A day around our corner of Kvarner

Step 1 · Right here

Morning in the village

Start the way we do: swim before breakfast, while the sea is still glassy. Then walk the waterfront path to the village centre for fresh bread and pastries from the bakery, and coffee on a terrace by the boats. There's a small daily stand with fruit, vegetables and local olive oil, and everything you need is within a ten-minute walk.

• Early swim at the pebble beach, 40 m from the house
• Coffee and burek on the waterfront terrace
• Village stand: fruit, vegetables, olive oil, homemade rakija
• The little stone church above the harbour

Step 2 · 10 minutes by car

Crikvenica — the lively riviera

Crikvenica is the upbeat neighbour: a long sandy-and-pebble riviera with a promenade that runs the whole length of town. Come in the morning for the fish market and the green market by the harbour, stay for lunch at one of the konobas along the seafront, and spend the afternoon on the main town beach — one of the few sandy beaches on this stretch of coast.

• Morning fish market by the harbour — go before 9 am
• Main town beach: sand, shallow water, great for kids
• Seafront konobas: grilled sardines, scampi buzara, black risotto
• Evening promenade with gelato stands and summer events

Step 3 · 10 minutes the other way

Novi Vinodolski — the historic one

Novi Vinodolski climbs up from its harbour into a maze of stone lanes. Walk up to the Frankopan castle for the view over the bay, then back down to the waterfront for dinner. The town is famous for its fishing fleet, so the restaurants here serve whatever came in that day — ask for the catch of the day and a glass of local žlahtina wine.

• Frankopan castle and the old-town lanes
• Harbour promenade and boat-watching at sunset
• Harbour restaurants: catch of the day and žlahtina wine
• Lungomare walking trail south along the cliffs