The Kvarner Riviera is located next to Istria and is centred on the main Croatian port of Rijeka, the busiest port on the Adriatic. The most famous resort in the area is Opatija, with Lovran, Crikvenica, Kraljevica and Novi Vinodolski also popular.

Rijeka
Rijeka has had a very eventful past and has been ruled by many different countries and empires over the years. In the middle ages it was part of the Croatian Kingdom, and then part of the Habsburg Empire. In the late 19th century, the first railway track was built in Croatia connecting Rijeka, through Zagreb, to Budapest and thus the importance of Rijeka grew even further. For these reasons, various industries were based in the city, including a huge ship-building yard. In 1918 an interesting event occurred: the great Western powers intended to declare Rijeka a free port under international control. However, the Italian poet and writer Gabriele D'Annunzio marched into the city with his supporters, and declared Rijeka a part of Italy. Rome was reluctant to accept this, so D'Annunzio declared Rijeka a city-state. Eventually in 1924, Mussolini annexed Rijeka. In 1945, Rijeka became Croatian again, as part of Yugoslavia.

Rijeka is a transit post and, with only one beach, it is not really a place to stay for your holiday. Many people take a boat or bus and leave for other places along the coast as soon as possible! The main ferry company in Croatia, Jadrolinija, operates a ferry route that starts in Rijeka and sails all the way down to Dubrovnik, calling at several towns and islands along the way such as Zadar, Split, Hvar and Korcula. Needless to say, it is quite a scenic route!

The current population of Rijeka is over 200,000.

The area code is 051.

The Tourist Board of Rijeka is at Uzarska 14, tel: 051 315 710, fax: 051 315 720, email: tz-rijeka@ri.t-com.hr.

More information can be found at the very useful Rijeka Tourist Board website and at the Rijeka Online website (news about Rijeka).

Take a look at the British Croatian Friends website - based in Rijeka, the organisation is looking to promote relations between British and Croatian citizens.

 Accommodation in Rijeka

Opatija
With a population of about 10,000 and lying about 9 miles (14km) west of Rijeka, Opatija is the grand dame of Croatian tourism. It was the most fashionable seaside resort during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and many fine hotels, residences and houses were built there during that period. European royalty also stayed there then, as did famous celebrities such as singer Gigli, the dancer Isadora Duncan, and composers Mahler, Puccini and Lehar.

Opatija has still kept its glamour and hotels are pretty pricey. Therefore, if on a budget, private accommodation is available - info from the tourist office in the centre of town.

Opatija Tourist Office: Vladimira Nazora 3, tel: 051 271 710 or 051 271 310, fax: 051 271 699 or 052 712 290, email: info@opatija-tourism.hr.

Find out more at the Opatija Tourism Office website, the Opatija City Guide or Opatija.net.

 Accommodation in Opatija

Crikvenica
Some 20 miles (32km) southeast of Rijeka along the coast, one comes to Crikvenica. It was a very fashionable resort before World War II, particularly with Czech tourists. Nowadays it still retains a lot of charm. It is well known for its mild climate and clean air, and people go there to seek relief from illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma. There is also a lovely beach there which is over 1 mile long.

Tourist Office details: Trg Stjepana Radica 1c, 51260 Crikvenica, tel: 051 241 867 or 051 241 051, Fax: 051 241 867, email: info@tzg-crikvenice.hr.

More info can also be found at the Crikvenica Tourist Office website, Crikvenica.net and Crikvenica Info.

 Accommodation in Crikvenica

Organised Travel from the UK
Holiday Options
Transun
Balkan Holidays
Inghams
Crystal Holidays
Solo's Holidays
Shearings Holidays (Coach Holidays)

Additional info
For more info on the whole area, check out the Kvarner County Tourism Office website or Appleby.net.