Popular tourist places
Discover Kvarner region
Kvarner and Gorski Kotar - the blue and green heart of Croatia! Kvarner is a part of Croatia between the Istrian and Velebit coasts. It consists of islands of Cres, Lošinj, Krk, Rab, Pag and the larger towns of Rijeka, Senj, Opatija, Lovran, and Crikvenica. For the town of Rijeka, as the largest Croatian port, it is especially important that the Kvarner Bay is deeper than the rest of the upper Adriatic (30-60m), which makes it the perfect place for seaport.
Throughout history, this area was inhabited by Liburnians and Histrians, who was later conquered by the Romans. Roman linguistic and cultural influence persisted and stayed long after the resettlement of the Slavic population. It is faithfully evidenced by the fact that the last speaker of the Roman-Slavic language died on the island of Krk in 1898. Throughout history, this area was dominated by Venice, Austria and its specificity is that here the ecclesiastical glagolitism has been proclaimed. From the 11th century until the Second Vatican Council in the 20th century, this was the only place within Catholicism in which Mass could serve in the national language.
The city of Rijeka is a port city in Croatia with its openness, multiculturalism and especially an urban culture that is reflected through the famous rock and punk scene. Numerous clubs and night bars in Rijeka can be easily visited due to the abundance of cheap accommodation that Rijeka offers, from rooms, inexpensive apartments on the coast and holiday houses, which can be rented through direct contact with the owners and without an agency fee.
The island of Krk is a special Kvarner story because it is the largest Croatian island. The old town of Krk in past owned by princes of Frankopan acts as a small Dubrovnik, where you can find many taverns and restaurants in stone-paved streets, and from stone walls enjoy the sea view. Here is private accommodation in holiday homes and cheap apartments available through direct contact with the owners, and apartments on the coast are numerous and varied to suit everybody's needs. Two popular places still need to be highlighted. One is Opatija, the birthplace of Croatian tourism, which with its elegant hotels and holiday houses is suitable for those who want to relax from the shivers of modern life. Second is the island of Rab and Lopar with the famous Paradise beach and the abundance of cheap accommodation, rooms, and apartments for rent for those who are looking for a relaxing vacation and beach fun.
Gorski Kotar is the most forested part of Croatia, and is often referred to as the green lungs of Croatia and is located between towns of Karlovac and Rijeka. The largest towns in the Gorski Kotar region are Delnice, Čabar, and Vrbovsko, and the highest peaks are Bjelolasica with 1534 meters and Risnjak with 1528 meters above sea level. The interesting thing about this part of Croatia is that you can hear all three Croatian dialects in it, here is spoken Stokavian, Kajkavian, and Chakavian dialect. Throughout history this part of Croatia was inhabited by Japod tribes, then Romans and finally Croats, followed by the conquest of the Ottomans and Austria. This part of Croatia, in addition to culinary delights, offers above all beautiful and unspoiled nature, preserved mountains and green hilltop forests. Because of its specific position, it is close to both the metropolis of Zagreb and the Kvarner coast, so it is easily accessible. With plenty of cheap accommodation in holiday homes and apartments, there is no reason not to visit it.
We will help you establish direct contact with private accommodation owners regardless of whether you are looking for cheap rooms, affordable apartments or luxurious holiday homes. You just need to choose your next holiday destination on Adriatic sea in Kvarner or in mountains of Gorski Kotar. Welcome to the blue and green heart of Croatia!
Recommendations
Lungomare is a coastal 12-kilometer long promenade stretching along the entire Opatija Riviera from Volosko, Opatija, Ika, Ičići to Lovran. Construction of the promenade started in 1885 at the time of the opening of the first hotels in Opatija - Grand Hotel Kvarner and Hotel Imperial. In 1889, when Opatija was officially declared a climatic health resort, construction of a promenade was completed. Afterwards, due to the increase of tourism on the Opatija Riviera (1911), Lungomare was further extended to Lovran.
The promenade is more than a hundred years old and very popular among the inhabitants of Opatija and their guests because, apart from the beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and the Kvarner coast, the promenade provides relax for body and soul, as well as escape from stressful everyday life.Apart from the recreational character, walking along Lungomare has also a cultural and historical character. As you walk along numerous houses and gorgeous villas, you can see beautiful examples of secessionist architecture which tell the story of the rich history of Opatija and its inhabitants. For example, in Volosko you will pass by the home of a Croatian scientist Andrija Mohorovčić, known for discovering Mohorovčić discontinuity, as well as the memorial for many personalities who visited Opatija such as Polish writer Henrik Sienkiewicz, Theodor Billroth, and others. On the promenade, there is also the work of the sculptor Zvonko Cara statue of the Girl with Seagull, which was built in 1956. This statue was built as a replacement for the sculpture Madonna del Mare, and immediately became one of the symbols of the city and of the entire Kvarner region.Except for rich history, guests may learn more about coastal vegetation since typical plants of this area grow along the promenade. Lovers of plants can visit the Angiolina Park which was built in the period from 1845 to 1860. In the park there are over 150 species of plants from all over the world, from sequoia, black bamboo, Himalayan cypress, and fir, however, the most valuable one is Japanese camellia since it has become one of Opatija's symbols.Cheap accommodation in an apartment or a holiday home can be found in Opatija, a pearl of Croatian tourism.
The Museum of Apoxyomenos is a unique museum that may be seen only in Croatia because the museum tells the whole story of only one exposition of Apoxyomenos. Lošinj Apoxyomenos is a bronze Greek statue 192 cm high, located on an original bronze pedestal. The statue shows an athlete of perfect proportions clearing a strigil. Today, there are only eight similar statues in the world, and Lošinj's Apoxyomenos is the most well-preserved one. According to estimates by historians, Apoxyomenos dates back to the second or first centuries before the new era, and apart from some parts that are missing, the statue is fully preserved. Although it is unknown who made the statue, the beauty and quality of the statue itself indicates that the author was technically highly skilled.
In 1996, the statue was found by a tourist from Belgium, near Vele Orjule. The sculpture was found on April 27, 1999, under the sea, at a depth of forty meters. Since during the extensive search of the undersea surrounding, searchers didn't find traces of shipwreck, it is assumed that the statue was thrown out of the ship during the storm. After a six-year restoration, the statue was originally exhibited at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb with occasional visitings at Louvre in Paris and Florence in Italy, where more than 80,000 visitors have seen it. In April 2016, after the end of reconstruction of Kvarner palace dated from the 19 century, the Museum of Apoxyomenos in Mali Lošinj was opened. Right after the new museum was opened, the statue was moved permanently in it. Through a series of rooms, visitors of the museum learn about the story of the sculpture, from its finding under the sea to the placement in the museum. The original sculpture of Apoxyomenos is exposed in the white room.The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9 to 17 (last entry available at 16). The entrance fee for adults ranges from HRK 50 to HRK 75 (EUR 7 to EUR 10) depending on the time of your visit (during the season or out of the season). More details and information about the ticket prices can be found on the official website of the museum. If you plan to visit this remarkable statue, you can find accommodation in cheap rooms and apartments in Mali Lošinj.
Risnjak is a mountain located in Gorski Kotar, and for many, it is considered as one of the most beautiful mountains in Croatia. Name Risnjak comes from bobcats that inhabit the forests of Risnjak. Risnjak became a national park in 1953, and the area of the national park covers more than 6350 ha including the wellspring of the Kupa river.
The highest peaks are Risnjak (1528 m) and Snježnik (1506 m), where you enjoy beautiful views of Gorski Kotar, Kvarner and the Slovenian Alps. Risnjak became a national park thanks to thick and unspoiled green forests. In the national park there are 14 different types of forest (most of the park is covered with forests of beech and fir trees that can grow more than 40 meters in height) and 30 different plant communities, therefore, around 70% of the national park area is under protection. The area of the park beside bobcats is inhabited by brown bear, wolf, wild cat, chamois and more than 100 species of birds.Although Risnjak has many accessible places for its visitors, it is one of the less visited Croatian national parks. The most famous attractions can be easily accessed without the need for additional or specific equipment. The only thing you should bring with you is a desire to enjoy in the beautiful nature. We recommend visiting the impressive wellspring of the Kupa River, which can be reached via the walking trail from Kupar. The wellspring has the status of a protected area since 1963. Also, several mountain trails run to mountain hut Shlosserov dom. In addition to walking and hiking on Risnjak, it is also possible to do sports fishing, however, a sports fishing license is required.Risnjak National Park offers numerous opportunities for its visitors. An entrance ticket for the park costs HRK 45 (EUR 6) for an adult and is valid for two days. For larger groups, the visit can be arranged with a professional guide. If you choose to visit this natural pearl, you can find cheap accommodation in apartments or rooms in nearby Fužine, Rijeka and its surroundings.
The island of Rab is different compared to other Croatian islands. Rab is the southernmost island of the Kvarner group of islands, with predominantly Mediterranean vegetation and plenty of sunny days. However, the reason why the island of Rab is so different from other Croatian islands is the number of sandy beaches. In total, Rab has thirty sandy beaches so it is no surprise that the ancient Romans gave Rab the epithet Felix Arba (happy Rab).
The development of tourism on the island began in 1889, and it is considered as one of the early adopters of tourism in Croatia. The mayor of the Rab municipality made a plan for the development of tourism on Rab, shortly after that the island Rab was declared as a spa and health resort (because of positive impact on cardiovascular diseases). Although Rab is very famous for its many breathtaking beaches, the most popular one is Paradise beach (Rajska plaža), which is located in Lopar. What makes Paradise Beach an ideal destination for many visitors, especially families with young children, is an ideal combination of desert white sand, shallow and warm sea, crystal clear sea and pine forests that surround it. Paradise Beach is just over two kilometers long and is the center of numerous sports and recreational activities. Besides the exceptionally popular beach volleyball courts, visitors can enjoy the many restaurants and playgrounds including playgrounds for children. Also, besides sunbathing and swimming, visitors can try jet-ski or parasailing, play tennis, basketball or soccer, go down the water slides or enjoy wellness, fitness or other sporting activity. Because of the sea quality, its preserved environment and security, the beach was awarded the "Blue Flag". In addition, American television CNN has included it among the top 100 beaches in the world.However, Rab can offer you more than just beaches. You can enjoy trips to surrounding islands and islets, of which the most interesting one is Goli otok (there was a prison). Also, there are many manifestations such as Rab fjera (Rabska fjera) and Rab Knight Games (Rapske viteške igre) as well as nightlife in numerous bars and nightclubs.We invite you to visit this piece of paradise where you can find everything you need for an ideal vacation and escape from stressful everyday life. Accommodation in private apartments can be found in Lopar or in the town of Rab.
The Trsat fortress (Trsatska gradina) is a fortress positioned in a historic strategic place that rises on a 138 meters high hill above the city of Rijeka, with beautiful views of Rijeka and Kvarner. Although the fortress today attracts visitors with its history and beautiful views of the city, this has not always been the case. It is believed that the fortress is in the place of an ancient Illyrian and Roman fort. Since ancient times at the same place, Liburni had a watchtower to control the way to the sea. Later, during the Roman rule, the fort used to serve as a fortress for strengthening the defense system that began at Tarsatika (today's the Old Town of Rijeka).
In the 13th century, Croatian-Hungarian King Andrija II gave Trsat as part of the Vinodol County to the Krk princes (family Frankopan). After marrying Katarina Frankopan for Nikola Zrinski, the fortress went into possession of the Zrinski family. Over the next decades, the fortress changed several owners and after the elimination of danger from Turks, Trsat became owned by the captains from the city of Rijeka. The captains didn't look after the fortress, and by the early 19th century the fortress became rusty.At the beginning of the 19th century, the Bakar municipality bought the fortress in an unattractive condition, and it was sold very soon to the Austrian Commander Laval Nugent. The commander began with a comprehensive renovation of the fort, transformed it into a luxurious residence with stylish furnishings, a gallery of paintings and precious works of renowned artists, among which several artistic parts of the celebrated artist Andrija Medulić. After the death of Count Nugent in 1862, his mortal remains were placed in the tomb (mausoleum) on Trsat - "Peace of the Hero" (Mir junaka).Every July and August, a cultural event called "Summer in Gradina" („Ljeto na gradini“) is organized on Trsat. During the festival many stage performers, actors, singers and various conceptual artists perform. This beautiful fortress is definitely worth visiting, and after walking on the old walls, you can have a dinner in the restaurant located inside the fortress.The Trsat fortress is an ideal destination for culture lovers with beautiful views over Rijeka and Kvarner region. If you want to relax in the north part of the Adriatic sea, you can find in private apartments and rooms in Rijeka and the nearby Opatija.
Lubenice is a small village on the western side of the island of Cres. During the history, Lubenice had a significant geostrategic position as it is located in the center of the Kvarner Bay. The village rises up a 378 meters high cliff. According to the 2001 census, only 24 inhabitants lived permanently in Lubenice, however, because of the favorable position, the village has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years. This is evidenced by the tombs of the Iron and Bronze Age, as well as numerous antique materials such as amphora, money, jewelry and similar valuables.
In the village, there is a medieval fortress, parts of the medieval wall and the medieval gate of the town. Although Lubenice is a very small village it has several churches, of which the largest parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a recognizable bell tower from the 18th century. Also, there is the church of St. Domenica, the Gothic church of St. Anton Pustenjak and the chapel of St. Jacob. Only forty houses exist in Lubenice and they were decorated in the baroque style.During the summer, the village becomes the central point on the island of Cres, when in the square in front of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the traditional music festival „Lubeničke večeri“ (Lubenica nights) are traditionally organized, on which numerous domestic and foreign authors perform.For those who want to enjoy the sea, forty minutes away (walking distance) beneath Lubenice lies the beach St. John, which has been proclaimed by many travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.A legend about the name of the village says that once upon a time lived a king who had a daughter Ljubica. A poor young man who lived on the hill (at the same place where the village is located today) fell in love with Ljubica. As the king was deeply dissatisfied with his daughter chosen one, he expelled his daughter and him from Osor. They settled on a hill named after her - Ljubenica. Later, during Italian rule, the name was changed to Lubenice.Lubenice on the island of Cres is an ideal destination for all visitors regardless of age. If you choose to visit the beautiful island of Cres and the magical Lubenice, you can find accommodation in apartments, rooms or holiday houses in the city of Cres.
Climate & Weather
Kvarner and Gorski kotar are a unique area in Croatia, where in a small geographic area are mixed several different climates. Kvarner, ie coast and Kvarner islands have a typical Mediterranean climate with dry, sunny and hot summers, mild and rainy winters. Especially mild climate is on the Kvarner islands such as Lošinj, which, due to its favorable climate and the abundance of fragrant Mediterranean plants, has developed health tourism.
In Gorski kotar prevails moderate continental climate in lower areas, and above 1200 meters above sea level dominates the snowy forest and mountain climate. This climate is characterized by short and fresh summers and long and harsh winters with lots of snow. Because of the proximity of the Adriatic Sea and the high mountains, this part of Croatia is also characterized by a lot of precipitation, especially snow. During the summer this is a very popular destination for numerous tourists looking for refreshments, provided by high mountains and dense coniferous forests. It is often a case that guests spend a vacation in Fužine, Delnice or Lokve and during the day they descend on the beaches of Crikvenica or Novi Vinodolski which is a unique case on the Adriatic. There is a significant influence of winds, especially jugo, bura, and maestral, which are most significant not only in this region but also in the whole Adriatic.
Below is the average maximum and minimum daily air temperature and the sea temperature in Rijeka, which best reflects the pleasant Mediterranean climate.
* average air temperature (°C) during the year in region Kvarner region
* average sea temperature (°C) during the year in region Kvarner region
Accommodation Kvarner region
