Kvarner: Your Closest Escape to the Crystal Clear Adriatic
If you live in Belgrade, Novi Sad, or the surrounding areas, which seaside coast do you think you can reach the fastest? The answer is the Kvarner, a region comprised of several stunning islands. Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting two of its finest: Krk and Lošinj.
In cooperation with the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board and the Krk Island Tourist Board, we organized a study trip for travel agency representatives from Serbia. After a smooth five-hour drive (including breaks), we reached our first destination: Rijeka Airport, located on the island of Krk. With the introduction of the direct Belgrade-Rijeka flight route this year, it was the logical place to start our journey.
Exploring the Island of Krk
Our journey continued to the beautiful Omišalj Camp. Whether you prefer a tent, a camper, or the luxury of fully equipped mobile homes, Camp Omišalj is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts. Our hosts prepared a magnificent lunch where we indulged in fresh seafood. We then explored the old town core of Omišalj, which radiates authentic Mediterranean charm.
We stayed at Hotel Jadran in Njivice, located right on the beach. The facility is exceptionally clean, and the staff is both professional and welcoming. During our stay, we also visited Hotel Malin in Malinska. This year-round hotel features heated indoor and outdoor pools, with architecture reminiscent of the Spanish coast. For dinner, our hosts took us to Restaurant Rivica, a legendary establishment opened back in 1934. It was a true symphony of flavors, featuring premium olive oils, seafood, fish, and local wines—a place we highly recommend.
The second day began with a visit to the Biserujka Cave, followed by a tour of the beautiful City of Krk, founded by the Illyrians. The city is pristine, well-organized, and buzzing with satisfied tourists. To cover as much ground as possible, our hosts organized a mini-workshop where local tourism providers presented their offers. We also toured the luxury Krk Premium Resort by Valamar, where every detail is executed to the highest standards.
In Punat, we visited the luxury Falkensteiner Hotel, perfectly situated on the waterfront, and enjoyed another superb seafood lunch at Konoba Sidro. Our cultural tour included the 11th-century Church of St. Lucy. In the fairytale town of Baška, the director of the local tourist board shared the town's immense potential. We took a coffee break at the Heritage Hotel Forza on the promenade, where every room tells its own unique story. Our day concluded in Vrbnik at the wine-themed Hotel Gospoja, with dinner at Restaurant Nada, featuring a terrace with a breathtaking sea view.
The Island of Vitality: Lošinj
On the third day, we said goodbye to Krk and took a short, pleasant ferry ride to the islands of Cres and Lošinj. We were accommodated at the excellent Family Hotel Vespera, nestled in a pine forest right on the shore.
Our guide through Mali Lošinj was the Director of the Tourist Board himself. Our first stop was the Lošinj Garden of Fine Scents (Miomirisni vrt). This isn't just a botanical garden; it’s a sanctuary for indigenous plants and herbs like lavender, brought back by Lošinj sailors from their world travels. It’s a perfect spot for both groups and individuals, offering tastings of local culinary specialties and handmade herbal products.
In the city center, we visited the Museum of Apoxyomenos, the only museum in the world dedicated to a single statue. This bronze statue of a Greek athlete lay at the bottom of the Lošinj archipelago for over 2,000 years before being discovered by a tourist. After a long restoration process, it is now displayed in all its glory.
As the sun began to set, we headed to the Providenca Viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of nearly the entire island. There is a charming café where tables are perfectly positioned to face the sunset. The following day was dedicated to Lošinj Hotels & Villas (Jadranka Hotels). We toured the renovated Hotel Bellevue, the boutique Hotel Alhambra, and Villa Hortensia, alongside Hotel Aurora and Hotel Vespera. Lunch was served at Konoba Čikat, featuring specialties by a talented young chef.
The highlight of the trip was a night regatta of traditional boats. We boarded the wooden motor glider Nerezinac, where opera singer Ivan Gamulin performed a live concert. The combination of a warm September breeze, a surreal sunset, and world-class music is an experience that truly defines the magic of Lošinj.
Hidden Gems: Susak and Veli Lošinj
Our final day on the "Island of Vitality" started with a visit to Veli Lošinj, a charming town even smaller than Mali Lošinj. We then took a speedboat to the tiny island of Susak. This unique island has no street names—only house numbers—and a population of about 130. Our guide was the town’s charming mayor, who returned to her home island after living abroad. Susak is famous for its long, shallow sandy beaches.
Throughout this journey, we met incredibly hospitable people. Both Krk and Lošinj are phenomenal destinations and very accessible for travelers from across the Balkans. Prices are reasonable, the sea is crystal clear, and the infrastructure is top-notch. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting these two pearls of Kvarner; all you have to do is pick a date.
We owe a great debt of gratitude for the realization of this study trip to the Director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, Dalibor Cvitković, and his associate Zrinka Masalin, as well as the Director of the Krk Island Tourist Board, Majda Šale, and her entire team.
