The fantastique Kvarner Bay | Roundtrips Croatia

Elegant, casual and colorful: the Kvarner Bay is a piece of Croatia as surprising as it is delightful. Stylish seaside resorts such as Opatija and Senj are quietly tucked away in charming bays. The special geographical location, sheltered by mountains and flanked by national parks, also ensures that this region can enjoy a mild and sunny climate. No wonder, then, that Kvarner was the favorite vacation destination of the Habsburg royal family for many years. Decades of Austrian, Italian and Croatian influences, therefore, have made it very attractive. A luxurious and fashionable destination at the crossroads of different cultures - ideal for a wonderful vacation for two.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN OPATIJA

You arrive at the airport in Ljubljana, Rijeka or Pula, where you pick up your rental car and set sail for Kvarner Bay. The start of your trip is in Opatija, the region's most famous seaside resort. Once you arrive, you will check into your first hotel where you will stay 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 characterized by ornate neoclassical villas from the Habsburg period. In 1890, the town was given the title of spa town, which only added to its prestigious and lavish image. Today, the stately villas no longer serve as residences for crowned heads, but have mostly been transformed into luxury hotels. Explore the cozy center or soak up the sun on a seaside terrace. During your visit, be sure not to miss the Lungomare, an attractive seaside promenade. It is a great place to walk and enjoy magnificent views, always with a cooling sea breeze.

DAY 3: UCKA NATURE PARK AND/OR RIJEKA

On day three you have the choice: do you head into nature or do you opt for a day in the city? You can visit the Ucka Nature Park, which takes its name from the mountain of the same name. Here you can go for challenging hikes in lush nature, special mountain bike trails, and so on. Are you in a less adventurous mood? Then be sure to visit Rijeka, Croatia's third largest city. With its important port and cozy center, this city, which in 2020 still held the title of European Capital of Culture, is well worth a visit.

DAY 4: OPATIJA - CRES - LOSINJ

Today you will leave the Croatian mainland and head to the island of Losinj - one of the most beautiful islands in the Kvarner Bay. You will take the ferry in Brestova and dock on the island of Cres. Losinj and Cres formed one large, elongated island 2,000 years ago - until the Romans decided to dig a channel to form two separate islands. Today you can drive from Cres to Losinj very easily by bridge. Your hotel is in the famous Cikat Bay, near Mali Losinj, all the way south. Fortunately, the road to it is magnificent and part of the experience.

DAY 5: LOSINJ, THE ISLAND OF VITALITY

Your trip is now over halfway through, but the exploration has only just begun. Today you have time to explore the extraordinary Losinj, an elongated 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 pristine and a hidden gem, the main feature being its lush and exotic vegetation brought over the years by the numerous seafarers the island has known. The special 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 in the wider region as "the most beautiful port on the Adriatic. Once upon a time, Mali Losinj was one of the most developed towns in the area and a bustling trading center for merchants. That rich past is still reflected today in the beautiful and colorful architecture.

DAY 6: PARADISIACAL BEACHES AND ISLAND HOPPING

During your trip, be sure to also set aside a full day to explore the beautiful beaches of this special island. The azure, calm waters look inviting and irresistible in several places. Especially in the south of Losinj, you will find some beautiful resorts that at times almost remind you of distant tropical destinations - were it not for the cobblestone beaches and Mediterranean cottages you see here and there. Krivika, Plieski and Przine are just some of the many unspoiled, breathtakingly beautiful and well-hidden spots you will find on Losinj. Feel like expanding your horizons? You can easily reach neighboring (tiny) islands such as Ilovik and Susak by ferry from Mali Losinj.

DAY 7: LOSINJ - KRK - SVETI JURAJ

Your stay on this special island is unfortunately over. After a good breakfast, head back north. In the small port of Merag on Cres, you take the ferry to Krk. This island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, thus forming the link between the archipelago and the mainland. Just driving through Krk without stopping, however, would be a waste. The so-called "Golden Island" therefore has many interesting places to visit, including the cozy capital of the same name with its beautiful sea promenade. Krk is also green and has 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 your passage through the island, you will reach the Croatian mainland and check into your final hotel, where you will stay for three nights.

DAY 8: SENJ

Now that you're settled into your final hotel, your exploration of the region can begin. Be sure to stop in Senj, a beautiful historic town believed to be one of the oldest fortresses on the Adriatic. Senj has a long, tumultuous past that played a decisive role in Croatian history at various times. The Nehaj Fortress, which today serves as a museum, is the most famous and visible remnant of it. From here, Croatian guerrillas fought against the Turks, stopping the Ottoman army. Senj is therefore considered an important stronghold in the preservation of Croatian language and culture. Today, fortunately, the atmosphere in the city is much more convivial. Within the old city walls or along the quay, it is therefore fully enjoyable from the many terraces and restaurants.

DAY 9: PLITVICE LAKES

True to the motto "save the best for last," your penultimate day of vacation includes Croatia's most famous national park on the program: Plitvice. Plitvice, located in Lika-Senj County, is known for its spectacular waterfalls and 16 magnificent lakes - divided into "lower" and "upper" lakes. The color palette of the lakes changes throughout the day, ranging from emerald green to deep blue, turquoise or light gray. The natural beauty is overwhelming - the Plitvice National Park is without a doubt one of the most impressive natural wonders in Europe. In the evening you return to your hotel for a final overnight stay and dinner.

DAY 10: BACK HOME

Unfortunately, your last day of vacation has arrived. Soon you will return home, but with plenty of wonderful memories of this special trip. Enjoy a full breakfast one last time and a refreshing dip the pool, before you start the drive towards the airport. Are you flying back home from Ljubljana? Then why not add an extra night in the beautiful Slovenian capital to your trip? Ljubljana is an utterly charming city and the ideal place to spend some more time enjoying this wonderful vacation.