of Krk

Paddleboarding is a fine thing to do, and all the more so at Krk. This sunny island has a glorious coastline with romantic, out-of-the-way beaches. The blue sea water makes the paddling lovelier still.

Why go on holiday to Krk?

Krk (Croatia) is also called the Golden Island. Mainly because of its wealth of nature. Rustic little coastal towns follow one another. Here and there are tourist hotspots with historic buildings.

Do not expect large towns like Poreč and Pula in Istria. Everything is on a smaller scale on Krk. Vbrnik, Krk, the town of the same name, and Baška are certainly worth a visit, as is Malinska. The island lends itself to a road trip. And the coastline invites you to paddle.

Renting a paddleboard on Krk

We rented a paddleboard at Camping Sunny Škrila. The price was about thirty euros for one day.

Buying a paddleboard

Planning to paddle more often? The large port city of Rijeka, on the mainland, has a Decathlon where you can buy paddleboards. Relatively speaking that works out cheaper than renting one again and again.

The boards can be inflated and deflated. So one fits nicely in your car, hired or not. Krk is connected to the mainland by a toll bridge. You can still leave the island for free; you only pay when you come onto it.

Paddling from Škrila to Stara Baška

The starting point is a handsome family beach. From there you can paddle along the coast towards the old village of Stara Baška. You pass small natural beaches, quiet spots and rock formations. Eventually you arrive at a little harbour with a few places to eat. Bistro Pizzeria Mul , for instance.

Paddling from Škrila to Oprna Bay

You can just as easily paddle the other way, towards Oprna Bay. This bay has the island's finest beach. Without a boat or a board you can only reach it by a mountain path. The many parked cars on the high mountain road show that tourists dare to try.

Happily the beach is big enough. Plenty of room. This place is the domain of those who savour life. A gem on Krk. Even so, it pays to paddle on.

A ‘hidden gem’, your own private bay

A little further on the landscape takes an enchanting turn. Just ‘around the corner’ you find a ‘hidden gem’. A sheltered mini-beach, ringed by high rock formations. A lovely spot for a quiet swim and some sun.

Your own private bay. In potential, at least. There may be a few others there at the time. Generally speaking, few people come. On foot this stretch of beach is several levels harder to reach than Oprna Bay. It involves a remarkably steep descent, and climb back up.

Paddling and chilling together

Tip: the boards they rent out usually take two people. Ask about it specifically if you like. One sits at the front, the other paddles. Halfway you swap.

Or you let the other do the work, that is up to you. Take a waterproof bag with something nice to eat, drinks and your belongings. Then you are free to relax somewhere together.