Unique Kvarner…sailing and dining

Between the magnificent islands of Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj and delightful seaside villages such as Opatija and Crikvenica, the unique beauty of the Bay of Kvarner is unleashed: this is the closest Croatia and the one increasingly desired by Italian sailors.

Croatia you don’t expect

A splendid region of Croatia located at a very short distance, including nautical distance, from the Italian borders, that of Kvarner – on land and sea – encompasses a truly privileged territory in which various artistic and cultural influences have been intertwined for centuries thanks to the “open” geographic position on the Adriatic Sea of such historic and beautiful localities as Opatija (Opatija), Rijeka (Rijeka), Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski.
To which then-nay, first sight of their fairy-tale charm-are added the Kvarner Islands, which are truly perfect places to unfurl sails.
From Krk (Krk) to Rab (Rab), from Cres (Cres) to Lošinj (Lošinj) these enchanted lands compose a magical world perfect for active outdoor vacations, such as sea vacations and more: behind the fantastic coasts the mountainous massif of Gorski kotar still opens up as well as numerous protected reserves home to dolphins, griffon vultures, bears, wolves and lynx.
A “small” enchanted world that gives water, nature and everything you need to enjoy a real “aromatherapy” in the open air, thanks to the combination of wind, waves, Mediterranean herbs and mild, welcoming climate.
And if the recurring recommendation of the famous international travel guide Lonely Planet Magazine, in itself a great accolade for any destination, is an extra guarantee for those who decide to choose Kvarner as their next summer destination, the reasons that make a vacation in this “neighboring” Croatia unique are truly countless.

A smart choice

Breathtaking beaches that can only be reached by sea in hidden bays, large expanses of fragrant and shady maritime pines, small villages that provide special experiences in history but especially at the table.
This is just a taste, to stay on the culinary theme, of what Kvarner always offers to the nautical tourist, every year and all year round, or almost.
Looking, on the other hand, at the very summer 2024 that is about to set sail, all the more reason why Kvarner is the destination not to be missed for additional very special reasons.
Meanwhile, it is easily accessible from Italy, by land to hire a nautical charter locally but perhaps even more so by boat, enjoying an Italo-Croatian cruise that has few equals not only in the Mediterranean but in all seven seas.
And again, the region offers (as always) an excellent relationship between the quality of services, nautical and otherwise, and prices.
Those who once moored the boat continue to look for activities because they love an active vacation in Kvarner will again find plenty to do.
On land, too, there are countless proposals for trekking on foot as well as by bicycle, which result in a network of paths and routes of varying difficulty and certainly, however, fascinating: all then, but really all also itineraries with views of spectacular panoramas.
Not forgetting also the possibility of doing wellness therapies, both medical and natural in several state-of-the-art wellness centers that are one of the flagships of Croatian hospitality.
Speaking of relaxation then Kvarner is also a totally “pet friendly” destination in which to vacation with your four-legged friends is absolutely no stress because you can find accommodations, beaches, restaurants, bars and cozy business services for the whole extended family.

Kvarner : Gastronomic discoveries

Kvarner is then also an ancient territory, within which one of the main trades has always been fishing, combined of course with shipbuilding and the art of sailing.
Precisely also by preserving this historical heritage of itss, the region also offers a Mediterranean gastronomy that is much loved by Italians, as it is similar to that of “home” but yet at the same time different and appealing.
In which lovers of good food also find important gourmand uniqueness, such as the Quarnerine langoustine.
It is considered to be among the most valuable shellfish in the world, and for this reason, too, a high-level gastronomy has developed in the region around this top ingredient.
In fact, today in Kvarner there is no shortage of starred restaurants, and there are numerous recommendations of must-visit addresses when you want to eat (and drink) well made by the prestigious Gault & Millau guide, among others.
Besides shrimp and seafood more generally, Kvarner then offers on the table a renowned olive oil and, above all, a solid wine production, with numerous indigenous grape varieties also cultivated on the islands, first among them being the white Žlahtina, to which are added the special cultivars that are grown especially in the hinterland of Krk.
In addition, the mountainous hinterland offers forest first fruits such as mushrooms and red fruits, without underestimating the rivers with their freshwater fish.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that in the run-up to 2026, Kvarner is the leading candidate to be elected as the “European Gastronomy Region of the Year.”

Kvarner – Full Sail

Without forgetting the sea and the wind: in a word, sailing.
Yes, because one still cannot fail to emphasize and reiterate that to Italian yachtsmen, Kvarner offers some of the most beautiful nautical routes in the entire Mediterranean.
Not least because then we are talking about a region in which a unique mix of factors – from sun exposure to the number of hours of sunshine per year, from sea and air temperature to wind direction and speed – gives rise to a Gulf that is almost the ideal territory for those who love sailing precisely under sail.
If we then add to all this that the scenery surrounding the sea is made up of a still lush and unspoiled nature, here this corner of Croatia becomes a sea area in which various suggestions are mixed: an image of the fascinating seafaring past that is not lost, the presence of many luxury marinas along the coast amalgamated with that of ports and marinas of historic villages that make a boating vacation in Kvarner different from any other cruise. What itinerary or route to choose then to discover Kvarner by boat? One of the most spectacular is the one that departs from Opatija (Opatija), a delightful seaside resort into which one arrives by boat from Italy quickly, and then finally launches into the Kvarner Gulf where a multitude of islands large and small await sailors.
The first stop, for example, can be made in Mali Lošinj (Mali Lošinj), but don’t forget to sail along the coast of Cres to admire the village of Lubenice, erected on a cliff nearly 400 meters high, and visit the nearby Blue Cave (Modra špilja).
For a relaxed stop-and a good seafood lunch-an excellent stop is along the coast of the sandy island of Sansego (Susak), whose beautiful beaches are a rarity in the very rocky Kvarner.
Leaving Cres, if a suitable wind blows, unfurl your sails and head for the village of Rab (Rab) on the island of the same name.
Magnificent center of Renaissance origin welcomes sailors with the sight of its famous four bell towers that mark the entrance to the town.
Not to mention that the local gastronomy here offers various delicacies such as octopus cooked under the iron bell.
Having said goodbye to Rab, the next destination may be Ponte (Punat) on the island of Krk: this is where the Punat Marina is located, a modern and well-equipped marina whose services are available 365 days a year.
Finally, any self-respecting sailing in Kvarner cannot fail to include a visit to the city of Rijeka (Rijeka), a historic European marine and naval center.
And those who still have time should extend the route to Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski delightful centers that combine Croatia’s ancient history with a modern holiday and seaside vocation.