Hiking
Baška
Walking along the southwestern ridge to the Baška Valley
From terraced rocky slopes to the most beautiful coves and beaches on the island
Karakteristike
Here you will find rocky slopes extending to the sea, with terraces that once housed vineyards. The farthest southwestern ridge of the Baška Valley will take you to picturesque peaks and passes, where you will find paths to the most beautiful coves and beaches on the island. This trail is almost 14 kilometres long, with an overall descent of 500 metres.
Follow the Vela Rika watercourse from the Zarok area near Baška to Batomalj. If you are hiking after a rainy winter period, you will be amused by the babbling stream of this crystal clear river, the only perennial on the Croatian islands. A walk along the pastures, and fruit and olive trees will take you to Batomalj, where the trail ascends to the Bratinac pass. A forest path section with nice soft ground will again turn into a sharp rocky terrain. Upon reaching a barren plateau, panoramic views will reveal the southern side of the island with impressive drystone walls and ‘mrgari’. One such drystone wall extends along the ridge as a living witness of traditional architecture and shepherds’ efforts. What follows is a descent across shallow and wide gullies to Bracol Cove. Boaters love this beautiful deep cove, where you can have a break and enjoy a tasty meal in the port eatery. We doubt that you will be able to resist taking a dip in one of the picturesque neighbouring coves, with Vela Draga being among the most famous Krk beaches.
All you need to do now is return to Baška. Walking along the Vela Rika canyon, at some point the trail will go up to the Stanikovica crossroads. If you have enough time and are eager to discover the island’s religious buildings, turn to the nearby remains of the Church of St Nicolas. It was most probably erected as a votive church and an orientation point when entering the Senj Strait. Continue walking to the Vraca pass along a path that meanders between the rocks, all the while enjoying the scent of colourful wild herbs. This is particularly true for the sage, which dominates this part of the island and lends a distinct taste and properties to the praised Baška honey. Enjoying the view of the island’s southern coast, packed with picturesque coves, pebble beaches and stone-walled terraces where olives and vine were once grown and cattle raised, you will get to the Vraca pass. The way back is easy: just walk through the pine forest to the Zarok sands and treat yourself to a refreshing drink at Vela plaža Beach.
