Rijeka (Fiume)
General
45°19'.7N 14°25'-4E Charts BA 2719, 1996 (detailed), MK 5, lmray M24 Rijeka, known as Fiume to the Italians (both words mean river), is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. It has a busy commercial port, divided into several harbours. From E to W these are Susak, Gradska Luka, Petrolejska Luka and Luka Brgud. Su5ak is a container port, Gradska Luka {the town harbour) is used by general cargo ships, ferries, and fishing vessels, Petrolejska Luka, as its name implies, serves an oil refinery and fuel depot, and Luka Brgud has another shipyard. Visiting yachts are not welcome at Rijeka, despite the fact that it is named as a year-round port of entry for yachts. Unlike Split, there are no facilities at Rijeka for visiting yachts. If you do call here, perhaps to clear customs, it may be possible to find a temporary berth in Gradska Luka. If you wish to visit Rijeka for shopping or sightseeing, you are advised to leave the yacht at Opatija Marina, the nearest place where yachts can be left in complete safety and which has a good and quick bus service. As one would expect of a major city like Rijeka, most items can be purchased here. Spare parts may not however be available off the shelf and delays in ordering spare parts from abroad may be experienced.
Approach
There are no hidden dangers in the approach to Rijeka. The city of Rijeka is visible from some distance away, and the number of ships at anchor off the city gives some indication of the importance of the port. The entrance to Gradska Luka is difficult to see from a distance, but the lighthouse (Mlaka) with its tall tower, painted in black and white bands, lies to the N of the harbour entrance. There is also a radio mast N of the entrance and inland, which helps as a point for which to steer. In the nearer approach the harbour breakwater, which usually has a number of ships tied up along its inner side, is evident. The entrance to Gradska Luka lies at the W end of this breakwater. Take care when entering the harbour and keep to starboard. The ships tied up on the inside of the breakwater can mask the manoeuvres of other vessels inside the harbour. In strong S winds the approach and entry into Rijeka can be complicated by large seas.
Lights
Rijeka (Mlaka) lighthouse Fl.10s39m15M Rijeka harbour breakwater Q(3)G.5s15m5M Rijeka harbour northern mole Q(3)R.5s9m4M Sufak harbour entrance Fl.R.2s7m2M and Fl.G.2s9m3M Buoy off the entrance to Sufak harbour Fl.G.3s Petrolejska Luka Fl.G.5s8m4M Luka Brgud breakwater Fl.G.2s1 0m4M
Berth
Tie up alongside the far E quay in Gradska Luka, or go bow-to the N quayside near the fishing boats. If you have a large yacht or wish to stay for any length of time, consult the harbourmaster for directions on where to berth.
Shelter
All-round shelter is available in the harbour, although in strong SW and NW winds there is some surge in the harbour.
Officials
Year-round port of entry. Harbourmaster and customs. The harbour office is on the E quay, near the root of the main breakwater. Customs is on the same quay, but to the NE. Police.
Facilities
Petrol and diesel from fuel stations in the town. Gas from the INA-Plin depot. Water is only available from hydrants on the commercial quays. Numerous food shops can be found near to the harbour including supermarkets, bakers, butchers as well as shops selling regional specialities. Fruit and vegetable and fish markets. General hardware and chandlery stores. Engineers' supplies. Mechanical and electronic workshops. Ship suppliers (e.g. Brodokomerc, Obala Jugoslovanske mornarice 16). Croatian charts are available from Plovno podrucje Rijeka, Senjsko pristaniste 3. Banks, ATMs, Post Office, internet, telephones. Hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinary surgeons. Tourist information, hotels, restaurants, cafe/bars. Bus, train, ferry and air services to local, national and international destinations. Car hire and taxis.
History
The Romans built an important fortified settlement, called Tarsatica, on the site of present-day Rijeka. Tarsatica formed part of the Liburnian Limes, a wall or boundary built to defend the Roman Empire. Various Roman graves and foundations have been discovered in the course of modern building work, particularly since the last century. The museum houses a collection of Roman artifacts. Rijeka became a Hapsburg possession in the 15th century and remained Austrian, with a brief interlude as part of Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces, until 1870. From 1870 Rijeka was administered by Hungary under the newly formed dual monarchy. In 1919 Rijeka was captured by Italian forces and annexed to Italy together with the rest of !stria. Yugoslav or Croatian control only came with the end of the second world war. During the period of Italian rule Gradska Luka was Italian, whilst Susak belonged to Yugoslavia. There was a frontier post between the two parts of the port.
Visits
There are a number of museums in Rijeka, including the Maritime and Historical Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Zoo, the Museum of the National Revolution, and a modern art gallery. Trsat Castle, up on a hill overlooking the city, was built before 1288. It was restored and enlarged in the early-19th century by the Austrian Vice-Marshall Nugent. The castle now has a restaurant and openair theatre. Volosko