10-day tour of Kvarner Bay | From Opatija to Lošinj, Krk and the Plitvice Lakes

Day 1: Arrival in Opatija

You’ll arrive at Ljubljana, Rijeka or Pula airport, where you’ll pick up your hire car and head towards Kvarner Bay. Your journey begins in Opatija, the region’s most famous seaside resort. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your first hotel, where you’ll be staying for three nights.

Day 2: the Opatija Riviera

On the second day of your trip, the exploration can really begin. Opatija is an elegant coastal town, characterised by graceful neoclassical villas from the Habsburg period. In 1890, the town was granted the title of spa resort, which only added to its prestigious and regal image. Today, the stately villas no longer serve as residences for royalty, but have mostly been transformed into luxury hotels. Explore the charming town centre or soak up the sun on a seaside terrace. During your visit, you certainly shouldn’t miss the Lungomare, an atmospheric seaside promenade. It’s a lovely place to stroll and enjoy stunning views, always accompanied by a refreshing sea breeze.

Day 3: Ucka Nature Park and/or Rijeka

On day three, the choice is yours: will you head into the countryside or opt for a day in the city? You can visit Ucka Nature Park, which takes its name from the mountain of the same name. Here you’ll find challenging hikes through lush countryside, unique mountain bike trails, and more. Not feeling particularly adventurous? Then be sure to visit Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city. With its major port and lively city centre, this city – which held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020 – is well worth a visit.

Day 4: Opatija - Cres - Losinj

Today you’ll leave the Croatian mainland and head to the island of Losinj – one of the most beautiful islands in Kvarner Bay. You’ll take the ferry from Brestova and disembark on the island of Cres. Two thousand years ago, Losinj and Cres formed a single, long island – until the Romans decided to dig a channel, thereby creating two separate islands. Today, you can easily drive from Cres to Losinj via a bridge. Your hotel is located in the famous Cikat Bay, near Mali Losinj, right at the southern tip. Fortunately, the road there is stunning and forms part of the experience.

Day 5: Losinj, the island of vitality

Your trip is now halfway through, but the exploration has only just begun. Today you have time to explore the unique island of Losinj, a long, narrow and green island. Losinj is very sparsely populated, with the vast majority of the population living in the main town of Mali Losinj. The island is unspoilt and a hidden gem, its most striking feature being its lush and exotic vegetation, brought here over the years by the many seafarers who have visited the island. The unique vegetation, combined with the crystal-clear sea water, gives Losinj an almost tropical feel. Be sure to plan a stop in Mali Losinj – after all, the town is known throughout the wider region as ‘the most beautiful harbour in the Adriatic Sea’. Mali Losinj was once one of the most developed towns in this area and a bustling trading centre for merchants. That rich history is still reflected today in the beautiful and colourful architecture.

Day 6: idyllic beaches and island hopping

Be sure to set aside a full day during your trip to explore the beautiful beaches of this special island. The azure-blue, calm waters look inviting and irresistible in various places. Particularly in the south of Losinj, you’ll find some beautiful seaside resorts that at times are almost reminiscent of distant tropical destinations – were it not for the pebble beaches and the Mediterranean cottages you see dotted here and there. Krivika, Plieski and Przine are just a few of the many unspoilt, breathtakingly beautiful and well-hidden spots you’ll find on Losinj. Fancy broadening your horizons? You can easily reach neighbouring (tiny) islands such as Ilovik and Susak by ferry from Mali Losinj.

Day 7: Losinj - Krk - Sveti Juraj

Unfortunately, your stay on this special island has come to an end. After a hearty breakfast, head back north. From the little harbour of Merag on Cres, take the ferry to Krk. This island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and thus forms the link between the archipelago and the mainland. However, simply driving through Krk without stopping would be a shame. The so-called ‘Golden Island’ boasts many interesting places to visit, including the charming capital of the same name with its beautiful seafront promenade. Krk is also green and home to many unique plant species, such as the native Zlahtina: a grape variety that grows only on Krk and forms the basis for the excellent wines produced there. After travelling through the island, you’ll reach the Croatian mainland and check into your final hotel, where you’ll stay for three nights.

Day 8: Senj

Now that you’ve settled into your final hotel, you can begin exploring the region. Be sure to stop off in Senj, a beautiful historic town that is thought to be one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic. Senj has a long, turbulent history that has played a decisive role in Croatian history on several occasions. Nehaj Fort, which now serves as a museum, is the best-known and most visible remnant of this history. From here, Croatian guerrilla fighters battled the Turks, thereby halting the advance of the Ottoman army. Senj is therefore regarded as an important stronghold in the preservation of the Croatian language and culture. Fortunately, the atmosphere in the town is much more relaxed these days. Within the old city walls or along the quay, you can fully enjoy the many terraces and restaurants.

Day 9: Plitvice Lakes

True to the saying ‘save the best for last’, Croatia’s most famous national park is on the itinerary for your penultimate day of the holiday: Plitvice. Plitvice, situated in the Lika-Senj region, is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and 16 stunning lakes – divided into ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ lakes. The colour palette of the lakes changes throughout the day, ranging from emerald green to deep blue, turquoise or light grey. The natural beauty is overwhelming – Plitvice National Park is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most impressive natural wonders. In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel for a final night’s stay and dinner.

Day 10: Return home

Unfortunately, your last day of holiday has arrived. Soon you will be returning home, but with plenty of wonderful memories of this special trip. Enjoy one last hearty breakfast and a refreshing dip in the pool before setting off for the airport.

Are you flying home from Ljubljana? Why not add an extra night in the beautiful Slovenian capital to your trip? Ljubljana is an extremely charming city and the ideal place to linger a little longer and savour the memories of this wonderful holiday.

Frequently asked questions about this Kvarner Bay tour

When is the best time to visit Kvarner Bay and the islands?

The period from May to September is ideal, as the temperatures are perfect for both island hopping and swimming in the crystal-clear bays. In June and September, you’ll also enjoy a quieter atmosphere in popular towns such as Opatija and at the busy Plitvice Waterfalls.

Is a hire car essential for this route through the Kvarner region?

Yes, a hire car is essential to bridge the diversity between the cosmopolitan coast, the secluded bays on Lošinj and the mountainous interior of Plitvice. Moreover, having your own car gives you the flexibility to easily fit the ferry crossings between Cres and Krk into your daily schedule.

What makes a stay on the island of Lošinj so special?

Lošinj is known worldwide as the ‘island of vitality’ due to its unique blend of medicinal sea air and the scent of thousands of native and exotic plants. The combination of luxury boutique hotels in Čikat Bay and unspoilt nature makes it one of Croatia’s most exclusive destinations.