We are looking forward to 2021 hoping in our hearts that it will bring positive developments and wonderful experiences. New openings, new attractions and upgrading of facilities have not dropped off the radar... we and our partners have been working and planning for 2021.

Take a look at our fabulous Kvarner region, the ”place with space” where, outside of August peak season there are so many places to escape with lots of space for relaxation, something that we know is so very good for our wellbeing and which people are searching for:

GETTING THERE FROM UK

Just a two hour flight from London and three hours from Scotland, there are flights to Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka in Croatia and to Trieste in neighbouring Italy and to Ljubljana in neighbouring Slovenia (transfer time from Trieste and Ljubljana under two hours – less from Croatian airports)

REACHING THE KVARNER BAY ISLANDS

A road bridge connects Kvarner mainland to the golden island of Krk. Ferries and catamarans connect the Kvarner mainland to the glorious islands of Cres, Rab, Losinj, Unije, Ilovik, Susak.

ONE HOLIDAY – THREE COUNTRIES

Choose your main holiday anywhere in the Kvarner region and take a day trip to Trieste or Venice in Italy or to anywhere in Slovenia. An easy drive in your own car and there are also many value-for-money escorted excursions.

KVARNER – “PLACES WITH SPACE”

Our region is known for diversity. This is where islands, coast and green hinterland combine to produce blue and green magic, clean fresh air, stunning vistas and a rather special “away from it all” feeling. August is our peak season yet choose to holiday outside of this month and there are many places where you will find space for you. Consumer polls during 2020 indicate that people are searching for holidays away from crowds: it's simple – just avoid August. Choose June and September which are glorious months, usually sunny and with great sea temperatures. The first part of July is even sunnier and rarely sees places full.  April, May and October are a little cooler and perfect for activity bound vacationers – our Gorski Kotar and Ucka mountain regions offer perfect hiking, biking and walking trails together with refreshing dips in lakes and streams, river rafting and more.

Rent a spacious villa by the sea on the islands of  Krk, Cres, Losinj or Rab or on our Opatija and Crikvenica Rivieras in September(for example) and you'll find your very own peaceful paradise , with the biggest decision being the choice of your own pool or the Adriatic for a dip! Most restaurants have spacious outside terraces and from May until October, local festivals and events take place in the fresh outdoors with plenty of space.

GREAT NEWS! RIJEKA 2020 EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE EXTENDS UNTIL APRIL 2021

Croatia's third city was forced to curtail much of the planned 2020 programme and is delighted that it's status of European Capital of Culture will be extended until April 2021, along with partner city of Galway in Ireland. Always eclectic, always diverse, always tolerant and open-minded, Rijeka is an edgy blend of cutting edge music, sporting achievement and wide cultural choice. Visit the former Sugar Refinery Factory (founded in 1750 and now the cutting edge city museum) and look out for events on the waterfront, in open-air squares and on the river and sea.  Rijeka's famous carnival will take place from 17 January – 17 February 2021 subject to any epidemiological conditions.

RIJEKA 2021,  FAMOUS SHIP GALEB RETURNS TO LIFE – EXPECTED OPENING OCTOBER

“Galeb” (meaning “seagull”) has had a story worthy of a film. Built by the Italians to carry bananas from Africa, torpedoed by the British and ending her days as the private yacht of Josip Broz Tito, the leader of former Yugoslavia from its founding in 1945 until his death in 1980. It was in 1953 that “Galeb” first visited London, sailing up the River Thames escorted by the Royal Navy to be greeted by Winston Churchill as “Tito” was the first communist head of state to visit Britain. Understandably, “Galeb” holds special interest for people from the UK. She is being restored at a cost of some £8 million pounds and is expected to open in late 2021 as a floating museum, restaurant and boutique hotel. Tito's original furniture and private quarters are being authentically restored and “Galeb” will become a historic icon at her new home on the Rijeka waterfront.

RIJEKA – OPENING OF HILTON RIJEKA COSTABELLA BEACH RESORT AND SPA

The first five star hotel for Rijeka, Croatia's third city and Croatia's third Hilton property.  Located at the western side of Rijeka, barely ten minutes from the start of the Opatija Riviera, this brand new luxury resort is set to open in early 2021. There will be 194 sea facing rooms and suites, the Eforia Spa and Health Club with indoor pool and offering a holistic wellness experience together with six restaurants and bars featuring the fine dining Nebo Restaurant and Lounge on the top floor. A new private beach featuring a beach bistro and private mooring will enjoy wonderful views across to the Kvarner Bay islands.

OPATIJA – GRAND HOTEL KVARNER RESTORED STONE BY STONE AND FIVE STAR UPGRADE

Built in 1884, this is the oldest hotel in Croatia and in the Northern Adriatic. She welcomed European royal families and aristocracy and in recent years, the hotel has featured in television series and films. Together with the adjacent Villa Amalia, the hotel is currently undergoing the most extensive renovation in its entire history, an investment of some 23.5 million euros. Being restored to her former grandeur, skilled artisans are removing covering materials to reveal the original stone structure and there will be an upgrade to five stars as the hotel once again becomes the symbol of Opatija.  Due to open in time for the 2021 season there will be a larger number of suites and rooms, roof terraces, and a new museum space which will feature items from the history of the hotel. A new indoor pool will have direct access to the beach and sea and the existing spa area will be expanded to 800 square metres. A Liburnia Riviera Hotel.

OPATIJA – THE AMERICAN GARDENS

Occupying a striking terrace-like terrain overlooking the Kvarner Bay, the gardens were opened in the summer of 2020 having been closed for years. They were built in the first half of the 20th century by Hungarian, Mihaly Pal Kuczor in honour of his wife Hilda von Hortenau who was originally from Opatija. The gardens take their name from the continent where Mr Kuczor created his business empire selling Hungarian paprika. Colonnades, pillars, archways all in stone feature among gardens of camellias, magnolias, thousands of roses, eucalyptus, camphor, gardenias – and, of course, paprika which is grown here to this day. The American Gardens have already proved to be a worthy concert venue during summer 2020.

CRIKVENICA – OPENING OF HISTORIC FIVE STAR HOTEL MIRAMARE

Tourism in Crikvenica began in 1888 with the opening of wooden bathing pavilions and, like Opatija was a favourite of European royals and aristocracy. Miramare opened in 1905, built in Art Nouveau style with just 70 rooms which had sea water baths causing international celebrities to flock there in search of the therapeutic benefits of seawater treatments.  Crikvenica's location where the green Vinodol valley and continental forest meet the sea provides the perfect climatic conditions for health tourism.   The hotel has been closed for over 30 years and is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2021 to the delight of visitors and locals who have watched the shuttered facade for so long. Offering five star luxury and a new wing,  there will be 130 sumptuous rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa centre, waterside restaurant and bar with design that hints at the past- think glittering, crystal chandeliers and billowing drapes.

AND IF YOU ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR

OPATIJA'S  ADVENT BY THE SEA NOW INCLUDES NEARBY VOLOSKO

For the first time and in line with requirements for more space, Opatija's Advent will include the pretty village of Volosko which can be reached by walking to the end of the lungomare seaside promenade. There will be spectacular light and festive displays in parks and gardens and by the sea. Expect trees lit up in gold and red, unusual lanterns and twinkling everywhere. Final programme to be confirmed and expected to include seasonal stalls offering festive food and drink, subject to social distancing measures. During December, restaurants and cafes focus on chocolate so expect special treats and chocolate based dishes.

Start planning for 2021.

Start thinking about holidays again.

Start thinking about our Kvarner Region. And smile.

More information     www.kvarner.hr 

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