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The Croatian coastal area of Kvarner (also called the Kvarner Rivièra) is known for its beautiful beaches, rocky coasts, stylish seaside resorts, and many islands. It also has a rich and unique combination of climate, vegetation and culture to offer. The interior of Kvarner is characterized by highlands and mountain peaks. Between the coast and the highlands are many historic towns, natural parks, and thermal baths. The region is not as well-known as Istria and has seen less tourist development, which makes it particularly suited for those who seek the peace and quiet of nature. And here you will come across more authentic restaurants, quieter seaside resorts, and small fishing villages. Kvarner offers good diving opportunity for the ‘independent diver’, as there are very few diving schools and centres. Lovers of nature and walking can go to the natural park of Paklenica, a true paradise, thanks to the region’s many footpaths, caves, authentic villages, and very diverse wildlife. But the highlight is the Plitvice Lakes, the best-known National Park of Croatia and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. The park has 16 lakes, interlinked by spectacular waterfalls. Park visitors can use footpaths and bridges throughout the whole park. Visitors can also take a boat trip across the largest lake. The National Park of Risnjak lies in the north, partly on the Gorsku Kotor plateay, which separates Croatia from Slovenia. The park mainly consists of grassland and forests, which makes it very suitable for fabulous walks. Culture buffs should visit the beautiful harbour city of Rijeka. Croatia’s biggest harbour city has a lot of history and culture to offer, including a mediaeval stronghold, an 18th century city gate, the Trsat castle, churches and cathedrals, and the Historic Museum of the Croatian coastal region. Although Croatia is definitely a summer destination, Kvarner does offer winter sports opportunities. The Dinara Mountain (1831m) is a great winter sports area – and in summer a walker’s paradise. There are also various winter sports options at Platak and Bjelolasica. In short, a region to be explored!
Places of interest
- A visit to the National Park of the Plitvice Lakes.
- A visit to the tranquil and impressive islands of Cres, Krk, Rab and Lisinj, just off the coast.
- Go on an outing to the capital, Zagreb.
- The beautiful harbour city of Rijeka. From here, you can also take various ferries to the nearby islands.
- Opatija, known for its health resort (used to be very popular with the Austrian-Hungarian nobility), is the tourist centre of the Croatian Riviera.
- Lovran and its fantastic esplanade.
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More regions of Croatia, Dalmatia, Islands, Istria, Kvarner
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