Go and relax at Oprna Bay (Krk, Croatia), the finest beach on the island

Relaxing on the island of Krk in Croatia works very well around the beach at Oprna Bay. This visually inviting bay is ringed by a steep coastline. Getting there is a challenge.

Oprna Bay (Krk, Croatia)

This is a lovely clean pebble beach, wedged between rock formations that are sometimes gently rolling and sometimes sharply sloping.

The water looks a fine blue and turns out to be remarkably clear up close. Which makes the swimming and snorkelling wonderful.

Sun loungers with a parasol can be hired for 150 HRK (Croatian kuna), about 20 euros. There is usually room enough, as the somewhat narrow beach is pleasantly long.

From those comfortable loungers at Oprna Bay you look out over the Adriatic Sea. This is relaxing in tropical style. All of it in an attractive setting of unspoilt nature. A gem on Krk.

Getting to Oprna Bay, and parking

You first come onto Krk by the toll bridge, with the toll only on the way in, or by the airport. Then you drive a good stretch south along the 102.

After that you leave the 102 for Punat and carry on towards Stara Baška. Before you reach Camping Sunny Škrila and Stara Baška you see the bay of Oprna.

And then parking may get a little complicated. Because there simply is no car park. Which leaves one option: parking along the road.

That works without any trouble, but there are two things to watch.

• First, park the car as far over as you can. Even if that means passengers have to get out on the other side. You can be fined if you get close to the centre line, for parking ‘too far onto the road’.
• Second, parking on bends is fined for safety reasons. The temptation can be strong, when there is hardly any room for instance, but do look a little further on.

A challenge for some: the cliff path down to the beach

Oprna Bay is known as a handsome, rocky inlet with a difficult cliff path down to the beach.

• That is where the real challenge lies. Children and older people are warned for good reason, unless they are disciplined or fit enough.
• These are narrow paths with stones and rocks, and frequently a fairly steep gradient. Good walking shoes are always welcome here.

That lack of parking and surfaced access roads does give this beach extra charm. For now it is an unspoilt spot, pure nature.

Food and drink at the beach

The bay is remote. Which makes the food and drink facilities minimal. With a bit of luck you may find water, snacks and beer.

Paddleboarding along the coast

It is worth considering driving on to Camping Sunny Škrila. There you can hire a paddleboard and paddle along the coast.

Both Stara Baška and Oprna Bay make for fine paddling routes.

This destination temporarily has code orange because of corona (COVID-19).