Cuklićevo Beach

Cuklićevo Beach is one of the small beaches of Malinska, a seaside village on the northwestern coast of the island of Krk, in Croatia. It lies along the coast that is lined by a promenade connecting a series of coves, and it offers a calm, low-key place to swim away from the larger, busier beaches in the centre of the village.

Malinska grew from a fishing and farming settlement into a family-oriented resort, and its coastline is the reason. The shore here is a succession of small bays with pebbles and flat rock, sheltered by low headlands and backed by pines, holm oak and other Mediterranean greenery. The sea is clear and turquoise, and because the coast faces the sheltered channel between Krk and the mainland, waves are rarely large. Krk is the largest of the Croatian islands in the northern Adriatic, and it is joined to the mainland by a road bridge, so Malinska is easy to reach by car from Rijeka and Zagreb, which has made it a popular holiday place for decades.

Cuklićevo has a mixed shoreline of pebbles and rocks, and entry to the water is gentle, so swimmers of different ages can use it. Natural shade comes from the trees behind, which gives welcome relief in the afternoon. It is less developed than the beaches nearer the town centre, and visitors seeking a quiet corner for sunbathing, reading or swimming will find it suits them. Water shoes make walking on the stones more comfortable, and a mat or lounger helps on the pebbles. While it is a modest beach, services are limited, though bars, restaurants and showers can be found nearby along the promenade.

The promenade is one of the best parts of staying in Malinska. It follows the shoreline from beach to beach, passing the harbour, cafés and small shops, and it is flat and shaded enough for families with pushchairs and for cyclists. Whether you walk or cycle, covering it from one end to the other gives a good sense of the coast. In Malinska’s town centre and harbour, restaurants serve fresh fish, and a monastery in the village adds a cultural note. A short drive leads to the old town of Krk, the island’s main town, with its Roman and medieval remains, and to villages in the interior famous for olive oil and the Žlahtina wine of Vrbnik.

The beach suits families, couples and anyone looking for calm water and shade. Visit in June or September for the quietest conditions, and bring plenty of water and sun protection.