Kvarner

Green islands, dolphins off Lošinj, quiet pebble coves and the historic port of Rijeka — the Kvarner Gulf and its Istrian edge.

The Kvarner Gulf is the stretch of coast and islands east of Istria, greener and quieter than the southern rivieras. The islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab each have a different character: Krk the accessible one, Cres wild and rocky, Lošinj the dolphin island, Rab the town of bell towers. The mainland port of Rijeka is the region’s working hub, European Capital of Culture in 2020, and a useful base for the ferries.

This bucket also covers the eastern Istrian fringe, so you will find a few spots here that sit close to the Istrian border. For the heart of the Istrian peninsula — Pula, Rovinj, Motovun — see the dedicated Istria region guide.

Standout spots: Mali Lošinj. Browse the full list below or the Best of Kvarner guide.

Best time: May to October, with June and September ideal. The islands get busy in August; spring is best for dolphins off Lošinj.

How it compares: wetter and greener than Dalmatia, less Italianate than Istria, and the easiest region for island-hopping without going far from the mainland.

116 locations in Kvarner