The actual meaning of the word “Rijeka” is river. No wonder that it is considered as the main sea port as well as the third largest city in the whole Croatia. There are more or less 200,000 people residing in Rijeka. Situated in the very heart of Kvarner Gulf, Rijeka has been the intersection of sea and land routes along with the other parts of the world. This includes air, train, ship and bus lines.
Rijeka, the third largest city in the Republic of Croatia, is situated on Kvarner Bay on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. This natural harbor is located at the furthest point that the Adriatic penetrates the European continent. It’s safe anchorage and proximity to many of Eastern Europe’s largest cities makes Rijeka one of the busiest seaports in the world. More than eighty countries trade here.
Staying at Rijeka will never be troublesome. Vast array of hotels, hostels, lodgings, camps and private accommodations awaits the travelers. The hostels are entirely has an Austro-Hungarian villa construction style. Some of these hotels even include fine dining restaurants (international foods are served) and pizzeria. Local fast foods and taverns are also up for grabs.
Because of the very busy environment and business ports, communication has been an essential for most Rijekans. People are friendly and they accommodate foreigners very well. Few local residents of Rijeka can speak one foreign language. They can easily tell you the directions for tourist spots in case you need help.
The Adriatic is a body of water stretching north from the Mediterranean sea, separating Italy from the Balkan States. This connection makes Croatia a Mediterranean country and Rijeka a natural stop on any Mediterranean tour.
Rijeka is fast becoming a must see stop for the Mediterranean and Adriatic traveler. Steeped with history and culture, and still unspoiled, it is a great place to spend your seaside holiday.
Facts & Figures about Rijeka
Phone Prefix – 051
Postcode – 51000
Population – 144,043
Previous Name – Fiume – Italian
Rijeka weather at the moment is: 8 ºC
History of the City
Although it was settled as far back as the fifteenth century, this seaport town did not really start to grow until the roads connecting it to the capital city Zagreb began appearing in the early 1700’s. Now Rijeka has a population of more than one hundred thousand, not counting the thousands of tourists who visit each year.
The ancient inhabitants of the area were made up of a mixture of Celtic hill people and sea faring folk called the Liburni. This double nature exists today, as Rijeka celebrates it’s heritage from both the land and the sea.
After World War I, control of this important seaport was hotly disputed, with Italy leading the pack. It’s proximity to Italy made it a desirable shipping partner. The negotiations dragged on for some time until the Italians, impatient for a resolution, took matters into their own hands and seized the city. Control shifted around for some time. At one point, Rijeka even becoming an independent state.
Finally, after being part of Yugoslavia following the second world war, Rijeka became part of the new Country of Croatia at the end of the twentieth century.
Places to Visit Rijeka
Although Rijeka is not being advertised as a tourist spot, this city does not only serve as the center port of Croatia. Many tourists from all over the world visit Rijeka because of the great ancient architectures that can be mostly seen in the old parts of the city, especially when the annual carnival is held. Aside from that, interesting places are also available in Rijeka especially for history and art enthusiasts.
The Natural Museum of Rijeka is the right place to go if you want to know more about the city’s history. It has an estimated display of 90,000 specimens. The museum is so big that the collections are divided into 12 categories. People can freely visit and look at the priceless possessions of Rijeka. However, there are certain items (most prized valuables and rare ones) in the museum that does not have an easy access unless you are part of a tour.
So many sporting activities can be done in Rijeka. Since it is a coastal town, most of these are water related. Locals have been fanatics for aquatic sports throughout the years. Water competitions are held yearly such as spear fishing contest, sea-fishing competition, water polo, swimming and sailing regattas. But though the city is water filled, it still caters hiking, hunting and mountaineering, 30 kilometres from the heart of Rijeka.
Those interested in history and technology will enjoy touring the Torpedo Factory, where the first successful self propelled torpedoes were developed and tested in 1866.
Architecture and icon buffs will enjoy the Sanctuary of Madonna Trsatian, built in the 1400’s to protect the many seagoing inhabitants of the town.
Several museums can be found in Rijeka, including the Rijeka Museum of Modern Art and the Rijeka Natural History Museum.
City Museum – Rijeka – Muzejski trg 1/1
Museum of Modern Art – Dolac 1/ II
Old Gateway “The Roman Arch” – A historic entrance to the Praetorium, Praetorium was a military command in the late antiquity.
Tours of Rijeka
- Enchanting Adriatic tour from US based Picasso Tours, which includes Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.
Tel: 800-995-7997 - Croatian based Atlas Air Tours
Tel: +385/1/6102-049 - Coach Tours from Dubrovnik Online
tel/fax: +385 20 435 668, mob: +385 98 793 468,
e-mail: [email protected]
Activities Rijeka
The medieval Trsat Castle, restored in the nineteenth century by a wealthy Irish national who had relocated to Croatia.
The Palaca Modello, built in 1885, is now the home of the Central City Library.
The Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral, which is housed in the seventeenth century Guvernerova palaca, the one time home of the Governor during Croatia’s alliance with the Hungarian Empire.
Car & Bike Rentals Rijeka
National Car Rental has two outlets in Rijeka, Rijeka Airport and Hotel “Bonavia”, you can contact them via phone on +385 51 212452 or their central mobile phone on +385 91 3200 103.
Getting There & Away Rijeka
There are a lot of options on how to go to Rijeka since all modes of transportation is available. Coming from connecting places like other Croatian cities and other European cities, one can take the scheduled bus in the central bus terminal in Zabica. The city also has an international air connecting port, but it is more of a chartered airport due to the minimum capacity that it can handle. However, most travelers prefer taking the ship in order to get to Rijeka because of sight seeing. There are direct ferry that sails from Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. But coming from the city of Pula can be more convenient in traveling to Rijeka via sea line.
Rijeka International Airport is located on the nearby Island of Krk. It offers fast access via public transportation to Rijeka and the surrounding areas. Many people prefer to fly into other Croatian Cities, such as Zagreb, and make their way to Rijeka by car or on the very effective Croatian railway system.
Rijeka also has an International sea port and border crossing, if you are arriving from another Mediterranean country. regular ship or ferry services are available to Rijeka, this is probably the most scenic and relaxing method to travel.
Places to Eat Rijeka
Being at an international crossroad, the city of Rijeka had a wide and varied culinary palette. Not surprisingly, nearby Italy is well represented by the numerous Italian Restaurants and pizza shops. French, German and other European cuisine co-exist side by side with the local Croatian delicacies.
Restaurants recommended by the cities official tourist bureau include the Brun, Zlatna Skokljka, and Ostarija Pul Belega, where you can sample Croatian cooking. For a change, restaurants like the Continental, Moon Shanghai and Indigo are available.
Annual Events in Rijeka
International Carnival of Rijeka (January – February)
The International Carnival of Rijeka comprises components of the ancient Slavs folklore and the bourgeois carnival. The costumes are designed to ward off the devil and other evil elements.
Tourist Office Rijeka
Address: Užarska 14
Phone: +385 51 315-710
E-mail: [email protected]
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