Attractions Nearby Rijeka, Day Trips and Excursions

(Rijeka, Primorje Gorski Kotar, Kvarner, Croatia)

Croatia is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, with bright new cities, spectacular scenery and charming traditional towns and villages. The region around Rijeka is rich in history whilst boasting beautiful beaches, numerous coastal attractions and magnificent mountain scenery, all of which are highly suitable for excursions.

Day trips from the city of Rijeka into nearby towns, hikes across Risnjak Narodni Park just behind the city, and excursions to Roman Split or even the attractions Zagreb, are all easily arranged. Buses from Rijeka travel long distances and connect many interesting cities, including Pula, Zadar, and Trieste in Italy. It is even possible to catch a train to Vienna in Austria, and Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Risnjak Narodni Park (Nacionalni Park Risnjak)

Address: Risnjak Narodni Park, Gorski Kotar, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 051 36 133
Situated within the beautiful mountainous region of Gorski Kotar and approximately 35 km / 22 miles to the north-east of Rijeka, this spreading national park is topped by the high peak of Veliki Risnjak and has spectacular karst rock formations. Named after the lynx (ris) which inhabit the forests, the Risnjak Narodni Park boasts a variety of flora and fauna, with wildlife including bears, boar, deer, goats, wild cats and wolves, as well as an abundance of colourful butterflies. This park covers just over 60 square kilometres / 23 square miles and is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails leading to the top of the mountain. Of note, the Pension Risnjak is the only hotel within the park, while the 4.5-km / 3-mile trail is amongst the most scenic route and begins at the entrance.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Novi Vinodolski

This charming and historical town is an important visitor destination for its heritage buildings and beaches. Home to a 14th-century noble family, Novi Vinodolski provides a glimpse of former times and is set in a beautiful bay, against a mountain backdrop. The town makes for a good family excursion as well, with its rich cultural heritage clearly being apparent. Top attractions here include the Roman remains of the Lopsica fortress, the ruined Pavlina monastery and the Homeland Museum, as well as many seawater pools at the resident hotels.

Split

The ancient coastal city of Split is one of the glories of Croatia and is the country's second-biggest city. Occupied since Roman times, Split is a treasure house of architecture, tradition and charm, being sited alongside the sparkling Adriatic Sea. A must-see is the ruined Roman palace of the Emperor Diocletian, set within the city's historic Old Quarter. Diocletian's Palace is immense and boasts temples, religious buildings, plazas, imperial quarters, shops, restaurants, museums and many further attractions. Also in Split are several decent beaches, with Bacvice Beach being especially suitable for tourists looking to sunbathe and swim in the Adriatic. In late July / early August, the city is at its most exciting, since this is when the Split Summer Festival takes place, with its open-air theatrical performances and concerts.

Volosko

Located approximately 13 km / 8 miles to the west of Rijeka, this quaint fishing village lies just around the bay and is a mere 2 km / 1.5 miles to the east of Opatija. Volosko is known for its charming small stone cottages, two lighthouses and Dalmatian way of life. In the summer, a painting contest is held here and in its taverns, traditional Croatian music is heard until late. Around the harbourfront, a plethora of restaurants provide renowned fine dining with a view to match. Perhaps the most pleasant way to arrive in Volosko is to take a stroll along the coastal promenade, starting in nearby Opatija.

Rijeka Bay Islands

For the mariners who have approached the city's safe harbour over hundreds of years, the islands in the bay were landmarks for the end of a long and often wearing journey. Nowadays, these Croatian islands make for delightful tourist excursions, with the bay's coastal cities being well set up with regards to transport and amenities. All of these islands are easily reached by ferry and catamaran from the harbour. The nearest and most appealing include the islands of Cres, Ilovik, Losinj, Pag, Rab, Susak and Unije.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Address: Lika, Croatia, HR
The spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park's crowning glory is its series of 16 turquoise lakes (Batinovac, Buk, Ciginovac, Galovac, Gavanovac, Gradinsko, Kaluderova, Kozjak, Malo, Milanovac, Milinovo, Novakovica, Okrugljak, Proscansko, Veliko and Vir), as well as its waterfalls. These link the Pljesevica Mountains with the lowlands at Mala Kapela. A trail takes hikers past the lakes, rivers and waterfalls, utilising boats in places, right down to the park's entrance. Principal attractions worth looking out for around the Plitvice Lakes National Park include the Novakovica Falls, the Korana Camping Ground and the various wooden walkways. In winter, the region is snow-covered and many of the lakes completely ice over. Along with the wolves and bears, the huge number of birds provide plenty to see, with hawks, owls and ospreys often being spotted.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Buzet

Ideal for a day trip, Buzet can be easily reached in under an hour, being 49 km / 31 miles to the north-west of the city. Buzet has an interesting Roman heritage and some very charming cobbled streets. However, it is truffle-growing that Buzet is most famous for and this pricey fungus delicacy can be sampled at many of the restaurants. In the middle of September, Buzet goes truffle crazy during its Festival of Subotina, which marks the official beginning of the white truffle season. For sightseers, the Regional Museum (Zavicajni Muzej Buzet) is worth a look, since it contains some old Roman relics, while the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary presides over the entrance to the town.

Opatija

Although a famous visitor destination in its own right, Opatija, which began as an upscale seaside resort for wealthy Croatians in the 19th century, is also a monument to those distant times. Many of its heritage buildings and attractions were built as summer retreats for the rich in Rijeka, as well as for the Austrian Imperial family and nobility. Even the Emperor Franz Joseph used the town as his summer home. Opatija is so close, just 20 minutes away, that it is more like a suburb of the city than a neighbouring town. Visitors may like to enjoy a stroll on the Lungomare promenade, which stretches for some 12 km / 7 miles along the Opatija Riviera, between Lovran and Volosko. Further attractions in Opatija include the Croatian Museum of Tourism, the plentiful coffee shops overlooking the harbourfront and a couple of camping sites.

Istrian Peninsula

Although Istria is, these days, somewhat touristy, there is a great deal to draw you to this ancient region. The Byzantine mosaics in the UNESCO-listed Euphrasius Basilica are breathtaking, and the Brijuni National Park is an archipelago of 14 unspoiled islands just offshore. For something different, Koversada, the largest nudist resort in Europe, might appeal, particularly if you fancy an all-over suntan. At the very tip of the peninsula, the sizeable city of Pula features a remarkable Roman amphitheatre, several other archaeological sites and a well-supported summer film festival. There are many beaches surrounding Pula, being rather rocky and at their busiest around the Verudela Peninsula. Other attractions around the coastline of Istria include the Brijuni Islands, the Roman town of Porec and the coastal resort of Rovinj.