The Kvarner gulf and coast have been a summer playstation since the Austro-Hungarian empire. From Rijeka, a motorway runs north to Zagreb and beyond, making the Kvarner the easiest coast to reach from Central Europe. With high mountains protecting the coast from the harsh northern winds, the Gulf of Kvarner has a relatively mild climate even in spring and fall. Administratively, the Kvarner is known as the Primorsko-Garanska region.
Cres-- The least developed island in Kvarner and a paradise for nature-lovers.
Crikvenica--Spa-city on the Kvarner coast.
Krk--This dry mountainous island has Baska, one of Croatia's few sandy beaches and medieval Krk Town.
Losinj--The scenic port and coves of Mali Losinj and Veli Losinj are bustling with visitors in summer.
Lovran--A little nest of narrow
streets makes this town particularly picturesque.
Novi Vinodolski--a coastal resort with a charming old town on a hill.
Opatija-- Geographically Istrian but administratively in the Kvarner region, the Austrian nobility built villas here and bathed from a 12km long seaside promenade.
Pag--Half in Kvarner and half in the Zadar region, the island has retained much of its traditional culture, notably its pungent Pag cheese and delicate Pag lace, renowned throughout Croatia.
Rab--A lush island of many coves known for the beaches of Lopar and the bell towers of historic Rab Town and the beaches of Lopar.
Rijeka--It's a busy port and the major transport hub for the region
By boat
There's a catamaran
connecting Mali Losinj with Venice from May
to October.
Local Jadrolinija passenger
ferries connect Rijeka with Rab and Pag and local ferries shuttle
cars from the mainland to Krk, Cres and Rab.
Jadrolinija local ferries connect the islands with each other and with the mainland. The connection between Valbiska, Krk and Lopar, Rab is particularly useful. Rapska Plovidba connects Rab with the mainland and with Pag island.
By bus
There are very frequent
buses from Zagreb's bus
station to Rijeka. Buses
from Rijeka run to Krk island and south as far as Dubrovnik.
By train
There are several trains
a day between Rijeka and Zagreb. See the schedules
and prices.
By car
The motorway running from
Zagreb to Rijeka makes access easy. See my driving
distance chart to plan your trip.
The Kvarner tourist office (051-272 988) is at Nikole Tesle 2, Opatija. Look for their helpful What's On distributed free to hotels, travel agencies and bookstores.
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