Crni lug. Skrad. Kastav. Delnice. Opatija. Vrbovsko. Lokve. Ravna Gora. Rijeka. Bakar. Fužine. Lovran. Mrkopalj. Kraljevica.

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1 16 17 Opatija Lovran Kastav Mošćenička Draga Brestova Porozina CRES Cres Lubenice Rijeka Omišalj Malinska Merag Valbiska Bakar Kraljevica KRK Krk Crni lug Jadranovo Dramalj Lokve Fužine Delnice Skrad Ravna Gora Mrkopalj Crikvenica Selce Bribir Novi Vinodolski Vrbnik Stara Baška Baška Vrbovsko Nestled between the rugged eastern shore of Istria, Dalmatia to the south and five large and few small islands which offer protection from the open sea, is the largest bay in Croatia, the Bay of Kvarner. In its hinterland is the green stretch of what is known as the mountainous Croatia that separates the coast from the interior. Most of it is oriented towards Kvarner - which is what gives it its special qualities. To visit Kvarner is a treat but to spend time in the region is a veritable delight - be it on its coast, its islands or its hinterland. Suffice it to say that the Kvarner islands of Krk, Cres and Lošinj alone boast over 1300 types of plants - which is more than can be found in some of the European countries. The supply of tourist facilities, opportunities and programmes is just as wide ranging and varied. To put it into a nut shell - on small scale, Kvarner encompasses the immense biological diversity that Croatia brings to Europe. UNIJE Nerezine CRES LOŠINJ Osor Punta Križa The world of fauna includes many rare and protected species: griffon vulture, eagles, falcon, hawk, grouse, owls, numerous specie of water fowl; brown bear, wolf, lynx, jackal, wild cat, badger, fox, deer, chamois, mouflon, pine and stone marten can be found in the dense forests of Gorski kotar, alonge the mainland shore and on the islands. Waiting for you in the deep blue are dolphins - the carming inhabitants of the waters around the Lošinj archipelago. And to cap it all, it takes a mere 30 minutes drive from walking out of the sea and delving into the deep green oasis of the Gorski kotar forests, the Risnjak National Park, and some twenty nature parks, park-forests, reserves scattered across the area. SUSAK Mali Lošinj Veli Lošinj ILOVIK Maslenica Bridge

2 Učka Nature Park 18 Matulji Volosko Opatija Ičići Ika Lovran Mošćenička Draga Brestova Porozina CRES Kastav Rijeka Omiša Malinska Opatija Riviera Lungomare Lungomare is a 12 kilometres long coastal promenade which joins up the main points along the Opatija Riviera: Volosko, Opatija, Ičići, Ika, Lovran and Mošćenička Draga. This walk along the sea front offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life. In fact, it can be said that a stroll up and down the Lungomare promenade is an excellent, and above all a delightful form of recreation and a wellness treatment accessible to all, day in and day out, the year round. The air one breathes brings both the taste of salt from the sea and the freshness of the mountains, the fragrances of rosemary, laurel, lavender and the whole wealth of the Mediterranean vegetation, and it does us a world of good. After all, that is precisely one of the main reasons why the Opatija Riviera has always been known as an oasis of health and recuperation in which the wellness lifestyle was alive and kicking long before that word came into use. Valbis keywords: famous walking path Lungomare, luxurious villas and hotels, numerous beach bars, wellness centres, festivals, Učka Nature Park facts Opatija Riviera is the right choice for guests who want to run away from the city rush and bustling everyday life. Ever since 1889 when Opatija was declared the climate health resort, it has offered relaxation in unique walks along the 12 km coast promenade the Lungomare, in its neatly kept parks, on the slopes of Učka mountain and in high guality wellness centres. Carnivals and festivals, concerts and shows, half-day and daily trips to the islands and the surroundings of the town, make the stay more diversified and more interesting, attracting visitors at any time of year. 19 Cres photos: photonet.hr Merag info: Tourist board of the town of Opatija

3 20 21 Matulji & Volosko Matulji and Volosko are two little towns on the touching spot of Kvarner Bay and the hilly country-side. Within their calmness there are possiblities of mountain bike riding, mountain climbing on the slopes of Učka and Lisina or walking trips to medieval towns of Kastav and Veprinac. Traditionaly kind-hearted hosts offer accommodation in private rooms and apartments of all categories and domestic atmosphere in various taverns and restaurants. Volosko and camping site Preluk, situated along the cost of Preluk Bay, offers ideal conditions for watersports, especially wind-surfing. Special curiosity of Matulji is the Carnival, which takes place during January and February. Its main attraction is gathering of Zvončari - The Bell - bearers, wearing genuine masks and costumes. Their specific movements and tolling are symbols of spring arrival and fruitfulness. info: Lovran Lovran is the boutique destination on the Riviera, with a number of exclusive and renovated villas dating back to the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The town square, with its Romanesque bell tower and row of Baroque houses are but a segment of the historical monuments which constitute the ancient and cultural values of Lovran and which give a very special atmosphere to this small Mediterranean town. In this exceptional crossing of past and present, and the coming together of the sea and mountains, the inland region behind Lovran is also developing. Here, rural tourism is nurtured, based on delicious autochthonous products such as chestnuts, asparagus and cherries April th Asparagus Festival April th Cherry Days in Lovran 11 June the Grand Strudel Fiesta October th Chestnut Festival info:

4 22 23 Mošćenička Draga & Mošćenice Just 15 kilometers from Opatija, this is the sight of one of the most beautiful pebble beaches on the Adriatic Sea. Even residents from the other maritime towns frequently travel the few kilometers to Mošćenička Draga to spend the day on this exceptional natural beach. Guests will be greeted with unforgettably warm hospitality in the two hotels, campground and numerous private villas and homes. On the hill two kilometers above Mošćenička Draga lies Mošćenice at 173 meters above the sea level. This town is situated in the place of the historical settlement of the Illyrian tribe Liburnia, after which the entire region was named. Due to the breathtaking views over the entire Kvarner Bay, Mošćenice is a favorite excursion place for numerous tourists, as well as a starting point for hikers and mountaineers on their way up the hiking trails to the old, abandoned villages (995 m) on Učka Mountain. info: Učka Nature Park Vojak, the summit of the mountain of Učka, is a vantage point to behold - from it one can enjoy vistas of rare beauty for the full 360 o - be it towards the islands out into the sea, the Opatija Riviere practically at the foot of the mountain of indeed across the expanse of Učka itself. And since the peaks of Učka are often basking in sunshine while its slopes hide in fog, those vistas are truly breathtaking. Among numerous attractions to be found are the striking limestone formations which adorn the area of Vrana and the very peak of the mountain, the numerous paths and tracks through forests of following the ridge of the mountain along which tablets are mounted explaining flora and fauna, and which are favoured by hikers, mountaineers (Plas and Poklon educational trail) and paragliders. info:

5 With a rich history dating back to 1894, the hotel building is the most impressive example of Art Nouveau architecture and a whiff of old world glamour in Opatija... A contemporary wellness center with a superb cosmetic studio, 26 luxurious double rooms, two suites and an opulent Residential suite with balconies and gorgeous sea views, a famous restaurant with an intimate garden terrace and impeccable service... All of that in an ideal location in the very center of Opatija, 10 meters from the beach... It comes as no surprise that our guests keep coming back... Hotel Mozart info@hotel-mozart.hr M.Tita138, HR Opatija The world of relaxation... without limits! Welcome to the Thalasso Wellness Centre Opatija With its offering that will exceed the expectations of even the most demanding guests, the Thalasso Wellness Centre offers relaxation and activities tailored to every individual s needs. Enjoy the m 2 of pleasant ambience, beautifully decorated rooms and carefully chosen materials and colours. Enjoy the music that will enrich your moments of relaxation. M.Tita 188/1, Opatija Tel.: +385 (0) ;

6 26 Bakar a town of preserved traditions keywords: old town of seamen, captains and sailing ships, Bente Dorte, the Bakar baškot, sparkling wine Bakarska vodica 27 facts Bakar is located in the neighbourhood of Rijeka (with which its borders), at the point where the new road practically overhangs the sea, and where the old Adriatic Highway slowly descends towards the Bay of Bakar, right below the road. Once the town of seamen, captains and sailing ships, the Bakar of today is a calm refuge for a pleasant stroll through its charming streets, a place to take a relaxing brake in a journey, or a venue to be visited for any one of its interesting events. tourist offer Nestling in one of the best protected Adriatic bays (the shape of a jug) surrounded by a chain of high mountains, Bakar has always been one of the safest ports on the Adriatic coasts. History tells us that some 200 years ago, in the golden age of the sailing ship, in its heyday, this now small, old coastal town was the actually the largest Croatian town. Still alive are the legends of the riches of ten ship owners and captains hidden behind the modest walls of the Bakar houses. The medieval heart of the town with the church and the old Frankopan at the top of a hill boasts a typical littoral layout which affords every house with the view of the sea. Two houses stand out with their specific shape. One - the Turkish house - is of oriental design and a completely mysterious history and origin, and the other the Roman house believed to have been built as a convent, is, besides the fortification, the most prominent structure of the Upper Town of Bakar. The town also boasts the oldest trade school in Croatia the 160 years old nautical college which bears witness to the seagoing tradition of the place. And it is owing to that tradition that every May Bakar plays host to an international regatta of nautical schools. info: Tourist board of the town of Bakar

7 28 accommodation in hotels, apartments and holiday houses, lighthouses, tours, sailboats, transfers... events One of the most interesting events is Margareta s Fair which takes place on the weekend closest to July 13th. Staged as a part of it is the parade of the Croatian historic formations and attractive enactment of the naval battle from the year 1616 when Venice attacked the town for the last time. Every year in the time of carnival a Paris Bakar rally (as opposed to the Paris Dakar one) is staged, and the competitors are the motorized masks. special offer The Bakar baškot - the story links it to the life of mariners which is said to be like bread of seven crusts. Baškot is a twice baked ring of dough which was a staple diet in a ship galley where it was hanging on ropes. They say it is particularly nice when dunked in wine. Today baškot is one of the symbols of the town. The slopes that plunge almost vertically towards the bay is criss-crossed with drystone walls (among the most imposing ones in Croatia) which support terraces with vineyards - and now enjoy the status of a protected landscape and a monument of culture. The total amount of stone built into them amounts to 1/5 of the material used to build the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. Throughout history the women of the area have used the indigenous variety of grapes cultivated on those slopes to produce the sparkling wine known as Bakarska vodica. Its production has been renewed ten years ago, and at the same time the restoration of the drystone walls also began. Anchored in the Bay of Bakar is the sailing ship Bente Dorte, an 18 m long old-timer from 1929 with two masts and a weight of 40 tons. It is operated only manually, according to the old rules of maritime trade, it has 8 beds and offers the pleasures of traditional sailing. info: preserved traditions Generalturist Ltd., I. Pile 1, CRO Zagreb book on line: write: incoming@generalturist.com call:

8 n astav ina res ce ine Rijeka ička CRES LOŠINJ 30 Omišalj Malinska Merag Osor Veli Lošinj Bakar Valbiska Krk Punta Križa Mali Lošinj Crni lug Skrad Delnice Lokve Vrbovsko Ravna Gora The town of Crikvenica is actually a coastal Fužine Riviera made of a number of tourist resorts Kraljevica Mrkopalj practically linked by a 15 km long coastal promenade: Selce, Crikvenica, Dramalj Jadranovo and Jadranovo. It offers some 20 hotels, Dramalj 2 auto-camps, a tourist estate and Crikvenica 2 health tourism facilities built recently. Selce Bribir The vicinity of the airport on the island Novi Vinodolski of Krk (20km) and good road links with central Europe (25 km from the Oštrovica exit to the road Zagreb Rijeka) make this KRK Vrbnik area, and therefore Crikvenica, an easily accessible destination. Stara Baška Baška Lopar RAB Rab Mišnjak photos: Tourist board of the town of Crikvenica Crikvenica Riviera Jablanac info: Tourist board of the town of Crikvenica embraced by greenery facts Favourable location which also provide shelter from strong winds, ensure that this area enjoys mellow, stable and healthy Mediterranean climate characterized by dry, clear and pleasantly warm summers, and mild winters in which temperature below 5 o C are an unusual occurrence. The average annual air temperature across a century is about 14 o C, in summer it is 24 o C, while the sea temperature reaches a maximum of 27 o C. Such climatic conditions combined with a wealth of fragrant vegetation, abundance of sun and kilometres long sandy and pebble beaches have transformed Crikvenica from a small fishing settlement into one of keywords: sandy and pebble beaches, Blue Flags, lush greenery, health tourism, Aquarium, Frankopan gateaux, promenades, fun and entertainment 31 the leading tourist resorts of the Adriatic. Its tourist growth began at the end of the 19th century, while still in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, when the hotels Therapia (today fully restored as Falkensteiner Therapia) and Miramare intended primarily for health tourism were built. In 1906 Crikvenica was given the status of a health resort. It soon became popular among aristocracy and other prominent personalities from all over Europe which turned it into one of the most exclusive health resorts of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Among the royal heads that visited were the kings of Greece, Sweden and Bulgaria, then there were members of the Austrian court, as well as the Hungarian, Austrian, Polish and Russian aristocratic families. The best known part of Crikvenica - apart from the beaches which have now been boasting Blue flags, European recognition of the cleanliness of the sea is the Balustrada promenade. Set between the coast and the first row of houses, its chief features are lush vegetation, and restaurant terraces and shops in the background. It needs to be stressed that Crikvenica continues its tradition of being a health resort in Thalassotherapia, the Special hospital for treatment and rehabilitation of respiratory diseases and rheumatism.

9 32 An innovation in the tourist offer is Adrenalin Park located in a park near the Omorika Hotel. It consists of bridges, platforms and paths suspended at the heights between 1 to 8 m by way of which one can move from tree to tree. Also included is the paintball field. Together with Crikvenica the transformation from small fishing villages to tourist resorts was undergone by a number of places in the neighbourhood. One that stands out is Selce which today has 5 hotels and 2 auto-camps, and the renown clinic Thermae Selce which specialized in physical medicine and physiotherapy, sports and medicine, and medicinal wellness. The services of this clinic are used by numerous top of the league European athletes, one of them being the best know Croatian sportsman Ivica Kostelić, the world champion in skiing. Aquarium of Crikvenica located in the very centre of town, is open the year round. It contains 24 pools which provide a home to more than 100 species of fish from the Adriatic Sea and some 50 species of tropical fish. events Events and programmes that are on offer, organized primarily in the summer months, are numerous indeed. Most of them take place in Crikvenica and Selce (the central event takes place on 4 August, the Day of Tourism, when a reception is given for guests) where the waterfronts become stages for all kinds of happenings from the Night by the Seaside and the Fisherman s Night to promenade concerts, a variety of entertainments events, competitions and recreational opportunities. Just as lively is in the local port of Dramalj where one can partake in fishing fiestas, go fishing with fishermen, spend evenings in the company of local klapas (singing groups) and be a part of the summer carnival procession. The finale of the summer tourist season is traditionally marked in Crikvenica with the best known tourist production of this area the Fisherman s Week (last week in August), which this year falls between 27 August and 3 September, and celebrates its 45th anniversary. Lovers Lane Numerous promenades can be enjoyed not only along the seaside, but also in the picturesque hinterland, for instance in the Vinodol valley that is only 7 km away and its mountainous surroundings. One very special promenade was built some 80 years ago, during an intensive afforestation campaign of the area of Crikvenica. It is a small system of linked paths (in the overall length of 7 km) which offers peace and tranquillity amidst natural surroundings, but in the immediate vicinity of the town which the promenade is linked with. When first laid down it was frequented by young lovers hence the name, Lovers Lane. In its centre are the ruins of the oldest historic building, the fortress of Badanj that rises 60 m above the sea and is only 2,5 km from the centre of the town. Frankopan gateaux The gateaux is prepared according to the recipe of the Princess of Eggenberg from the 17th century. This medieval miracle can be savoured daily in the coffee bar of the Hotel International which serves it as the house specialty. The exact recipe is secret, but it is known to contain almonds, honey and cinnamon. agencies Adria tours ( Anika ( Autotrans ( Crikvenica tourist ( Dive city travel and tour ( Dvorska ( H&I, Igor tours ( I-tourist, Klek tours ( Maris travel agency ( Miramar travel ( Selex ( Sunrise (sunrise.hr), Turist Selce ( Turist servis ( Ulli tours ( Via mea ravel ( Viktoria ( accommodation 33 Crikvenica hotels: International, Kaštel, Zagreb, Esplanade, Ad Turres and Omorika ( Therapia ( Mediteran ( Vila Ružica ( Vila Aurora ( Dramalj hotels: Riviera ( Vali ( Grand Hotel Dramalj ( Dramalj ( Selce hotels: Varaždin and Slaven ( Marina ( Esperanto ( Selce (

10 34 Rab keywords: sun, Felix Arba, culture, entertainment and experiences, shipbuilding, Rab Fjera (Fiesta), tourney facts Rab, located in the Bay of Kvarner about 105 km from the port of Rijeka, is one of the first tourist oases of the northern Adriatic. It enjoys an exceptionally favourable geographical position both with regard to its climate and to the communications. Its summers are long and warm, its winters mild, and the insolation of 2500 sunsoaked hours per year rates it among the sunniest areas of Europe. The island of Rab is linked to the mainland throughout the year by ferry and catamaran lines: Jablanac Mišnjak Jablanac car ferry; Valbiska Lopar Valbiska car ferry; Rijeka - Rab Rijeka catamaran; 35 info: Tourist board of the town of Rab contact: Arbia ( Der ( Eho ( Matovica ( photos: Tourist board of the town of Rab tourist offer Up to 1st century BC, when Rab became Roman municipality, the Illyrian settlement of Arba (arba = darkness, due to the thick forests which covered the island) stood in the site where today rises the town of Rab. The significance which the Romans attributed to the place is reflected in the appellation of Felix Arba that gave it. Rome awarded this title only when a town earned and deserved recognition for its achievements, importance or wealth. This lovely small town with four bell towers, the sound of which have become its symbol, sits on a tiny peninsula between the cove of St. Euphemia and the town port. It is a town of rich historic heritage that transforms into a genuine experience based on a 120 year long tradition of organized tourism. Kaldanac, the old town nucleus, contains many buildings well worth visiting. The oldest bell tower of Rab rises next to the Benedictine monastery of St. Andrew. The architectural wealth lent to the old heart of Rab by its churches is added to by the numerous mansions and palaces built by nobility, patricians and ordinary but well to do citizens. Standing out among them is the Ducal Palace with its Gothic-cum- Renaissance tower, the wonderful Renaissance palaces of Dominis-Nimira, and others. The Tower of the Brave and the St. Christopher s Tower were built in the 15th century and represent the remnants of the medieval town walls and fortifications. The sea - clean and generous, all types of beautiful beaches, an abundance of wondrous natural features, all kinds of medicinal herbs, fields, vineyards and olive groves all bearing fruit, but above all else the islanders of Rab who welcome each visitor as a dear friend, make this town and this island a destination suited to rest and recreation the year round.

11 36 37 events Nautical passion 7 boats of Rab 29 April 1 May Within the three-day boat show organized in the main port of Rab, visitors will be able to view the work of the small shipbuilders of the island, but also enjoy a varied programme of entertainment that will include pedal-boat race, water skiing, fashion show etc. Rab Fjera (Fiesta) July Unique in Croatia, the medieval summer festival known as the Rab Fjera, issues from the historic heritage and is the celebration of the restored municipal holidays declared back in the14th century by the Great Council of the town of Rab in honour of St. Christophorus, the patron saint of the town. Among the participants of the Fiesta are tradesmen of the island of Rab still actively engaged in traditional crafts, as well as associations and culture clubs dedicated to the preservation of traditional values and the production of things home-made. For those three days the whole of Rab is wearing the Renaissance, hosts and tourists dress up as blacksmiths, bakers, fishermen, tailors, scribes Tourney The Tourney reaching back to 1364 have been revived by the Crossbowmen club of Rab in in line with the historic records it is held on the 9 May - The Victory Day, Statehood Day - 25 June, Feast of St. Chrystopher - 27 July and the Feast of the Assumption - 18 August. The weapon used by the crossbowmen of Rab is a crossbow the men of this island used to defend their town from the walls in the 15th century. Holiday Village Suha Punta The tourist estate of Suha Punta is located on the peninsula of Kalifront, one of most beautiful and greenest parts of the island of Rab, only 5 km from the centre and the old town of Rab. Being criss-crossed by numerous promenades and tracks, Kalifront peninsula is particularly suitable for all kinds of recreational activities such as walking, trekking, cycling. It also offers facilities for tennis, table tennis and mini golf, as well as ample opportunity for a variety of water sports. The cleanliness of the sea, the beauty of stone and pebble beaches created by nature, and the shade of ancient pine trees make the stay here especially pleasing and relaxing. Evening entertainment is organized on the terrace of the Carolina Hotel. Carolina Hotel**** is a modern, fully renovated facility with 134 rooms and 8 suits, located amidst a pine wood by the sea. Next to the hotel is the Carolina Villas estate*** which comprises 10 individual villas spread along the beach. (carolina@imperial.hr) Eva Hotel (198 rooms) is ideal for family vacations and for lovers of active holiday in nature. The hotel also includes the Suha Punta Bungalows*** with 120 beds (rooms have been renovated and well appointed), and the Suha Punta Apartments** - 36 apartments in cottages and 12 apartments in an apartcomplex. (eva@imperial.hr) info: Rab Summer Festival August, 2011 This is a festival that plays host to the best know singers from Croatia and from all over the world. It is a special event, quite unique on the Adriatic, which offers a chance of a great experience and the opportunity for good fun and enjoyment in good, legendary music of quality. accommodation Imperial Hotel **** (134 rooms), Padova Hotel *** (175 rooms), Rab Hotel *** (138 rooms), Arbiana Hotel **** (28 rooms - open the year round), Istra Hotel *** (101 rooms), Marina Rab (142 berths).

12 The Arbiana Hotel **** is a perfect destination for whoever is searching for the perfect mix of quality service and sincere hospitality. This boutique hotel is situated on the Island of Rab, known as the second greenest island of the entire Adriatic Sea as well as one of the sunniest in all of Europe. Arbiana has 28 units (three single rooms, twenty double rooms, four junior suites and a presidential suite) and almost all of the rooms and suites have balconies with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea, mediterranean park, medieval nucleus and Rab bell towers. Rooms, from which one breads in the famous herbs and flowers that are characteristic of the Island, are spacious and comfortable. Even though designed to fully reflect the rich tourism history of the island and hotel itself, they offer all the contemporary amenities and modern accessories. Hotel distinguishes itself with exclusive care and excellent quality of service that, together with small details create an unforgettable experience for its guests.