Kvarner Bay is where Central Europe meets the sea fastest: from Rijeka you reach elegant spa towns like Opatija, large islands such as Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab, and the cool mountain forests of Gorski kotar within an hour. Few Croatian regions are so varied – from Habsburg seaside resort to griffon-vulture cliffs and sandy beaches.
Krk reachable by bridge, good infrastructure, many villages – ideal for families and short breaks
Rab sandy beaches in Lopar, medieval old town – perfect with toddlers
Cres wild, quiet, griffon vultures and dream coves – for nature lovers
Lošinj green, mild, dolphins and herbs – for couples and a long season
Opatija Riviera spa-town flair, promenade, year-round – for connoisseurs and winter visitors
Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski shallow mainland beaches, short journey – for families
Getting there and ferries
By car via Ljubljana to Rijeka; from there the bridge leads to Krk and ferries link the islands: Brestova–Porozina (Istria–Cres), Valbiska–Merag (Krk–Cres), Valbiska–Lopar (Krk–Rab, seasonal) and Stinica–Mišnjak (mainland–Rab). Rijeka airport is on Krk. Catamarans run from Rijeka to Cres, Lošinj and Rab. In high season set off early on Saturdays or avoid peak travel times – waits at ferries are common.
Gorski kotar: mountains above the sea
Behind Rijeka the land rises to over 1,500 metres. Gorski kotar, with Risnjak National Park, fir forests, lakes such as Lokvarsko jezero and caves, is a cool alternative to the coast in summer and a small ski area in winter. Učka, between Opatija and Istria, also offers hiking trails with sea views.
Best time to visit
June and September are ideal for beach holidays. Opatija and Lošinj have a long season into October thanks to their mild climate and are pleasant in winter too. In high summer Kvarner is popular with visitors from Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Hungary. Note: in winter the bora often blows on the mainland coast and the eastern sides of the islands – cold and stormy, sometimes closing the bridge to caravans.
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Apartment Malo SrećeHoliday apartment · Cres · up to 2 guestsfrom €95 / night