Istria is a perfect combination of natural beauty, picturesque towns with an interesting history, fantastic gastronomic delicacies, and warm-hearted inhabitants. At the same time, the magnificent Kvarner is the northern part of the Adriatic Sea between the Velebit and Istrian coasts with the beautiful Opatija.
Umag – a beautiful Istrian town located on the western coast of Istria and next to Savudrija, the westernmost place in Croatia. It is located in a bay popular with tourists, where one of the most popular ACI marinas is located, which can boast of a blue flag. The blue flag is proudly flying on about 10 more beaches of this lively town as a confirmation of the exceptional quality of the sea and the high level of cleanliness and cleanliness of the beach.
Experience all the beauty of the Old Town by strolling through its streets and cobbled squares and enjoy the view of the Gothic and Romanesque buildings. The surroundings of Umag are full of bicycle paths, and numerous bicycle events are held throughout the year, so if you are in Umag with a bicycle, be sure to explore them. If you find yourself in Umag at the beginning of July, you can visit the world-famous Croatia Open Umag tennis tournament.
Motovun is a small town in the heart of Istria that has developed on top of a steep hill. Beautiful and illuminated, Motovun is a treasure of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its charming atmosphere, excellent wines, and culinary delicacies from local farms and markets, Motovun is truly an exciting destination that offers a handful of activities for every visitor!
Poreč is an ancient town known for the Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century. The guides will introduce you to many more monuments, each of which has its history and story.
Rovinj is a small medieval Venetian town that will enchant you with its narrow streets and the church of St. Euphemia, patroness of the city.
The capital and largest city of Istria is Pula, a protected port with numerous sights dating back to the period of Ancient Rome. The most famous of them is the Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheater. Every year, this place hosts a whole series of different events such as the Outlook Festival and the Pula Film Festival. Thanks to its mild climate, Pula is among the most popular Croatian summer destinations. Moreover, in Pula and its surroundings, you will find some of the best Croatian beaches that stretch to the Premantura peninsula. A short boat ride from the city takes you to Brijuni National Park, the famous resort of the former president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. In addition, the main attraction of the park is the safari with wild animals.
Opatija Riviera – Opatija, the flower of Kvarner
The Opatija Riviera is one of the most attractive tourist destinations on the Adriatic. It is located on the eastern coast of Istria, in the very heart of the Kvarner Gulf.
Fascinating architecture of elegant villas with luxurious parks, rich catering and hotel offer make Opatija the very heart of the Riviera. Idyllic villas, swimming pools, colorful parks, a promenade by the sea and the charm that can be felt in the air are the reasons why Opatija has become a prestigious elite resort. The most famous promenade is the popular Lungo mare, which with its 12 km connects the towns on the Opatija Riviera – Volosko, Opatija, Ičići, Ika and Lovran. From here, the sea air, the beautiful coastal landscape and numerous coves attract many walkers, who enjoy getting to know the history of Opatija.
Lungomare is a combination of beautiful buildings, luxurious Art Nouveau villas, motifs that have become symbols of Opatija, such as the Girl with a Seagull. There are also hidden nooks with benches for resting in the shade of centuries-old oaks, as well as places that remind of the former daily life of the local population.
A walk along this promenade is a special wellness experience.
Along with the Opatija Riviera, one of the most picturesque parts of the Adriatic coast is the Crikvenica Vinodol Riviera.
Rijeka, one of the largest Croatian cities, is located between these two beautiful rivieras in the very center of Kvarner. Rijeka, with all its rich history, is not a famous city of art, but that is why it is well recognized by professionals and true connoisseurs and declared the European Capital of Culture in 2020, winning the competition from much larger and better-known cities.
The Crikvenica Vinodol Riviera is located on the sea, yet close enough to the mountains, so in the same day you can enjoy the beach, diving, sailing, or sailing, and then in just half an hour you can reach the peace of the forest and taste healthy specialties made from medicinal plants.
The riviera is where sea air blends with fresh mountain air, which is an ideal combination, and because of this, the entire Crikvenica riviera is known for health tourism.
From Crikvenica, there is a beautiful view of the island of Krk and the Krk bridge.
After crossing the Krk bridge and arriving at one of the most special Croatian islands, the first island town that will greet you is magnificent Omišalj and the youngest place on the island of Njivice.
The historic city center is located on an 85-meter-high cliff with a unique view of the sea. Klančina Street leads directly to the old center of this wonderful city. Walk through the narrow stone streets, rich in Mediterranean vegetation and gardens to the very center of the city and you will be delighted. There is a beautiful small baroque square.
Take a walk and feel the spirit of the past. Continue to the Dubec lookout point, which offers a magnificent view of Kvarner, and walk through the park down to the port.
If you want to combine sightseeing with swimming, you can do so in the beautiful bay of Sepen, where the biggest landmark of Omišalj, the famous Mirina-Fulfinium, is located. Fulfinum was a developed city in the first century, which was mentioned by the Greek writer Ptolemy. After swimming, enjoy a walk among the walls of the ancient city and the rays of the sun, while the wind whispers the story of some ancient times.
If you prefer to be in the center of the action, the city beaches in Omišalj and Njivice offer various facilities for a fulfilling day at sea, near cafes, restaurants, volleyball courts, mini golf or table tennis, parks and essential facilities at sea: jet skis, bananas, parachutes.
A little further from Omišalj, the town of Punat is situated in a natural bay. It is located on the eastern coast of the bay – a natural harbor and haven for vessels. Today, one of the largest nautical centers in Croatia, it is a second home for many yacht owners from all over Europe.
Punat will delight you with its old town center, centuries-old olive groves, and beautiful beaches along the 3.5 km long promenade along the sea.
One of the special features of this destination is the islet of Košljun, a pearl of the natural and cultural heritage of this region, the central part of which is dominated by a Franciscan monastery from the 16th century built on medieval remains. Around 30,000 books are stored in it, and concerts of classical and sacred music are held in the atrium in the summer.
Punat on the island of Krk is one of the most suitable places on the Adriatic for year-round learning of the first sailing steps, given that the departure towards the open sea is almost always accompanied by the wind in the sails.
If you visit Punat in the summer months, do not miss visiting the hidden beaches between Punat and Stara Baška, which are accessible by boat, only from the seaside.
If you are a fan of sports activities, you are in the right place. In Punat, there is the possibility of engaging in various sports activities, such as skiing on the sea with the help of a cable and towed by a speedboat, parachuting, sailing, surfing, diving, biking, and hiking trails…
If you want an unusual adventure, take a walk on the seabed because it is possible on Puntarska beach. If you have no prior knowledge of diving, even if you happen to not know how to swim, you can see replicas of amphorae, anchors, a small shipwreck, and barrels and treasure chests on the seabed. Maybe a fish or a seahorse will join you. Experience a real sea fairy tale.
And on the tamest part of the island of Krk, where the wooded coast winds endlessly and from where you can see a picturesque view of Učka, Opatija and Rijeka. It is also adorned with beautiful beaches.
There are those, a bit wild, hidden from view, all the way to organized city beaches. They start along the Rajska road that connects Malinska and Njivice, and end behind the small fishing village of Porat, on the island’s longest promenade with a length of 10 kilometers. Whether there are organized city beaches or those hidden from view, they are all connected by the crystal clearness of the sea.
If you want to get to know the history of Malinska and find out interesting facts about the place, be sure to visit the beautiful DUBoak – Interpretation Center of Maritime Heritage, which was built in Malinska on the waterfront where the deep and strong connection between Dubašnica and the sea was created.
Before the development of tourism, Dubašnica lived from agriculture, fishing, and trade in raw materials – oak wood, which was exported by barge to Venice and Chioggia, and other important Mediterranean ports.
In this building, the rich maritime heritage, sailing culture, shipbuilding skills, and the coexistence of the island people with the sea and the forest are evoked.
The luxurious and interesting display is enriched with audio-visual content that will give you a real experience and innovatively present the identity of Malinska.
If you like walks in Malinska and Dubašnica, there are beautiful promenades along the sea and inland. You can walk through centuries-old olive groves that have stood here proudly for centuries as a companion in the life of the islanders. Taste the magnificent olive oil, which is also called liquid gold, without which Mediterranean cuisine cannot be imagined, which is also the best souvenir you can take from the island of Krk.
Take a walk on the Paradise Road that only Malinska has. This beautiful promenade by the sea will give you a heavenly atmosphere. With the smell of the pine forest mixed with the smell of the sea, with a light breeze and a view of the crystal blue, you will experience the beauty of the moment. Did you know that the combination of Mediterranean herbs: olive, lavender, rosemary, immortelle, cypress, and pine with a high concentration of aerosols is beneficial in the treatment and rehabilitation of the respiratory tract?
On the northeastern coast of the island of Krk, opposite Crikvenica in the bay of Stipanja, meet Šilo, once a small fishing village with a view of Crikvenica, today the tourist center of Dobrinjština. Šilo is proud of its beaches, which are very neat and clean, and the Blue Flag flying on the sandy beach of Pećine can testify to this.
Near Šilo is one of the most attractive underwater locations, the sunken Greek motor ship Peltastis, which sunk more than 50 years ago. An ideal place for lovers of diving.
Not far from Šilo, in a beautiful view of the forest, on an elevation of about 200 meters, with a bell tower that towers over the roofs of the houses, the beautiful town of Dobrinj is located, illuminated by the sun and picturesque.
It will win your hearts at first sight. Walk through its narrow streets that lead to the main square Placa and get to know its turbulent history. There is an ethnographic collection, a collection of fossils and the Infeld gallery with an area of 400 m2, which was founded by one of the world’s largest art collectors and where exhibitions of renowned artists take place. Behind the parish church of St. Stephen is a viewpoint with a beautiful panoramic view of the entire Klimno Bay. The right place for a selfie.
Konoba Zora from Dobrinje offers you top-quality homemade food, local meat, and fish specialties, and they are known for their excellent traditional šurlice.
Visit Klimno, the largest place in the bay and one of the oldest in the area. A beautiful, charming, and idyllic place with numerous beaches that you should definitely visit.
Nearby is the bay of Meline, which is located between Solin and Čižić. The beach is rich in medicinal mud that helps in the treatment of bone pain and skin diseases, so don’t be surprised if you are greeted by people smeared with mud. The sea in the bay is very shallow and warm, which is suitable for small children as well as a long swimming season.
If you want to run on the sandy beach or enjoy a game of picigin in the shallows, you are in the right place.
If you get tired of swimming and sunbathing, you can visit the Biserujka cave, which is located not far from Dobrinje and which delights with its beauty and interesting precipitated forms. According to legend, the cave was named Biserujka (pearl) after the treasure found in it, which belonged to local pirates.
Stop for a moment and enjoy the magnificent natural creation.
On Krk, there are many beautiful places worth visiting, and one of them is the largest city on the island – the city of Krk, whose history goes back several centuries before Christ, to the time of the legendary Greek poet Homer. The entire city is surrounded by walls that date back to Roman and medieval times. The city is dominated by the beautiful cathedral, which together with the Frankopan castle is the most famous motif of the city and the castle built by the Frankopans in the 12th century with four towers for the defense of the city.
Did you know…?
Krk is the Croatian island with the most populated places, 68 of them.
Punat is a place with the oldest marina on the Adriatic.
Vrbnik can boast of the narrowest street in the world. It is about Klančić Street, which is only a little more than 50 cm wide.
Baška can be reached via the Treskavac mountain pass along the Vela Rika canyon, which is the longest continuous stream on the Adriatic islands.
There are three streams and two lakes on the island.
In 2019, Krk was declared the best small town in Croatia in terms of quality of life and economy.
The island of Krk has an area of 406 km2 and, along with the neighboring island of Cres, is the largest in the Adriatic.
1502 species of butterflies live on the island of Krk, which makes it the island with the most species of butterflies in the Adriatic.
From the island of Krk, from Valbiska, the ferry goes to the small settlement and ferry port – Merag to the largest Adriatic island, Cres.
Fairytale Cres is the largest Adriatic island next to the island of Krk and an ideal place to live in harmony with nature. In addition to its rich history, Cres is today one of the islands with the richest flora due to the unique mix of different types of natural environments such as dense oak forests, high and steep rocks, and numerous beaches and coves. Cres is one of the least populated islands in the Adriatic, but also in the entire Mediterranean. A simple, peaceful life has always been lived on it, and the people mostly engaged in animal husbandry, agriculture, fishing, and olive growing.
The largest place on the island is located in a natural bay surrounded by old olive groves.
The old narrow streets with stone houses that lean on each other and form a real labyrinth give this town a special charm.
Merag-ferry port
The village of Merag is 500 m from the ferry port, from the hill of which there is a beautiful view. A little before the village, surrounded by a laurel forest, there is a large tectonic pit called the Meraška jama.
If you are coming to Merag by ferry, take some time to visit the village or Meraška jama, you will not regret it.
Veli Lošinj – the scented town
At the bottom of the hill of St. Ivan this small, colorful fishing town is located. The picturesque little streets where you can see the luxurious villas of former captains will win you over. The small fishing port will evoke the fishing atmosphere of this place and introduce you to its traditions. This quiet and secluded town is a real oasis of peace and beauty.
Mali Lošinj – swim with dolphins
In the entire Mediterranean, Lošinj’s dolphins are one of the best-studied groups. And if you want to adopt a dolphin, that is also possible. To discover all the charms and beauties of this city and to breathe in the scents of the Mediterranean, from orange, lemon, sage, myrtle to rosemary, you simply have to come. Treat yourself to an unforgettable vacation, come to Mali Lošinj.
Punta Križa – a charming village
The luxurious palette of colors of the Mediterranean landscape adorns this place. This is a small national park where you can see deer, pheasants, and sheep grazing on the green meadows. In the beautiful bays with pearl blue sea, you can meet the bottlenose dolphin, a playful inhabitant of the sea. Punta Križa water area is the only dolphin reserve in the Mediterranean.
After Cres and Lošinj, get to know the town of Rab on the island of Rab
As you approach the island of happiness, as the ancient Romans called it, by ferry, you will notice the distinctive view of the old town consisting of four bell towers, with which Rab resembles a sailing ship with four masts: these are the bell towers of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church of St. John the Evangelist, the church of St. Andrew the Apostle and the church of St. Justine.
This city, in addition to enchanting you with its beauty, will take you back to some old times, with its multitude of small streets and stone houses, decorated with portuns, palm trees, and flowers, each of which offers a special story. Take a walk from the oldest part of Rab Kaldanac to Komrčar Park as if through a labyrinth exploring and photographing the Mediterranean and Renaissance spirit of Rab!
The ancient walls of the city of Rab are joined by the lush green canopy of the Aleppo pines and Komrčar Park. Park Komrčar is the green lungs of the city where you can find refreshments even on the hottest days.
The center of social events in every city are city squares. The following squares should be highlighted in particular: St. Christopher’s Square, Municipium Arbae Square, and Trg slobode (Freedom Square).
On St. Christopher’s Square, during the Rab festival, time goes back to the Middle Ages, and guests are offered an unforgettable experience of history. Rab crossbowmen, coopers, cobblers, goldsmiths, stonemasons, city guards, ladies and noblemen, woodcarvers, candlestick makers, bakers, blacksmiths, fishermen, and others participate in the Rab festival.
Rab is the owner of many awards in tourism, from the most beautifully decorated square, the most original tourist offers to the Rab cake, which was declared the most original souvenir. And it also received international ones, such as the best tourist destination of the Adriatic islands.
Rab is also known as the sandiest island with as many as 22 sandy beaches.
On the emerald island of Rab, the island of happiness, just 12 kilometers from the island’s main town, Rab, is the Lopar peninsula. This beautiful place is adorned by the exceptional beauty of the landscape, the indented coastline along the magical Adriatic Sea, and real heavenly beaches. If you are looking for silence, untouched nature, and breathtaking sandy beaches, this is the right destination for you.
The most famous of all is Rajska plaža, which is up to two kilometers long and is included among the hundred most beautiful beaches in the world. Kilometers of golden sand, turquoise sea, and blue sky make a beautiful picture that leaves no one indifferent.
If you want to explore on your own, hiking is the only way to really get to know Lopar. Choose the path according to your desire and physical fitness and embark on a unique adventure through Lopar. The incredible beauty of nature, sand pyramids, low vegetation, and sea view will delight you completely.
The Lopar Geological Garden with a total of 50 marked geological points, as part of the Geopark of the island of Rab, abounds with geological interesting things and rare vegetation. There are many fossils at numerous geological points, and specially shaped rocks and geological profiles attract attention with their unusualness. There are as many as 22 sandy beaches and many smaller coves along the Lopar peninsula and scattered on the nearby islets.
Lopar owes its special appearance to the bora – the Adriatic wind, which, creating waves that break on the shores of this peninsula, has shaped a recognizable relief over several millennia.
Come and experience the unique sandy paradise on Lopar… leave your footprints in the sand…
Our country is rich in numerous natural and cultural beauties that are known all over the world, from national and nature parks to cultural heritage and unique architectural achievements. Croatia is adorned with about 1,185 islands, which makes it one of the most diverse countries in the Mediterranean and the world. It is impossible to present all these beauties, cities, and places at once.
If you have not heard of Croatia until now, we hope that we have brought you at least a little closer to the beauty, value, and success of a small European country.
