City in Kvarner
Rijeka
- Best time to go
- Feb, May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Kvarner
Rijeka is Croatia's largest port and third-largest city, a working town rather than a resort.
Its centre mixes Austro-Hungarian palaces, a Venetian-style clock tower and industrial heritage from the days when the modern torpedo was developed here. It has a lively café and music scene and hosts Croatia's biggest carnival every winter. Most visitors pass through on the way to the islands, but it rewards a day or two of its own.
Things to do
Don't miss in Rijeka
- Walk the Korzo, the pedestrian main street, and pass under the City Clock Tower into the old town.
- Climb the long stairway of Petar Kružić from the Rječina river up to Trsat Castle and the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat.
- Visit the Museum of the City of Rijeka in the restored Sugar Palace, which tells the story of the port and its industries, including the torpedo.
- Browse the central market by the port, with its fish hall and stalls of Kvarner produce.
- Walk out along the Molo longo, the long breakwater that shelters the harbour, for views back to the city and Učka.
- Join the crowds at the Rijeka Carnival, held in the weeks before Lent, with its big international parade.
- Swim at the city beaches of Pećine and Kantrida, or at the pebble coves of Kostrena just east of the city.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
City centre and Korzo
visitors without a car who want the museums, market and port within walking distance
Trsat
quieter streets on the hill by the castle, with views over the city; a steep walk or short bus ride down
Pećine and Sušak
swimmers who want a beach below the house and an easy walk into town
Kantrida
families and drivers who want the western beaches, the pool complex and simpler parking
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Rijeka
Rijeka is a handy base for day trips to Opatija and Učka, to Krk over the bridge, and by catamaran to Cres. By road, Plitvice Lakes and Istria are both popular full-day outings. In town, guided walks cover its Austro-Hungarian history and industrial heritage.
You won't need a car in the centre, which is compact and served by city buses. A car is useful for Krk, Učka and Istria, but plan for paid garages in town. For Cres, Lošinj and Rab you can leave the car behind and take the catamaran from the city port.
Getting there
How to get to Rijeka
Rijeka Airport is near Omišalj on the island of Krk, about 30 km away over the Krk Bridge, with buses timed to some flights. The A6 motorway connects Rijeka with Zagreb in about two hours, and the Učka tunnel brings you in from Istria. Trains run to Zagreb, though they are slower than the bus. In summer, Jadrolinija catamarans leave the city port for Cres, Mali Lošinj, Rab and Novalja on Pag. Street parking in the centre is paid and hard to find, so use one of the public garages.