Bakar: captains’ town on the bay
About 13 km east of Rijeka, Bakar clings to the slope above a deep bay. It is one of the oldest towns in the northern Adriatic. Maria Theresa made it a royal free town in 1779, and its historic core has been protected since 1968.
What to discover:
• At the top, the Frankopan Castle with a small interpretation centre.
• The Turkish House with its oriental air and mysterious origins.
• The Roman House, despite its name a local neo-Renaissance building.
• Stone measures for salt and grain on the main square, relics of old trade.
• St Andrew’s church, whose catacombs you can visit by arrangement.
Tuna and wine:
Bakar fishermen once caught tuna from the shore, with lookouts watching for shoals; a replica stands in front of St Margaret’s church. The open-air exhibition Nets of Memory in Banj Park tells the story. Try Bakarska vodica, a sparkling wine from dry-stone terraces, and the ring-shaped Bakar baškot.
Tip: walk out onto the bay on the floating Pontonac. The tourist board arranges guided tours.