Crikvenica

Some 20 miles (32km) southeast of Rijeka – as you head along the coastline – one comes to the town of Crikvenica. The town was a very fashionable resort before World War II, particularly with Czech tourists, and nowadays 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.

Crikvenica

Getting to Crikvenica

Rijeka Airport on the island of Krk is the nearest airport to Crikvenica, so see our Getting to the Kvarner Riviera page for more details on flights to Rijeka from the UK and Europe.

From Rijeka Airport, you can transfer to the main bus station in Rijeka with one of the transfer buses that wait outside the terminal building. From here, get another bus to Crikvenica – the journey time between the two is about 45 minutes, and you can see timetables on the Arriva website.

There are some direct buses to Crikvenica from other parts of Croatia; alternatively, take a bus or train to Rijeka and then make your onward journey from there.

History of Crikvenica

Crikvenica’s name comes from the Croatian for church – crkva (or crikva in local dialect) – as a church was built in this location in the 14th century.

The town’s growth really came about in the late 19th century as it developed into a popular tourist resort, near to the large port of Rijeka. A harbour was built here in 1877 and a bathing beach followed in 1888.

Much like the resort of Opatija, Crikvenica was also developed as a health and wellness resort due to its temperate climate, and was given official status as such in 1906. A number of hotels were built in the early part of the 20th century offering guests facilities along these lines.

Crikvenica’s glamour may have faded somewhat since then, but it is still a lovely resort to holiday in and is popular because of its pretty riviera and easy transport connections.

Sightseeing in Crikvenica

As it is – and was – primarily a holiday resort town, there’s not too much to see in the town. So why not head instead to one of the town’s beaches and relax! But for a few sights of interest, see below!

Historically, one of the main sights in the town was the Frankopan Castle (Kastel Frankopan in Croatian). Built in 1412 by Count Nikola Frankopan, it is considered one of the founding buildings of Crikvenica. Over the years it has had various uses including a monastery, a place for convalescing soldiers, a children’s home and later the Hotel Kastel.

Crikvenica - Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Crikvenica – Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (pictured above) is the oldest church in the town, built in the 15th century.

The Crikvenica Town Museum houses collections of items from Crikvenica and the nearby region, including pieces of archeological and natural history interest.

Crikvenica Aquarium has thirty pools that mainly house Adriatic fish species (you’ll find over one hundred here) but also some tropical fish species as well.

Beaches

There’s a rather special beach in Crikvenica for you to take your four-legged friend to – Monty’s Beach! This dog beach provides showers for you and your pet, changing stalls, toilets, plus beach furniture to rent – loungers, sun umbrellas and cabanas. (And yes, your dog may lie on the loungers too!) There’s also a playground for dogs, plus a beach bar for humans. You can even borrow beach shoes for your dog if they need a little help getting in the sea.

Accommodation

See details on our Accommodation in Crikvenica page.

General info

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 and Crikvenica Info.