Senj, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do!
Senj in Croatia, often also named as Zengg, is a really romantic vacation resort in the south of the region Kvarner Bay. This charming coastal town is famous especially for the imposing fortress Nehaj, which towers majestically over the old town, and for the numerous beautiful beaches and natural coves, where you can spend unforgettable summer days by the sea. In addition, a stroll through the medieval downtown of Senj reveals numerous historical attractions, and fabulous restaurants and cafés invite you to enjoy. However, vacationers also love the relaxed atmosphere and unique flair, which makes this resort something exceptional on the Croatian Adriatic.
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about Senj in Croatia. We show you beautiful pictures, the best things to do and beaches, and where to find fantastic accommodation.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a fantastic accommodation in Senj, we can recommend the modern apartment 33 Ulica Nikole Jurišića with a beautiful view of the sea.
The best time to visit Senj is from May to September. At this period, you can enjoy mostly good weather, lots of sun and little rain!
The beaches in Senj are truly beautiful and are especially suitable for a vacation in Croatia! Many of them are natural bays, so you should not forget your bathing shoes.
The Carnival in Senj is a famous event in Croatia. It takes place once in winter and once in summer, and then up to 25,000 visitors from all over the world arrive.
General Information about Senj
The town of Senj, with 7,200 inhabitants, is located at the southern end of the Kvarner Bay, about 60 kilometers from Rijeka and 30 kilometers from Crikvenica. This historical place can look back on a rich history. The first settlement was established as early as 3,000 years ago, making Senj the oldest town in the upper Adriatic! One of the most famous historical attractions and at the same time the landmark is the Nehaj fortress from the Middle Ages. It is located on the Nehaj hill above the town and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and of the neighboring Krk Island.
Today, however, Senj is best known as a wonderfully stunning resort town with a charming old town, a gorgeous landscape of high mountains and picturesque beaches. Individualists looking for an exceptional Croatia experience will find their personal paradise in this region. In addition, the surroundings of Senj offer fabulous opportunities for excursions and activities in nature.
Best Things to Do in Senj
On a visit, you can look forward to a wide range of attractions. Among the most important attractions in Senj are the small old town with its winding alleys, the romantic fishing harbor with its nostalgic buildings, the famous fortress Nehaj and not to forget, the beautiful beaches of Senj.
Senj Old Town
The historical old town is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Senj. During a walk, you will be amazed by a labyrinth of winding alleys, ancient town houses from different eras and truly romantic squares. In addition, you can still visit parts of the former city walls, and also the city gate “Velika Vrata” from 1779 is well-preserved thanks to the restoration. Really worth seeing and actually a popular meeting-point is the main square Pavlinski Trg, where you can enjoy the lively hustle and bustle in one of the numerous cozy cafés, ice cream parlors and restaurants.
Worth visiting are also the small museums and galleries, foremost the Town Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Senj, especially about the time of the Uskoks. Moreover, the oldest Croatian printing plate in Glagolitic script is exhibited in this museum.
Church of St. Virgin Mary
The Church of St. Virgin Mary is certainly one of the most beautiful attractions in the Old Town. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, this church was severely damaged during World War 2. Later renovated, it is now the most beautiful place of worship in the coastal town. Very worth seeing is especially the picturesque brick facade, the Romanesque arches and the imposing freestanding church tower, which together conjure up a truly picturesque ambience.
Nehaj Fortress
The Nehaj Fortress, also known as Kula Nehaj, is the landmark of the coastal town of Senj. Situated on the Nehaj hill of the same name, this fortress captivates visitors with a breathtaking view of the coast. It is interesting to note that in the 16th century, many of the town’s churches, monasteries and buildings of that time had to be demolished for its construction. Today, Nehaj Castle can be visited from the inside as well. During a tour, you will be amazed by the imposing building and the museum with the historical cannons provides insights into the eventful history of the Uskoks. The entire area around the castle is also really worth visiting, with lovely walking paths and spectacular viewpoints of the city.
Tip: In the fortress there is a fabulous restaurant with a wonderful terrace serving regional grilled specialties and fresh fish!
The Harbour
The harbour of Senj is really worth seeing. Here you can stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the colorful front of houses in the old town, which together with the blue sea and the fortress in the background conjures up a fairy tale setting. Also beautiful are the long piers that serve as breakwaters for the harbor and where comfortable benches invite you to linger. On the way, you will always discover interesting statues, sculptures and huge anchors, which have incidentally become popular photo motifs.
The Best Beaches in Senj
The beaches in Senj are one reason why this resort has become so popular. Along the coast there are numerous pretty bathing places, which invite you to relax, splash around and snorkel. Most of the bays are fine pebble coves, concrete beaches and natural coves, where gorgeous sea colors, cleanliness and idyllic ambience score points.
Prva Draga Beach
The Beach Prva Draga is one of the main beaches in Senj! This dream bay is a real eye-catcher. Most impressive are the almost kitschy turquoise sea colors and the unique scenery that surrounds this bay. A small beach bar provides refreshments, and water sports such as kayaking, pedal boating and jet skiing are also offered.
Tip: Not far from the beach, the top modern vacation apartments 33 Ulica Nikole Jurisica inspire in a grandiose location with a view of the sea!
Beach Škver South
The beach Skver South is right next to the harbor, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. Bathers love this clean, beautifully landscaped pebble beach, where the small protective coves guarantee safe beach fun. Next to it is the car camp Skver, and cozy beach bars provide the necessary catering in the high season.
Tip: The beautiful Apartment Marino is not far from the beach, and you can also reach the old town and other great beaches in no time.
Voda Beach
The Plaza Voda beach is a real insider tip in Senj! This hidden natural cove is nestled in breathtaking scenery, surrounded by high cliffs, and can be reached via numerous stairs from the parking lot. The water is crystal clear at this part of the coast, and so you have the possibility to experience a fascinating underwater world while snorkeling.
Tip: Near the beach Voda is a small vacation settlement with numerous apartments. Really great is the Apartment Waves with bright furnishings and at a reasonable price.
Beach Škver North
The Plaza Skver North is a very popular swimming beach in Senj. Especially, families with kids love this beautiful fine pebble beach, where turquoise sea colors and a fabulous vacation atmosphere delight. The bay is located a few steps north of the Skver car camp and can be reached on foot or by car. Parking is available right behind the beach.
Excursions from Senj
Not only Senj is worth seeing, but also the surrounding area is extremely charming and invites you to exciting day trips and activities. Here are the most beautiful excursion destinations you should not miss on your vacation:
Not far from Senj are several small coastal towns. Particularly charming is the old town of Novi Vinodolski, and the fishing villages Sveti Juraj and Klenovica are also worth seeing.
Excursions to the Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous spectacular waterfalls, 120 kilometers away, are also beautiful.
Unforgettable boat tours are also offered from Senj. Trips to Krk Island and Rab Island, both not far away, are a wonderful experience!
Where to Stay in Senj
There is a great offer of good and cheap accommodation in Senj. Most of the places to stay are privately run apartments, guesthouses and small hotels. If you are looking for recommendations for accommodation in Senj, then we can give you these tips along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Lovely Apartment: Very lovely are the apartments of Beautiful Sea View Danijela. The proximity to the old town and the beach is only a few minutes walk away.
- Apartment with Whirlpool: The apartment 33 Ulica Nikole Jurišića scores with a breathtaking view from the balcony, great furnishings and its own whirlpool!
- Budget Apartment: The Apartment Waves is a bright, nicely furnished apartment for a great price, not far from the fortress and the center.
- B&B by the Sea: The Apartman sobe Martina offers double rooms and small apartments directly by the sea and not far from the dream beach!
Find the best accommodation in Senj:
More about Kvaner Bay:
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Opatija, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do
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Moscenicka Draga: All Attractions & Beaches
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Crikvenica, Croatia: The Complete Travel Guide
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Selce, Croatia: The Costal Pearl of Kvarner Bay
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Rijeka, Croatia: Top 15 Amazing Things to Do
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