Rijeka Travel Guide
Coastal town of Rijeka, situated in Kvarner region, is an ideal place for those who enjoy vibrant life. The greatest lure of this town is Rijeka Festival, a month-long carnival, which is considered to be the craziest party in Europe. Being the largest port in Croatia, Rijeka is easily reachable by bus, ferry and train from other Croatian towns and neighbouring countries. The town is no difficult to get to by air because its airport is situated on Krk Island, connected to the mainland with the Tito's bridge.
There used to be a Celtic settlement Tarsatica in the region of Rijeka, which was rebuilt by Romans during the reign of Augustus. Having changed the rules of the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines, the Lombards, and the Avars after the 5th c., the town was ruined in 800 by Charlemagne, the emperor of Francs, and then settled by Slavs. In 1471 the town was seized by the Austrians and until 20th c. had changed numerous rulers. Rijeka was returned to Croatia in 1947.
Tourist attractions. The top sightseeing spots of Rijeka are the Capuchin Church (1900s) with a Neo-Gothic facade and remarkable frescoes by Romulo Venucci, Cathedral of St. Vitus and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat. Art lovers can enjoy visiting various galleries, the most popular of which are Grad, Kortil, Mali Salon, Filodrammatica and Arh. Rijeka also boasts 6 fascinating museums that are really worth a look during your Rijeka travel, especially Peek and Poke (retro computer museum), the Town Museum, Maritime and History Museum located in The Governor's Palace. If you run out of attractions in the town and your Rijeka holidays are not complete, you can visit the nearby Bakar which boasts its impressive Frankopan Castle (15th c.) and the Civic Museum featuring Roman and medieval stonework.
Beaches. As for the beaches, you cannot find plenty of them since the town is industrial. You can visit the marvelous Bivio cove near the Kantrida and clean pebble beaches of Pećine. Windsurfers should go to Preluc beach. If you are prepared to expand your Rijeka travel a bit, you will surely find a beach for your own taste. Amazing Žurkovo cove in Kostrena, Lido and Slatina in Opatija, the great family beach Baska on Krk Island, shallow sandy beaches on Rab Island, hilarious beaches of Ičići, Medveja and Mošćenička Draga are truly worth visiting.
Restaurants. Rijeka is overflowing with fine places to eat. Restaurant Winter Garden under a glass roof will cheer you up with an ambient atmosphere and delicious food. Those who like exquisite restaurants can enjoy the dinner at Bonavia Classic, the restaurant with excellent reputation among celebrities, or truly "artistic" Restaurant Kamov with unbelievable culinary offer. Caffe Bar Nad Urom, Karolina bar and Dante coffee shop are perfect places for starting your day in Rijeka.
Festivals and cultural events. If your Rijeka travel falls on January, you will have an unique chance to join the craze of Rijeka Festival, the majestic Carnival, accompanied by various concerts, exhibitions, parties, theatrical performances. Sailing enthusiasts should visit Rijeka in June to see one of the greatest annual events in Croatia - regatta Fiumanka.
Active vacations. Those who are planning to spend active Rijeka holidays will be amazed by the sport offer of this coastal town. Travelers who enjoy water sports can participate in sailing regattas, world famous fishing and sub-aqua fishing contests Those who like hiking, trekking, mountaineering, hunting and skiing (in winter) will also find that they've come to the right place. Sport-oriented tourists can also play basketball, handball, beach volleyball, badminton, bowling, tennis and even hockey.