Kvarner

The administrative area of Primorsko Goranska, better known as the Kvarner region, is one of the areas with the oldest tourist tradition in Croatia. Its beginnings date back to the mid-19th century, when this area was a popular winter resort for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. Today, the Kvarner islands of Krk, Cres, Rab and Lošinj, as well as the coastal towns, especially Opatija and Lovran, with their numerous hotels, holiday resorts and apartment complexes, have become popular holiday destinations. This region consists of three different but equally attractive areas. The first to mention is the ‘Primorje’, which stretches from the ‘Liburnijskla Rivijera’ below the ‘Ucka’ mountains along the coast to Senj. Next are the islands of the Kvarner region, consisting of four of the largest Adriatic islands - Krk, Cres, Losinj and Rab. The third area is the ‘Gorski Kotar’ or ‘Croatian Switzerland’. The centre of the region is the former main port of the Austrian monarchy – Rijeka. Today, Rijeka is the economic and administrative centre of the region and is rich in architectural heritage from times gone by. With its lively city centre with many cafés and various shopping centres, once you are in the Kvarner region, you should not miss visiting this city.

Geographical location
The Kvarner region is located in the western part of the Republic of Croatia between the Istrian peninsula in the north and the Velebit mountains in the south.
Area: 3,582 km²
Population: 323,130

Climate
Mild Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental and mountain climate inland.

Sea
The lowest sea temperature is in March, ranging between 9.3°C and 11.1°C. The sea is warmest in August, with temperatures between 23.3°C and 26°C. The salinity of the sea is 36–38 parts per thousand.

Vegetation
With over 2,700 plant species, the region is one of the most vegetated areas in Croatia. Of the approximately 4,300 plant species known in Croatia, around 70% can be found in the Kvarner region. The island of Krk has the most diverse flora with around 1,500 species. In terms of area, the island of Unije has the most diverse flora. There are as many as 629 plant species growing on just 16 km². The Kvarner region is an area of exceptional biological diversity. In a small area, you can find various plant and animal species and habitats that are typical of Central Europe, the Alpine region, the Dinaric Karst and the western and eastern Mediterranean.

Administrative and economic centre: Rijeka (143,800 inhabitants)
Language: The official language is Croatian.
Distance from some European cities:

Ljubljana - 127 km
Venice - 200 km
Vienna - 490 km
Munich - 519 km
Budapest - 528 km
Bratislava - 555 km
Prague - 736 km
Amsterdam - 1320 km


Top 10
OPATIJA - Birthplace of Croatian tourism with imperial charm
NEHAJ - Well-preserved fortress, 60 metres above the town of Senj
NP RISNJAK - untouched nature in the mountainous region of Gorski Kotar
RIJEKA - Trsat Fortress, Croatian pilgrimage site of the Holy Mother Mary
CRES - old town with Venetian influences
LUBENICE - ancient town high above the sea with magnificent views
LOSINJ - unspoilt island with extensive pine forests
VRBNIK (Island of Krk) - wine lovers will find the excellent white wine ZLAHTINA here
RAB - old town with four bell towers
LOPAR - extensive sandy beach

For nature lovers
Gorski Kotar - rustling forests and crystal-clear rivers
In the hinterland of the Kvarner Riviera, a world of wide pastures and plains awaits you. A rugged landscape with steep mountains, gentle slopes and wild gorges. Gorski kotar, this green beauty, is the ideal place for all nature lovers and those seeking relaxation and recreation. Here you can listen to the murmur of mountain streams, watch the roar of waterfalls and enjoy the intoxicating scents of rare plants. In Risnjak National Park, you will encounter many species of animals amidst well-preserved flora.

Risnjak National Park – one of the most beautiful hiking destinations; the highest mountain peak in Gorski Kotar and the source of the Kupa River.
Otok Cres-Beli – ‘Caput Insulae’ Environmental Centre
Otok Losinj-Plavi svijet (‘Blue World’) - Dolphin colony – adopt your own dolphin

For sports enthusiasts
Much of the overall tourist offering in Kvarner Bay has undergone dynamic development in recent decades, both in terms of the expansion and equipment of sports facilities and the variety of sports on offer (tennis courts, mini golf courses, football, marked cycling and hiking trails, etc.). Water sports offer unlimited possibilities: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, underwater fishing, diving and much more.