Crikvenica, Kvarner

Crikvenica

What is the Love Path, who were the Paulines, when was the first bathing establishment in Crikvenica opened and why is this region so miraculously healing?

Find out in the following text…

Kvarner

Opposites attract

Due to its location stretching from the Istrian mountain of Učka, over the mountain landscapes of Risnjak, all the way to the stunning coast lined with beautiful beaches, Kvarner is a true oasis of diversity. Mountain trails intertwine with the turquoise sea and the nature captivates with its vast expanses, as well as the cuisine with its rich combination of Mediterranean and continental flavours. The coast dotted with islands and historical towns and a hinterland intersected by steep paths and viewpoints unfold before you like a ball of wool, showing you the way to a magical labyrinth of adventures.

Crikvenica

Health haven on the pearl beach riviera

If you ask travellers what attracts them to Crikvenica, they will mention the clean and beautiful sea, traffic accessibility and a healthy climate that benefits the respiratory system. And indeed, when you descend from the highway towards the Crikvenica Riviera, you will be amazed by the beauty of the pebble and sandy beaches that shine like pearls on the turquoise canvas of the sea, as well as by the air imbued with the aromatic combination of salt and Mediterranean herbs. And when you start exploring the local fabric of life, you will fall in love with the cheerful spirit of the locals, the flavours of local cuisine and colourful events, right after outdoor activities ranging from the depths of the sea to the mountain tops.

History of tourism in Crikvenica

Favourite bathing tourism destination of the european aristocracy

When the healthy microclimate and proximity to the centre of Europe coincided with the marketing shrewdness of local intellectuals and the recommendations of doctors of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy about the benefits of bathing, tourism in Crikvenica began to flourish. The first public bathing establishment was opened in 1888, and the first hotel, “Erzherzogin Klotilde” (Archduchess Klotilde), was built in 1891, while a comprehensive Crikvenica guide was published in Graz in German. In 1906, Crikvenica was declared a climatic health resort, attracting Europe's aristocracy at the time, who would come to bathe and rest. Guidelines for treatments, bathing and sunbathing were written, hotels and villas were built, health parks were created, and the legacy of that period is still visible today in the elegant, Belle Époque-style façades and the famous thalassotherapy centre near Mediteran Hotel by Aminess.

Interesting fact:

  • The sandy town bathing area was established in 1901, and in 1910 pavilions for various beach activities were built. The bathing area offered the services of swimming instructors, masseurs and doctors, and visitors could entrust their children to the care and supervision of professional educators.

Culture

The story of an unusual monastery

Nikola IV Frankopan had the Pauline monastery built in 1412, not knowing that this building would, over the centuries, turn into a centre of spirituality, culture and science of the entire region. It was built as a monastery for the Paulines, whom the people called the “White Friars”, but it also had features of a fortress. The Paulines stayed there for 400 years, leaving a deep cultural imprint on Crikvenica, so the closing of the monastery in 1786 was a great loss for the town. In 1895, the monastery was purchased by Archduke Joseph and converted into a military convalescent hospital, and in 1897, it was turned into a home for poor children from the entire Monarchy.

Activities

Adventurers, prick up your ears!

The Crikvenica Riviera is indeed attractive with its sunny beaches, but it will offer you much more than that. There are two diving centres on the coast that organise courses and joint diving, and in the vicinity of our hotel there is also a water sports centre with exciting parasailing. There are also various coastal and mountain trails that are excellent for hiking or cycling. Put on your hiking boots and explore the Love Path, known as one of the most beautiful trails under the forest canopy, with viewpoints and the mysterious Badanj Fort. If you like to exercise in the open air, there are open-air gyms next to the beaches, and you will also be rightfully tempted by boat excursions to the neighbouring islands of Krk and Rab. Accept the challenge and enjoy it to the fullest!

Beaches

Wherever you go, a perfect beach is waiting for you

The beaches of Crikvenica are some of the most unique on the Adriatic coast. Some are pebbly, so you can enjoy natural acupressure, while the others are sandy, providing a velvety feel to your feet. They offer numerous amenities, from deck chairs and parasols to chess pieces, exercise areas and playgrounds for kids. Also, let's not forget about the restaurants and bars. In short, everything you need for a life without a single care in the world.

Gastronomy

What to order in the taverns and restaurants of Crikvenica?

You can start with a blue fish marinade, and if it's asparagus season, continue with a soup made from this wild plant. After that, you can opt for black risotto or boiled fish, and then brodet or buzara stew and golden polenta. And if you prefer meat, we recommend a schnitzel or pork tenderloin. For dessert, pancakes, strudel or the traditional “Frankopan Cake” with coffee spiced with cumin and brandy. Crikvenica cuisine is a journey through the history of this region, which was created by fishermen and workers, but also by dukes and friars. All of this beautifully intertwines on the plate, introducing you to the world of simple, but irresistible flavours.


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Northern Adriatic Tourist Cruises

Rated 5.0 (Exceptional) by our guests

Other guests of Aminess Kvarner loved this experience

Amazing! A whole day experience that fulfills you wonderfully. The boat ride is fun and the staff is great. The beaches are the most beautiful. Would go again and strongly recommend.

Matea

Stayed at a property similar to Aminess Kvarner

At a glance

We look forward to providing an unforgettable experience and sharing our love for the sea with you! Contact us and experience the magic of the Adriatic!

8 hoursCrikvenica, Croatia
Activities
Free cancellation

Fully refundable up until 24 hours before the start time

What will you do?

NJIVICE - BELI, CRES (9:30 - 18:30)

You will drive for 2 hours to Njivice, and halfway through, we will pass under our famous Krk Bridge, built in 1980. You will then have 2 hours of free time in Njivice, a small tourist town with all necessary amenities, from beautiful stone and sandy beaches to restaurants and bars. After that, we continue our journey towards the island of Cres, to the town of Beli (a 40-minute drive). Beli is one of the oldest settlements on the island of Cres, a picturesque place that offers not only a charming old town but also a beautiful pebble beach and crystal clear sea. After an hour of swimming and relaxation, we head back to Crikvenica (2 hours and 30 minutes).

BAŠKA - VELA LUKA (10:00 - 18:00)

We depart from Crikvenica directly to Baška, and the drive takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. In Baška, you have 3 hours of free time. Baška is known for its large, natural sandy beach. It also offers a rich selection of restaurants where you can have lunch. After that, we head to Vela Luka, a bay located 10 minutes away from Baška. Vela Luka is a bay that can only be reached by boat, with clear waters ideal for diving. In Vela Luka, we anchor, and you have an hour for swimming and jumping from the boat. This year, we have a new device specially designed for jumping from the upper deck of our boat. The return to Crikvenica takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

BAŠKA - RAB - GOLI OTOK (08:00 - 19:30)

We depart from Crikvenica with breakfast on board included in the price, heading towards Baška. In Baška, you will have 1 hour of free time. Baška is known for its large, natural sandy beach, almost 3 km long. Then we go to the island of Rab, to the old town of Rab. In Rab, you have 2 hours of free time, and if you wish, the ticket price includes a tour guide (30 minutes) and a 20% discount for lunch at a restaurant. After Rab, we head to Goli Otok, where you will have 45 minutes of free time. Goli Otok was a prison during communist Yugoslavia. If you wish, you can explore it on foot or by a small train (€2.50 - not included in the price). After 45 minutes, we head back to Crikvenica.

VRBNIK (13:00 - 18:00)

You have an hour's drive from Crikvenica to Vrbnik, followed by 3 hours of free time in Vrbnik. Vrbnik is known for its old-fashioned appearance, wine production, and the narrowest street in the world. If you wish, we offer you a tour guide (30 minutes) and a tasting of Vrbnik's žlahtina wine and homemade rakija, included in the price of one ticket (€25). Then you have individual free time. We also travel back for 1 hour.

What's included?

Boat tour

What's not included?

Goli Express train on Goli otok

Meeting and pickup

Crikvenica Main Harbour

Ul. Ivana Skomerže 1, 51260, Crikvenica, Croatia

Meet us at the main harbour in center of Crikvenica!

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Reviews

5.0 Exceptional

See what other guests say about this experience.

Amazing! A whole day experience that fulfills you wonderfully. The boat ride is fun and the staff is great. The beaches are the most beautiful. Would go again and strongly recommend.

Matea

August 2024

Stayed at a property similar to Aminess Kvarner

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Organizer

Sfera Crikvenica

Other notes

Breakfast is included only if you take Crikvenica - Baška - Rab - Goli otok tour.

From €25.00/Person

5.0 Exceptional

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