Kvarner Gulf

Kvarner promises idyllic beaches, a vibrant, ancient culture, lively cities and romantics spots, which  all offer an invitation for relaxation, daydreaming and enjoyment. Kvarner is located on the upper  Adriatic between the Istrian peninsula and Dalmatia where you can find the oldest and most popular resorts in the country. This is no surprise considering all that it has to offer. Gentle rolling hills nestled between forests and vineyards are attractive for those seeking an active holiday; stretches of beaches for swimming and relaxing, and a number of islands for exploring and enjoyment. Its beautiful location between the sea and the mountainous hinterland is why tourists flock to this jewel on the Adriatic. Additionally, it is so situated that it provides the perfect location as a point of departure for tourists looking to quickly access other parts of the country. Naturally, an excursion to the Plitvice Lakes National Park is an essential part of the perfect Kvarner experience. These picturesque terraced waterfalls provided the stunning backdrop for the Winnetou films. Even today, the park offers picture and film perfect landscapes with its turquoise waters, weird and wonderful shapes, and its extensive, fairy-tale like paths.

Amongst Beach Life, Wine and Historical Walls

Did you know that you have the chance to observe schools of tuna fish (and with some luck also a few dolphins) anywhere along the Kvarner bay? It is not necessary to be on a cruise or sailing ship to be able to enjoy the wonders of the bay. The viewing platforms scattered along the coast provide a wonderful view of the beach, the cities and the hill country. Contrary to widespread belief, there is not only pebbled beaches and bathing platforms in Croatia, and the best example of this is Crikvenica. This former Roman settlement located 37 kilometers from Rijeka has ample golden, sandy beaches. For this reason alone, it is one of the most popular resorts for both tourists and Croatians. Recreation and relaxation are also of utmost importance on Lungamore, the promenade from Opatija. The 12 kilometer long promenade goes along the coastline from Preluk in the north until Lovran in the south and passes not only romantically wild beaches and rugged coves, but also majestic villas and high class hotels, magnificent churches, memorials, and other touristy gems. Whoever would like to see even just a part of this enchanting coastline, must absolutely plan to make a stop at Lido beach in Opatija. Above all, as one of the oldest tourist resorts in Croatia, Opatija is bewitching with its historical spa architecture, along with its sandy beaches emerging from the sea. The carefully preserved and renovated villas and hotels from the belle époque, which were once used by the nobles traveling with the train from Vienna, Budapest, or Zagreb for summer holidays, are still very admirable. Just as enchanting is the small city of Moscenicka Draga, which lies somewhat further south. It boasts charming villas, narrow alleys, and romantic ports which are redolent of summer, sun and freedom.

In contrast to life on the beach in Kvarner, Senj, located between Rijeka and Zadar, offers a chance to experience a city. Senj is the oldest city in the upper Adriatic region and lies picturesquely between the Adriatic and the UNESCO Velebit biosphere reserve. It is also the perfect departure point for an exploration of the nearby Nehaj Fortress located on the same mountain. The fortress is still stalwart, once being the headquarters of the Uskoken and now serving as a museum. It is a popular destination not only for tourists but also for locals. After all that sightseeing, those that seek idleness and indulgence must not look very far. The newest wine valley, Novi Vinodolski, invites tired tourists to enjoy a relaxing day with delightful food and, even better, Croatian wine in its cozy restaurants and wine taverns.

Rijeka: Vibrant, Bustling Center of the Kvarner Bay

Inarguably, Rijeka is the center of the Kvarner region sitting at the north of the bay. Here, where Roman artifacts meet influences from the Italians and the Habsburgers and an eventful history has  left its marks on Rijeka's cityscape, variety and surprising discoveries are all on the day-to-day agenda. Grandiose buildings, such as the Governor's Palace, the Trsat Castle, the city walls, the Modello Palace, the large market and the differing churches are all to be explored and establishments like the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art are to be marveled. Whoever has had enough of delving into the history of the country, can wander through the generously sized shopping boulevard that has enough shops for every taste. Also, this boulevard serves as the party center of Rijeka, where in summer and autumn the great number of clubs and bars attract dancers and party-seekers alike. Rijeka's central location and excellent connections make the city the gate to Kvarner. The Rijeka airport and the large number of ferry terminals interconnect the city with the rest of Croatia and with the rest of the world.

Enchanting Islands in the Kvarner Bay

Kvarner, is however, much more than just Rijeka and the Velebit, beach promenades and historical interests and romantic cities with old alleyways and cozy restaurants. The region is internationally famous for its various and fantastically located islands that lie in the clear, blue water of the Adriatic Sea. One tourist hub that is just a ride over the bridge from the mainland Rijeka is to the island of Krk. Once a secret amongst sailors, this island is now a popular destination for water athletes, pleasure-seekers and seaside tourists from all over the world. It is no wonder that this place has become so popular with its warm waters, which swimmers can enjoy into autumn, the Soline and Silo beaches, the picturesque swimming bay in Stara Baska and not to forget, the 1.5 kilometer long crescent shaped dream beach in Baska where relaxing under the southern sun is easy. Punat does not only have wonderful pebble beaches, but also provides a home to Croatia's largest and and safest marinas in its protected bay. For a bit of variety, you can see in the beautiful places of Krk and Malinska their regionally specific flat houses and narrow alleys. Especially notable is the spectacular Biserujka stalactite cave.

Next to Krk is also the completely sheltered island of Rab, which is included as one of the best vacation paradises in the Kvarner Bay. There are four characteristic church steeples which are traces from the middle ages which define Rab city, but it is overall the beaches which make the island so attractive. Unlike many other parts of Croatia, sun worshipers and water rats find themselves here on the paradise beach of Lopar with its gently shelving beach, which is especially suitable for families with children. Recreation seeking vacationers do not only expect to find paradise on the beach, but expect to find paradise in all aspects of their trip. Around the idyllically placed towns there are spectacular bays framed by mountains and green pines with a total of 22 beaches- a record! No other vacation resort in Croatia, not even on the Adriatic, has an equatable amount of beach variety to offer. Whether you are a family with children, an active vacationist, or a young person searching for a party, there is something for everyone. Additionally, there are a number of naturalists who have already discovered the beautiful Rab beaches for themselves. Nudists from all over the world meet here for  collective relaxation and enjoyment.

Also, there is nothing inferior about the islands of Cres and Losinj in comparison to Krk and Rab when it comes to recreation and beauty. Bathing bays and hilly countrysides, vineyards, picture perfect villages and good Croatian wine make one quickly forget the everyday routine. Cres which is longer, narrower and more mountainous is different from Krk and Rab in that it has not been overrun by tourists. Thick woods in the North, vineyards and olive groves, meadows and Mediterranean plant growth  cover the plains and the hills, making the island a dream destination for sporty tourists. The island's main city, also called Cres, is home to a large marina which serves as a starting point for many sailors. Its idyllic location between bay and rolling hills is just as charming as its small alleyways and medieval buildings. For those who find the city life a bit too quick, can escape to nearby Valun. This fisherman's village hugging the hillside has a small authentic port and is especially famous for its Valunska Ploca stone plaque from the 11^th Century. Excellent fish and scampi meals are best enjoyed in one of the smaller port-side restaurants. Martiniscia, as a former fishing village, has retained its appeal and charm for visitors of today. Nestled in green hills and turquoise waters, this appealing, idyllic place hides a Glagolitic Monastery and Castle which are just asking to be explored.

After a day full of sightseeing and long marches through the city or countryside, a nice refreshing splash in the water is best done in Lubenice on the west coast of the island. The village resides on a rock spur far away from any sort of civilization seeming as if it is only in sky and sea. Underneath the village is a vast extension of bays which are difficult to gain access to. For those who brave the hike down to Lubenice Bay, will be rewarded with crystal clear waters and untouched beaches. In the Zanja Bay, the “blue Grotto” is waiting to be explored. Lights rays in the 23 Meter deep Cave, reflect in such a way that the whole vault glows with an intensive blue color.

To the south is the island of Cres, which is not any less idyllic than her neighbor, the Losinj island. The two islands are connected with a swing bridge. The Pine forests and lush overgrowth on the hillside and plains are inviting to tourists searching for extended hikes, or simply a small stroll in the forest. One of the most popular swimming spots from the islands is the Cikat Bay by Mali Losinj, where tourists are offered a large number of sport activities ranging from the Tennis school to the diving courses. Of course, the extensive amounts of small bays also provide the perfects spots for a refreshing dive in the sea. One can reside in one of the well-preserved and renovated villas from the 19th Century, which are now mainly run as hotels. The two largest cities from the islands are the picturesque Veli Losinj and the bustling city of Mali Losinj are widely known and popular as   a health resort. Since 1892, sufferers of asthma have found alleviation in the mild island climate, the sea air and with the smell of the pines.

In contrast to Krk and Rab, Cres and Losinj, the island of Pag shapes the impressive scenic backdrop of the Velebit.  The barren island is a beauty at first sight and attracts hikers to her bizarre, karstic forms, and luscious valleys. The island is not only for tourists, but is well known all over Croatia. The reason for its popularity is not because of its famous Pager's sheep-milk cheese, but for its party nights which never seem to end. The young and the old gather from all over the world to unite under the beat of good music.