Novi Vinodolski Marina

Novi Vinodolski Marina lies on the waterfront of Novi Vinodolski, a small town on the Kvarner coast between Rijeka and Senj, and it is one of the places where the life of the town and its visitors meets. Detailed information on the berths and services is limited, so it is best to confirm facilities with the marina office before arriving by boat, but the setting is easy to describe. The marina sits at the foot of the old town, which rises on a low hill above the sea and the estuary of the Ričina river, and from the quay you look up at a skyline of stone roofs, church towers and the walls of a medieval fortress. Behind it, the mountains of the Vinodol valley form a green backdrop.

The view from the marina takes in several of the town's landmarks. The parish church of St. Philip and St. James, with its distinctive bell tower, stands above the harbour, and the square tower and walls of the Frankopan Castle, known locally as Kvadrac, recall the centuries when the Frankopan family ruled the town and the valley. Novi Vinodolski has a place in the history of the Croatian language. In 1288, the Vinodol Statute, a code of laws written in the Glagolitic script, was drawn up in the district, and it is regarded as one of the oldest legal documents in Croatian. The seafront walk beside the marina is a pleasant place to watch fishing boats and yachts come and go, and to sit at a café with a coffee or a cold drink.

The marina is also a practical starting point. Boat trips along the coast of the Kvarner Riviera leave from the harbour area in summer, and small boats can be hired to visit the nearby coves and the islet of St. Marin, which lies only a couple of hundred metres offshore and is topped by a small chapel. The town's beaches, which are mostly pebble with clear water, stretch along the promenade on either side. In the evening, the waterfront comes alive with strollers, and restaurants serve fresh fish, shellfish and local wines, including the white žlahtina that is typical of the Vinodol valley. A wine house called Pavlomir offers tastings and local products.

The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming. Novi Vinodolski is a family resort with a relaxed tempo, and the marina reflects that mood, with a mix of local boats, visiting yachts and swimmers. Parking is available near the harbour, and the town centre is within walking distance. Because the town lies on a stretch of coast exposed to the bura wind, sailors should check the forecast and be ready for changing conditions, particularly in winter and spring.

The marina suits sailors, families, couples and walkers who like harbour scenes. Visit in the early evening for the best light, and combine it with a stroll through the old town.