Baška

A FEW WORDS ABOUT BAŠKA

Baska is situated in the wide bay on the far southeast of the island Krk, surrounded with vineyards and fertile fields, mounted by Treskavac mountain pass and its peaks Obzova and Hlam. On the east and the west sides of Baska there are craggy landscapes which lure visitors’ attention whilst on the south it borders with fertile Baska valley and its long stream Vela rika (The great river).
In front of the Baska bay there is the island of Prvic, mentioned in the early 1198 charter, according to which the Venetian Republic gives the island and the town of Krk together with the island of Prvic to the Krk princes. In the distance, across the sea the baptismal Velebit rises.
Baska coast stretches on the east up to Vela luka and on the west there is the famous sandy, 1800 meters long beach, known as Vela plaža (The great beach). The total area that Baska valley covers is about 100 square kilometers and includes villages of Jurandvor, Batomalj and Baska cove with about 1550 registered inhabitants.

There are various opinions and theories about how Baska got its name. The most famous one is by academician Petar Skoko who mentions the possibility of the Russian origin, deriving from the word bačka, meaning the barrel. This word was probably the metaphor of the appearance of the Baska bay reminding the barrel. As a confirmation to his theory, Skoko also mentions similar names, for example,  Val Biska. On the other hand there is the theory developed by the priest Ivan Feretić, Croatian national revivalist, educator and historian who claims that the root of the Geographical term Baska comes from the word beči (to clank), which implies the sound of the coins clanking and connecting it with the wealth of the area.

Originally, the people of Baska lived from viticulture, animal husbandry and fishing. Beautiful, wide Baska bay contributed to developing a new economic activity in the beginning of the 20th century- tourism.
It all started with The Company for beautification of Baska, founded in 1904 and in 1907 there was the Company for establishing the swimming area and planning the shore. The very following year, the swimming area was organized and soon after that there are records of the first, Czech tourists. The first hotel, Hotel Zvonimir, was built in 1910. Number of tourists arriving to Baska was constantly increasing. During the WWII, tourism in Baska was ruined and after the war it started rising again. Baska became the most important tourist destination on the island of Krk and still is with tourism being the vital economic activity of the Baska inhabitants.
Nowadays there are two hotel compounds in Baska, numerous private apartments and camping sites. Together with accommodation, there is lots of entertainment for everybody. Children can have fun in many entertainment parks and their parents can have a good time in various restaurants and coffee shops at the seashore.
The town of Baska is very proud of its long history and culture. There are many historical and sacral buildings, palaces and monuments which make it one of the most interesting places in Primorje.

BAŠKA - VIDEO

BEACHES

Beaches are definitely something that distinguishes Baska from any other place. Tourists and visitors can choose among thirty beaches. People with children can have a good time on Vela plaža, enjoying aqua parks and riding water pedals. Adventurers can walk to Mala and Vela luka while nudists can use Bunculuka beach.  Everyone can find something for themselves.

Vela plaža (The Great beach) is one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast and has been getting the Blue flag for the ecological maintenance of the sea for years. All the beaches are natural and covered with pebbled stones.  Vela plaža is two kilometers long and it is situated in the center of Baska. Besides it, there are various little beaches reachable on foot or by barge as for example Mala luka, Vela luka and Vrženica. Their location, a bit away from the crowd, makes them quite interesting.
Dogs can find their place on the beach as well. On the far end of the Vela beach there is so called The Dogs' Beach, a place for people who come on vacation and on the beach with their dogs.

The Baska municipal made regulations covering rules of behavior and activities on beaches. According to the regulations it is forbidden to:
- Light a fire
- Throw garbage
- Keep pets on the beach
- Use vessels within the beach area

NATURAL BEAUTIES

The island of Krk is famous for its geographical diversity. Due to its natural resources, mild Mediterranean climate and lots hours of sunshine annually, inhabitants can grow various crops. Natural beauties and long, interesting history have made it the most visited island on the Adriatic Sea.
Baska has more than 20 marked walkways where you can meet sheep, donkeys and other native animals. Each walkway offers a great view of the Baska valley especially the way to the Moon walkway.
Tourists are usually delighted by traditionally made mrgari, characteristic for this area. Between the Glavina ridge and Mala luka cove there is the ornithological reserve, Kuntrep.

THE CULTURE

The town of Baska is very proud of its long history and culture. There are many historical and sacral buildings, palaces and monuments which make it one of the most interesting places in Primorje.
Some of the examples of this cultural treasure are the ancient citadel, the remains of the Roman village as well as the sacral cultural monuments. A must-to mention is the parish church of Holy Trinity which was built in baroque style in 1723. It has seven altars, one of which is dedicated to Holy Trinity. There is also the church of St. John the Baptist, the first parish church in the Baska valley, dating from the 11th century with the oldest church bell in its belfry, dating from 1431. People named this church bell -  Starac (the Old man). One should also mention the Church of Our Lady Gorička which is the greatest Marian shrine in the Krk diocese.
There are a few smaller churches with the most famous one being the Church of St... Lucy in Jurandvor. Very important monument of the Croatian literacy, the Baska Tablet, was found here. It made this place recognised and famous.
Baska Tablet is one of the greatest cultural monuments in Croatia being the foundation of the tradition and culture of this valley. Due to it, everybody in Croatia knows about Baška.

The importance of Baska Tablet is huge and multiple.It is the first written monument of the Croatian people in which Croatian name as well as the name of the Croatian ruler are mentioned in Croatian language. The Baska Glagolitic track is a track decorated with stone sculptures stretching from Treskavac  mountain pass to the old boardwalk in the Baška port. The track doesn't have a straight line, sculptures are situated near important cultural, historical and natural spots. It consists of 34 sculptures inscribed with the Glagolitic letters. Four of them are of larger dimensions and they are work of the sculptor Ljubo De Karina. The others are smaller and they are result of sculpture workshops which take place in Baška. To this  series of sculptures one more was added, the 35th, a sculpture dedicated to the Glagolitic alphabet and the people who were spreading it in this area and wider.
An important element in preserving the culture of Baska is the Folklore society Šoto which presents dances and customs of the region during the summer months. Tourists can really admire our folklore tradition, national costumes, dances and our interesting original national instrument, sopile.

THE CLIMATE

Baska has the characteristics of Mediterranean climate, characterized by a pleasant spring, hot and dry summers, mild autumn and windy winters. During the  winter  time there is bura, cold wind blowing from the north, in the summer there is maestral, (mistral) , while summer and autumn are characterised by jugo, a warm, humid wind . Baska has 2500 hours of sunshine annually. The average air temperature is 22 º C and the average sea  temperature is 25 º C. The mild cimate and the  fertile soil are good for groving a great variety of crops and herbs.
Climate is related to Baska's  position opposite  to Senj, a town on the coast known for its strong wind( bura) . In January , Baška has fifteen days of bura and even several months throughout the year. The  strong wind, bura,  that may be unpleasant when you find yourself under its attack,  together with the strong waves has shaped those beautiful pebbles which cover  two kilometers long beach. The most beautiful months of the year are July and September. July is the warmest with the nicest stabile weather while  September is milder and one can enjoy swimming and sunbathing till the end of this month.

Apartments in Baška