Inside Croatia’s secret coastal city with €2.50 Wine, alpine views and access to four small islands
Located on the Northern part of the Adriatic Sea, Rijeka is the less known seaside city of Croatia, complete with coastal views of the sea and alpine scenery of the Dinaric Alps.
Located a five-hour drive away from Split, Rijeka, sits on the Kvarnar Bay in Western Croatia and is known as the “gateway” to the Croatian Islands of Krk, Cres, Rab and Losinj.
When it comes to food and drinks, it is more affordable than other cities in Croatia with €2.50 glasses of wine. For foodies looking for local delicacies, Rijeka offers a range of Croatian Peka dishes to try, which are slow cooked fish dishes, filled with octopus, garlic, olive oil and wild vegetables.
The coastal city was awarded the “European Capital of Culture” in 2020 for its range of new museums including the Rijeka City Museum, known as the ‘Sugar Palace’ which has been beautifully restored into its baroque excellence.
From Rijeka, Brits can reach some of Croatia’s best and hidden northern Adriatic islands quickly and cheaply. Krk is the easiest, no ferry needed, with buses costing €6–€10 per person to an island full of beaches, vineyards and pastel-coloured towns. Cres, which is reachable by ferry can be accessed for around €6–€10 per person, offering wild coves and rugged scenery, perfect for quieter escapes.
By just purchasing a €10–€15 catamaran ride will get Brits to Rab, which is famous for rare sandy beaches and a lively medieval centre. Further south, Lošinj, known for dolphins, pine forests and wellness retreats, costs just €7–€9 by catamaran. With low fares and short travel times, Rijeka is one of the best-value bases for island-hopping in Croatia.
For those keen to visit the Croatian city, Rijeka, Marella Cruises has started sailing back to the Croatian city for Summer 2026 offering a seven night Adriatic Affair round cruise from Dubrovnik, Croatia on Marella Explorer 2 from £1610 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a Decks 4/5 Inside Cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
Calling at Dubrovnik, Croatia; day at sea; Trieste, Italy; Koper, Slovenia; Rijeka, Croatia; Split Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Includes easyJet flights from London Gatwick Airport to Dubrovnik on the 4th of June 2026, 20kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips and service charges.
Book here (Aff) tui-uk.7cnq.net/2Rj2yM
