Kvarner Region

The Kvarner sailing area is also the oldest holiday region in Croatia, where hospitality is a long-standing tradition.
Deep roots in the hospitality industry are especially evident in the charming town of Opatija. This well-known seaside resort features grand villas, distinctive architecture, immaculate gardens and parks, as well as a 12-kilometre-long promenade, which makes Opatija one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.
Rijeka, the largest port in the region, blends a mix of architectural styles, historic landmarks and a vibrant culinary scene. Not only is it a great choice for a short city break, but it also serves as an ideal starting point for sailing in the Kvarner area or exploring the nearby islands.
When it comes to island-hopping in Kvarner, Krk and Cres certainly deserve a place on any sailing itinerary. With varied landscapes and a wide range of complementary daily activities, the island of Krk is a fun and versatile yacht charter destination. It is also home to one of the most beautiful marinas in Croatia, Marina Punat, which offers everything needed for a comfortable stay, including a nautical shop, bar, restaurants, laundry service and a market for stocking up on supplies.
Equally attractive for sailing is the neighbouring island of Cres, with its deeply indented coastline and numerous secluded bays and coves, ideal for exploration by yacht. When it comes to mooring, Cres offers a pleasant marina with all the essential facilities for a relaxed cruising experience. However, what truly makes this island unique are its 1,300 different plant species and a protected ornithological reserve. A rare and endangered bird species, the griffon vulture, nests here, particularly along the steep cliffs of the island’s northern and eastern shores. At the heart of the island lies the large freshwater lake Vrana, surrounded by many local legends.

Another island worth visiting on your Kvarner cruise is definitely the island of Lošinj. Separated from Cres by an 11-meter-wide channel, the island of Lošinj boasts unspoiled nature, lush vegetation and a range of fun outdoor activities including cycling, hiking and dolphin spotting. Mali and Veli Lošinj are the two most popular holiday resorts on the island, with the latter being smaller and more suited for tranquil family holidays. To truly appreciate the island’s remarkable biodiversity, you can visit the Lošinj Garden of Fine Scents, where you can learn all about the island’s medicinal herbs. With so many locally grown herbs and abundant marine life, you can enjoy delicious meals in some of the local restaurants. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and an indented coastline, the nearby islands of St Peter and Ilovik are a delightful bonus when sailing in the area.

Known as the “Happy Island”, the island of Rab is not to be missed on your yacht charter cruise through the Kvarner region. There are many reasons behind its nickname, but the fact that Rab has the highest number of sandy beaches on the entire Adriatic certainly plays a big part. The most popular beach on the island is Paradise Beach, famous for its clear, shallow waters and a mile-long stretch of golden sand. Renting a yacht is the perfect way to discover many of Rab’s other beaches and hidden coves. And with two marinas on the island, you won’t have to worry about mooring. Of course, beyond the more popular islands, the Kvarner archipelago also includes smaller gems such as Unije, Susak, Prvić and Plavnik. So when planning your sailing holiday in Croatia, be sure to include some of them in your cruising itinerary. If you're interested in yacht rental in Croatia, the Kvarner sailing region offers a wide range of options – from fully equipped marinas and diverse charter yachts to stunning landscapes and a mild Mediterranean climate. All you really need to do is hop aboard and discover what you love most about Kvarner.