Gastronomy

Things to do

The diversity of the Kvarner area and tourist tradition significantly influenced the development and quality of gastronomy in which meals and specialties of coastal, island and Gorski kotar regions have become intertwined. These include the best quality species of fish, shells and shellfish, through to Gorski kotar and hunting specialties and specially represented local gastro offer in which dishes from specific regions come into their own.

At gastro manifestations, which are tied to picking festivals and days of chestnuts, sour cherries and asparagus in Lovran or olives in Punat on the island of Krk, an increasing number of konobe (wine cellars) and inns, but also restaurants, are offering the cuisine of “our grandmothers” (nonica). Therefore, it is not at all surprising that restaurants from the Kvarner region comprise a significant number of restaurants included in the project One hundred leading Croatian restaurants. There were thus 22 restaurants from the Kvarner area on the list of One hundred for 2005, with a recommendation for 2006: Amfora, Bevanda, Evergreen, Plavi podrum, Villa Ariston, Mali raj, Kvarner, Najade and Villa Astra on the Opatija Riviera, Bitoraj in Fuine, Zlatni zalaz in Supetarska Draga on Rab, Moslavina in Crikvenica, Rivice, Gospoja, Nada, Marina, Kanait on the island of Krk, Villa Mira, Kukurin and Ronjgi in Kastav and restaurant of the Hotel Bonavia in Rijeka.

Kvarner offers plenty of opportunities for a holiday full of interesting activities. The area's beautiful sandy, pebbly and rocky beaches, peaceful coves, crystal clear sea, elegant promenades and air filled with the fragrances of the magnificent Mediterranean plants provide a perfect setting for relaxation in lovely natural scenery and temperate climate.

The area's various sporting and recreational facilities on land, sea and air provide plenty of opportunities for an interesting holiday: mini golf, badminton, basketball, tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball, water-skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, sailing, fishing, diving, paragliding, skydiving and much more. Bike trails leading from the coast to the Vinodol Valley away from busy streets are ideal for both cycling enthusiasts and professionals. If you are a fan of hiking or jogging, we invite you to explore the trails leading through the pine forests along the coast or in the picturesque karst hinterland. Other attractions particularly worth visiting are the Love Path, one of the most beautiful walking paths in the Crikvenica area, and the Adrenalin Park, which offers lots of fun for all visitors looking for a truly unique experience. Visitors can also choose from a wide range of excursions to the islands of Rab and Krk or panoramic boat trips. Excursions are also organised to the nearby national parks (Plitvice Lakes, the Brijuni Islands, Risnjak, Northern Velebit and Krka). Thanks to the good transport connections, the sights of the towns, islands and national parks in the surrounding area can also be explored individually.