Rijeka

The major port city of Rijeka is located in the northern region of the Kvarner Bay in the center of the mainland coast. The big city has a population of 129,000 and  lies between the other major cities of Opatija and Crikvenica, as well as being in close proximity to the island of Krk, on which the Rijeka international airport sits. Due to its favorable position in the Kvarner, Rijeka had already been considered important in prehistoric times.

As a port city, Rijeka's importance was boosted under the Hapsburg dynasty: the dynasty developed the city into its main port in order to strengthen maritime trade. In addition to the 1,707 meters of breakwater, the town's various monuments bear witness today to the important events of Rijeka's past as a major port city. Interesting to see- especially at night - are the "lovers cranes". The two harbor cranes from 1948 and 1957 are symbolic of the port's operations and the industrial heritage of the city. The monument was completed in 2013 after three years of renovations. At night the colorful lights of the "lovers cranes" lure many visitors to the port. The importance of the port and the sea is clearly shown through events like the Boat Show or the Fiumare - a festival in honor of maritime traditions. Other events such as the Jazz Festival, the International Small Scene Theater Festival are not to be missed as well as the Night of Rijeka- a Carnival that is especially worth experiencing. In January and February, as a tradition, the residents parade masked and costumed through the streets of the city. Carnival in Rijeka has had a longer tradition than anyone has ever suspected. A city ordinance from 1449 has proved that the residents have been celebrating carnival for a long time- even though there was a ban on wearing masks back then.

Just like the cultural events, the historic buildings also bear witness to the city's versatile history. Architecturally, Rijeka is marked by pompous villas that were built in the 19th century in the style of Late Historicism, Baroque and Renaissance. These monumental palaces – such as the Ploech Palace and Modello Palace- are unmistakable and not easy to miss during a city tour. A good insight into the architectural history can be obtained on the Korzo, the longest pedestrian street in the city. A visit to the Fortress of Trsat brings you back to the medieval period. The fort is situated 138 meters above sea level and dominates the town from afar. Today, the castle is used as a location for numerous events and its fort is one of the oldest in Croatia.

It is lively in the market square and around the City Tower where the hustle and bustle of the city takes place. Nestled in impressive architecture, you experience here personal contact with merchants and get a taste of the local cuisine - especially in the newly designed fish market. Here the barkers draw attention to their crabs, mussels and fish amongst the swarms of people. Even if you do not buy any fish, the spectacle is definitely worth seeing. In the evening you can enjoy regional specialties in the traditional restaurants and taverns. Marine animals, fish, local vegetables and fresh herbs all dominate the restaurant menus. In many places, the dishes are traditionally prepared under the Peka - a bell made of clay or cast iron, which is covered with hot embers.

Many places on the Kvarner Bay including Rijeka get visitors interested in sport and health recreational opportunities. The numerous beaches, as well as the hiking and cycling trails in the Ucka Mountains and the wellness offers leave nothing to be desired. Health tourism especially attracts those with to the the modern clinics for dentistry.