Three days in Kvarner
In three days, we covered a small part of Kvarner. We got to know the beauty of the sea landscapes thanks to the Aquamarin cruiser, which is part of the impressive fleet of Katarina Line boats. We embarked in Opatija, but first, we visited Veprinac, which is located high above the city.
VEPRINAC
This picturesque place of rich heritage reveals significant cultural and historical monuments at every step. There is also an interesting Ethno collection where about two hundred well-preserved objects are exhibited, depicting the former way of life. The former town lost its status as a settlement of Opatija, but it is still a real little gem worth visiting and enjoying the view of the Kvarner Bay and the islands. It is located somewhere halfway between the sea and Učka.
OPG RUMAC
After walking around Veprinac, we got hungry and headed to OPG Rumac, located in Maćuki. Patricia and Andrijano Rumac are hardworking young people who, in addition to their regular jobs, engage in the production of various delicacies. One of only a few vineyards on the eastern slopes of Učka is good for Malvazija, Muškat, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Patricia is an oenologist and responsible for excellent wines and much more. OPG Rumac grows peaches, pears, apples, and raspberries, from which they make excellent jams and syrups, and they also have cornelian cherry, sloe, and various vegetables. They use only home-grown ingredients, cultivated naturally, without additives, which achieves authentic flavors. The terrace offers a wonderful view to remember. A new tasting room will open soon, and rooms are also in their plans.
We had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Opatija. Yacht Club is located in the harbor, with a view of boats and yachts.
The next morning, we headed to Rab, where we were greeted by light rain, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying this city. Regardless of the weather, Rab is always interesting.
RAB
Rab is known as an island abundant with sun, sand, sea, and natural beauty, and is also considered one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. The island is full of over 100 kilometers of walking and cycling trails that allow visitors to explore the enchanting Mediterranean landscape at their own pace.
We didn’t have much time, so we only visited the town of Rab. It is one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic. It has a historical center surrounded by walls from the thirteenth century. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary has a beautiful view of the sea. The main city square of St. Christopher with the town hall building and his statue, is the center of events.
We visited the premises of the Archers Association. This unit consists of a group of enthusiasts who have gathered with the aim of maintaining and nurturing the tradition of the Rab crossbow, which was used in wars and island defense. The museum displays a collection of various types of crossbows, arrows, and other weapons.
Rabska cake
We tasted and bought the traditional Rabska cake. The main ingredients are almonds, sugar, a little dough, and Maraschino liqueur. It is kneaded and baked in the shape of a spiral, although several shapes are popular today. According to legend, this cake was first served in 1177. On the occasion, the nuns from the Monastery of St. Anthony, and later the Benedictines from the Monastery of St. Andrew, prepared the cake.
We visited two restaurants in Rab, Konoba Rab for lunch and Labirint for dinner. The traditional food and pleasant rustic atmosphere characterize Rab’s restaurants which have a tradition of preparing healthy, local foods. In Konoba Rab, we ate freshly caught fish, which is quite rare, especially in the summer.
We slept on a boat anchored in the port of Rab and the next morning headed towards Krk, where there was also a rainy welcome.
KRK
We docked in the city of Krk, whose recognizable skyline is adorned by the bell tower of the cathedral, built in the Gothic style in the 16th century. In 1767, a baroque dome was built on the bell tower instead of the previous pointed top and an angel was placed.
Krk Island is the largest one in the Adriatic. Krk is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. The island has a long history dating back to ancient times and has been ruled by various powers over the centuries, including the Romans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. Today, Krk is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities and attractions for the visitor
City of Krk
The city of Krk is known for its representative medieval heritage, which was created during the Venetian domination in these areas. The Krk princes, the Frankopans, particularly distinguished themselves during this period and managed to stay in Krk for several centuries thanks to skillful political flirting with Venice. Today, the Frankopan castle, almost in its original state, can be seen as a witness to the rich history of this city.
There are numerous churches, palaces, and towers in the city, such as the Porat Palace, Garbin Tower, and Vela Placa Tower. The city streets are dominated by stone houses with red roofs and windows decorated with floral motifs.
The lively summer scene that offers various cultural and entertainment events also creates a special atmosphere in the city of Krk.
The ideal geographical location of the island of Krk is an advantage that can be very well used. Although the excellent traffic connections (bridge and airport) have made the island of Krk a favorite tourist destination.
Local production of delicacies
On the island of Krk, there are interesting wine and gastronomy projects, many of which have grown into small excellence factories.
So, we visited the Magriž estate in the village of Lakmartin. Magriž cheese is a traditional Krk sheep cheese with an enhanced aroma of sage and lavender. Namely, since their sheep spend the whole year outdoors and graze on indigenous wild herbs, of which sage and lavender have the largest share, the milk and therefore the cheese has a special aromatic note of nature.
Winemaking is popular on Krk, and there are two well-known wineries, Katunar. We visited one of them, Ivan Katunar, located at the entrance to Vrbnik.
The Ivan Katunar wine house continues the family tradition of wine production. Father and son, two Ivans, are responsible for the quality that the new brand Ivan Katunar has been signing for a decade now.
The first bottles from the 1989 harvest were the beginning of the commercialization of the family wine story. Ivan Katunar and his family continue this wine story to highlight the importance of wine in everyday life, but also to enrich the land and introduce new technologies in grape and wine production. The vineyards are located in the Vrbnik field and in the Krasina area.
As for the gastronomic delicacies, on Krk, you must try šurlice. We tasted them in a great restaurant, Konoba Nada, which has a perfect terrace and the most beautiful view on the Kvarner. This family-owned restaurant has an excellent reputation for local cuisine.
Katarina Line
Katarina Line is a company that specializes in organizing small ship cruises with weekly departures from popular tourist destinations of Opatija, Split, and Dubrovnik from the end of April to mid-October. The company owns an impressive fleet of over 50 ships of different categories, tailored to different interests and ages of passengers. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the incredible natural beauty and picturesque Mediterranean cities while traveling from one island to another. This exceptional experience of traveling and discovering the coast is one of the most popular and easiest ways to truly get to know Croatia.
Founded in 1992, Katarina Line has developed into one of the leading Croatian cruise and travel operators with headquarters in Opatija and branches in Split and Dubrovnik.
Especially interesting are the luxury Deluxe Superior cruises organized on new and luxuriously designed ships that provide a high level of comfort and style, including additional services such as sightseeing, wine tasting, and organized excursions. Everything is carefully selected to create a unique experience of Croatia from a sea perspective.
We were guests on the Aquamarin ship during a three-day mini-cruise around Kvarner. Captain Duje Mladin and his crew did an excellent job of making passengers feel safe and satisfied with their stay on board. In the end, we all agreed that we needed one more day to not disembark from the ship and enjoy everything it has to offer.
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