Rijeka is a city in Croatia, one of the biggest. It is located at the seaside, in the Kvarner bay, northern Adriatic. Rijeka is also the most important croatian port. In the 19th century, due to its greatl geolocation sea depth in the Kvarner bay, the city has developed into one of the largest Central European port and industrial center. Nowadays, Rijeka is less industrial, and more tourism city. Rijeka is the center of Primorsko - Goranska County with 305,000 residents in the whole county. It is very impressive and unusual combination of sea and mountains. On the western side of Rijeka is Opatijas Riviera, the oldest and the most elite Croatian tourist region, on the other side is situated Crikvenicko - Vinodolska Riviera.
According to population census from 2001, Rijeka has 144043 inhabitants and it is third city according to population in Croatia. Climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers. On the average there is 128 rainy days in the year. It should be mentioned that Rijeka has a high quality drinking water.
As lately, Rijeka became a tourist center too, there are some hotels of high quality. For tourists who don’t want to spend much for a room in a luxury hotel, they have choice to stay in cheaper hotels, hostels, motels, or in private apartments. As Rijeka is a city, it will be easier to find accommodation in a hotel, but if you go just few kilometers outside Rijeka you will be able to find any accommodation type, private or in some luxury hotel, as the whole region is very tourism oriented. Many restaurants, bars and disco clubs will be found in Rijeka. It has very good night life, so younger population will also be satisfied.
Cultural life in Rijeka is on the high level. Main square is Korzo. During the whole year a tourist can attend some manifestation there. Rijeka has one of the most famous carnivals in this part of Europe. It is very interesting to be part of it, either as visitor, or as part of it. February is month for that carnival, and people from the whole region take part in it. If you visit Rijeka, don’t miss the chance to see Trsatska Gradina. It is located in Trsat, and as it is on the hill, from there you can enjoy the breathtaking view on the whole Rijeka and on the whole bay, and feel the smell of the sea. But not just that, as Trsatska Gradina has its history, so you can observe the inside of that famous fort and learn something about its rich history. The Cathedral of St. Vid is the most important church in Rijeka because of its history. Kantrida is on the other part of Rijeka from Trsat, and you can find there stadium of soccer club Rijeka, and you can see the new built Kantrida swimming pool. There is also something what shouldn’t be missed by the lovers of the speed. Very near to Rijeka, at Grobnik, you can try your driving skills when driving on full speed, as there you will find racetrack. People come there not just from the whole Croatia, but from all over Europe.