TRAVEL
IMAGE: Xbrchx
Rijeka:
The Sustainable Gateway to the Adriatic
February 24, 2025
If you're considering holidaying in Croatia, you might be tempted to head for the popular resorts of Dubrovnik or Split, with their Game of Thrones ties. But venture beyond these tourist hotspots and you'll find other places with just as much charm and vibrancy—and fewer crowds.
One such city is Rijeka: Croatia's main port and 'the gateway to the Croatian islands'. Where the Rječina River meets the Adriatic, Rijeka clings to the coast, caught between the turquoise waters of Kvarner Bay and the forested foothills of the Julian Alps, and is a sustainable destination waiting to be experienced. Discover Rijeka’s unique blend of coastal beauty and cultural richness, and immerse yourself in a sustainable destination that's ready to be explored.
This geography means there's no room for an airport within the city, but that's no problem. Rijeka airport is just 17 km away on Krk, one of the beautiful islands of Kvarner Bay, and it's connected to the mainland via a bridge. You can fly to Rijeka Airport from Germany, Serbia, Latvia, the Netherlands, England, Italy and Sweden. Car hire and taxi services are available at the airport, or you can board the pre-bookable shuttle bus to Rijeka's central bus station.
For a wider range of departure points, fly to major Croatian airports such as Zagreb or Pula, or even closer, Italy's Trieste airport (72 km away or Slovenia's Ljubljana airport (81 km). There are good bus and rail connections to Rijeka from all these cities, and then onwards to many more European destinations—so why not go greener, doing the whole journey by bus or train?
The Integrated Rail and Bus Scheme allows you to use one ticket to travel on bus, rail, or both to travel as far as the Bay of Bakar or the Slovenian border. Under this scheme, fifteen extra stations are being added or reactivated between Kantrida, west of Rijeka, and Bakar's outskirts. A planned second train track from Bakar to Šapjane on the Slovenia border will make travel to Italy, Austria and beyond far easier. These changes are readying Rijeka's rail system for connection to the double-tracked Pan-European fast train network, linking it to France, Spain and Portugal in the west and eastern Hungary via Zagreb and Budapest.
By bus, Rijeka is connected to around 40 cities via services provided mainly by Arriva and FlixBus. Sea routes from Zadar and other mainland ports have ceased at present, but catamarans run between Rijeka and the islands of Cres, Lošinj, Rab, Pag, Susak, Ilovik and Unije.
But no matter how you get here, you'll soon discover there's plenty to do—whatever the season and weather!
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Explore this Sustainable City by the Sea
Rijeka is a lively city with an independent, countercultural vibe, so there's plenty to see and experience. Luckily, it's easy to get around. The city is compact and walkable, and buses are frequent. Nearly all bus services stop at Rijeka's main railway station and the bus station. As for trains, while most visitors arrive or leave via the main station, Rijeka's second station, Susak-Pecine, is useful if travelling to or from the direction of Zagreb. A few bus routes serve this station and it's only a 10-minute ride to the city centre.
Public transport isn't the only green way to explore. Thanks to mobility giant Bolt, you can now rent an electric scooter at 10 scooter-share stations positioned at the city's busiest locations. You will also find bike rental companies and bike-sharing schemes aplenty. The city's own scheme, RiCicleta, has 28 electric bikes held at four stations. North-west of the city, two HALUbike stations in the Municipality of Viškovo offer mountain and electric bikes, while the town of Kastav provides five electric mountain bikes at Crekvina, at the start of the forest trails.
So far, so eco-friendly. But how sustainable is Rijeka as a city?
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Sustainable projects
Croatia doesn't have the financial resources of some European neighbours, yet it's still fearlessly aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Rijeka signed the Covenant of Mayors in 2009, committing to reduce the city's CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030. Here are just a few projects working towards these goals.
Transport: Since 2020, METRANS, Europe's largest railway operator, has been working on the HHLA PURE project to expand its sustainable, CO2-free freight transport network across the continent. In September 2023, Rijeka's bustling port joined the network. Meanwhile, bus operator Autotrolej began testing an electric Iveco Crossway, a bus with a battery capacity to run all day (around 350 km). It's already invested in 91 low-emission buses that meet the Euro 6 emission standard.
City Centre Redevelopment: The sustainable redevelopment of Žabica Square and the seafront promenade, which began in late 2023, is now well underway. The former railway station site is being transformed into over 10,000 m² of retail and commercial space, alongside an efficient bus terminal serving local and long-distance lines. A 1,000-space car park is also being constructed, featuring a photovoltaic plant and electric vehicle charging stations.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Renovation and Repurposing of the Former Rikard Benčić Industrial Complex: The Art Kvart, or Art District, in Rijeka has evolved into the city's cultural hub, revitalising the historical Benčić Industrial Complex. This area now hosts key cultural institutions, offering a vibrant mix of experiences that celebrate both contemporary and historical perspectives. This transformation reflects Rijeka's dynamic cultural evolution and symbolises Rijeka's commitment to arts and creativity, making it a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity and a focal point for both locals and visitors. The Tourist Valorisation of Notable Industrial Heritage Monuments of Rijeka was a three-year project undertaken by the City, the University of Rijeka and the Rijeka Tourist Board. It transformed the Sugar Refinery Palace into the HQ of the Museum of the City of Rijeka, and began the transformation of the ship Galeb (Marshal Tito's yacht) into a museum, hostel and restaurant.
Another project has successfully transformed the T Building into the new headquarters for the Rijeka Civic Library, consolidating previously dispersed civic services under one roof. Meanwhile, the Brick Building has been fully renovated and is now the vibrant Children's House. This unique cultural centre offers a wide range of activities and services for children, including workshops, storytelling sessions, film screenings, and festivals. It also serves as a lobby area connecting visitors to the site's many museums and attractions, making it a dynamic hub for creativity and cultural engagement in Rijeka.
Building and Retrofitting for Sustainability: The City of Rijeka, in collaboration with utility and commercial companies, has been actively pursuing an energy policy for several years that focuses on the sustainable energy development of the city's urban area. This policy is grounded in key principles, including environmental protection, energy efficiency, the utilisation of renewable energy sources, and sustainable construction practices. As part of this initiative, energy renovations are being conducted on existing buildings, while new structures are designed and constructed in accordance with sustainable construction principles. These new buildings also integrate renewable energy sources for electricity generation and water heating, further advancing the city’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
Renovation of District heating: The European project "Renovation of the Heating System of the City of Rijeka" is actively moving forward. This ambitious initiative involves a comprehensive upgrade of the city’s heating infrastructure. The project is designed not only to modernise the existing system but also to lay the groundwork for future enhancements. Specifically, it aims to create a system that, in its later stages, can seamlessly incorporate a broad range of renewable energy sources as they become available, maximising sustainability and energy efficiency for the city in the long term.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Greener Energy: INA, Croatia's oil and gas company, has begun production of renewable electricity via its Virje solar power plant and has another planned. It's also seeking less wasteful energy production solutions. Initiatives include:
A pilot project to collect used cooking oil at 30 retail locations, including two in Rijeka. This prevents environmental damage and clogging from high concentrations and prevents waste; used oil can become biofuels, soap, detergents, or synthetic rubber.
Plans to produce 4.5 tons of 'green' hydrogen per day via polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis at the company's Rijeka oil refinery, using solar power. Production will require two more solar plants, and the hydrogen will be used in transport and the refinery itself. This will help Croatia realise its 2050 Hydrogen Strategy goals of producing 70 MW of hydrogen by 2030 and 2,750 MW by 2050.
The Ecosteam Project: Set to run until June 2025, it encourages cities, utility companies, and high schools to cooperate, increasing students' awareness of climate change and the problem-solving skills they are required to tackle it.
The GREENPACT Project: This programme gives entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, Italy and Slovakia the skills they need for continuous sustainable development. The focus is on the creative, cultural and tourist sectors, and transnational cooperation.
The FUSILLI Project: A knowledge-sharing network of 12 European cities, each with their own 'Living Lab', seeking to develop sustainable, inclusive, cost-efficient food policies. Rijeka's Living Lab focuses on citizens, particularly those disadvantaged by age, illness or societal factors. It's working to create nutrition plans and workshops for these groups, while promoting food sharing and tackling food waste.
Urban Gardening: The city turned over 2,000 square metres of wasteland into its first urban garden many years ago. The Green Zone project offers 30 beds for strictly organic and eco-friendly community horticulture. The project is now managed by Šarolija, an association for promoting the quality of family life, which runs family events there. Part of the space is given over to the Dolčić kindergarten, where children engage in practical activities related to gardening, sustainable living and healthy eating.
IMAGE: Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa
Eco-Friendly Accommodation and Eateries
Apartments, villas and hostels dominate the accommodation offer in Rijeka, but there are a few hotels too. The 4-star Hotel Jadran is right on the seafront, with water practically lapping its unique, panoramic glass walls. Hotel Continental, Rijeka's oldest hotel still operating, is owned by the same group. This 3-star hotel overlooks the city square and the river. Their sister hotel, the modern 3-star Hotel Neboder, is close by. You will also find the Grand Hotel Bonavia in the city centre: a 4-star hotel with a fine dining restaurant, café, and fitness and wellness centre. Hostels abound in Rijeka, providing great value stays. For a novel experience, consider the Botel Marina. This 1930s boat moored beside the Adamić Pier combines a hostel feel with hotel-like amenities, including bars and a restaurant.
It's also easy to find eco-friendly accommodation. Here are our top choices for:
Eco-friendly Luxury: The Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort and Spa
This 5-star hotel is in a magnificent location, on a 200-metre-long private beach close to Učka Nature Park. It boasts indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools and a state-of-the-art 24/7 Spa and Health Club. Its six restaurants and bars focus on local produce, offering Croatian dishes alongside international cuisine. They include Rijeka's first (and currently only) Michelin-starred restaurant, Nebo Restaurant & Lounge. Every room, suite and villa has a sea view.
Proving that luxury and sustainability can be compatible, the hotel holds Booking.com's highest Travel Sustainable Level 3+ certification. It follows the Hilton Group's LightStay: Travel with Purpose sustainability programme and has attained ISO certifications 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems), 50001:2018 (Energy Management Systems) and 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems). With a focus on sustainable luxury, the hotel shows that true luxury doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.
A Greener Budget Stay: Das Hostel Rijeka
Located close to Trsat Castle, this modern, stylish hostel has Booking.com's Travel Sustainable Level 2 certification. Its famous café serves dishes using mostly local and organic produce, and there's a garden, terrace and lounge for relaxing or socialising. All rooms have a bathroom, safe storage space, and wonderful views.
A Place to Find Harmony: Dharma Hostel
Hostel Dharma and the associated 'Yoga in Daily Life' Cultural Hall are housed in a repurposed industrial building on Rijeka's eastern edge. Both enterprises participate in the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, promoting holistic tourism, environmental education and sustainable development with profit and non-profit activities. The hostel offers private rooms and dormitories, all with private bathrooms. You can enjoy healthy vegetarian cuisine at the on-site Tifan bistro, yoga classes in the Hall, and time in nature in the hostel's gardens.
Sustainable Self-Catering Accommodation: InCenter Apartments
In a charming city centre building, these air-conditioned apartments are certified Level 2 under Booking.com's Travel Sustainable scheme and include a very well-equipped kitchen.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Camping in the Countryside: Camping Oštro Kraljevica
Camping Oštro, situated on a picturesque peninsula near Kraljevica, just 1.5 km from the main Rijeka-Crikvenica road, offers a serene retreat nestled within a forest of pine and oak trees. This three-star campsite, now fully renovated, provides modern amenities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, with good shade across most pitches. Accommodating up to 600 guests, the campsite features 20 newly refurbished apartments for 4+1 persons, each equipped with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and a private terrace, all within 50-100 metres of the sea. Additionally, the campsite has been upgraded with new sanitary facilities, a sports field, and a variety of conveniences including a mini-market, bakery, coffee bar, and children’s playground. With its excellent access to the nearby highway, Camping Oštro is ideally located for exploring the beautiful surrounding region.
Opatija Camping
Opatija Camping is around 17 km west along the coast, in the small town of Ičići. Bordering Učka Nature Park and the town's Blue Flag beach, the site offers tent and campervan pitches in a delightful wooded setting.
Of course, if you're self-catering, you need some tips on eco-friendly food stores, and even if you're not, you will want to try local cafés and restaurants. Prepare for a treat! Kvarner is set to become the European Region of Gastronomy in 2026. Whether you want fine dining, a food truck lunch-on-the-go, traditional dishes or international cuisine, Rijeka is a gastronome's delight.
To stock up your cupboards, head to Bio & Bio—a Croatian chain selling over 4,000 natural, eco-friendly and certified organic items, including food, drink, cosmetics and household products. Discover local goods and tasty treats like vegan ice cream and smoked tofu. You can also find local produce at the city centre's grocery market, or at stalls on Korzo (the main street) at the weekend. The local honey, figs, olive oil and braided garlic are highly recommended.
Other regional delicacies to try include pršut (air-dried raw ham) and local lamb from flocks reared on the herb-strewn islands of Kvarner Bay. Cheese lovers should try Grobnički sir, a hard, cylindrical sheep's milk cheese from the nearby Grobnik valley, or Krčki sir, a smooth sheep's milk cheese with a herby aroma, from the island of Krk. Krk is also where the traditional local pasta, šurlice ('needle macaroni' or 'elephant trunks') originated.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Naturally, Rijeka's seafood is splendid. Sušeni štokalj, a fresh octopus dried in the bora wind, originates from the island of Rab. Scampi is also very popular and often served 'á la buzara' (braised with tomatoes, garlic, wine and herbs).
As for restaurants and cafés, you're spoilt for choice. The Rijeka Gastronomic Port project, created by the Tourist Board and the Abisal Gastronaut company, covers 37 eateries. They are allocated one or more 'port types', indicating the cuisine and ambience they offer, helping you narrow down your search.
For local dishes, head to a konoba (an inn with a traditional menu and décor). At the lively Konoba Fiume, fresh produce from the nearby market is used in regional specialities and seafood dishes (usually served with the traditional blitva, a chard and potato side dish). The family-friendly Tarsa restaurant has special facilities for children, but you will be equally entranced by the décor and menus, rich in history and local legend, and the regional wines, brandies and delicacies.
For sustainable fine dining and amazing sea views, visit the Michelin-starred Nebo. It serves Croatian dishes with a modern twist, created primarily from local, organic produce of the highest quality. Seeking simpler fare? Then try Makrovega, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant offering macrobiotic dishes such as soups, fritters, pasta, cakes and treats.
The Tifan bistro, part of the Dharma Hostel complex mentioned earlier, offers a limited but delicious breakfast and lunch menu (always vegetarian, but not always vegan, so check first). Finally, for those with allergies or intolerances—and anyone with an appetite!—visit the Rica bakery and café for delicious gluten-free dishes, breads, pastries and cakes. Other allergens are also catered for, and vegan and vegetarian options are always available.
We couldn't discuss Rijeka's gastronomic scene without mentioning its wines. While the region doesn't produce a great quantity of wine, it does produce great quality; Kvarner Bay wines receive high acclaim. Local vintners use mainly white grapes, and the žlahtina variety is native to the island of Krk—an island awash with places to try wines! Krk's Vrbnica žlahtina is light and refreshing with gooseberry and apple notes. Enjoy this wine, or the local Merlot, White Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varieties, in Rijeka's restaurants and bars. Alternatively, visit vintners and wine cellars in the region.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Rijeka's Cultural and Historical Highlights
Rijeka's importance to trade developed not just because of its seaport and river, but also because of its railway—the first line in Croatia, connecting it to Zagreb and Budapest. It's enjoyed periods as a free, independent city, but it's also been part of the Roman and Habsburg Empires, Hungary, Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia—and spent several years under French occupation. The city has long been famous for its shipyards, oil refineries and factories, and it is here, in a diesel plant, that its English owner, Robert Whitehead, invented the torpedo. More recently, Rijeka has become known for its punk-loving, edgy culture. This diverse history gives the city a richly textured heritage.
Wander along through its picturesque seafront and through the Old Town, visit the cultural hotspots, and breathe in the city's unique atmosphere. You'll soon realise Rijeka has something to offer everyone, no matter the season. If you book a stay of two nights or more in winter, you will be eligible for a Winter Pass. It gives you free entry to the major museums, Trsat Castle, Rijeka Astronomical Centre and the Kantrida pools.
There's a lot to see in Rijeka, so here are our highlights.
Korzo is Rijeka's pedestrianised main street: don't leave without walking its length at least once. Bristling with shops and cafés, it's home to the imposing City Tower, constructed from the 16th to 19th centuries. Its four clocks date from 1784.
The Roman Arch has an uncertain history, but it's widely considered to be from the 4th century and was probably part of a fortress, although it may have been a triumphal arch or city gate.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Trsat and its Castle and Church
You can walk up to Trsat, perched on a hill 138 metres above Rijeka, from Titov Square via Petar Kružić Stairway. Built in 1531, it's part of the pilgrims' route and lined with chapels dedicated to saints. In Trsat, discover the Franciscan Monastery and Our Lady of Trsat Church, a major Christian pilgrimage site, said to be the resting place of angels carrying the Nazareth Tabernacle of the Holy Family. Trsat's square, lined with cafés and galleries, leads you to the impressive Trsat Castle. While there has been a lookout tower here since prehistoric times, the present castle was mainly built in the 13th century but underwent major restoration after the 1750 earthquake. The castle dominates the skyline and offers wonderful views across the city and the sea.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
The Cathedral of St Vitus honours St Vitus, Rijeka's patron saint. Built in the 17th century, this Baroque rotunda houses a 13th-century Miraculous Crucifix with an interesting legend attached.
The Ivan Zajc National Theatre, built in 1885, was renamed to honour Rijeka-born Ivan Zajc, the prolific composer and conductor. Don't just stay outside and admire its neo-baroque design; step inside to enjoy its exquisite interior and world-class ballet, opera or drama.
The Museum of the City of Rijeka has two venues. In Kockica (the Cube building), discover the city's industrial, cultural and socio-political history, with collections ranging from musical instruments to product packaging. The Sugar Palace, established in 1750, ushered in Rijeka's industrial age. Today, this repurposed refinery houses collections reflecting the economic, political, cultural, educational, scientific and sports history of Rijeka.
Rijeka is known not just for its art but its art activism. By all means, visit the galleries—Filodrammatica with its art installations and new media art, the Bruketa family gallery, the SKC student gallery, contemporary works at the Kortil Gallery and Principium Gallery's photographic exhibitions—but don't ignore the street art. The Rijeka Murala ('river of murals') project has encouraged street artists to leave their mark, often on the city's old industrial buildings. Vodovodna Street is particularly worth a visit. If you have time, seek out a decorated passage on Križanićeva Street near the Hotel Continental, too, and the ruins of the Hartera Paper Factory.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has temporary and permanent exhibitions and events, featuring paintings, drawings, graphics, sculptures, posters, paintings, photographs and media art by both local and international artists.
The Natural History Museum is oriented towards marine research. This modern multimedia centre offers much more than dusty skeletons! Explore the attached botanical garden and aquarium, featuring Adriatic fish, sharks and rays, as well as insects, reptiles, birds and amphibians.
The Maritime and Historical Museum of Rijeka is housed in the former Governor's Palace, now a protected monument. As well as preserved period rooms, there are interactive maritime, cultural-historical, ethnographic and archaeological sections.
Peek&Poke Childhood Museum is dedicated to childhood games, books and toys, while the Peek&Poke Computer Museum is a testament to technological change, featuring everything from calculators to game consoles.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Rijeka Tunnel
The 330-metre-long Rijeka Tunnel, or 'TunelRi', was built by the Italian army to protect civilians from Second World War bombing. It starts beside St Vitus Cathedral and ends at Dolac Primary School, and retains some original signs and historical elements. After being closed for over 75 years, the tunnel was reopened to the public in 2017, now serving as a popular tourist attraction and pedestrian passage. Its cool environment offers not only a glimpse into Rijeka's wartime history but also a welcome escape from the summer heat.
Rijeka Astronomical Centre
Located in a former Second World War fortress on Sveti Križ hill, the Astronomical Centre has amazing views. It's Croatia's first astronomy centre to combine an observatory and planetarium, offering fascinating films and attractions for all ages. The centre features a state-of-the-art planetarium with a dome that simulates the wonders of space using advanced digital projection technology. Visitors can also explore exhibitions, attend lectures, and enjoy the observatory, which is equipped with a powerful telescope for live stargazing.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Rijeka’s Great Outdoors
Inside the city, you will find several parks, including the Trsat or National Hero Park, a small, forested park with a playground. Rijeka is bordered by wonderful countryside and eight charming towns—Kraljevica, Kostrena, Bakar, Kastav, Jelenje, Klana, Viškovo and Čavle—joined by the Ring walking route. The Ring passes through green areas and historical sites, and its sections all start and end at bus stations, so you can stop and start wherever you like. The Ring's connection to established hiking trails, plus the bike-sharing facilities and many cycling trails, makes eco-friendly exploration easy here. Rijekaoutdoor.com has detailed descriptions of each Ring town, plus 13 cycle routes and 20 walking and hiking trails. Rijekatrails.com has information on over 40 regional walks, including location, length, duration, difficulty and facilities. You can also explore the rural side of Rijeka by going horse-riding, truffle-hunting or bird-watching. A particular highlight is a boat trip to the island of Cres to see Griffon Vultures in their natural habitat.
A little further away, just west of Opatija, you will find the border of Učka Nature Park. Hike to its peak, Mount Učka, for wonderful views, and discover its waterfall and a canyon (a protected landmark). There's a wealth of wildlife to look out for, including golden eagles, wild boar, bats and butterflies. The park and some surrounding areas are protected by a Natura 2000 Birds Directive, with 19 protected species in residence. There are opportunities for climbing and hang gliding, and 50 hiking trails and eight mountain bike trails crisscross the park.
Rijeka has venues for numerous sports, from archery and tennis to bowling and billiards. Skateboarders will enjoy the skate park in the Krnjevo area—the result of a project that allowed young people to design public spaces for their needs. You can even ski nearby: Platak Ski Resort, just a 30-minute drive away, has seven ski runs of varying difficulty, a cable car, and a 160-metre-long toboggan run, plus a disc golf course and hiking and biking trails.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
If you're a swimmer, Kantrida Pools offers indoor and outdoor swimming, leisure and diving pools, or you can explore the local beaches. Great choices nearby include scenic Sablićevo beach, walkable from the city centre, and a little further east, quiet Glavanovo, with shallower water ideal for families. Plaza Ploce, also known as Fiumana Beach, is a Blue Flag beach right by the Kantrida Pools complex, with a beach bar and café. Uvala Svezanj Bay, south of the city, sits partly within a nature reserve and is great for snorkelling. You can also sail, dive, surf and windsurf at various points along Rijeka's coast.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
Rijeka: City of Festivals and All-Seasons Fun!
No article about Rijeka can end without mentioning its festivals, which encompass all that's wonderful and worthy about this city. There's always something happening here, from international wine festivals to sailing regattas, but the biggest and best festival is undoubtedly Rijeka's International Carnival. This award-winning Carnival is a winter festival, but Carnival time (with events from 17th January until Ash Wednesday) is known as Rijeka's 'fifth season'.
While Rijeka's Carnival is centuries old, its most recent iteration was established in 1982 and is now one of the largest in Europe. Events include the Children's Carnival Parade, the Carnival DJ Session and the Carnival Snowboard Session. The main event, the International Carnival Parade, happens on the Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday. Expect loud music, elaborate costumes and masks, dancing, fantastic floats, confetti, and colour—and limitless delicious food and drink. Last to pass by after nightfall are the Zvončari (groups of masked bellringers who, in historic times, went from area to area, scaring away the evil spirits and dark days of winter and welcoming spring). As the parade ends, Pust (a puppet usually given a satirical name) is taken out into Rijeka harbour on a boat and ritually burned to erase any negativity from the previous year. That's the cue for Korzo to turn into one giant party venue!
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
If this wasn't enough to make Rijeka more than a summer destination, there's Rijeka's spectacular Advent, too, making it a brilliant place to get into the Christmas spirit. Trsat Castle is transformed into a winter wonderland with light sculptures and endless fairy lights—it literally glows! There seems to be a winter ball or Christmas concert nearly every night, and the Morska Pahuljica ice rink opens on the Karolina Rijeka Pier, offering skating with a sea view. The beautifully decorated Resolution Square becomes a venue for hot food, Christmas treats and music. Santa sets up his Post Office in the Rijeka Tunnel, where the area sparkles with Christmas lights and enchanting festive decorations, while his Merry Christmas Train runs along the spectacularly illuminated Korzo every day.
IMAGE: Rijeka Tourist Board
These events leave you with a difficult choice. Will you embrace the magic of winter in Rijeka, taking advantage of the Winter Pass to immerse yourself in the enchanting Advent celebrations or the vibrant International Carnival? Or will you be drawn to the sun-soaked allure of Rijeka’s beaches and countryside during the warmer months?
But why choose just one? The true essence of Rijeka can only be fully appreciated by visiting more than once, allowing you to uncover the city's unique charms in every season—yes, all five of them!
To plan your sustainable adventure in Rijeka and discover even more about this vibrant coastal city, please visit:
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