Croatia | holiday | living - All about Croatia

Bakar is small town and big port placed in huge Bakar’s bay, about 15km from Rijeka. Although main road "magistrala" passes above it, Bakar is somehow always bypassed. The same was with us until this weekend when we stopped for a coffee in café bar above town. We were attracted by its name "Vidikovac" (lookout) and we did not miss.

After shooting panorama photos we did not resist and went to see this pearl from "inside".The town has two parts: old part of town placed on the hill with Frankopanian castle (XVI ct.) and newer part by the coast. In this time of year there are not many people walking around, which made the atmosphere even more relaxing. Either walking on long sea promenade or between old stone houses of old part, you’ll have a feeling of going in the past.

The only reminder will be large crossing road of new highway on top of hill above town.There is also one hotel, that is special for its sign placed on the roof so it is visible from main road Rijeka - Split.

This small town in past was important port for trading, fishing as well as shipyard. But after building a coke plant factory, the eko-system of the bay is destroyed, together with that tourism is not growing. Although the factory was closed in 1995, its remains are still not making the situation better.

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To find nice beaches people from Rijeka have to go to nearest towns and villages. We heard it is very nice to take a walk in Kostrena now,altough it is not swimming season jet.

It is unusual town by the sea, because its centre is placed in inland and pretty far from sea, and it is advisable to find beaches using a car or a bicycle.

Like most towns in Kvarner Riviera, Kostrena also has "lungomare" – small walking road just by the sea, providing views to Rijeka, Učka mountain and islands Krk and Cres. The coast is full with small bays, hidden behind big white stones making beautiful contrast with rich blue sea.

Long tradition in tourism is visible on each step: stone made steps are leading to almost each bay, restaurants, coffee bars as well as private houses are almost invisible from the trees, leaving privacy and romance untouched.

Regards from Rijeka (allmost wrote Split hahahaha)

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In these days it is not usual to see ship full of fish. But today was my lucky day. And fishermans too. This small group of people living from sea and its fruits was today specialy happy as they caught around 3 tones of anchovies last night, just when they wanted to go home, after five days on sea without result.

Few days ago Croatian government allowed Italian and Slovenian fishermans after presuer from the EU, to fish in Croatian part of Adriatic Sea. Many fishermans are angry because of that decision, their boats are smaller, slower, and so they cannot keep up with the competition. There is an old expression that fisherman’s bread is bread with 7 crusts; it just got one more.

Yesterday was first sunny day since we moved to Rijeka. I cleaned dust from camera and we went to first look around:-)

We choose to go and see Trsat, which is a peaceful hill above Rijeka, with one of the oldest Croatian sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as we felt a need to thank for safe trip, movement, job etc.

The sanctuary is actually an old settlement and fortress that still treasures numerous artefacts, churches and other monuments. In the centre of Trsat, stands the Church of Our Lady of Trsat. In front is huge monument in memory of Pope’s visit. Alongside the church is situated Franciscan monastery. The inside of both is full with beautiful works of art. Part of monastery that really affected us is Chapel of Votive Gifts. Walls are full of pictures, hand made works, words of gratitude, some of them are older than 150 years. Reading them we felt amazing, like getting our own strength for new "battles".

Few steps from church are the Trsat Hill-Fort placed. Its history dates from prehistorically times, and is a witness of great history and gives beautiful view to town and river Rječina. During the summer, the hill-fort is the cultural and artistic centre of Rijeka - the site of many art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and other types of entertainment.

Here you can refresh your self with drink on the terrace and shoot unforgettable photos:-)

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What would you do if your husband came from work one day, with these words: „Honey, pack your things, we are moving to Rijeka in 10 days! " I almost fainted… After first shock, and few days of preparation, we left Split with two full cars and started the 400km long journey to Rijeka. Luckily it was a beautiful day, as if Dalmatia wanted to stay in the best way in our memories. We first went in Dugopolje, 20km from Split, where we entered the highway and started our four to five our long journey.

After passing imposing Krka bridge and low land behind Zadar, the road started to climb toward tunnel Sveti. Rok, the longest in Croatia, the few last kilometres before tunnel there is great view to the sea and the islands. As soon as we exited, it was obvious we where no longer in Dalmatia, the sea view was gone (-: and it was definitely colder. However, green mountains, with snow hats, high trees and small rivers were part of beautiful nature.

In Bosiljevo we switched to highway Zagreb-Rijeka. There was around 70km of road still under construction; where the speed is limited to 80km/h. around 30km before Rijeka weather became bad, foggy, which unfortunately is not rare in this part of country. But luckily weather cleared up before we reached our new home in Rijeka after 4 hours driving.

So when I am settled in Rijeka part of my plan is to write posts about Rijeka and Istria for you, my dear readers, so i hope you will drop by another time, to read about this part of our country. Until my next post: Greetings from Rijeka! - Katica

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