Istria and Dalmatia have long drawn the crowds – and for good reason. But tucked between them lies Kvarner, a horseshoe-shaped bay with four major islands, a string of elegant seaside towns, and mountain forests reaching down to the sea. All the appeal of the Croatian coast, with a little more room to breathe.
And this year, it’s having its moment. Other than being recognized for its beautiful landscapes, the region holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. It’s a distinction that no other Croatian region has ever received. Read on to learn more about the Kvarner Region and why you should consider it for your next vacation.
Why Kvarner
✓ Easier to reach than you think. Kvarner sits in the northern Adriatic, it’s well connected by road, and – since Croatia joined Schengen in 2023 – there is no border hassle for European travelers. You arrive with your gear, your bike, your dog, and your own pace. Krk Island is the only island connected to mainland by bridge, but from there you can easily access other islands – by ferry.
✓ Nature on every side. Sea in the morning, mountains in the afternoon. Risnjak National Park and Učka Nature Park sit just inland. The island of Cres is home to one of Europe’s last griffon vulture colonies. Lošinj has resident dolphins you can actually spot from the shore.
✓ Active holidays done right. Cycling routes across the islands, hiking trails on Učka and Rab, kayaking, SUP, diving, sailing – and the Baška Outdoor Festival on Krk, which brings together mountain biking, trail running, and climbing every summer.
✓ Culture with real depth. Opatija was the Adriatic’s most fashionable resort under the Austro-Hungarian Empire – the grand villas and Lungomare promenade still show it. Rijeka’s National Theatre has ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt. On Rab, medieval knight games run every summer.
Kvarner offers a combination of beautiful seaside promenades, historical towns and crystal-clear sea
Destinations worth knowing
Opatija is the elegant gateway to Kvarner. It’s a 19th-century resort town with a seaside promenade, art nouveau villas, and a café culture that feels genuinely Central European. A great base for day trips across the region.
Cres is one of the least developed islands on the Adriatic. Dense forests, a freshwater lake (Vrana), the clifftop village of Lubenice, and the peaceful fishing village of Valun are just some of its highlights. Ideal if you’re after nature over nightlife.
Lošinj has built a reputation as a wellness destination – the air quality has been considered therapeutic since the 19th century. Mali Lošinj is a vibrant picturesque harbor town, while Veli Lošinj offers a more tranquil atmosphere. The island’s fragrant gardens, the Apoxyomenos bronze statue museum, and the dolphin research center are all worth your time.
Krk is the most accessible island, connected to the mainland by bridge and served by its own airport. Krk town has a well-preserved medieval old town, while Baška in the south has one of the best beaches in the region. There is also Vrbnik, perched on a cliff above vineyards, that pours some of the finest wine in Kvarner.
Crikvenica & the Riviera offer a gentler pace on the mainland coast south of Rijeka – fine pebble beaches, calm water, and a relaxed family atmosphere that’s been drawing visitors since the late 1800s.
Europe’s gastronomy region – and it’s Kvarner
This year, Kvarner holds a title no other Croatian region has ever held: European Region of Gastronomy 2026, awarded by IGCAT. The recognition reflects over a decade of serious work. It’s not just good restaurants, but a whole ecosystem of producers, winemakers, and chefs building something worth tasting.
Kvarner’s food draws from three distinct traditions: coastal, island, and mountain. Expect Kvarner scampi, hand-rolled šurlice pasta with lamb, the legendary Rab cake, local olive oils, and native grape varieties from the Kvarner Wines association. Head inland to Gorski Kotar and the menu shifts entirely – game, trout, wild mushrooms, chestnuts celebrated every autumn at the Lovran Marunada festival. Many local restaurants carry Michelin and Gault&Millau recognition.
Food in the Kvarner Region is to be enjoyed with a good glass of wine, preferably by the sea
Where to stay
When searching for a villa in Kvarner, you can choose from villas on the islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj, or Rab, or stay on the mainland. You can opt for villas near towns or choose more secluded villas that offer more peace and privacy, modern villas, or villas with a rustic charm. No matter what your preferences are, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for you in our extensive villa database.
Kvarner has it all – islands, clean sea, great food, and plenty of nature. Whether you’re after an active week by the sea or a slow vacation with good wine and even better views, it’s a part of the Adriatic that’s well worth discovering. Check out our villas in Kvarner Region and treat yourself to the best seaside vacation yet.
