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In the early 2000s, Croatia was Europe’s secret treasure – free from large groups, it remained completely unknown to tourists.

However, after the country joined the EU in 2013, everything changed completely, and Croatia quickly became the must-visit spot, attracting large numbers of nightlife enthusiasts traveling to Split and Hvar, as well as tourists looking for stunning beaches in the vicinity.

Today, Croatia is no longer a distinctive travel destination, suffering the same fate as other congested European locations.

But this does not apply to the whole nation.

Situated in the northern section of the Adriatic Sea, Rijeka is the lesser-known coastal city in Croatia, offering beautiful sea views along with the mountainous landscapes of the Dinaric Alps.

The hidden coastal city offers all the beauty, beach views, and sunshine found in well-known areas – but without large crowds of visitors.

Situated a five-hour drive from Split, Rijeka is located on Kvarner Bay in western Croatia and is referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the islands of Krk, Cres, Rab, and Losinj.

In terms of food and beverages, it is more cost-effective compared to other cities in Croatia, with wine glasses available for €2.50 (£2.20).

For food enthusiasts seeking regional specialties, Rijeka provides a variety of Croatian Peka dishes to sample, which are slowly cooked seafood meals, stuffed with octopus, garlic, olive oil, and wild vegetables.

The seaside city was also honored with the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2020 due to its variety of new museums.

This encompasses the Rijeka City Museum, referred to as the ‘Sugar Palace,’ which has been meticulously restored to its baroque grandeur.

Affordable prices and quick journeys make Rijeka an excellent choice for exploring islands in Croatia.

Flights from London to Rijeka begin at only £17 per person in June via Ryanair.

If you come by, you’ll discover many things to see in the vicinity as well.

From Rijeka, the British can easily and affordably access some of Croatia’s finest and lesser-known northern Adriatic islands.

Krk is the most straightforward option, requiring no ferry, with bus fares ranging from €6 to €10 (£5.20 to £8.70) per person to an island featuring beaches, vineyards, and pastel-colored towns.

Cres, accessible via boat, costs approximately €6–€10 (£5.20-£8.70) per person, providing secluded bays and dramatic landscapes, ideal for peaceful getaways.

Buying a €10–€15 (£8.70-£13) catamaran ticket will take Brits to Rab, known for its unique sandy beaches and a vibrant medieval area.

Further south, Lošinj, famous for its dolphins, pine forests, and wellness centers, can be reached for €7–€9 (£6-£7.80) via catamaran.

For travelers interested in visiting the Croatian city of Rijeka, Marella Cruises has resumed its voyages to the city for the summer of 2026, providing a seven-night Adriatic Affair round-trip cruise departing from Dubrovnik, Croatia, aboard the Marella Explorer 2, priced at £1,610 per person.

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