BEST BEACHES IN RIJEKA & NEARBY COAST (2026 GUIDE)
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Rijeka is one of the most underrated coastal cities in Croatia, offering a unique mix of urban beaches, hidden coves, windsurfing spots, and easy access to some of the most beautiful destinations on the Adriatic Sea.
What makes Rijeka special is its location — within minutes you can go from city beaches to quiet natural bays, and within a short drive you can reach Opatija, Mošćenička Draga, Crikvenica, and even Krk Island.
This guide covers the best beaches in Rijeka and the wider Kvarner region, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and exploring.
🌊 BEACHES IN RIJEKA
🌊 Sablićevo Beach
Sablićevo is a small natural beach very close to Rijeka city center, surrounded by cliffs and greenery. It feels quiet and hidden despite being in the city.
✔ Best for: couples, quiet swimming, relaxing escape
🏖️ Ploče Beach
Ploče is one of the most popular and organized beaches in Rijeka with large terraces and easy sea access. It is ideal for a full beach day close to the city.
✔ Best for: families, swimming, all-day beach stay
🌴 Glavanovo Beach
Glavanovo is a small and peaceful beach located in the Pećine area, perfect for a relaxed swim away from crowds.
✔ Best for: relaxation, sunbathing
🌊 🌿 PEĆINE RIJEKA BEACHES (MULTIPLE SPOTS)
Pećine is a long coastal stretch with several small beaches, each with a different atmosphere. It is one of the most interesting beach zones in Rijeka.
🌴 Glavanovo – quiet and relaxed, good for sunbathing
🌊 Grčevo – small local beach with natural feel
🏖️ Ružićevo – calm swimming spot with fewer tourists
🌅 Sablićevo – one of the most scenic city beaches
🏨 Vila Olga – hidden coastal access near villas
🌿 Park Hotel area – small hotel coastline access points
✔ Best for: exploring multiple beaches, local experience
🐶 Dog Beach – Pećine
Pećine includes a designated dog-friendly beach where pets can swim freely. It is one of the few official dog beaches in Rijeka.
✔ Best for: dog owners, pet-friendly travel
🌆 Kantrida Beaches
Kantrida is an urban beach zone under dramatic cliffs next to the stadium. It combines city life with sea access and multiple swimming areas.
✔ Best for: city beach experience, easy access
🌬️ Preluk Beach (Windsurfing Spot)
Preluk is the top windsurfing and kitesurfing spot near Rijeka due to strong morning winds. It is also a calm beach when the wind drops.
✔ Best for: windsurfing, kitesurfing, adventure sports
🌊 Bivio Beach
Bivio is a quiet coastal area with small beaches and a long seaside walking path. It is less crowded than central Rijeka beaches.
✔ Best for: relaxed walks, quiet swimming
🏝️ Kostrena Beaches (Nova Voda & Svežanj)
Kostrena offers some of the cleanest and most popular beaches near Rijeka with crystal-clear water and multiple swimming areas.
✔ Best for: families, full beach days, clean sea
🌿 BEST BEACHES NEAR RIJEKA
🌊 Slatina Beach (Opatija)
Slatina is the main city beach in elegant Opatija with a long promenade and easy access to cafes and restaurants.
✔ Best for: city beach lifestyle, couples
🌿 Medveja Beach
Medveja is a natural pebble beach surrounded by green hills and clear water, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
✔ Best for: nature lovers, swimming in clear water
🐚 Sipar Beach (Mošćenička Draga)
Sipar is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, known for its turquoise sea and scenic mountain backdrop.
✔ Best for: couples, photography, scenic beach days
🌊 Crikvenica Beaches
Crikvenica offers long beaches, beach bars, and a lively seaside promenade. It is one of the most developed beach destinations near Rijeka.
✔ Best for: active holidays, families, entertainment
🌅 Selce Beaches
Selce is a quieter alternative to Crikvenica with a more relaxed and peaceful seaside atmosphere.
✔ Best for: calm holidays, couples, relaxation
🏝️ KRK ISLAND BEACHES (20–30 MIN FROM RIJEKA)
Krk Island is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Rijeka, known for crystal-clear water, hidden coves, and iconic beaches.
🏖️ Vela Plaža – Baška
Vela Plaža is the most famous beach on Krk, stretching over 1.8 km with clear water and a mountain backdrop.
✔ Best for: families, full beach days, iconic experience
🌿 Oprna Beach (Stara Baška)
Oprna is a hidden cove surrounded by cliffs, accessible only by hiking or boat, offering a very natural experience.
✔ Best for: adventure, photography, hidden beaches
🌊 Uvala Soline (Meline Beach)
Soline is famous for its shallow warm water and natural healing mud, making it unique in the region.
✔ Best for: families, wellness, shallow swimming
🏝️ Bunculuka Beach (Naturist Beach – Baška)
Bunculuka is a well-known naturist beach located in a peaceful pine forest bay near Baška. It offers privacy, clear water, and a natural environment.
✔ Best for: naturist visitors, nature lovers, privacy seekers
🧭 BEST BEACH STRATEGY FROM RIJEKA
🌆 City beaches → Sablićevo, Kantrida
🌬️ Adventure → Preluk (windsurfing)
🌊 Relax → Kostrena, Medveja
🏝️ Scenic → Sipar, Oprna
🌴 Riviera vibe → Opatija, Crikvenica, Selce
🏔️ Iconic trip → Krk Island (Baška, Soline, Bunculuka)
🏡 WHERE TO STAY
Rijeka is the perfect base for exploring all these beaches. Within 30–45 minutes you can reach city beaches, hidden coves, and some of the most famous coastal destinations in Croatia.
Our boutique apartments in Rijeka offer:
Central location near beaches
Easy access to Opatija and Crikvenica Riviera
Perfect base for Krk Island day trips
Stylish and comfortable stays
