Oštro Beach

Oštro is a small peninsula at the entrance to the Bay of Bakar, near Kraljevica, on the Kvarner coast, between the resort of Crikvenica and the bridge that leads to the island of Krk. The beaches on and around the point are pebble and rock, with clear water and views over the bay and the islands, and they offer a calm swimming place in an area that is often passed through quickly on the coastal road. Kraljevica itself is a small town with a long history, and the beach is best seen as part of a day that also takes in its sights.

The coast here is a mix of pebbled stretches and flat rock, with pines and Mediterranean scrub growing behind the shore, which provides shade. The water is deep and clean, and the slope into the sea is steeper in some places than in others, so swimmers should look at the conditions before taking children in. The setting is quiet compared with the resorts to the south, and in the morning and evening, the light on the water is soft. Hotels, campsites and private accommodation are found in the area, so facilities are not far away, but the beach itself is basic, and it is wise to bring water, snacks, sun protection and shoes for the stones. The beach is free and open to everyone, and the best season is from late spring to early autumn.

Kraljevica has an interesting past. The town grew around a castle built in the seventeenth century by the Zrinski family, a powerful noble house, on the site of earlier Frankopan holdings, and the castle still stands near the waterfront, listed in this guide as the Frankopan Castle. The town was later the site of a shipyard established under the Habsburg monarchy in the eighteenth century, which became an important naval and merchant yard, and shipbuilding has remained part of the local economy. In the twentieth century, the town developed as a health and holiday destination, with sanatoria and hotels along the shore, which explains the character of its waterfront.

The surroundings are good for walking and cycling, with coastal paths and quiet roads, and the views of the bay and of Krk, with its bridge, are impressive. Bakar, with its old town and castle, lies a short drive to the north, and Crikvenica, with its promenade and long beaches, is a short distance to the south.

Allow two to four hours for the beach, or a full day with the castle and the town. The beach suits couples, families with older children and travellers on a road trip who want a swim and a break. Note that coastal roads can be busy in summer, so plan parking in advance.