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—GW
looks set to become the harbour
city’s hot spot this summer. A
trip to the beach is a great way to
revive the kids when they’ve had
enough of pounding the
pavements. Cool down in the
pure, clean waters of the Adriatic
Sea, while the kids play in the
pebble beach’s big sandpit.
There’s plenty to keep grown-ups
happy too. For some real holiday
relaxation, try a stroll along the
beautiful promenade at sunset
with a cool drink in your hand. If
you get caught in one of Rijeka’s
rare rainstorms, you can always
take your little sea monsters for a
dip in the indoor swimming
pool, which is located close to the
beach. Or if you and your brood
are feeling adventurous, there’s
also rafting on the Kupa River or
climbing in the nearby
mountains.
Beautiful excursions
around Rijeka
Rijeka’s harbour isn’t just a
transport hub for commercial
shipping. Yachts and ferries drop
anchor here, and it’s also a point
of departure for cruise liners
heading for theMediterranean.
Take a short cruise on a
catamaran to the island of Cres,
a very picturesque stretch of
land, which is less touristy than
nearby Krk and offers plenty of
tranquillity and opportunities
to relax.
The islanders top up their
water supplies from the
freshwater lake Vrana, which is
above sea level. Beli’s nature
reserve is popular with
birdwatchers, as it’s home to
some of Europe’s very rare
griffon vultures. They’re the only
birds of their kind to roost by
the sea.
Youmay notice that the local
gothic architecture bears more
than a mild resemblance to the
buildings you’ ll see in Venice.
The similarity is no coincidence
– Cres Town was part of the
Venetian Republic for over three
centuries. But with a population
of just 2,000, it’s a lot smaller and
more laid back than its more
famous counterpart.
Another equally attractive
destination is Opatija, Rijeka’s
upmarket summer resort. The
coastal town has been extremely
popular since the 19th century,
when wealthy urbanites,
attracted by the Riviera’s pure air
and agreeable climate, began
building villas there. As well as
elegant architecture, the resort
offers plenty of places to relax
and recuperate, including parks,
gardens and luxury spa hotels.
Part of Opatija’s attraction is
its great location. It’s nestled
between the Kvarner Gulf and
the mountains, so the weather is
always temperate – it’s not too
hot in summer and quite mild
in winter.
Take one of the hiking paths
that snake through the lush
greenery of the town and the
surroundings, and you’ ll be
treated to some beautiful vistas.
After a stroll in the fresh air,
you’ ll be ready to try the sweet
treats and delicious blends of
coffee served up at one of
Opatija’s historic coffee houses
Many of the nearby villages
are also worth visiting. The
fishing village of Volosko, for
example, is steeped inmaritime
charm and offers excellent fish
and seafood restaurants, where
you can dine onMediterranean
delicacies, which seem to taste
even better in the idyllic
surroundings of the harbour.
R I J E K A
Die Lage des Ausflugsorts
Opatija in der Kvarner Bucht
sorgt für ein gutes Klima
Opatija is a delightful
town on the Kvarner Gulf