Rijeka and Crikvenica riviera [Kvarner]

General information

• Number of residents: 11 350
• Geographical position: Kvarner bay
• Climate: mild Mediterranean
• Average summer temperature: 25° C
• Average winter temperature: 10° C

Gastronomy

Crikvenica is influenced by both continental and Mediterranean lifestyles, which left their traces on the cuisine. There are many delicacies for you to try such as game specialties with aromatic sauces mostly served with gnocchi and red wines.

Still, be sure to try seafood specialties such as fresh fish and shells during your summer vacation. We recommend grilled fish, filled calamari or fish "brudet" usually served with polenta. Don't forget excellent wines that will enrich your meals.

Sport

Even though it may not seem so at first sight, there are plenty of opportunities for sport activities in Crikvenica. Firstly, there are many water sports to engage in such as diving, surfing, sailing besides swimming and sunbathing on the beach.

If you are not a diver, but would like to give it a try, we recommend visiting the local diving center where you can get all the necessary information and advice on how to get far below the sea surface. You can of course remain above the surface and learn how to sail in the local sailing club in Crikvenica.

Moreover, you can bring or rent a bike, since there are numerous bicycle paths around, as well as several bicycle clubs, which would be happy to provide you with more advice on the subject. If you are part of a larger group you can choose to play against each other in a game that combines adventure and fun – paintball.

Fun and night life

After a day spent on the beach swimming, sunbathing, playing sports and spending time with friends or family, save some energy for the night out.

Especially during summer, cafes next to the sea are full of good music and interesting people. There are also many cultural manifestations where you can learn more about the tradition and customs of this area. Moreover, there are various fashion shows, concerts and festivities.

How to get there?

• By car:
  • Crikvenica-Zagreb 156 km highway
  • Crikvenica -Pula 152 km regional road
  • Crikvenica-Trieste 117 km
• By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr (Rijeka airport 42 km)
• By bus: www.akz.hr
• By train: www.hznet.hr (to Rijeka 37 km)
• Local and international ferry lines: www.jadrolinija.hr (37 km to Rijeka)

Beaches

Besides pleasant climate you can also enjoy beautiful beaches in Crikvenica. Beaches there have a Blue flag, which stands for high level of water purity and ecological awareness of local people.

Beaches in Crikvenica and its surroundings are mostly pebbled with pine groves that will protect you from sun heath. Crikvenica is one of the sunniest places on the Adriatic with some 2500 sunny hours a year, so you don't have to worry about returning home without a nice tan.

What to see?

Kotor

Kotor is a real treat for all history lovers. Basically, Kotor is an archeological zone where you can see traces of a prehistoric settlement, as well as traces of medieval houses. It doesn't take a historian to explain how people used to live here; with a little imagination you can picture it yourself! Smaller buildings as well as ruins of medieval church can also be found in Kotor.

Pavlina Convent-Crikvenica

Former convent and present hotel is situated in the eastern part of Crikvenica between the sea and river Dubračina. In the 15th century Pavlins built a convent as their foundation there. Next to the convent is the church of Blessed Virgin Mary. The basic structure of the convent remained the same but it's appearance changed to fit better with the hotel requirements.

Old town of Novi Vinodolski

Visit the old town of Novi Vinodolski, and you will have an opportunity to witness the historical heritage of this region. The town was erected in the 13th century by famous noble families of Frankopan and Zrinski. These families were very influential and they have played a significant role in shaping Croatian history.

Trsat-Rijeka

This old medieval fortress and settlement contains many historical monuments. Today, Trsat is a famous Marian sanctuary that hosts many pilgrimages, especially in the spring.

Fortress Nehaj-Senj

Fortress Nehaj, built in the 16th century, is a symbol of the town of Senj. It is square in shape and oriented according to cardinal directions. Some visitors say it is very much like a prototype of a medial castle we are used to watch in the movies. Why not visiting such a castle?

Toš (old olive press)-Dramalj

Dramalj is a nice small place situated on the coast right next to Crikvenica. It is famous for its beautiful beaches. An old olive press which was used for making olive oil and which is no longer functional testifies of the strong tradition of olive growing on this part of the Adriatic.

Where to go on a trip?

Plitvice Lakes

National Park Plitvice Lakes are situated some 200 km from the coast. Sixteen beautiful Plitvice Lakes, crystal clear and turquoise, are situated one beneath the other in forested mountain area. High waterfalls are created when water decants from the higher lakes into lower lakes, which leaves the visitors breathless. Combination of continental and coastal climate results in pleasantly warm summers and snow rich winters, lush green springs and colourful autumns that have been attracting visitors for many years. Plitvice Lakes is a destination you can visit all year long; each visit will feel like the first.

Postojnska cave (Slovenia)

This whole area is exceptionally beautiful. There are underground water flows and caves; climate is especially mild and vegetation is lush. What is especially interesting in this area are caves, the biggest one being Postojnska Jama. It stretches over almost 20 kilometers of underground passages and hallways. Already 20 milion visitors witnessed its unusual beauty. If you sit on an electrical train that will take you through the entire Postojnska Jama, you will discover the world of stalactites and stalagmites shaped by limestone and water for a long number of years. In Postojnska Jama it is possible to see the olm, which is a pink lizard-like amphibian that lives in these caves and in the karst area.

Venice

Everybody knows that Venice is considered to be one of the most romantic towns on the planet. This fact is not surprising since its bridges, splendid Renaissance palaces and the square of St. Marco as a sort of center, inspired writers and poets throughout history. Get to know Venice by riding a gondola along the Canal Grande and see the Bridge of Sighs from which those sentenced to death said goodbye to the sun forever or have a cup of coffee on St. Marco square. If you come in the winter, forget about the everyday life and become what you choose during a large carnival. Venice has always been a synonym of splendor, and in the 15th century it was a center of world trade and the largest port in the world.

Opatija

Opatija and its Austro-Hungarian flair, that marks this town even after 160 years, is an ideal choice for all who seek luxury and splendor. Opatija is often called "Croatian Monte Carlo" where trendy villas and luxurious hotels provide accommodation to guests who enjoy mild climate on terraces of many cafes furnished in traditional stile. Young people tend to drink cocktails in one of the lounge bars rather then going out to discotheques. Opatija is a synonym for luxury and a right choice for all who wish to have a good time or relax on their holiday.