Rijeka Beaches and Water Sports

(Rijeka, Primorje Gorski Kotar, Kvarner, Croatia)

Located alongside the Adriatic Sea, the Croatian city of Rijeka is close to a number of very appealing beaches, which are often just a short trip away by car or bus. Others reside on neighbouring islands and are well connected by boats and passenger ferries.

The pretty seaside town of Kraljevica is known for its magnificent beaches and is set just 25 km / 16 miles from Rijeka. Backed by mountains, the air here is fresh and invigorating, and there are camp sites in the pine forests nearby. Water sports facilities such as diving and sailing are both offered at Kraljevica.

General Information

Some of the most popular beaches within the Kvarner area are as follows:

Baska Beach
An attractive stretch of pebbles, Baska is located on Krk Island and known for its majestic mountainous backdrop.

Beli Beach
Residing on nearby Cres Island, alongside a small cove, Beli comes with calm water suitable for swimming and is rarely busy.

Crikvenica Beaches
Sited approximately 45 minutes to the south-east of Rijeka, Crikvenica features several alluring sandy beachfronts and natural bays, along with a scenic promenade. City Beach is where it all happens, while the beaches of Crni Molo and Kacjak have excellent facilities, including parasol and deck chair hire.

Dramalj Beaches
An idyllic spot residing on the Crikvenica Riviera, Dramalj is a good place to indulge in a variety of water sports, with its calm sea lending itself to families with young children wanting to paddle. Close by, Kacjak is the place to head if you are a naturist looking for an all-body tan.

Icici Beach
Residing between Opatija and Lovran, Icci is a notable tourist destination with a Blue Flag beachfront and lively marina.

Klenovica Beach
Klenovica is based in the neighbouring fishing settlement of Kraljevica, along the Crikvenica Riviera, roughly 25 minutes to the south-east of Rijeka. Occasionally it is possible to see wild dolphins here.

Lopar Beaches
A popular attraction on Rab Island, Lopar is made up of adjoining beaches, where the soft sand is edged by mature pine trees, providing shade from the strong afternoon sun.

Lovran Beaches
Peharovo Beach is the best of the sandy stretches in the Lovran area and has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness and good amenities. A mixture of sand, pebbles and shingle, Peharovo is overlooked by a series of natural plateaus, where people often choose to sit, sunbathe or simply admire the splendid coastal views.

Opatija Beaches
A real tourist magnet is the seaside resort of Opatija, just 20 minutes from Rijeka. The Lungomare area comprises a selection of beaches, which line a long promenade and offer a choice of water sports, plush hotels, upmarket villas and decent eateries. The beaches along the Opatija Riviera are highly suitable for swimming, with Slatina being amongst the most central, while nearby Moscenicka Draga provides something a little more natural.

Suncana Uvala Beach
Situated on Losinj Island, Suncana has lots of rocky coves, with some shade being provided by trees and foliage.

Volosko Beach
Volosko is a historic fishing settlement lying alongside the Opatija Riviera's entrance. The beach itself is part paved, part rocky. Volosko is known for its favourable surfing and sailing conditions, which are at their best when the 'tramontana' wind arrives.