Located between the Istrian Peninsula and the Dalmatian Coast, the Kvarner Gulf is a sparkling bay in the Adriatic Sea. It’s dotted with islands and fringed by the picturesque Opatija Riviera, which has been a popular getaway destination since the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
For elevated views of the Kvarner Gulf, climb to Rijeka’s hilltop Trsat Castle, which is built on the site of an ancient Illyrian and Roman fortress. Stretching west of Rijeka is the Opatija Riviera, a 20-kilometre-long stretch of seaside resorts at the base of Mount Učka. Stroll along the breezy Lungomare promenade and visit the Croatian Museum of Tourism, which occupies the 19th-century Villa Angiolina.
Rijeka serves as a gateway to the Kvarner Gulf’s islands, including Rab with its ancient walled town and pebbly bays. Krk is renowned for its beautiful beaches, 12th-century tower and Romanesque cathedral, as well as its hilltop villages that are surrounded by vineyards.
Getting there
Rijeka International Airport is the main aviation gateway to the Kvarner Gulf and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel along the coastline and ferries connect to the Kvarner Gulf’s islands. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.