Private day trips from Rijeka to places you'll never forget

While Rijeka itself is a port city, beautiful beaches are within easy reach. Sablicevo, Plaza Glavanovo, Grcevo, and Igraliste Beach are all nearby and worth a dip in the sea. Bring water shoes, as they are stone beaches.

Croatia adopted the Euro in 2022, replacing the Croatian Kuna. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, though some smaller establishments may prefer cash. The official language is Croatian. English is fairly widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, making it easy for international visitors to navigate. In Rijeka, you'll find many English speakers due to its port city status and tourism.

The best time to visit Rijeka is during the shoulder seasons of May through early June and September through October when weather remains pleasant but crowds and prices are lower. July and August bring peak summer tourism with warm weather perfect for beaches.

Rijeka offers a charming mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture along the pedestrian street Korzo. Visit Trsat Castle, perched 138 meters above sea level, with panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic. Explore the unique round baroque St. Vitus Cathedral, rare in Croatia. Go a bit further on a day trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle to see more of Croatia from Rijeka.

Rijeka's central attractions are concentrated in the pedestrian-friendly old town and easily walkable. A network of city buses runs frequently for reaching places further out like Trsat Castle. The main bus station sits on the edge of the pedestrian center, making arrivals convenient. For exploring nearby islands and coastal towns, Jadrolinija ferries depart from Rijeka's port.

Rijeka is Croatia's third-largest city and most important seaport, known for its authentic local atmosphere without mass tourism. It was named European Capital of Culture in 2020. The city is famous for hosting Croatia's biggest carnival celebration each February with traditional masked Zvoncari performers. Rijeka's rich history includes periods under Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Yugoslav rule, reflected in its diverse architecture and cultural heritage.

Try seafood risotto with squid ink, a local specialty unique to the region. Sample fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and traditional Istrian dishes with truffles and excellent olive oils. Visit Rijeka's farmers market for fresh local produce grown under the Croatian sun.

Yes, Croatia has a largely cash-based economy, even in major cities. While large restaurants and shops will accept credit and debit cards, you may need to pay with cash at more remote businesses or small mom-and-pop shops.