Kvarner Bay: The Most Amazing Places On The Coast!

The beautiful Kvarner Bay is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Croatia. For more than 100 years, tourists from all over the world have been coming to this region to spend their well-deserved vacations. Along the picturesque coastline are numerous enchanting places, where breathtakingly beautiful beaches guarantee unforgettable days by the sea. In addition, the many interesting attractions of the Kvarner Bay, the diverse and extremely spectacular landscapes, as well as the wide range of activities that as a whole, make a visit to the Riviera unique. But what are the best things to see in Kvarner Bay, what are the insider tips, and which places are particularly suitable for a vacation?

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about the Kvarner Bay in Croatia. We show you the most beautiful attractions, places and beaches along the coast, and where you can find great accommodations.

Kvarner Bay

General Information about the Kvarner Bay

The Kvarner Bay is located on the northern Adriatic Sea and connects the peninsula of Istria in the west with the region of Dalmatia in the south. The history of tourism dates back to the 19th century, when noblemen of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy were the first vacationers to travel to Opatija to spend their summer vacations. Even today, the Kvarner Bay is still in vogue because this region offers the best conditions for a vacation in Croatia! Thanks to easy access by car or plane, beautiful beaches and numerous coastal towns, Kvarner Bay is one of the most visited tourist regions in the country.

Among the most famous attractions of the Kvarner Bay are the coastal town of Rijeka, the noble Opatija, the many fortresses perched on the hills in the hinterland above the coast and the impressive coastal towns that delight with their enchanting old town. Moreover, the landscape is particularly spectacular with the many nature and national parks such as Ucka, Risnjak and North Velebit. But why most tourists come to this region are the breathtakingly beautiful beaches of the Kvarner Bay, which line the picturesque coastline, and promise summer feeling at its best.

Most amazing places of the Kvarner Bay

There are numerous things to do on a vacation in Kvarner Bay, as the choice of attractions, excursions and exciting activities seem almost limitless. Here you will find the most beautiful places and the best sights of this picturesque region summarized at a glance:

Opatija

Opatija is definitely one of the highlights in the Kvarner Bay. This coastal town became world-famous as one of the first resorts on the Croatian coast, and even today this pearl is a real magnet for visitors. Especially impressive is the unique historical charm that Opatija still exudes today. Almost like on a journey through time, you dive into the time of the Habsburg dynasty and marvel at the unique, sophisticated flair of the so-called Old Lady of the Adriatic.

During a walk through the center, you will discover numerous historical attractions, monuments, parks and buildings. Particularly picturesque is the Franz-Josef Promenade, the Lungomare, where many beautiful beaches and fabulous villas are lined up. Most of the historical buildings are today dreamlike 4 or 5-star hotels, where you can spend unique vacations in the Kvarner Bay.

Tip: The nostalgic hotels in Opatija are among the best in the country! Especially recommended is the Hotel Miramar, a fairy-tale hotel with a private beach directly on the Lungomare.

Opatija

Crikvenica

The coastal town of Crikvenica is probably the most famous resort in the Kvarner Bay. For more than 125 years, the crystal clear sea, the fabulous beaches and the Mediterranean climate have attracted visitors here. Along the coast are numerous great accommodations, and even some really nice nostalgic hotels still open their doors. One of the highlights is the long sandy beach “Gradska Kupaliste”, which creates ideal conditions for a vacation by the sea, especially for families with children!

Beautiful is also the center of Crikvenica, where the many restaurants and konobas spoil guests with Mediterranean delicacies. During a romantic walk along the promenade, you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the Riviera. There is also a lot to see in the hinterland, and many excursion destinations in the surrounding area make a vacation in Crikvenica perfect.

Tip: The 4-star Hotel Kvarner Palace is the great choice for a special vacation! Here you can expect an elegant traditional hotel with a beautiful pool area and a wonderful location.

Crikvenica

Rijeka

Rijeka is, with about 130,000 inhabitants, the largest city of the Kvarner Bay and, moreover, the 3rd largest city in Croatia. Only in 2020, the coastal metropolis was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, and so a wide range of museums, art and culture, but also numerous great events, attract tourists from all over the world to this port city. In addition, in Rijeka you can experience a unique blend of old and new because here Habsburg heritage meets modernity.

Probably one of the most important attractions is the long pedestrian street “Korzo” with its many splendid buildings and the imposing city tower as the landmark. This street is the meeting point for locals and tourists, and also the best starting point to explore the center. Also really impressive are the large harbor with the Molo Longo and the Trsat Castle with a magnificent view of Rijeka.

Tip: For a city trip, it is best to choose an accommodation directly in the center. Great is the Ivana Central Apartments in a quiet location and yet only a few steps away from the hustle and bustle!

Rijeka

Senj

At the southern end of the Kvarner Bay lies the beautiful coastal town of Senj, which can look back on a long and eventful history. The town was founded 3,000 years ago, making it the oldest town in the upper Adriatic! Today, Senj is a popular vacation destination for individualists who are looking for an exceptional experience while traveling. Highlights are the beautiful natural bays and beaches, as well as the charming old town with numerous pretty attractions, churches and museums. One of the most important sights, however, is the imposing Nehaj Fortress, a spectacular medieval castle that towers over the port city and delights vacationers with a brilliant view of the coast.

Tip: If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, we can recommend the modern vacation apartment 33 Ulica Nikole Jurišića with a magnificent view of the sea.

Senj Nehaj Fortress

Moscenicka Draga

Moscenicka Draga is a really charming vacation resort in the west of the Kvarner Bay. During a trip, you will be amazed by the charming ambience with magnificent old villas and nostalgic buildings from the late 19th century, which together with the picturesque main beach Sipar and the mighty Ucka Mountains in the hinterland conjure up a small vacation paradise. Beautiful and one of the must-sees is also the romantic waterfront promenade, where fabulous restaurants and cozy cafés invite you to enjoy. One of the most beautiful attractions you should not miss, however, is the medieval old town of Mošćenice, which is connected to Moscenicka Draga by the sea via numerous stairs.

Tip: Right on the beach in a prime location is the lovely Aparthotel Gimi. Guests love the beautiful rooms and the great restaurant overlooking the sea.

Moscenicka Draga 

Selce

The popular resort of Selce is part of the Crikvenica Riviera and an absolute visitor magnet in the Kvarner Bay. This picturesque coastal town also has a long tradition of tourism, and even today the former fishing village exudes a touch of nostalgia. One reason why Selce has become so famous is definitely the numerous dreamlike bathing bays and the spectacular sandy beaches along the coast. However, there is also much worth seeing to discover in the center. Wonderfully pretty is the romantic harbor with the colorful town center, where cozy cafés and restaurants provide a great vacation atmosphere.

Tip: Along the promenade are many fantastic apartments with a view of the sea. Highly recommended is the Apartment Adria in a great beach location and with free parking.

Selce

Novi Vinodolski

The picturesque town of Novi Vinodolski is a true pearl of the Kvarner Bay. Guests love the charming old town with its numerous pretty attractions, the gorgeous landscape in the hinterland and the fabulous beaches along the breathtakingly beautiful coast. But not only that, the overall flair is unique and truly idyllic. A special feature in Novi Vinodolski is also the viticulture in the so-called Vinodol, which can be found around the resort. Also pretty is the church island of San Marino, which is only a few hundred meters from the mainland and can be reached from the resort by pedal boat, SUP or kayak.

Tip: The Apartment Di Blu is a beautiful, modern vacation apartment right by the sea and even equipped with a pool. A great choice for a beach vacation in Novi Vinodolski.

Novi Vinodolski

Jadranovo

The dreamy fishing village of Jadranovo is an insider tip for a quiet vacation in the Kvarner Bay. Especially, vacationers looking for relaxation and recreation will find their personal paradise here. A real highlight are the numerous natural bays and the secluded beaches, which are embedded in a beautiful landscape. But families with children will also get their money’s worth at the popular sandy beach Gabrova in the city center. Moreover, the picturesque harbor is really idyllic, where some authentic fish restaurants and good cafés spoil their visitors with Croatian delicacies in a wonderful location.

Tip: The vacation home “Artistic Beach House with Pool” is the perfect choice for a family vacation! Here, the modern furnishings, the pool and the breathtaking view are just amazing.

Jadranovo

Volosko

The small village of Volosko borders directly on Opatija and entices with a truly dreamy charm from long ago. This picturesque vacation resort inspires with a pretty old town, with really romantic squares and especially with a beautiful fishing harbor, where numerous excellent restaurants invite you to enjoy. A real highlight is also the Lungomare, a waterfront promenade with numerous great beaches that leads all the way to Opatija. Due to its central location in the Kvarner Bay, Volosko is the perfect place to go from there on unforgettable excursions.

Tip: The Seaview Volosko Apartment is a modern vacation apartment directly at the romantic harbor and with top facilities.

Volosko

Lovran

The small town of Lovran is located in the western part of the Kvarner Bay and is one of the resorts in the distinctive Habsburg heritage style. More than 100 years ago, the coastal town was a popular health resort for the nobility, who liked to spend their vacations here in winter. Today, thanks to its enchanting coastline, the former shipbuilder and fishing village is especially popular as a summer destination. The picturesque beaches, a cute little old town, but also numerous opportunities for excursions in nature make Lovran a great choice for a vacation. Just behind the resort rises the Ucka Mountains, where numerous hiking and biking trails provide action.

Tip: Really great for a vacation is the Hotel Villa Vera, a small hotel with a lot of charm in a great location!

Lovran

More about Croatia:

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• Top 15 Amazing Things To Do in Zagreb

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