Established on the site of a Roman settlement and military base, Crikvenica is a picturesque coastal town overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its favourable climate and bathing beach, it’s been a popular tourist destination and health resort since the late 19th century when its hotels first opened.
Things to do in Crikvenica
Spend an afternoon wandering the atmospheric streets of Kotor, the old part of Crikvenica. It is perched atop a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea and is clustered with historic churches that survived the 1776 fire that destroyed much of the town. Among the best-preserved is the 15th-century Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Following the fire, most of Kotor’s residents relocated to the coast where Crikvenica’s main attractions are found today. In addition to the Aquarium where species native to the Adriatic Sea are exhibited, the town is renowned for its sweeping beaches. You can spend your days water skiing at Gradsko Kupalište, try your hand at playing the traditional game of picigin on the sands of Crni Molo or enjoy the serene setting of Kacjak Beach.
Want to stretch your legs? One of the most scenic hiking routes near Crikvenica is the Love Path, an eight-kilometre-long trail that’s been popular with couples since the 1930s. As well as immersing you in a native Mediterranean forest, the path features ruins of the Badanj Fort, an old freshwater spring and offers fantastic views of Tribalj village.
Getting around Crikvenica
Crikvenica is around 30 minutes’ drive from Rijeka and Rijeka International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to towns and villages along the coast while the centre of Crikvenica is ideally explored on foot.