Crikvenica, Croatia: The Complete Travel Guide!
Crikvenica in Croatia is a famous vacation resort on the picturesque Crikvenica Riviera and, on top of that, a real visitor magnet of the country. Located in the fascinating Kvarner Bay, this vacation paradise is definitely one of the absolute highlights of the region. Really unique are the numerous breathtaking beaches and beautiful bays along the coast, which are ideal for unforgettable summer days by the sea. However, the romantic harbor with the charming old town is also picturesque, where the colorful town houses together with the turquoise sea conjure up a fairytale backdrop. But not only the city of Crikvenica is enchanting, also the surrounding area is really worth seeing and invites to unforgettable excursions.
In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about Crikvenica in Croatia. We show you amazing pictures, the best things to do and beaches, reveal insider tips and where to find fantastic accommodations.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a very special accommodation, then we can recommend the beautiful Hotel Kvarner Palace in a prime location, with pool and lots of nostalgic charm.
The town of Crikvenica is part of the enchanting Crikvenica Riviera, an approximately 8 kilometer long stretch of coastline, which also includes the resorts of Selce, Dramalj and Jadranovo.
The beaches in Crikvenica and the entire Riviera are particularly suitable for a beach vacation on the Adriatic. Many of these bays are pebble beaches, but there are also sandy beaches inviting for swimming.
The hinterland of Crikvenica is also worth seeing. An insider tip is the viewpoints “Eyes of Vinodol“, where you can watch free running horses in spectacular scenery.
General Information about Crikvenica
Crikvenica has about 11,100 inhabitants and is located only about 35 kilometers from the port city of Rijeka. Together with the resorts of Dramalj, Jadranovo and Selce, it forms the famous Crikvenica Riviera. The history of tourism goes back more than 125 years, and even today this beautiful resort is the most famous and largest of the entire Riviera. Guests love its unmistakable nostalgic charm, which can be experienced especially in the romantic old town, but also along the promenade.
However, Crikvenica is especially known for its many wonderful beaches. The absolute highlight in the seaside resort is the long sandy beach Gradska Kupaliste, which has even been awarded the Blue Flag. Just behind it is the palm-lined promenade, which leads to other beautiful bays, to the picturesque center and the old town. Here many good restaurants, cozy bars, cafés, but also some stores and boutiques that invite to stroll, have settled.
Things to Do in Crikvenca
On a vacation, you can look forward to a wide range of attractions. Among the most important places to visit in Crikvenica are the small old town with its winding alleys, the romantic fishing port with the long pier, the beautiful promenade and not to forget, the many amazing beaches in Crikvenica.
Old Town & Harbor
One of the most beautiful attractions of Crikvenica and at the same time the absolute heart of the resort is the romantic harbor with the long pier. Numerous boats are bobbing in the sea and together with the colorful town view, they form a picture-perfect panorama. Right next to the harbor is the large Stjepana Radica square, a popular meeting place in the old town, where numerous cafés and bars invite guests to enjoy and linger. Here you can experience grandiose vacation flair in a fantastically beautiful setting. Also worth seeing in the center is the church Crkva sv. Anton, whose 35-meter-high steeple towers over the historic old town and can only be reached via numerous stairs.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Crikvenica, you should definitely visit the town museum. Here you can get an interesting insight into the life of the region, which was documented with a large collection of historical objects, but also archaeological finds.
The Promenade
The palm-lined promenade of Crikvenica is a must-see in the resort. It connects the center with the beautiful beaches along the coast and, on top of that, is a popular place for strolling and jogging. If you feel like it, you can even walk to the neighboring villages of Dramalj in the north or Selce in the south. On the way there are plenty of good restaurants, cozy bars, cafés, but also some stores and boutiques that invite for shopping. However, the harbor promenade becomes especially lively in the evenings, when vacationers go out and the pubs in the center fill up.
Badanj Castle
Badanj Castle is a ruin worth seeing in Crikvenica and a piece of history that should not be missed. This well-preserved castle ruin is said to have been built between the 4th and 6th century. Later, in the 14th century, however, the fortress was abandoned due to a strong earthquake. Today, Badanj Castle is a popular destination for hiking and walking. It is beautifully situated on a hill, where from the castle walls you have a pretty view of the green forests and the Dubracina River.
The Former Pauline Monastery
A charming attraction that characterizes the landscape of Crikvenica is the former Pauline Monastery from 1412. Already since 1987, a part of the building has been managed as a hotel “Kaštel”, but other parts of it can still be visited. Worth seeing is the cylindrical white tower and the closed garden with the water cistern. The interior of the church “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” with numerous valuable works of art is also worth a visit. Beautiful is also the location directly on the pebble beach Kastel, a picturesque bathing bay, which is ideal for relaxing.
The Beaches in Crikvenica
The beaches in Crikvenica are actually the reason why this resort has become so famous. Along the coast there are numerous beautiful bathing places, which are just perfect to relax, splash around and snorkel. Most of the bays are fine pebble coves and concrete beaches, but beautiful sandy beaches also invite you to swim in Crikvenica!
Gradsko Kupaliste Sandy Beach
The long sandy beach Grasko Kupaliste, also known as Plaza Crni mol, is the beautiful main beach of Crikvenica. On a length of about 1.5 kilometers you can find various beautiful stretches of beach and bays. The tourist offer is also fabulous at Gradsko Kupaliste! There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and numerous beach bars, restaurants and cafés provide the necessary food and drinks.
Tip: The Hotel Kvarner Palace is one of the absolute most beautiful hotels in Crikvenica. Guests love the nostalgic flair, the beautiful pool with garden and the top location!
Balustrada Beach
The Balustrada beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Crikvenica. This stunning stretch of coast is located directly in the center, right next to the famous sandy beach Plaza Grasko Kupaliste and delights with magnificent scenery. Really dreamlike are the small, fine pebble bays, where picturesque sea colors and the Mediterranean trees conjure up a true postcard motif. Just behind it is the promenade, where restaurants, bars and cafes invite you to linger.
Kastel Beach
The Kastel Beach is a real jewel along the promenade. This beautiful pebble bay is located directly in front of the former Pauline monastery and is only a few minutes’ walk from the center of Crikvenica. What is most impressive is the enchanting vacation atmosphere and tranquil ambience that surrounds this bay! While swimming in the sea, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the monastery building, and small Mediterranean trees provide cool shade.
Tip: Not far away is the wonderful Apartmani Totić, a beautiful vacation apartment in a fabulous location not far from the Kastel Beach.
Omorika Beach
Plaza Omorika is a real dream beach in the north of Crikvenica near Dramalj! Families with children, but also older people and non-swimmers love this pretty bathing bay, which slopes wonderfully shallowly into the sea and is perfect for splashing and swimming. With its turquoise blue colors, the water is almost reminiscent of the Caribbean and, together with the light pebbles, conjures up a dreamlike beach setting. Also fabulous are the pretty beach bars that pamper guests with cool drinks, delicious ice cream and snacks.
Thalassotherapia Beach
The Thalossotherapia beach is located directly below the health center of the same name and is another idyllic bathing bay in the resort. Especially older people, tourists looking for peace and quiet and couples like to come here to enjoy the unique and quiet atmosphere. The mix of pebble beach and the concreted areas, which are ideal for sunbathing, is also fantastic.
Tip: Just behind the beach there is a large vacation settlement. Great is the Apartment Sara, which scores with good equipment, large terrace and fabulous location.
Podvorska Beach
The Podvorska beach is located in the south of the resort and is certainly one of the most popular beaches in Crikvenica. A long crescent-shaped pebble bay awaits you here, where beautiful water colors and an exuberant atmosphere will delight you. Mediterranean trees provide natural shade and if you like, you can rent umbrellas and comfortable sunbeds.
Tip: Also popular is the adjacent Monty’s Dog Beach, a great dog beach that scores with a bar, dog playground, sunbeds and terrific facilities.
Excursions from Crikvenica
Not only Crikvenica is worth visiting, also the surroundings are beautiful. There are plenty of options for excursions and activities in Crikvenica. Here are the best attractions and things to do of the area summarized at a glance:
A tour to the port city of Rijeka, only 34 kilometers away, is recommended. Here you will be fascinated by countless historical sights, great museums and a beautiful old town.
Exciting boat trips are also offered from Crikvenica. Most of the excursions include a visit to Krk Island or Rab Island, which are just nearby.
It’s also really worth to explore Krk Island by car from Crikvenica. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and can be reached from the resort in short time.
Only 11 kilometers away is Novi Vinodolski, which attracts with its pretty old town and historical sights. The viewpoints “Eyes of Vinodol” in the hinterland are also charming.
Where to Stay in Crikvenica
For a vacation in Crikvenica you will find a wide range of nice accommodations. Most of the places to stay are privately run apartments, but there are also nice guesthouses and really fabulous hotels. If you’re looking for tips on where to stay in Crikvenica, we can give you these recommendations along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Dream Hotel: The Hotel Kvarner Palace is a beautiful 4-star hotel that captivates with historical charm, the large pool with sun terrace, the indoor pool and the wellness area.
- Boutique Hotel: The Boutique Hotel Esplanade is a fantastic choice for a vacation. It is in a prime location right on the main beach, and the breakfast is also very tasty.
- Vacation Home with Pool: The large Organic Gardens Villa is in a quiet location outside of Crikvenica and will delight you with fabulous facilities, beautiful garden and pool.
- Apartment on the Beach: The Apartments Sax is a real insider tip for a beach vacation in Crikvenica. It is located directly by the sea and inspires with modern apartments.
Find the best accommodation in Crikvenica:
More about Kvarner Bay Region:
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Opatija, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do
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Moscenicka Draga: All Attractions & Beaches
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Senj, Croatia: Travel Guide & Things to Do
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Lovran, Croatia: Travel Guide & Best Beaches
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Novi Vinodolski: Travel Guide & Things to Do
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