Malinska Town Center and Harbor

Malinska is a small resort on the western coast of the island of Krk, in the Kvarner Bay, about a quarter of an hour's drive from the bridge that links the island to the mainland, and its harbour and compact centre are the focus of the town. Until the late nineteenth century, it was a simple fishing and seafaring village. The arrival of tourism, which began when visitors from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy discovered the mild climate and clear water of this shore, gradually changed it, and today, Malinska is a family-oriented holiday town with a relaxed character, a long seafront and plenty of shade from pines and tamarisks.

The harbour is the natural starting point. Fishing boats and small leisure craft are tied up along the stone quay, and cafes and restaurants line the front, serving grilled fish, squid and other Kvarner dishes at tables with a view of the water. The old core of the town, behind the harbour, is a pleasant tangle of narrow streets with stone houses, small shops and bakeries, which give a sense of the village that existed before the hotels. In the evening, the waterfront fills with strollers, and live music and events are held in the summer months.

Beaches are close at hand. The main town beach, Plaža Malinska, is a stretch of fine pebbles in a gently shelving bay, and other beaches, such as Cuklićevo and Rupa, lie a short distance along the coast, with clear water and some shade. A promenade, the Lungomare, runs along the shore, and a coastal path, known locally as Rajska cesta, links Malinska with the neighbouring resort of Njivice, offering a pleasant walk or bicycle ride of an hour or less, with views of the sea and the islands of Cres and Rab and the coastal mountains. A monastery in the town is listed in this guide, and the plateau of Dubašnica, which rises behind Malinska, is a quiet landscape of villages, stone walls and old churches, where the dialect and customs differ from those of other parts of Krk.

Within easy reach of Malinska is Biserujka Cave, near the village of Rudine, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites that is open to visitors, and the old town of Krk, the island's capital, lies about half an hour away by car. The island is connected by regular buses, and in summer, boats make excursions along the coast.

The town is open all year, but the busiest months are July and August, when restaurants and beaches are full. Spring and autumn are quieter, and the mild climate suits walking. Bring water shoes for the pebbles. Allow an hour for the harbour and centre, or a full day with the beach and promenade. Malinska suits families, couples and those who prefer a gentle resort.