Rijeka

Rijeka’s history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Tarsatica, a fortified settlement on the trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe. Over the centuries the city flourished under Venetian, Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian rule, each leaving a mark on its architecture and culture. It was the Habsburg empire’s main port after Trieste, and in the 19th century the first torpedo was developed in a factory here, while the city’s paper mills, refinery and shipyards made it an industrial center. After the First World War it was the subject of a long dispute, and the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio held it briefly in 1919 before it became a free state and then an Italian city until 1945. The city’s centerpiece is the Korzo, a lively pedestrian boulevard lined with cafes, shops and historic buildings. The City Tower, with its colorful clock and Baroque facade, is a symbol of Rijeka’s resilience and cosmopolitan spirit.

One of Rijeka’s most iconic landmarks is Trsat Castle, perched on a hill 138 meters above the city and the Rječina River. The castle offers panoramic views of the Kvarner Bay and is home to a museum, an art gallery and summer concerts. A long stairway, the Petar Kružić stairs, climbs to Trsat from the old town, and at the top the Church of Our Lady of Trsat is a major pilgrimage site, with a Franciscan monastery. Closer to the center, the Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and the round Cathedral of St. Vitus, a Baroque church, show the city’s religious heritage.

Rijeka’s cultural life is vibrant and diverse. The city is known for its annual Rijeka Carnival, one of the largest in Europe, with a long parade of masked groups in the weeks before Lent, as well as music festivals, theater performances and contemporary art exhibitions. The Peek & Poke Computer Museum, a private collection of old computers and games that visitors can play, and the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral, in the former Governor’s Palace, give unique insights into Rijeka’s technological and maritime past. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is housed in a former industrial building, and the Natural History Museum is a popular stop for families. The city’s markets, such as the fish market and the covered market, are good places to sample local produce, seafood and regional delicacies. The Molo Longo breakwater, a long jetty running into the bay, is a favorite place for an evening walk.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s beaches, such as Kantrida and Sablićevo, or take boat trips to the islands of Krk, Cres and Rab. The nearby Učka and Gorski Kotar mountains offer hiking, cycling and nature excursions, while the Opatija Riviera is just a short drive away for seaside promenades and spa retreats. In winter, the bura wind can be fierce, but it also brings clear, cold days.

Rijeka’s food reflects its position between the sea and the mountains. Fish, shellfish and scampi are common, and the fish market is the best place to start, while Italian influence gives the city good pasta, ice cream and coffee culture. Restaurants and bars along the Korzo and in the Riva area offer views of the harbor.

Getting to Rijeka is straightforward. The city is accessible by road, rail and sea, with regular bus and train connections to Zagreb, Split and other regional centers. Rijeka Airport, located on the island of Krk, is about 30 km from the city center. Accommodation options range from hotels and boutique guesthouses to private apartments and hostels, catering to all budgets and preferences.

The best time to visit Rijeka is from early July to mid-August, when the weather is hot, the sea is warm and the city’s beaches, festivals and outdoor activities are in full swing. May, June and September offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds and excellent conditions for sightseeing, hiking and enjoying the relaxed pace of coastal life. Whether you seek history, culture or seaside adventure, Rijeka offers a rewarding and lively stay.