Rijeka – Capital of Culture in 2020

Rijeka is a city in Croatia, located on the Kvarner Bay, on the northern Adriatic Sea. The city is an important commercial and industrial port and the cultural and economic center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar region.

Rijeka has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is known for its architecture and culture. The city has many sights, including the Baroque Trsat Castle, the medieval Gradina Fortress and the Rijeka Cathedral.

The city is also an important venue for music and cultural festivals and hosts the renowned Rijeka Carnival Festival every year, which is considered one of the largest and oldest carnivals in Europe.

Rijeka also has a variety of restaurants and cafes offering local specialties and wines, including fish dishes, seafood and pasta. We recommend guests of Villa-Inge to visit the confectionery“Cacao” located directly in the center of Rijeka, by the port. It was opened in 2016. Each piece of cake a treat for the palate.

In Rijeka there are two large shopping centers where you can shop even in bad weather (parking is available and free of charge):

    • Tower Center Rijeka: This is a large shopping center in the suburb of Pecine in the east of Rijeka. It has more than 100 stores, including fashion, home goods and electronics stores, as well as a movie theater and food court. Here is also a branch of the aforementioned confectionery “Cacao”.
    • ZTC: Another shopping center in the Zamet district of Rijeka, in the east of the city. It has over 80 stores, including fashion and beauty stores, electronics stores and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a supermarket.

There are also several smaller shopping centers and markets throughout the city where you can find a variety of goods.

The “Korzo” is the main promenade and pedestrian zone in the center of Rijeka. It is a lively street that stretches for about 1 kilometer and is lined with stores, cafes, restaurants and historic buildings.

Pedestrian zone (Korzo) in Rijeka!
Korzo

The Korzo is the heart of the city and a popular place for locals and tourists alike to walk, shop and socialize. There are also several cultural and historical sights here, including the City Tower, the Rijeka Theater and the Governor’s Palace.

Throughout the year, Korzo hosts various events and festivals, such as the Rijeka Carnival, the International Lace Festival and the Rijeka Summer Nights festival. In the summer, sidewalk cafes and bars line the street, making it an ideal place to enjoy a drink or a meal and people-watch. Overall, Korzo is a must for anyone traveling to Rijeka.

Tržnica in Riijeka (Placa). The first two pavilions were built in 1880. The fish market was added at the beginning of the 20th century!
Tržnica in Rijeka

The market in Rijeka is an important part of city life and a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Located in the city center, near the port and the old town, the market is a lively place open every day of the week. The market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meats and charcuterie, and cheeses and breads. Here you can also find local specialties such as truffles and olive oil, as well as a variety of spices, herbs and other ingredients typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Tržnica in Rijeka (Placa) has a unique flair. The personal contact between dealer/producer and buyer is unique!
Tržnica in Rijeka

The market is also a place where you can experience local life and culture first hand. The merchants are friendly and ready to help you choose the best products and prepare meals. In addition, the market also has many cafes and restaurants where you can try local dishes and relax. The market in Rijeka is a place you should not miss when you visit the city. Here you can buy fresh and quality products and at the same time enjoy the lively and colorful bustle of the market.

Rijeka has an airport (also known as Krk Airport). It is an international airport, but it is located on the island of Krk. The airport serves the city of Rijeka as well as other cities and resorts along the coast of the Kvarner Bay. Some of the airlines that fly to Rijeka airport are Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, Eurowings and Lufthansa. It is about a 1 ¼ hour drive to the airport from Villa-Inge. The airport has a bus connection to the center of Rijeka.

There are several parking options in Rijeka for visitors and residents. Here are some options:

    • Parking garages: There are several parking garages in downtown Rijeka, including Delta Parking Garage, Tower Center Parking Garage and Karolina Parking Garage. The cost of parking varies depending on the parking garage and the duration of parking.
    • At the harbor where the big yachts are (Riva) there are also many parking spaces available.
    • On-street parking: Many streets in Rijeka have public on-street parking. The cost of parking is usually cheaper than in parking garages, but availability can be limited.
    • Park and Ride: There are several park and ride options in Rijeka, where you can leave your car at a parking lot outside the city and take a bus to the city center. One example is the Park and Ride Deltapark.

It is advisable to check in advance which parking facilities are best suited to your needs, especially in terms of location, availability and cost.

Overall, Rijeka is a fascinating destination that combines history, culture and nature and has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. From the guesthouse Villa-Inge to the center of Rijeka is about 27 kilometers driving distance. You can use the public bus, but it is rather difficult, because you have to change buses often (to Rijeka twice, to the airport three times).

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