Kraljevica

Kraljevica - located between Rijeka and Crikvenica on the Kvarner Bay- is the gateway to the island of Krk because the resort extends to the bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Completed in 1980, the Krk bridge consists of two partial bridges and is considered a masterpiece of Croatian architecture. With a total of 1450 meters, this concrete-reinforced arch bridge is the largest bridge in Croatia. From it, you not only get to marvel at the beautiful panorama over Kraljevica, the Tihi and the Burni channel, but can also begin your trip to the island of Krk.

There are 4,600 residents in the large town of Kraljevica lying a few kilometers north of the bridge, at the entrance of the Bay of Bakar. It location on a naturally protected harbor and its mild climate made Kraljevica the first port city of the Frankopan city of Hreljin in the 16th century and later in the 20th century into a popular seaside resort. These different eras in the history of Kraljevica have greatly shaped the town in terms of its architectural cityscape. In the 17th century two castles were built- the Feudal Castle (Stari Grad) and the New Castle (Novi Grad), which are among the most impressive buildings in Kraljevica. The Feudal, built in honor of Prince Zrinski, is a castle that is unmistakable and can't be missed in the city center. With its early-Baroque structural elements, it differs from the New Castle, which was built by the Frankopans in the Renaissance style. It is rumored that Zrinski and the Frankopans planned the conspiracy against the Habsburg dynasty in the New Castle. The shipyard also comes from the era of the Frankopans, which contributed to the growing importance of Kraljevica as a shipping center in the Kvarner Bay. As before, the shipyard today is a major sector of the economy for industry and for the city. In the harbor you will mainly see larger cargo ships. Smaller boats and yachts can be seen on a leisurely stroll through the harbor.

Under the rule of the Austrian Emperor, Kraljevica received a boost as a tourist destination, especially from those of the European noble houses who, in the 19^th century, began to travel to the Kvarner bay to enjoy the mild climate in places like Kraljevica and the not so far way Opatija. As the Austrian rule came to an end, the tradition of tourism still thrives today. Today Kraljevica impresses its guests with its impressive architecture, gastronomic and cultural diversity, and its well-developed beaches situated on the Ostro peninsula. While in Kraljevica, you can also enjoy a wide variety of activities, such as an excursion to the nearby Risnjak National Park where you can have interesting nature experiences, as well as the islands of Krk and Cres. In the summer months, many events with traditional and folkloric backgrounds take place. The most popular festival is the Kraljevska Noc - the Night of Kraljevica - in July. Here the locals celebrate their traditional customs, dances, songs and rich local cuisine - a lively event that brings residents and tourists closer together.