Driving to Rijeka

Country: Croatia Capital: Zagreb Language: Croatian Currency: kuna (HRK)

Rijeka is the main port of Croatia, situated on the Kvarner Bay. It is located between sea and mountains, and is east of the Opatija Riviera, which is Croatia’s main tourist region.

Amongst the most worthwhile attractions are the Tvornica, or ‘torpedo’ factory, where Giovanni Luppis made Europe’s first self-propelled torpedoes. A more conventional sight is the Sanctuary of the Trsatian Madonna, constructed 700 years ago and located 135 metres above sea level.

If you visit Rijeka around January or February you’ll be able to witness the carnival, which is the third biggest in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Venice. There are further festivities on the 15th of June, when the city celebrates its patron, Saint Vitus.

Rijeka is incredibly well connected, Slovenia is a half hour drive away, Trieste in Italy is one hour away, while driving to Zagreb takes a mere hour and a half.

All of these places are within a few hours drive from Rijeka