Apartments and holiday homes on the Crikvenica riviera
About 15 km of mainland coast south-east of Rijeka, with four resorts, a rare sandy town beach and promenades that make it easy to holiday without a car.
Search stays in CrikvenicaThe Crikvenica riviera is a long-established seaside resort with the feel of a traditional family holiday spot: promenades lined with cafés, green parks and beaches right in town. It faces the island of Krk across a narrow channel, which keeps the sea fairly sheltered. A seafront promenade runs through the centre, so you can walk from beach to café to restaurant without the car, and the resorts are close enough to visit each other on foot or by a short bus ride.
Crikvenica itself is the centre, with the widest choice of restaurants, shops and evening walks, and a main beach that is partly sandy. Selce, to the south-east, is a former fishing village with pebble beaches and shallow water that suits young children. Dramalj, just to the north-west, is quieter, with pine trees and a shoreline that feels close to the hills behind. Most beaches here are pebble, with a few concrete sections, and there are pine trees for shade at several of them. The resorts are joined by a coastal road and by paths along the water.
Jadranovo, the furthest north-west, is the most rustic of the four, with small coves and a village rhythm. Stay in Crikvenica for convenience, Selce for families, and Dramalj or Jadranovo for peace. Since there is no ferry to catch, the riviera also works well for a long weekend or a short family break. Most of our stays here have a sea view, and quite a few are a short walk from the water. Several also allow pets.
Beaches
Gradsko kupalište, Crikvenica
The main town beach, one of the few in the region with sand both on the shore and underfoot in shallow water. It is fully accessible, with a ramp for wheelchair users, and sits close to cafés and shops. Expect it to be busy on summer afternoons.
Poli mora, Selce
A pebble beach with shallow water that is popular with families. It is within walking distance of the centre of Selce and makes an easy spot for a full day by the sea with small children.
Kačjak, Dramalj
A mostly pebble beach with concrete sunbathing areas and steps into the sea, set on a headland west of Dramalj. It is quieter than the town beaches and appeals to couples. The Kačjak coastal path leads on towards Jadranovo.
Getting there and around
Crikvenica is on the mainland coast road, roughly 35 km south-east of Rijeka, so no ferry is involved. Rijeka airport on Krk is the nearest, a short drive across the Krk bridge, and Zagreb is about two hours away by motorway. Buses link the four resorts with Rijeka. Parking in central Crikvenica can be tight in summer, so a stay with its own space is useful.
Stays in Crikvenica riviera right now
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Tips before you book
- Podvorska, by the small harbour in Crikvenica, is a free dog beach with pet showers and a dog bar, opened in 2010.
- The main beach is sandy, but most of the riviera is pebble; water shoes help at the smaller coves.
- The Kačjak to Perhati trail between Dramalj and Jadranovo is a good coastal walk, including with dogs.
- Everything is on one coast road, so you can easily hop between resorts by bus.
Frequently asked questions
Does Crikvenica have a sandy beach?
Yes. The main town beach in Crikvenica has sand on the shore and in the shallow water, which is unusual in Croatia. The other beaches on the riviera, in Selce, Dramalj and Jadranovo, are mainly pebble, rock and concrete, though several shelve gently into the sea.
Is Crikvenica good for families?
Very. It has long been a family resort, with promenades, parks and beaches in town, and Selce's shallow pebble beaches suit small children. You can reach it by car without a ferry, and many stays are within walking distance of the sea, so you can leave the car parked.
Can I take my dog to the beach in Crikvenica?
Yes, at Podvorska, a dedicated dog beach by the small harbour in Crikvenica. It is free to enter and has showers for pets and a dog bar. Rules are posted on an information board. On other beaches, follow local signs.
Which is quieter, Crikvenica or Selce?
Selce is smaller and has more of a village feel, though it is lively in peak season. For real quiet, look at Dramalj and especially Jadranovo, both a short drive from Crikvenica's restaurants and main beach.