Posts

There are many reasons for spending a vacation on the island of Lošinj. The main reasons why you should pay a visit is because here you can find a calm, harmony. Come and fall in love with Lošinj!

Lošinj – The Island of Vitality

Lošinj is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea, and it is placed in the magnificent Kvarner Gulf. The islands Cres and Lošinj are connected by a small bridge at the town of Osor.

Lošinj is a lovely tiny island, with around 2600 hours of sunshine a year. It is surrounded byes crystal-clear sea, but it also has charming fishing villages, great food, gorgeous climate, and best of all, uncrowded beaches. The island of Lošinj is known as the Island of Vitality. Locals said it was because of the fresh air mixed with sea salt and pine trees. We don’t know if it’s true, but we are sure that it is an exceptional place for a vacation, but due to its mild climate, Mali and Veli Lošinj are 1892 proclaim as climatic health resorts.

The island of Lošinj is a part of the Cres-Lošinj island group. The Lošinj group of islands includes, besides Lošinj, the islands of Unije, Ilovik, Susak and Vele Srakane as well as many smaller, uninhabited islands. Each of these islands has its own hidden beauty, so come and explore them!

The islands are great connected daily with tourist boats and regular connections from Lošinj, and Lošinj is well-connected to the mainland, by a ferry, hydrofoils and sports airplanes.

Find your escape from everyday life on Lošinj

Mali Lošinj is the largest place and fabulous harbor on the island. It is placed at the bottom of the large and well-protected bay. The beginnings of Mali Lošinj date back to the 12th century until its “Golden age” of Lošinj experienced in the 19th century when it became a true maritime city. Go for a walk in Mali Lošinj, pay a visit in the Lošinj Aromatic Garden, try out sipping chilled wine and swimming while the sun sets, there are plenty options what to do and see in Mali Lošinj.

In Mali Lošinj you will find various beaches, and we recommend you to go on beaches in the bay of Čikat. We are especially impressed by the well-decorated beach of Veli žal.

Veli Lošinj is settled in the southern part of the island of Lošinj, and it lies in the foothill of Saint Ivan. Today it is known as a remarkable tourist and aromatherapy center in Croatia. Despite the name (well in Croatian, veli means big and mali means small), Veli Lošinj is much smaller than Mali Lošinj. In the vicinity of Veli Lošinj, there is also a small but cute fishing port called Rovenska, which for years has got the attention with its precious beach, fishing atmosphere and the history of people who have devoted their whole life to the sea.

The art of delicacy on a plate

The fabulous Lošinj cuisine is full of flavors and fragrances of the Mediterranean features. As the main delight, there is the Kvarner scampi, which, according to many gastronomic critics, is the best in the world. Inexhaustible delicacies include fish, lamb, homemade pasta and olive oil and aromatic herbs that will be a real treat for the palate. Do not forget to make a toast for a holiday of the dream with a liqueur made from the local grass.

5 things to do on the island of Lošinj

  • Go for a walk in the Lošinj Aromatic Garden! It is a small but very beautiful garden with lots of island herbs. Garden is beautifully planted and very decorated, full of butterflies and bees. It is a fascinating place and you can enter for free.
  • Visit the Museum of Apoxymenos; it is a must see in Lošinj. It’s focused on a single exhibit, an ancient Greek statue discovered in Croatian sea about 20 years ago. The statue was under restoration in Zagreb for several years and looks nothing like what had been in the sea. The story of Apoxymenon is presented in a very innovative and approachable way that it can be interesting for everyone.
  • All adventurers who love their vacation will be actively going on their own because the island of Lošinj extends the possibility of using the planned trails throughout the year. The trails are designed for cycling and hiking, are about 220 km long and stretch to as many as five islands.
  • If you are a dolphins’ lover, try out a fantastic adventure and find out more about them. Dolphins are one of the attractions of the Lošinj island. Blue World Institute is involved in educating people about those intelligent animals and their ecosystem. The exhibition gives an insight into animals habit and explains how we should behave in order to preserve dolphins. The friendship between the dolphins and the island of Lošinj lasts for more than thirty years.
  • Try hiking on Osorsčica – mountaineering trail. The mountaineering trail is ideal holiday for couples, families, group of friends or even if you are planning to go solo. This trail is one of the oldest in Croatia, opened for tourists around 1886 already. On the top, there are a small church and magnificent view. The view is amazing and breathtaking, especially after the wind Bura blown – when you can see the town of Zadar and all nearby islands!
Booking.com

From a family vacation to one of the greatest party resorts in Croatia and nearby. The island of Pag offers everything for your best vacation experience.

Island of lace, cheese, and parties

The island of Pag is one of the most outlandish islands in Croatia. Its beauty is exceptional, and it offers its tourists a dream vacation. If you like dancing, listening to music and just having fun, Zrće is the place for you. However, you might want to have a quiet and peaceful vacation with your family and friends – don’t worry, Pag that too. The island of Pag is full of peaceful locations perfect for families. The only thing you will hear is a few crickets that’ll keep you awake while you enjoy the holiday of your dreams. We recommend you to go to small towns and villages such as Šimuni, Povljana, and Dinjiška or to the city center of the island, also named Pag.

When you step on the island, it feels like another dimension, its landscape reminds of the moon. The coast is unique because of the wind called ‘bura’ which brings salt on the rocks and herbs. But since nature always finds its way, sheep find the salted grass on this unique island very yummy. And the product of this is the famous Pag cheese, one of the most awarded cheeses in the region.

Tempt your taste buds, take a bite of the divine!

‘Paška sol’ is considered one of the best salts and Pag saltern is the largest salt producer in whole Croatia. Every meal you eat has a little bit of this salt, but really, its true, every kitchen in Croatia has it. You can visit the saltern to find out more about the process of producing salt.

Except for salt, Pag is well known for its cheese ‘Paški sir’. Stunning cheese, made from sheep’s milk, but with an interesting taste because of the salted herbs that sheeps eat. This world-renowned cheese is available at almost every corner of the island because many families continue to uphold an age-old island tradition of cheese making.

It’s really hard not to spot a sign with ‘Paška janjetina’ on it in many corners. ‘Paška janjetina’ is Pag’s lamb and it has a really unique taste and smell because of sheep’s nutrition rich with various herbs and grass naturally salted by the wind.

Pag olive grove is about a thousand year old and when you see those trees it will remind you of Greece and their olive trees. If you wonder what a thousand years old olive trees look like, go to a small village called Lun and get to know everything about olive oil production.

Exploring the characteristics of Pag

A perfect vacation on Pag

If you want to take some beautiful photos and enjoy the perfect view, go to the Vidikovac Gradec, where you’ll have a panoramic view of the city Pag.

Do you know that the 15th Meridian east of Greenwich passes through the island of Pag? Well, it is true, you have a monumental place, just a few kilometers from the city Pag.

Suhozidi (Drywalls) are lifted as natural boundaries between the fences, high enough that the sheep cannot jump over, strong enough that the wind called ‘bura’ cannot crash them.

On the island of Pag, you can see salt being produced by draining on the small clay pools within which sea water is introduced. These small pools are called Saline and you will see them a lot.

Near Novalja, you can find a land formation in the shape of an isosceles triangle called Pag triangle. It is a phenomenon that attracts the attention of believers, alternative investigators of the past and ufologists. Based on geological research, it was found that the stones inside the Pag Triangle are brighter than the stones outside the triangle and cannot be found anywhere else on the island of Pag.

For all the party people

Novalja is considered one of the best Croatia’s party destinations. A resort called Zrće offers various summer music festivals and parties from afternoon till early mornings.

It’s a true paradise on the beach with lots of attractions such as bungee jumping, wakeboard, ski lift, jet ski ride and party boats. Every year, Zrće hosts a large number of tourists who come here to enjoy the summer rhythms.

Experience the uniqueness of this island

Pag sunset

Pag town is also famous for its carnival, with two seasonal carnivals in the summer and in the winter time. The Paško Kolo is a traditional folk dance which is the pride of the whole area. As a young girl, women learn to dance this specific dance, they wear a special outfit and have braided hair. This dance is usually performed after church so that everybody can enjoy and hang out after it on the main square. There is also a song accompanying the dance which is performed so well that it gives you chills.

Buy Pag Lace as a souvenir; in 2009 lacemaking was added to the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Things to do on the island of Pag

Things to do on the island of Pag

  • The Island of Pag has a lot of small hidden beaches that can be seen only from the sea. You can rent a boat, but if you are an adventurer you can take a kayak and go kayaking. Find beautiful beaches such as Beritnica near Metajna or Krcalo near Jakišnica.
  • Go cycling along the island, its road is great for an explorer. You’ll see some beautiful sights where you can capture great photos.
  • If you are looking to try something new, you can try Robinsons tourism on the island of Pag. New, different kind of spending your vacation.
  • You can visit nearby town Zadar, look at the sunset from the seafront of Zadar, enjoy the music produced by the sea with the famous Zadar Organ and visit a monument The greeting to the sun.
  • If you like nature, Pag is a great starting point to see the national park Paklenica, Plitvička jezera, Kornati or Krka. Because of its great position, there are many options.
Booking.com

Spend your holiday in Rijeka and learn its history, legends and tradition, meet its people and become a part of it. Rijeka is waiting for you!

Rijeka – a town that flows

Rijeka is commonly known as the town that flows and that contains rich history, industrial and cultural heritage. The oldest traces of first settlers on today’s Rijeka area date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Even the remains of the prehistoric forts and villages of this area stand proud as a reminder on the Bronze and Iron Ages. Visit Rijeka, take a walk, take a look, explore, peak into its every corner, feel the flow – the flow of the Rijeka town.

Feel the multicultural and industrial flow

Trsatska gradina, Rijeka

Rijeka holds the status of the multicultural, maritime and industrial town because of its ideal geographical position. Rijeka once was one of Europe’s largest ports and one of the largest industrial centers with railway and maritime routes that opened an opportunity for tourism development. Now, Rijeka has a lot to offer to the modern tourist besides the sun, sea and excellent food. Peek into the Governor’s Palace that was the residence of the governor Ljudevit Batthyany, i.e. the vice-regent of the Hungarian crown St. Stephen. His architect decided to make the palace in High Renaissance because of the stately simplicity of the classics and so designed the most beautiful public building in Rijeka. Visit the Church of St. Vito, a Jesuit rotunda (today cathedral) that was built on a site of a small demolished church dedicated to this honorable guardian of Rijeka.

Step into the Church of St. Mary’s Assumption which was built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of the Roman thermal baths. Walk along the Korzo, drink your coffee on one of the terraces and figure it out why is Korzo called a lifeline of Rijeka. Climb up the Trsat Fortress, once a strategic lookout on a 138 meters high hill and today a favorite place of locals that is abundant with events such as open-air concerts, theater performances, literature events and art gallery exhibitions. While you’re on Trsat you should visit the Santcuary of Our Lady of Trsat that is the biggest pilgrimage center of the Western Croatia. And after all, just relax, breath in the fresh air and walk along the Rijeka’s pier also known as Molo longo because of its length over 1707 meters from which you can clearly see the transformations and progress of Rijeka – from the antic Tarsatica located on the left side of Rječina river to the strong maritime and industrial center.

Hear the Rijeka Story

Rijeka, Kvarner bay

Rijeka is a town full of legends that you’ll like to hear and retell. Find out what is Riječka krpica, the story behind Trsatske stube (The Stairs of Trsat), Gradska Ura (The Town Clock) or the Morčić – the symbol of Rijeka and Rijeka’s lucky-charm. Learn about diligent women called Mlikarice, which once have supplied Rijeka with milk, going everyday afoot for miles carrying the heavy milk containers on their backs. Get familiar with the story about Rijeka’s poetry knight, Janko Polić Kamov, whose words cut his contemporaries deeper than sword. Learn how two enthusiasts back in the 19th century came up on the idea to create something that will change worlds industry – the Torpedo. All in all, the most memorable thing that you should see and feel is definitely Rijeka’s Carnival, that kept the stubborn, cheerful and critical Carnival spirit despite its long history. This spirit still goes on, never gets tired and thrives year to year, always growing and showing to the new generations and visitors what does it really mean “Krepat, ma ne molat!” (“To die but never give up!”).

So, don’t give up, feel the Rijeka spirit. Take a walk, take a rest, taste the best in and of Rijeka. Cause Rijeka has the flow that you’ll like to go with!

Things to do in Rijeka

Things to do in Rijeka
  • Experience the festivities of Kvarner, starting from Rijeka’s Summer on Gradina (all summer), Rijeka’s Summer Nights (cultural festival with theater plays, live concerts, conceptual and themed events, in the late June) or Hartera music festival in September
  • Hangout place for beer lovers definitely is Celtic café Bard, so take a walk to the center of Rijeka and relax yourself on their little cozy terrace under the stars or climb up to the Trsat and visit Badi Pub – a pub that has always been the home of good music and vibrations
  • In small café bar Cukarikafe you’ll find the most tasteful coffee in Rijeka’s’ Old Town and the very best vision of Rijeka’s summer nights you’ll definitely find in the Tunel – a bar under the railway in the area called Školjić
  • Rijeka is known as a rock city so visit cult places such as bar Palach, the oldest Rijeka rock club, or sit on the benches on the square in front of the hotel Continental and rest yourself from hustle and bustle by the Rječina river, just like many generations of locals used to do it and still are doing it every day
  • If you’re visiting Rijeka for a few of days we recommend you to definitely visit and stay in the first botel in Croatia, called Marina that is located in front of the Adamić pier
  • Take a walk through galleries of Rijeka and check out what’s happening on the art scene, we assure you that there is always something provocative going on
  • Visit Peek&Poke, a twin museum – one for computers and one for toys – that will bring you back to you childhood. Imagine you and/or your child playing together Asteroids on a vintage Atari
  • Check out the breathtaking architecture of the fish market – its architect Carlo Pergoli was under the influence of the Vienna Secession and elements of the Romanic style so he shared his vision with the famous Venice sculptor Urbano Bottasso with whose little help Rijeka can “boast” today with an architectural grandeur of the cultural monument
  • If you really want to take with you the spirit of Rijeka, you should visit Souvenirs & gift shop Šta da?. “Šta da” is an idiom peculiar to Rijeka that literally means“what yes?” but it is used as an expression of surprise that you can translate as “really, you don’t say?” or “you whaaaat?”
  • Visit Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić Library and Collection that some people named as a “important sea-fronted historical gem” of Croatian cultural heritage
Booking.com

First two photos by Mario Fajt / CC BY

You‘re longing for a quiet destination to ease your mind? Visit Opatija and feel the harmony and the tranquility of the Adriatic sea!

Elegant queen of the Adriatic

Opatija is located on the banks of the Adriatic sea and has become one of the most popular holiday accommodation destination in Central Europe with tourism tradition longer than 170 years. Thanks to its ideal climate and breathtaking sites it has been a home for some of the world’s most famous thinkers, painters, scholars, philosophers and artists. A sight of stunning architecture, diverse flowers, plants and trees in the gardens by the sea have become the reasons why Opatija is known as the queen of the Adriatic.

Long tradition and history

Opatija was built mainly at the turn of the 19th century and even today has remained in complete harmony with nature as it was originally conceived. Maintained gardens with over hundred different varieties of plants originating from all over the world (gardenias, camellias, roses, oleander, palm trees…), 12km long coastal promenade commonly known as Lungomare, well-kept beaches and first-class accommodation are the foundation of this elegant city. Located between the Učka mountain and the Adriatic Sea, Opatija has always been known for its pure air and health aerosols.

This and much more has always attracted the most popular icons of the world which wanted to improve their well-being, such as Croatian Ban Josip Jelačić, Vladimir Nabokov, James Joyce, princess Stephanie, Emperor Franz Joseph I, Emperor Franz Joseph Habsburg, Prussian Emperor Wilhelm II, etc. Visit Opatija and on its walkways and learn about the long history and tradition of the oldest tourist resort in whole Croatia. For example, the town centre still contains a great number of the 19th century buildings and architecture – Villa Angiolina and its park, St. Jacob Park, Margarita Park, Abbey of Saint James, and a must-see a symbol of Opatija -the well-known statue of the Maiden with the seagull.

The seaside resort of well-being, harmony and good life

Opatija seaview

Many Opatija hotels feature spa & wellness centres with indoor swimming pools with sea water, jacuzzi, saunas, massage salons, spa relax zone, fitness centres… Everything you need to relax with your loved ones or by yourself in Opatija’s best health and beauty centres with support and supervision of top medical specialists. So, if you’ve always looked for a holiday resort that will bring harmony and well-being to your life, definitely visit Opatija. This amazing town even has a Month of Wellness in March when all of the luxurious wellness offers are introduced to the guests. Relaxation, recreation and beauty care – the foundation of the healthy life is what you’ll find in Opatija.

Food and drinks in Opatija

Photo by Tilen Travnik / CC BY

Kvarner Bay supplies Opatija with the freshest seafood that turns into a delicious meal on your plate. Regional flavours are all about asparagus, chestnuts and cherries, commonly known as lovranske črešnje. Local bars and restaurants will offer you well-known wines from all over Croatia, but also extensive lists of international products. Whatever you choose in Opatija, you can’t go wrong because this place is a feast for all scents.

Business or pleasure, relaxing or active holiday, spring or autumn, sunrise or sunset – Opatija offers everything that tourists and travellers need. Opatija welcomes you, enjoy your stay!

Things to do in Opatija

Photo by Loris Silvio Zecchinato / CC BY
  • Peek into the Adamić – Local Books & Crafts where you’ll find unique gifts for your loved ones and even something for yourself to bring back home a piece of Opatija spirit
  • Visit the restored Villa Angiolina that gives you the chance to view the interior of one of Opatija’s grandest structures – gilded mirrors, geometric floor mosaics, Corinthian capitals and much more
  • Restore your energy on the fresh air on the forest paths around Opatija – this it is always a perfect way to escape from urban jungle and city hustle and bustle
  • And while you’re there, visit the Museum of Tourism in Opatija where you’ll find a permanent collection of old photographs, postcards, brochures and posters. Discover how Opatija looked 100 years ago and how it developed!
  • Surprise your senses in bakery and patisserie Kaokakao in Volosko whose delicacies are prepared from the finest Belgian chocolate, quality cream, fine home-grown spices and home-grown seasonal ingredients
  • Sip a cocktail in Hemingway bar, a sleek bar ideal for after-beach parties and summer night gatherings under the stars with amazing views of the Rijeka skyline
  • Walk along Slatina and see the Croatian Walk of Fame where you’ll find 32 stars with names of prominent Croatian athletes, scientists and artist – feel the Hollywood feel in Opatija
Booking.com

Tradition and modernity, natural beauties, hardworking and hospitable people – qualities that you need for a perfect holiday on the island of Krk.

Looking for the treasure of the island of Krk

The island of Krk is known as the golden island since the ancient times thanks to its natural characteristics. It is a natural treasure of the Kvarner bay and the most northern island on the Mediterranean. So, if you dream about a sunny and peaceful family vacation resort, dog-friendly beaches or entertaining location for you and your friends – Krk is definitely a place to be!

Tradition and legacy of the island

People of Krk have learned to live in harmony with the rules of this unpredictable island and its climate. They learned how to live according to the nature and flora & fauna of this golden island. Bura, jugo and maestral winds are making troubles or giving a bit of the refreshment on a sunny day. The sun on your skin, tiny pebbles under your toes, fresh breeze in your hair, dear friends, a homemade wine known as Vrbnička Žlahtina and local delicacies such as šurlice with lamb goulash – everything is in front of you thanks to the Croatian coast and its hardworking people. So, relax, take a deep breath and let yourself go to the Krk state of mind and its legacy.

Locals are living the traditional way of life connected to the sea, agriculture and livestock farming in combination with the modern activities. So, on this island, you’ll find a fisherman whose daily job is to manage a restaurant or a teacher whose avocation is to build ships and breed sheep.

A touch of history on the streets of Krk

Krk is abundant with natural beauties. From the Biserujka cave located in the northeast part of the island to the picturesque islet Košljun or the city of Krk with its two thousand years old city walls, Frankopan castle from 13th century and old City Hall from 16th century. Every step you take is a step into the history. So, if you decide to visit the city of Omišalj that is perched on the cliff above the sea, you’ll find out that its cultural heritage is dating from the 3rd century.

We recommend you to visit the remains of the early catholic basilica and the remains of the Roman municipality Fulfinum in the Sepen bay, 2 km from Omišalj, in the Mirina area. On this island, you’ll find the early Roman Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor with the Baška tablet found in its chambers. It is written in the Glagolitic alphabet created by the stylization of Greek cursive in the middle of the 9th century and it was once the proof of the donation of land from the king Zvonimir to the Benedictine monastery of St. Lucy.

Sports and entertainment

Krk offers you all types of summer recreations but the most interesting ones are water sports – paragliding, scuba diving, waterskiing or sailing. If you’re fond of walking, you’ll definitely like the walking trails that are located all over the island – that is where you’ll truly find out in what lays the secret of the island’s beauty. Adrenaline junkies can get their satisfaction at the 650m-long cableway for wakeboarding and waterskiing in the wake park of the town of Krk.

Make a wish and fall in love

You could easily fall in love with this island if you just visit one of the local festivities, such as Lovrečeva or fisherman nights in local villages. For the outgoing people and the ones who seek an adventure on the dance floor, we will recommend Boa club in Malinska, club Casa Del Padrone and Volsonis in Krk city.

This is an island of culture and entertainment that offers you its tradition of dedication and hard work, combined and justified with a long history and modernity. Trust it and the pleasure is always yours.

Photo by sanfamedia.com / CC BY-ND

Things to do on the island of Krk

  • If you decide to visit Krk in summer, be sure to visit a beach with healing mud that can be found on the west side of the Klimno bay. Have fun on the beach, energise your body, play picigin (sports game played by several players in a circle whose goal is to keep the ball circling in air and out of the sea for long as possible) and find out why is this mud known as the one that cures the arthritis
  • The island of Krk, more precisely the Baška bay, is a home to the unique plant “Barbašova lazarkinja” (Aspreula Borbasiana) that is also an endemic species
  • Visit the Vitezić family library or go on a fine dines in taverns in Vrbnik where you’ll find the most famous wine from Krk – Vrbnička žlahtina. And most of all go for a meal, walk up the stairs, relax in the garden and take a bottle of wine (or two) from the Ivan Katunar House of Wine
  • Peek into the Church of St. Trinity that is located in the historic centre and pedestrian area of Baška and hear a festival of bells
  • Visit Franciscan monasteries – the one on the island of Košljun, located 90m from Punat and the one in Glavotok – they are well-known monasteries due to the significant archaeological findings from which some date from around 8th century
  • You should also try to drive an off-road quad from Off-road Quad Safari Krk Malinska. While having an active vacation you’ll have an opportunity to see the Krk roads and nature from a different perspective
  • Visit the House of Krk’s prosciutto, where you’ll learn every detail about this amazing delicacy while tasting a variety of dishes, based on the recipes that were used even in Roman times
  • And finally, we recommend you to visit the International Festival “Sand & Time Krk Summer” – the exhibit of sand sculptures with laser and light show in the town of Krk
Booking.com

Featured photo by sanfamedia.com / CC BY-ND

Kvarner is a place to visit in any time of the year, so book a holiday today and let yourself go to its mesmerizing people and culture. Kvarner bay at your service!

Kvarner bay experience

An experience starts with a journey, so we recommend you to go on a trip and start collecting epic and unforgettable memories on the Kvarner bay. Would you like a cocktail, a beer or you’re a fan of the Vrbnička Žlahtina wine? Would you like to stroll all along the Opatija’s Lungomare? Sail around the islands of Krk and Cres? Dance on Zrće? See a movie or theatre play in Rijeka? Or just lay down on the beach soaking up the sun in Bakar, Lovran or Kostrena?

Multicultural and industrial center of Croatia

The Kvarner region is located in the northern Adriatic Sea and it stretches down the coast from the foothill of the Učka Mountain by Opatija all the way down to half of the island of Pag, covering the islands of Cres, Krk, Rab, Lošinj, and the mountainous hinterland of Gorski Kotar. Kvarner is the closest point of the Adriatic Sea to Central and Western Europe, and due to its accessibility, mild Mediterranean climate and multicultural-industrial significance, it is a popular tourist destination since the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century.

Discover all the pearls of Kvarner Bay

Visit Lovran and its narrow streets full of charming sites and seductive smells of the genuine Croatian delicacies. Visit Rijeka to learn about the maritime importance and rich-full industry. Stay here to experience the unique feeling of the Rijeka Carnival that is well known in the whole world. Learn about the culture by visiting the program of the Rijeka Summer Nights.

Peek into the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve, at Lošinj Marine Education Centre, the first reserve of this kind in the Mediterranean, which tracks about 120 bottlenose dolphins and has the sea turtle satellite program. Lošinj is also a special Croatian place because of its recently discovered history. In 1998, on the seabed of the islet of Vele Orjule, near the islands of Mali and Veli Lošinj, the Croatian Apoxyimenos finally saw the light of the day. It is one of the rare well preserved Greek statues which used to decorate Greek temples. It portrays a young athlete who was caught in a moment of cleaning his body of oil, sweat and dust (gr. apoxyesis) just after he finished his exercise.

We guarantee you that you’ll fall in love with the island of Cres, the most beautiful pearl of Kvarner, on which over ninety species of birds have found their home. Cres is a home of ornithological reserve for the white-headed griffon vultures and a place where you can see the magical creation of nature – the Vransko Lake, which is a natural reservoir irrigated by rain from the surface and subterranean water channels.

Mesmerizing tastes and scents of Kvarner

Rijeka, Kvarner bay

Wherever you go, the locals will prepare you a special kind of pasta, called šurlice, with tomato sauce and boar or venison, which is served with light white wine Vrbnička Žlahtina. You can even try fish delicatessens such as octopus under the peka (a specifically designed pot or a tray placed into the embers of a fireplace), calamari with garlic, olive oil and rosemary, and even sea-bream (commonly known as orada) with sweet potato. You should try local sweets such as the Rab cake, the Kacotini almond cookies, or a fig cake called Smokvenjak etc. Everywhere you turn there are delicious and mesmerising tastes and scents – what more can you ask for?

A place to be throughout the year

The combination of the climate, vegetation, architecture, culture, geographical position that brings out the best of the sun, sea and trees, plus the greatness of its inhabitants – Kvarner is definitely a place to be throughout the year. Kvarner will be a right place for you whether you prefer a quiet and peaceful vacation by the seaside or long summer nights in the crowded clubs. It is an escape plan for nature lovers with its wildlife reserves, national parks, diverse flora and fauna, colourful botanical gardens and above all, with its emerald blue sea.

Be present, be here to stay, and never lose the sense of belonging! This is a place you’d like to call a second home.

Island of Krk, Kvarner bay

Things to do at the Kvarner Bay

  • Visit Medveja, a campsite behind the two beautiful pebbly beaches situated between a shady pine forest trees
  • Go for a walk or try boar goulash in Gorski Kotar (remark: in English, it is known as Mountain District), the mountainous region in Croatia between Karlovac and Rijeka. It forms Mountainous Croatia together with Lika and Ogulin which is popularly called the green lungs of Croatia
  • Wake up before breakfast and go for a run in the Komrčar Park in the town of Rab. The unbelievable smells of the sea and the forest will clear your mind in a second
  • Take a ride to the tiny village of Smiljan, 5km west from Gospić, where the greatest mind of the modern world, Nikola Tesla, was born. This fascinating museum includes displays about his life and working replicas of some of his most famous inventions
  • Visit Košljun and its Monastery Museum where the monks from Franciscan Monastery have managed to collect and preserve priceless artifacts throughout the centuries
  • Take a trip to Aquarium in Baška on the island of Krk or feel the laid back feel of the Lubenice, the most tempting beach of the western coast of the island of Cres
Booking.com

Tradition and modernity, natural beauties, hospitable people – qualities that make a perfect location for your holiday. Choose Rab any time, every time!

Find the secrets of the island of Rab

We can tell that Rab is the island of many contrasts. It is shaped from sharp rocks on the east coast and from gentle pebbly beaches, and on the other side it has 408 meters high peak that is covered with macchia and Mediterranean oak forests. It is known as a happy island and it can tell you its legends within a minute. It is an island of many idyllic sights and historical fishing villages which are waiting for you to discover their secrets. Come here to stay!

Meet the island of rich history and cultural heritage

This is the island of the rich and turbulent past that throughout its history has had many rulers and has changed various systems of ruling. First recordings tell that its first settlers were Illyrians, around 360 years BC. There is an old Roman document in which the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus proclaims Rab a muncipium – a city with a self-administration. At one point in history, it’s Latin name Arba (Arbia or Arbiana) got an epithet “felix”, Latin word for happy, and from there to now Rab is known as a happy island. Rab is well known by its antique town plan, its walls, churches, palaces, and portals, as well as by its villages abundant with old churches, monasteries and the remains of ancient fortifications and traditional houses.

Rich heritage stems from different historical periods. So, you can walk around near romanesque churches and towers from 12th century, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the monastery complex of St. Bernardino of Siena in village Kampor from the 15th century. Visit St. Peter’s benedictine monastery from the 11th century in Supetarska Draga valley, or go to the preserved historic old town of Rab with its typical late Gothic and Renaissance details (such as nobles crests, windows, doors, portals and statues).

Meet the island of the natural beauties

Walk through the oldest native holm oak forests called Dundo, which is also a protected forest reserve that’s open for visitors and hikers. It offers you its trails for mountain biking or hiking, bays for bathing and soaking up the sun. It is an unique forest environment with rich flora and fauna where you’ll find various bird life, interesting plants, aromatic herbs, small animals, butterflies and reptiles.

Rab is known, for almost 125 years, by its 30 sandy beaches, scenic coves, crystal blue sea and hospitality. So choose between dog beaches, naturists beaches, solitary coves or even beaches for singles . Everything you ever wanted on the Paradise beach, Pudarica, Mel, Kandarola, Livačina, Ciganka and many more.

Visit Kamenjak, the highest and largest peak of Rab, with its 408 meters it is excellent location for panorama views of the whole islands. Take a picture, make a memory, meet the spirit of the natural beauties of Rab.

Try everything from Mediterranean cuisine

In this Adriatic region locals choose only natural foods and home-grown groceries, so Rab is an island of fish specialties and seafood, as well as lamb. We can say that the cuisine of this island is a basis of healthy and balanced food determined by long tradition. Try one of the Rab cheeses that can weight over two kilos or their traditional desserts such as poppy rolls, apple strudel and nut roll. Taste summer salad from local foods or from salted anchovies with tomatoes, try capri peppers and onion, try dry octopus with omelet or roasted grouper with local spices and aromatic herbs. After all, try the inevitable Rab cake, that is the most famous symbol of this island. It has unique flavor and is baked for more than 835 years. The original recipe is from 1117, when Benedictine nuns served it to the Pope Alexander II, on the occasion of the blessing of the Rab Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary.

Things to do on the island of Rab

  • Try snorkeling and visit the underwater site with an old sunken ship from the WW II, or peak into the underwater caves and grottoes
  • Walk around the Forest Park Komrčar in the town of Rab
  • Visit the site of a memorial object – the Tree of Liberty on the Freedom Square in the town of Rab
  • Walk the two paths of Premužić that were built around 1930 by an engineer Ante Premužić. First one will lead you from Lopar camp to the hamlet of Matići and the second one from Kampor, through the park-forest Dundov, all the way to the south coast of Kalifront and then all along the coast to Frkanj and bay of St. Euphemia.
  • Visit one of the leading cultural events of the island of Rab – the Rab fjera, that takes place on the 25 to 27 July, every year. It is a traditional fiesta on which the streets of the town of Rab become a stage where medieval craftsman demonstrate old skills and crafts.
  • Go on a kayak trip around the island and see all the natural beauties of Rab from another point of view
  • Visit the tower of St. Christopher. According to the legend, the island was saved from attackers for several times by the Saint Christopher, so eventually he became its patron.
  • And after all, if you really want to feel the true spirit of this island, book accommodation in the off-season, outside the mass tourism, in June and September
Booking.com

Photos by Mario Fajt / CC BY