At the top of the Kvarner Bay, the city has been in the same place for centuries, and the states and arrangements in which it was located have changed. How history shaped the city and what it is like today is perhaps best described by academic Zlatko Bourek, one of the authors of the popular Croatian cartoon Professor Baltazar, for whom Rijeka was the model for Baltazargrad. Of all the coastal cities, Rijeka has always had something different, something proletarian, something more bourgeois. There was also the proximity of the water, which ...
More about cityAt the top of the Kvarner Bay, the city has been in the same place for centuries, and the states and arrangements in which it was located have changed. How history shaped the city and what it is like today is perhaps best described by academic Zlatko Bourek, one of the authors of the popular Croatian cartoon Professor Baltazar, for whom Rijeka was the model for Baltazargrad. Of all the coastal cities, Rijeka has always had something different, something proletarian, something more bourgeois. There was also the proximity of the water, which makes the city even more attractive for living. Due to historical circumstances, Rijeka has always been multinational and multicultural. The large and beautiful buildings of the Austro-Hungarian style reflect the cosmopolitan spirit of the city. Beautiful examples of modern and Art Nouveau architecture are the Governor's Palace, Archduke Josip's Palace (State Archive), Adria Palace, Ivan pl. Zajc, the Modello Palace, the Great Market with Fish Market and many others.
On March 24, 2016, Rijeka was awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2020, for the "Port of Diversity" program, whose goal is to create a city of culture and creativity for Europe and the future. The selection process lasted almost two years and took place through the Ministry of Culture. Dynamic history is written all over Rijeka and the Rijeka ring in numerous cultural and historical monuments, the tour of which is part of the route of every tourist who arrives in this city and region. Every generation will find entertainment to their taste, and everyone will find cultural content that is an integral part of Rijeka's, Croatian and world cultural heritage.
Stepping into the largest Croatian port, you can sail into an unforgettable gastronomic experience and get to know the beauty and benefits of Rijeka's climate with the varied and rich flavors that these areas offer. The air in the harbor is filled with the smell of fresh seafood, herbs and spices, and the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore provides a soothing background to the excitement that awaits you. A multitude of restaurants, each with its own unique charm, are waiting to be discovered, promising an unforgettable experience to all who venture into this culinary haven. Some offer a variety of al fresco dining overlooking the harbour, while others have cozy interiors that invite you to sit back and relax. But what truly sets this gastronomic port apart is certainly the food. From the freshest seafood, caught only a few hours before, to exotic international dishes - the choice is yours. Specialist chefs take pride in their skills, carefully selecting the best ingredients and expertly creating dishes with incredible flavors.
The best way to get to know Rijeka and the Ring of Rijeka is through beautiful promenades and bike paths. In Rijeka and the surrounding areas, sports fans will surely find their way, since they have the opportunity to enjoy untouched nature or in the specialized sports and recreation clubs of the city. Lovers of running, fast walking or leisurely strolls will find themselves in the very heart of the city - parallel to the Rijeka waterfront, there is a 2 km long breakwater with a view of Rijeka from the sea side. For those who enjoy water sports, Rijeka offers a number of city beaches during the summer months, and throughout the year it is possible to swim in the Kantrida swimming pool complex, one of the most beautiful by far, which also offers fitness and wellness centers. About ten kilometers outside of Rijeka to the north, in the area of Grobnik, there is also an auto racing track of the same name, and in the immediate vicinity there is also a small airport where the "Wings of Kvarner" Free Flying Club operates. The network of numerous cycling paths will give you the opportunity to enjoy all your senses, regardless of the type of surface, gentle or steep climbs or different lengths of paths. The Adriatic Sea has one of the most indented coasts in Europe, and its northern part is particularly attractive to divers who like to dive on underwater reefs and walls. The cove on the way out of Rijeka, Preluk is known as an exceptional place for windsurfing because of the favorable winds that blow in that area, especially early in the morning.