Rijeka

Rijeka is a port city on Croatia's northern Adriatic coast. Austro-Hungarian architecture lines its streets, alongside a working harbour and the wider Kvarner Bay. It suits both a short city break and a longer Croatian holiday.

You can fly directly from London Stansted to Rijeka Airport (RJK), a journey of around 2 hours 10 minutes. Ryanair operates the route, which runs on a seasonal basis. Rijeka Airport is on the island of Krk, connected to the mainland by the Krk Bridge.

Korzo is Rijeka's main promenade, lined with Habsburg-era buildings, cafés, and shops. It has long served as the city's central meeting point, connecting the Old Town with the waterfront.

At its heart stands the City Clock Tower, once a gateway into the fortified town and now one of Rijeka's best-known landmarks.

Above the city, Trsat Castle stands on a hill 138 metres above sea level. You can reach it from the city centre via the 561 Petar Kružić Steps or by road. Its ramparts offer panoramic views across Rijeka and Kvarner Bay.

Rijeka's Old Town reflects a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Mediterranean, and maritime influences, visible in its historic streets, squares, and churches. The waterfront is close by, making it easy to move between the historic centre and the Adriatic.

Kvarner Bay is known for scampi and other seafood, served in restaurants around Korzo and the Old Town. Markets and cafés nearby offer a mix of Croatian and Mediterranean dishes, reflecting the wider region's coastal traditions.

For a longer stay, Opatija and Krk Island both lie a short drive from Rijeka. Opatija is a historic seaside resort, while Krk Island is one of the largest islands along the coast.