Crikvenica is one of the oldest resorts on the Croatian coast: guests from Vienna and Budapest were already coming for health cures around 1900. Today the town scores with one of the longest beaches on the Kvarner coast, shallow entry, a continuous seafront promenade through neighbouring Selce and Dramalj and a short journey – it's just 35 kilometres from Rijeka.
At a glance
Region
Kvarner, Crikvenica Riviera
Airport
Rijeka on Krk (approx. 25 km)
From Rijeka
approx. 35 km
Best time to visit
June to September
Ideal for
families with children, seniors, short breaks
Beaches
fine pebble and sand-pebble mix, shallow
Beaches and promenade
The town beach (Gradsko kupalište) right in the centre is fine pebble with sandy sections and shelves gently – ideal for children. More bathing areas follow to the west and east, linked by a seafront promenade many kilometres long reaching Selce and Dramalj. Along the way there are playgrounds, bars and showers.
Sights
By the harbour, the former 15th-century Pauline monastery recalls the town's origins; it is now a hotel. The small aquarium shows Adriatic marine life – a good rainy-day option. The town museum tells the story of the Roman pottery workshop Ad Turres discovered here. Every year at the end of August the traditional Fishermen's Week takes place.
Day trips
Vinodol valley wine valley in the hinterland with the castle villages of Bribir and Grižane
Krk island over the bridge in 20–30 minutes
Novi Vinodolski Frankopan town, approx. 10 km south
Rijeka and Opatija culture, coffee houses and the Lungomare, under an hour
Risnjak National Park mountain forest in Gorski kotar, approx. one hour
Honest verdict
Crikvenica is a classic, down-to-earth family resort: good infrastructure, shallow beaches, fair prices – but without the romance of an island or old town. In high summer beaches and promenade are busy. If you like spontaneous trips, you'll benefit from its central location between Rijeka, Krk and the hinterland.
