An encounter with different worlds is just a mild comparison to what one can see and feel in the majestic Opatija and Crikvenica, the maritime Rijeka, the stone-carved island of Krk, and the forest-covered Gorski Kotar. The diversity does not end there. It continues to our other islands, the golden island of Krk and Cres, the healing island of Lošinj, the sandy Susak, the flower-covered Ilovik and the wooded island of Rab. What is the common theme of all of them? Long ago in the 19th century, this was recognised by the European aristocracy, who chose this particular area, blessed with a mild climate and lush Mediterranean vegetation for their holidays. It is thanks to them that the first luxurious villas and hotels came to be built, and the foundations of the first Croatian resorts were laid: Opatija, Crikvenica, Novi Vinodol- The illustrious members of the nobility were not the only global travellers; the mariners of Lošinj also sailed all over the world, bringing back over 80 species of exotic plants from their voyages. The gardens of small towns are filled with flowers, the landscapes are resplendent with forests and olive groves; shrubs of sage, rosemary and lavender are all around you, wherever you go. Welcome to the fragrant gates of the Adriatic.
Routes of fragrant r ivieras, islands,
and mountains
THE KVARNER ROAD
Nature
Examples of park architecture: the Angiolina Park and St James's Park (Opatija), a monument of park architecture, Učka Nature Park, Myth Park with a history trail to Trebišća (Mošćenička Draga), the forest park Dubec (island of Krk-Omišalj), the islet of Košljun - special forest vegetation reserve (Krk - Punat), the island of Prvić (Krk island - Baška), special botanical-zoological reserve of island Prvić and Grgur's Channel (island Krk - Baška), protected since 1972 with its rare flora and fauna, Kuntrep Ornithological Reserve - protected since 1969 as a habitat of the endangered griffon vultures on the island of Krk have been in decline (Krk island - Baška), Vela Rika - a permanent and only watercourse on any Croatian island (Krk island - Baška), Biserujka Cave (the islands of Krk - Omišalj, Dobrinj) - one of the most widely known nature excursion attractions on the island of Krk, the holmoak forest vegetation reserve on Glavotok and the islet of Košljun Komrčar park-forest and the special reserve of forest vegetation Dundo (island of Rab), Rab - Geopark Rab (entire island), 22 unique sandy beaches of Lopar (island of Rab - Lopar), the forest park Čikat (Mali Lošinj), the forest park Pod javori (Veli Lošinj), the underwater archaeological park Čikat (Mali Lošinj), ornithological reserves Kruna and Pod Okladi (island of Cres) and Lake Vrana - cryptodepression (Vrana, island of Cres), Risnjak National Park, (peak of Risnjak - Gorski Kotar), Kukuljanske Ponikve significant landscape (protected area), the karst phenomenon - a lake that keeps appearing and disappearing "now you see it, now you don't" - (Ponikve, Bakar), source of the river Kupa (Risnjak National Park, Gorski Kotar), park-forest Japlenški vrh (Delnice, Gorski Kotar), park-forest Golubinjak Lokvarsko Jezero, cave Lokvarka (Lokve, Gorski Kotar), the Bajer and Lepenica lakes, Vrelo cave (Fužine, Gorski Kotar), Kamačnik canyon - significant landscape (protected area) (Vrbovsko, Gorski Kotar), Severin na Kupi monument of park architecture - the garden alongside the Zrinski-Frankopan castle (Severin na Kupi, Gorski Kotar), the significant landscape of Zeleni Vir and Vražji prolaz (Skrad, Gorski Kotar), the strict nature reserve Bijele i Samarske Stijene (Mrkopalj, Gorski Kotar), source of the Čabranka (Čabar, Gorski Kotar). Celestial Labyrinths (Krmpote, Novi Vinodolski), The Trail of Stone Steps (Grižane, Vinodol), The Eyes of Vinodol (Vinodol, Novi Vinodolski), viewpoints Kavranova stijena and Orlova stijena (Brod Moravice, Gorski Kotar).
Architectural sites
The dense urban island architecture built in the coastal and Mediterranean style (Krk, Cres, Osor, Rab), hill towns whose roots go back to prehistory (Kastav and Bakar), Bakarske prezidi (dry stone walls) - Takala - protected cultural monument - prezidi (dry stone walls) ethnological zone (Bakar), Turkish House (Bakar) - oriental architectural and stylistic features that are not usually seen in the region, Roman House - a monumental edifice in the neo-Renaissance style, church (co-cathedral) of St Andrew the Apostle with catacombs (Bakar), the Frankopan castles (Krk, Omišalj, Rijeka, Bakar, Hreljin, Kraljevica, Bribir, Drivenik, Grižane, Novi Vinodolski Stara Sušica, Brod na Kupi and Čabar), Austro-Hungarian villas (Lovran, Opatija, Mošćenička Draga, Mali Lošinj), "Kuća lovranskega guca" Maritime Heritage Interpretation Cente (Lovran), Sugar Refinery Palace (Rijeka), Secession architecture and industrial heritage (Rijeka), the Memorial Library and Collection Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić, Villa Ružić (Rijeka), the Cathedral of St Vitus being the only baroque rotunda of monumental proportions built on Croatian soil (Rijeka), the City Market pavilions (Rijeka), the building of the former Governor's Palace (Rijeka), "Kuća kostrenskih pomoraca" Interpretation Center (Kostrena), Hotel Kvarner Palace Crikvenica - a fusion of high secession and historicism (Crikvenica), Miramare Hotel (Crikvenica), Glass Chapel (Krmpote, Novi Vinodolski), "Klović House" museum collection (Grižane - Vinodol municipality), Turan Tower - interpretation center of "The Routes of the Frankopans" cultural and tourist itinerary (Bribir - Vinodol municipality), Vinodol springs and washboards (Vinodol), church of St Lucy with the Baška tablet in Jurandvor, one of the most important Croatian monuments (island of Krk), mrgari - flower-shaped drystone sheepfolds - Baška, Jurandvor, Batomalj and the island Prvić, unique stone constructions, which are used for sheep sorting to this day and can only be found in the United Kingdom in Wales, and in Iceland, Draga water wells - used for collecting rainwater and built using the drystone technique, not found anywhere else (Baška, Krk island), Krk Island Maritime Heritage Interpretation Centre (town of Krk, island of Krk), DUBoak Maritime Heritage Interpretation Centre (Malinska, island of Krk), archaeological site and archaeological collection "Cickini" (Malinska, island of Krk), Dubašnica Heritage House (Malinska, island of Krk), Valun tablet (Valun, island of Cres) - one of the oldest written monuments in Croatia, church of St Justine exhibiting sacred art and 4 Romanesque bell towers in the historic town center (Rab), "Čovik i more" Interpretation Center (Lopar, island of Rab), "Wilderness with a view of the sea" permanent exhibition, "The Routes of the Frankopans" interpretation center, (Brod na Kupi and Čabar, Gorski Kotar), "Hidden Treasure of Risnjak" interpretation center (Crni Lug, Gorski Kotar), "Birth House of the River Kupa" interpretation center (Kupari, Gorski Kotar), "Gorski Kotar House of Knowledge" (Razloge, Gorski Kotar), "Large Carnivores" visitor center (Stara Sušica, Gorski Kotar), Palčava Šiša ethno house (Plešce, Gorski Kotar), Malinarić water-driven sawmill and Žagar mill (Zamost, Gorski Kotar), Vesel regional collection and house (Prezid, Gorski Kotar), Iapodian pottery site and Roman defensive wall - Liburnian limes (Čabar, Gorski Kotar), Mirine late antiquity necropolis (Omišalj), Delač House, (Brod Moravice - hamlet of Delači, Gorski kotar), Claustra - Late Roman barrier system 3rd-5th c. (Jelenje, Kostrena), Gašpar's Watermill - the last remaining on the river Rječina and still working (Jelenje), Grobnik Interpretation Centre (town of Grobnik).
Gastronomy
'Šurlice' - homemade pasta with scampi or lamb stew (island of Krk), Krk prosciutto protected by the EU geographical indication (town of Krk, island of Krk), Krk cheese (island of Krk), Cres lamb, cheese and honey (island of Cres, island of Krk), Kvarner scampi, wild asparagus, 'presnac', 'grašnjaki' - sweet and hearty carnival food (Matulji), indigenous grape variety from Zvoneća - "jarbola" (Matulji), indigenous grape variety "belica" from Kastav, cakes made with cherries and chestnuts, asparagus "fritaja" (dish similar to frittata) (Lovran), smokvenjak and fig vinegar (Medveja), potato polenta and Grobnik cheese (Čavle and Jelenje), Cheese routes (the City of Grobnik - Čavle), supreme sparkling wine Stara Bakarska vodica (Bakar), "baškot" from Bakar (a special type of pastry), Bakar cake (Bakar), Kostrena cake (Kostrena), 'presnac' - a dessert made from cheese (island of Krk), Krk princess cake (town of Krk, island of Krk), Olive
Growing Interpretation Centre "Stari toš" (Punat, island of Krk) olive oil (Punat, island of Krk and island of Cres - the first olive oil to receive the protected designation of origin in Croatia), cake of Cres captains and olito (island of Cres), Rab cake (island of Rab), Rab grota - local meat speciality, štufad - cooked mutton, dried octopus with eggs (fritaja) (Rab), the unique taste of tomatoes and potatoes due to specific soil condition (Lopar, island of Rab), indigenous grape varieties Vrbnička Žlahtina (island of Krk) and Trojišćina (island of Susak), Opatija's camellia cake (Opatija), Frankopan cake (Crikvenica), Oily Fish Route (Crikvenica Riviera), Žlahtina wine from Pavlomir (Novi Vinodolski), Bribir prisnac (a kind of local bread) (Vinodol), Taste of Vitality, (island of Lošinj), "Crocantessa", the Lošinj almond brittle (island of Lošinj), Komadina wines - Sansigot and Syrah (island of Lošinj), strudel of blueberry and other forest fruits (Gorski Kotar), highland filling, goulash of wild game, bear and deer prosciutto, homemade bread and cheese (Gorski Kotar).
Health Resorts in Kvarner
Cycling trails: In the Učka Nature Park, Lovran, Matulji, Rijeka Ring cycling route - Kastav, Klana, Viškovo, Rijeka, Jelenje, Čavle and Platak, Kostrena, Bakar, Kraljevica (rijekaoutdoor.com), Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, island of Krk (Omišalj, Malinska, Krk, Punat, Dobrinj, Vrbnik and Baška), Cres, Lošinj and Rab, the Gorski Kotar Cycling Transversal - cycling trail: Delnice, Fužine, Čabar, Vrbovsko, Ravna Gora, Mrkopalj, Brod Moravice, Skrad, Lokve (Gorski Kotar).
Hiking trails: Učka Nature Park, Lungomare (Volosko, Opatija, Ičići, Ika, Lovran), Opatija mountaineering ring-road (OPO), Carmen Sylva Promenade (Opatija), educational trails, promenades and hiking trails of Lovran (Lovran), Rijeka mountaineering ring-road (label RT/RPO; Lovran - Crikvenica (Učka, Ćićarija, Obruč, Platak, Snježnik, Risnjak, Tuhobić, Viševica, Grižane), promenades through Loza and Lužina (Kastav), Rijeka Outdoor: promenades and hiking trails in and around Rijeka: Rijeka, Kraljevica, Kastav, Klana, Viškovo, Jelenje, Čavle and Platak, Kostrena, Bakar (rijekaoutdoor.com), Ponikve educational trail - karst phenomenon, large carnivores, flora and Liburnska gradina (Bakar) traces of history, Grobnik Alps (Jelenje), Rest stops Trail (Kostrena), 'Lovers' Road' (Crikvenica), hiking trails and promenades - Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, thematic trail to the viewpoint "Eyes of Vinodol" (Vinodol - Novi Vinodolski), Down the Routes of the Dobrinj area (Dobrinj, island of Krk), olive oil trail 'Following the trails of the golden drops of the island's treasure' (town of Krk, island of Krk), 'Lokna - routes of ponds' thematic promenade (town of Krk, island of Krk), Camino Krk pilgrims' way - part of the Camino Routes European network Camino routes leading to Santiago de Compostela (town of Krk, island of Krk), Olive Trail, "Following the Footsteps of Our Farmers" Trail, Paradise Trail educational path Baška-Batomalj-Lipica (Baška, island of Krk), 'The Path to the Moon' trail (Baška, island of Krk), olive path and path of wild plants (Punat), Eco-path (Beli, island of Cres), Via Apsyrtides and the trail of centuries-old olive groves (island of Cres), through the coves of Lošinj's captains (Čikat, island of Lošinj), Osorčica mountain route (Nerezine, island of Lošinj), Dolphin Route (island of Lošinj, Vitality Promenade (Mali Lošinj-Veli Lošinj), Premužić Trails (island of Rab), Geopark Rab (the whole island is marked with over 100 interesting geo-points which in the summer months tourists can visit for free with a guide, island of Rab), Rab Archaeological Traces (3 educational trails through some 40 kilometres of untouched nature in search of the archaeological, cultural, ethnographic treasures of the island of Rab), Juxta Mare - educational trail of the Virtual Museum of Fishing, Seafaring and Shipbuilding (island of Rab), Kupa: Riblje - Lesici (Vrbovsko), educational trail of the canyon Kamačnik - Vrbovsko (Vrbovsko, Gorski Kotar); educational, energetic, spiritual and leisure trail "Trbuhovica" (Prezid, Gorski Kotar), 'Following the footsteps of the Tršće miners', a touristeducational trail (Tršće, Gorski Kotar), educational trail 'Tropetarska Stijena'- a trail based on the natural values and the floral diversity (Čabar, Gorski Kotar), educational trail 'Trail of the Predators' (Tršće, Gorski Kotar), Botanical Trail (Tršće, Gorski Kotar), educational trail "Fruits of the hills" (Ravna Gora, Gorski Kotar).
KVARNER.
Birdwatching: In Učka Nature Park, Lisina forest park, ornithological reserves of Kruna and Podokladi (island of Cres), Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures (Beli, island of Cres), Plavnik - vultures' nests (island of Krk), lake in Njivice - crane watching (island of Krk) Prvić ornithological reserve (island of Krk) where griffon vultures live and Kuntrep ornithological reserve. Dolphin watching: the waters of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, Blue World Institute (Veli Lošinj), Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Mali Lošinj). Adventure sports: windsurfing (Baška, Preluk-Rijeka, Volosko, Mošćenička Draga, Punat), Sup - Volosko (Opatija, Crikvenica, Selce, Jadranovo), wakeboarding (Crikvenica, Dunat, island of Krk), underwater pirate park (Punat, island of Krk), flyboarding, Jet-Ski Safari, Rocket Rush (Njivice, island of Krk), Jet Ski Safari, Parasailing Adventure, Rocket Rush, Slider Splash, school of sailing, diving, paintball Malinska (Malinska, island of Krk), parachuting and paragliding (Učka, Čavle-Grobnik, Tribalj, Lubenice, Lopar), motor racing sports (Čavle - Grobnik), rock climbing Kamenjak and Vela Peša (Čavle - Grobnik), diving (Rijeka, Mošćenička Draga, Crikvenica, Selce, Novi Vinodolski, Lopar), sea-kayaking (islands of Rab and Cres, Jadranovo and Selce), zip line Baška (island of Krk) and Beli (island of Cres), sailing, diving, sports climbing (Mošćenička Draga, Medveja, Baška, island of Krk and island of Lošinj), sailing and scuba diving (Kostrena, island of Cres), jet ski, quad ride, Avanterra Adrenaline Park (Lopar, island of Rab), panoramic flights (island of Lošinj, Čavle - Grobnik), Čavle-Grobnik Airport, Čikat Aquapark (Mali Lošinj), Crikvenica Adrenalin Park (Crikvenica), big game fishing (Jadranovo, Novi Vinodolski), canoeing and rafting (Gorski Kotar), rafting/kayak, canoe safari and canyoning (Delnice - Brod na Kupi, Gorski Kotar), Tršće Adrenalin Park (Čabar, Gorski Kotar), 'Rudnik' ski course (Tršče, Gorski Kotar), Adrenalin park Kupjak (Kupjak, Gorski Kotar), amusement and paintball park Vrata (Vrata- Fužine, Gorski Kotar), excursion site "Šumska bajka" (Forest Fairytale) with entertainment for children (Lič, Gorski Kotar), Nordic Centre 'Vrbovska poljana' (Mrkopalj, Gorski Kotar), Čelimbaša Ski Course (Mrkopalj, Gorski Kotar), cowboy village Roswell (Fužine, Gorski Kotar), photo safari (Čabar and Ravna Gora, Gorski Kotar), quad riding (Jelenje, Mrkopalj, Brod Moravice, Fužine, Gorski Kotar), sledding hill "Gorski sjaj" (Kupjak, Gorski Kotar), regional sport-recreational tourist center Platak - winter
cross-country skiing, snowboard, sledding) and summer sports (hiking, scenic cable car rides, sports courts, playgrounds, disc golf and tubing) (Čavle), adventure diving in a submerged forest (Ponikve, Bakar), freeclimbing (Grižane, Vinodol), lake fishing (Tribalj, Vinodol). Souvenirs: Baška Tablet, 'Morčić' jewellery (Rijeka), figurines of the Grobnik "Dondolaši" (Čavle - Grobnik), the Grobnik milkmaid figurine, (Čavle - Grobnik), bell ringers (bellmen) souvenirs including "halubajski zvončar" (Viškovo) and "zametski zvončar" (Rijeka), 'Kvarner' lavender fragrance sachet, local Lošinj products (Lošinj), original souvenirs from Gorski Kotar, Kastav vedute by painter Saša Jantolek (Kastav), Bakar "baškotić" ceramic souvenir resembling a pastry (Bakar), certified souvenirs 'Dar iz Krka', cosmetic products made from ecologicalally grown immortelle included in the list of island products of the island of Krk that have the Croatian Island Product designation (Omišalj, island of Krk), the Krk Box, a box that offers traditional local handmade products from the island of Krk (balls of recycled sheep's wool for washing machine and dryer, natural soap and olive-wood stand, ceramic powder souvenirs with wild herbs of the island of Krk and welcome pendant, illustrated postcards, aromatic salt (Malinska, island of Krk), Majstor Macmalić: Tajna Macmalića (Master Macmalić: Secret of Macmalić) picture book with a packet of felted wool for making a Macmalić forest dwarf (Cres), souvenirs inspired by the local motifs of the painter Marijan Mavrić (Crikvenica Riviera), jewelry and souvenirs inspired by "Mustaćon" (Lovran).
Opatija 1a
1. Opatija Riviera 1a and Učka Nature Park1b
- Opatija Tourist Information Centre
- M. Tita 146, 51410 Opatija
- Tel: +385 (0)51 271 310
- E-mail: [email protected]
- [email protected]
- Web: www.visitopatija.com
Učka Nature Park Tel.: +385 (0)51 770 100 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pp-ucka.hr
Adorned with palm trees and camellias, Opatija has been the proud champion of Croatian tourism since the 19th century. The special features of the Opatija Riviera are the 10 km long promenade linking the small coastal towns and the nearby Učka Nature Park, a valuable testament to nature.
2. City of Rijeka 2a and the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat 2b
Rijeka Tourist Information Centre Korzo 14, 51000 Rijeka Tel: +385 (0)51 335 882 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.visitrijeka.hr
Rijeka is a city with a rich history and a vibrant present, full of new perspectives and a zest for life. In 2020, it became the first city in Croatia to be named European Capital of Culture. Rijeka, along with the cities of Bakar, Kastav, and Kraljevica, as well as the municipalities of Čavle, Jelenje, Klana, Kostrena, and Viškovo, offers memorable experiences and a chance to discover cultural and historical monuments, as well as to enjoy the culinary offer and numerous cultural, entertainment, and sports facilities in unique locations. In Rijeka and the charming surrounding towns - so diverse and so full of personality - each story is special and different. For centuries, the city of Rijeka, a maritime and carnival center, has thrived under the watchful eye of the Trsat fortress, the oldest shrine dedicated to Our Lady in Croatia and the largest pilgrimage center in western Croatia, where the Holy Father John Paul II stayed in 2003, with the Franciscan monastery, church, and the famous Chapel of Votive Gifts.
3. The Town of Rab and Paradise Beach in Lopar
Rab Town Tourist Board Information Centre Trg Municipium Arba 8, 51280 Rab Tel: +385 (0)51 724 064 Fax: +385 (0)51 725 057 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rab-visit.com
The town of Rab, with its four Romanesque bell towers and three main streets - Gornja, Srednja and Donja (Upper, Middle and Lower) - opens the doors of its precious medieval churches and patrician palaces. On offer are also beautiful sandy beaches - the most prominent being the 1,500 metre-long Paradise Beach in Lopar.
Lopar Municipality Tourist Board Lopar 284, 51281 Lopar Tel. +385 (0)51 775 508 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.lopar.com
4. The Isle of Košljun
Tourist Board of the Municipality of Punat Pod topol 2, 51521 Punat Tel: +385 (0)51 854 860 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tzpunat.hr
A mere 10-minute boat ride from Punat is the spiritual and botanical paradise of Košljun. Within the Franciscan monastery, there are archaeological, natural history, ethnographic, and religious art collections. Košljun, now declared a protected area in the category of a special reserve of forest vegetation, has become a place that visitors of the island of Krk simply should not miss.
5. Lubenice and the Town of Cres
Cres Town Tourist Board Peškera 1, 51557 Cres Tel: +385 (0)51 571 535 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.visitcres.hr
The historical village of Lubenice is extremely popular with visitors to the island, and its medieval stone architecture leaves a strong impression on anyone who decides to visit it. Taking a walk through the small, narrow and ancient streets takes you back to ancient times and leaves you with the impression that you are walking through the corridors of history. The beautiful town of Cres abounds in cultural and historical monuments, most of which date back to the Renaissance.
6. Museum of Apoxyomenos
Museum of Apoxyomenos Riva lošinjskih kapetana 13 51550 Mali Lošinj Tel: +385 (0)51 734 260 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.muzejapoksiomena.hr
The museum of Apoxyomenos is a unique architectural and archaeological cultural institution in the Mediterranean, entirely devoted to one exhibit - the bronze statue of the young athlete Apoxyomenos. The statue was found in the waters of the island of Lošinj, at a depth of 45 metres, by a Belgian tourist in 1997. Apoxyomenos was extracted from the sea depths where he spent the past two millennia. The museum of Apoxyomenos tells the story of the athlete with perfect anatomical proportions in an original way. It is a work of art that impresses with its complete and beautiful design. The museum of Apoxyomenos, dedicated to this unique underwater archaeological find from the Mediterranean and its story, was opened on 30 April 2016 in the former Kvarner palace, in the center of Mali Lošinj. This beautiful ancient sculpture became a symbol of the island of Lošinj during the two decades it took to extract and restore it and design a museum built solely for its housing. The timeless beauty of Apoxyomenos, its unusual and mysterious story and the distinctive museum display have impressed all visitors.
KVARNER.