The Kvarner Bay: Islands, Coast and Mountains
The Kvarner Bay lies at the far north of the Croatian Adriatic, between the Istrian peninsula and the Velebit mountains. Hardly any other holiday region in Croatia is so quick to reach: from southern Germany or Austria, you can be at the sea in just a few hours. And yet the variety is huge – four large islands, a lively port city, a traditional spa town and small seaside resorts along the coast.
Four islands, each with its own character
Krk is connected to the mainland by a bridge and offers swimming coves, wine villages and historic old towns. Cres is wild and unspoiled, with sheep pastures, stone walls and the griffon vultures of Beli. Lošinj is known for its mild climate, pine forests and the dolphins off its coast. Rab tempts visitors with fine sandy beaches in Lopar and an old town with four bell towers.
Rijeka, Opatija and the coast
Rijeka is Croatia's third-largest city and was European Capital of Culture in 2020. Opatija is considered the birthplace of Adriatic tourism – elegant villas, parks and the Lungomare seafront promenade recall the days of the Habsburgs. Further south you'll find the seaside resorts of Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski with their long beaches, and the historic town of Senj with its Nehaj Fortress.
Mountains right by the sea
Typical of the Kvarner are the mountains that rise steeply behind the coast. Above Opatija towers the Učka mountain range with its 1,401-metre peak, Vojak, and inland lies the green Gorski kotar. That way you can hike in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon.
Typically Kvarner
The local cuisine includes Kvarner scampi, lamb from the islands, olive oil, ham and the white wine Žlahtina from Vrbnik. In summer, the towns celebrate with festivals featuring music, fishermen's evenings and fireworks. And ferries and catamarans shuttle between the islands – ideal for day trips and island hopping.
Below you'll find an overview of all the regions, plus guides on getting here, the best time to travel, holidays with kids or dogs, and the most beautiful islands.