Opatija

For centuries, the old town of Veprinac has watched over Kvarner, and passing through the city gates opens a door onto the historical path of this region like a time machine. This path leads next to the Church of St. Anne, where more than 500 years ago, one of the most important legal documents in this area, the Veprinac Statute, was written. Nearby, it is possible to see Komunšćica, a former administrative building and prison, where an ethno collection is now kept. A few hundred steps up the stone staircase is all it takes to reach the lookout spot, in front of the majestic Church of St. Mark, which overlooks the entire bay.

However, Veprinac is not just a history-book of the whole region, but also a live stage where performances of vocal groups - or klape - and folk festivals take place as well as where you can taste local specialties and wines. With well-maintained promenades connected to the centre of Opatija and the peak of Učka, Veprinac is perfect for all generations.

This fishing village carrying the essence of the Mediterranean has always been dedicated to the sea. Among the crowded rooftops of old houses, there are meandering stone staircases and narrow streets filled with art galleries and ateliers.

They are all directed towards the heart of Volosko - the "mandrać" (a little harbour). At dawn, fresh fish arrives in the small harbour that can immediately be found on the menus of numerous Volosko taverns and restaurants, the "secret" of the local gastronomic scene, which judging by the number of first-rate restaurateurs, belongs to Croatia’s best.

Mandrać is also a cosy place for a morning coffee with a sea view or an afternoon stroll along the Lungomare coastal promenade that begins in Volosko. It’s also the perfect stage for events such as evenings with "klape" vocal groups, jazz concerts and art events.

Halfway between the waves and the top of Učka lies Poljane, a place that in recent years, due to the many holiday homes, has been known as an ideal refuge for all those who love comfort and relaxation in the peace and quiet of nature.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Poljane offers plenty of opportunities to stroll through forest trails or take on more challenging mountain paths, while the large Church of St. Peter is a captivating attraction in the town centre.

The sunny Učka slopes facing south are suitable for agriculture and winemaking, which is why Poljane is also known as a great place to taste the authentic products of local producers.

Dobreć, "hidden" in the ancient forests of sweet chestnuts or maruni, is best known for this indigenous fruit of the Učka slopes. Larger and sweeter than their chestnut “relatives”, the maruni are a world renowned local delicacy, and during October in Dobreć, the chestnut festival Marunada takes place, a long standing ”celebration” that is listed as one of Europe's finest gastronomic events.

The forest surrounding Dobreć is intersected by historical trails, which are often the destination of asparagus or mushroom pickers during the spring and autumn months, as well as walking paths leading to the top of Učka or the sea shore.

In addition to maruni, which are prepared in various ways including by baking or boiling in order to be added to desserts or even ice-creams - the local farmhouses are also known for olive oil, honey and other products that are best tasted in authentic Dobreć taverns.