Kvarner islands

The islands of Brijuni are a national park which consists of 14 islands with a total land measure of 36.3km2. Brijuni have a rich history around them. First rememnants of human occupation on those islands date back to circa 3000 years B.C. Thanks to its developed coast, history, various flora and fauna for which Brijuni have become known as 'Heaven on earth' these islands were declared a national park in 1983. Till this day its a favorite tourist destination.

The climate on these islands is typical mediteranean, calm with plenty of sunshine and warmth and a comfortable ammount of humidity. This allows the vegetation and forests around these areas to flourish, as well as ensure its guests a pleasurable visit.

During the winter season the average temperature is 6.3 degrees Celzius, 12.2 in spring, 22.2 in summer and 14.8 in the fall. Temperatures of the sea during the summer season are around 22 to 25 degrees Celzius. Getting to Brijuni is quite simple. A 15 minute comfortable small ferry ride that leaves from the town of Fazane many times daily.

Covering large surfacea areas of this islands rocky regions on Little and Big Losinj are thick coniferous forests. The pleasent climate of Losinj keeps the various plantlife thriving. Around Losinj are three smaller islands; Unije, Ilovik and Susak, which is knows as the sandy island. Small Losinj is the largest island town on the Adriatic, with circa 7000 residents living there. Towards the end of the 19th century, Small Losinj developed into a thriving marine town and became the center of these islands' region. Even today this citys long maritime past can be felt along with the influence of Losinjs captains.

Since 1993, Big Losinj celebrates a day they call the Day of Dolphins. It takes place on the first Saturday of August every year. Dolphin day coincides with the childrens art exhibit in the center of Veli Losinj. Childrens games, photo exhibitions and many other fun filled events including an outdoors concert. Everything from prospects, posters, picture books and even stamps are made specially for this event. Each year shirts are made for Dolphin Day, and each year the shirts have a different dolphin motive with an educative message as well. A great deal of the local public as well as tourists take part in this yearly event.

Losinj is connected by bridge with the island of Cres. The most practical way to get around these two islands is by car. Taking the car ferry a short and pleasent 20 minutes to Cres, then driving the rest of the way while following the signs. About 30 minutes later, you will arrive in the town of Little Losinj.

On the southern part of this island is a place called Osor which is connected by bridge with its neighboring island Losinj. The town of Cres is the larges on the island of Cres. Cres has a lot to be seen, from cultural programs and various fun events as well as renaisance palaces of noble families from the island.

On Cres you will find ruins of antique towns, early christian churces and even a few monuments from newer Croatian events in its historical timeline. Each street on this beautiful island has a story of a past time on the island. Some of theses culturaly historical heirlooms can be found in the local museum or galleries. One type of this museum is located in the town of Cres in the Arsan building.

There are many tourist oriented spots here too (Belj, Lubenice, Cres, Valun). These places offer soft pebbly beaches and hidden little shores which offer the perfect place for a perfect vacation. Taking the ferry line Brestova-Porozina will get you to Cres. This is the shortest way to the island. The ride takes only 30 minutes, and the ferry runs all day and night. Taking the ferry line Valbiska-Merag is another way to get to Cres and it sails 10 times a day.

The island of Rab has the most sunny days in almost all of Europe with an average of 2499 hours of sun yearly. The summer temperatures reach about 24 degrees celzius, and 10 degrees during the winter. Rab has an average of 9000 residents who mostly work in the tourist industry, farming and fishing. The residents here are known for being polyglots and are sure to amaze you with their warm hospitality. This is probably due to having over 100 years experience in tourism.

The peninsula Lopar has many shallow sandy beaches, each one having its own charm and story. Other than the Lopar beaches, there are two other larger beaches, Supetarska and Kamporska. Rab made popular one of Zadar's famous authors Juraj Barakovic. His story, 'Draga, rapska pastirica', who speaks about a female shepherd who was saved by the goddes Diana by being turned into stone instead of falling into the hands of the lovestruck Kalifront.

Kalifront was then eternaly sentenced to always come to an area of water called Tears of Draga, and plant a forest all over that area. This forest on Lopar still carries his name today. He also had the assignment of memorizing Rab's entire history and pass it on throughout the centuries. These two characters live on today, Draga eternally petrified in stone and Kalifront in Bronze, on Rab's main square.

In Barbat you can find Rab's original recipies prepared by locals and available to the public. Local delicacies such as goats cheeze, wine and honey can be purchased and tasted. The prettiest sandy beaches are located in Kampor and Lopar.

The largest island of the Croatian adriatic coast is Krk. It is connected by bridge to the mainland. Residents of Krk are mainly occupied around producing honey, wine and olive oil.

Sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets reflect on the many colors of these authentic products and their richnes, hence the island being called the 'golden island'. Krk is best viewed by walking through its narrow stone streets and passages or by riding around with a bycicle.

This island is ideal for a relaxing vacation. Recreational activities include diving, sailing and surfing. There is also a rich nightlifein Malinska for teens and those young at heart.

On this island there is only one residential area; Susak. There are no paved streets or cars here. Because of this type of isolation, the residents are able to keep their traditions and customs alive.

The accent residents speak here is specific to this island. It is a mix of old Croatia, English, Italian and French. Susak is known for its prestine beaches and clear sea, as well as its untouched nature.