Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia

1. 5.0 Marine Sport Dive Center (47 reviews)
   - Calm winter diving location
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling
   
   
   First time in this center and pleasantly surprised. Nice space for equipment assembly and dressing. Large storage space for personal belongings, clean toilets, nice office. Short access to the coast - beaches where diving is possible. The underwater location is serene, for a relaxing dive, or a photo shoot. The staff is friendly and provides a quality briefing before the dive. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Opatija Adventure (28 reviews)
   - Memorable and fun kayaking adventure
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM City Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
   
   
   The tour and the team (Miki and Andy) are absolutely fantastic! We went for the tour in September, so the weather got bad (high waves) when we reached the caves. M&A still showed us the approachable/safe cave under these circumstances and waited for the waves to get calmer. As if it didn`t, they ensured everyone got on the coast safely. In the end, they wanted to give us all the money back, but we insisted on getting only a partial reimbursement since they were so friendly and still gave us half of the tour. We would gladly come back and join the tour again. P. S. Bring proper water shoes and not flip-flops - the cave is dangerously sharp. The rest of the safety equipment (waterproof phone case and bag, diving mask and protective helmet) is included. P. P. S. You`ll also get awesome photos made by Miki! Overall - GO FOR IT. It`s worth the money! See more..
   
3. 5.0 Immortelle Farm Island Krk (28 reviews)
   - The best place for natural lowers
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   The best Immortelle farm ever. They have the best natural cosmetic brand VIANA Immortelle in which the main ingredients are bio essential oil and hydrosol from their farm on the island of Krk. Top place on the island Krk. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Trimaran Sailing (24 reviews)
   - Wat
   Boat Tours
   
   
   It was awesome. Luca is really great and easy going, the site is awesome and the boat is really cool. A trip to remember for sure. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Dive Side Diving Center (22 reviews)
   - Great time
   Scuba & Snorkelling
   
   
   Completed OPEN WATER DIVER training course. Afterwards went for 15 dives. Very professional and polite personnel. Beautiful place for coast and boat diving. Due to wide variety of underwater life and wrecks Dive Side can offer dives which are suitable for all diving categories. Will visit this year again and I would recommend it to all of my friends. Great fun and great memories thanks to DIVE SIDE crew. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Vela Luka (86 reviews)
   - 1st wonder of the world
   Beaches
   
   
   Amazing trip to this beautiful town on the island of korcula. Evenings full of entertainment, went to see Sword dancing, Kalpa and traditional dance . Also to folk dancing, plenty of restaurants for all tastes,bars and cafes. Wonderful piece of paradise unspoilt. Friendly locals extremely helpful, plenty of trips available, only thing I'd like to see back is the market stalls,as a tourist I like to wander for gifts not buy in supermarkets. Love this island and am looking forward to my 11th year See more..
   
7. 4.5 Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat (74 reviews)
   - Beautiful and Historic
   Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   The Our Lady of Trsat Sanctuary, the oldest sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Croatia, which is daily visited by numerous pilgrims both from Croatia and abroad. It is famous for its numerous concessions and for the pilgrimages by numerous believers throughout the year, and especially on the Assumption of Mary holiday. The Sanctuary includes the Church of Our Lady of Trsat, the Franciscan monastery, the thesaurus, the Chapel of oath gifts, Mary’s park and Pope John Paul II’s pastoral centre. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Orlec Beach (74 reviews)
   - Worth the hike!
   Beaches
   
   
   We went early in the day and spent a couple of hours swimming and relaxing. The beach area is small and it does get crowded and there is no shade. There is a parking lot at the top and a 15/20 minute hike down to the beach. The trail is not hard but is steep. The views are spectacular and we saw sheep and griffon vultures. It is a good idea to bring water and wear sneakers. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Komrcar Park (72 reviews)
   - Wonderful
   Parks
   
   
   Wonderful park with clean sea air and large agaves. I was really enjoying our walk to the city beach. Please note that it has a lot of stairs. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Kandarola Nude Beach (68 reviews)
    - beautiful beach
    Beaches
    
    
    love it there! any chance to get comfortable on the beach ...especially one that is friendly and non judgemental is a real treat! See more..
    
11. 4.5 Oprna Bay (65 reviews)
    - Worth the small hike
    Bodies of Water • Beaches
    
    
    Park your car on the street and find a way down. There are many ways down to the beach; we took the one marked with blue spray paint (near the artificial retaining wall out of stone). Wear sneakers or boots - not flip flops! It will take you 5 - 15 minutes up/down depending on your fitness. Not suited for strollers! The water was pristine! The beach has small pebbles/gravel with patches of sand. Easy entry into the water without any steep drops. No urchins, no jellyfish at least in June. You can rent umbrella and chairs for 100 Kuna. There’s also a beach-bar which opens around 10:30, haven’t tried it though. No sanitary facilities. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Blue World Institute (58 reviews)
    - The best experience for you and the dolphins
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Blue World Institute carries our research on resident population of about 180 bottlenose dolphins in Lošinj archipelago. As research goes on for over 30 years, each dolphin has its name and can be recognized. BWI runs the Lošinj Marine Education Center where you can learn about dolphins and their environment. Also, you can Adopt a dolphin and support the work of the organisation to protect this small dolphin community. If you would like to participate in 10 day dolphin research course with BWI researchers, inquire about eco-volunteering! The BWI supports the Dolphin Watching tours organised by the Blue World Ltd. Activities follow the strict Code of conduct aimed at minimizing the impact on dolphins and providing visitors with the experience of seeing dolphins in their natural environment. Tours are guided by experienced educator and skipper. More on the tours at dolphin-watching.com See more..
    
13. 4.5 Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral (54 reviews)
    - Interesting discovery about Rijeka history
    Sunday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    THE MARITIME AND HISTORY MUSEUM OF THE CROATIAN LITTORAL has been one of the most important meeting-places of culture in the city of Rijeka for the last four decades. With its permanent display and many valuable exhibitions from its own holdings or of other Croatian museums it takes part in tracing the important events connected with the history and culture of Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Croatia, and so it reveals small parts of the insufficiently known past. With its research into the complex materials (of archaeological, ethnographical, artistic, cultural-historical and maritime-historical characteristics), in a time span from prehistory to the Modern Age, with expert and scientific methods it processes, systemises and presents the role and development of the whole of the social organism in the region of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Croatian Littoral and the city of Rijeka and points out its specific and interactive relationship with other European centres over a thousand year period, with the aim of becoming a dynamic, open and educative institution. With its headquarters in the building of the former Governor’s Palace, a protected cultural monument, as exhibit number 1, the museum with an interdisciplinary approach offers the consideration–identification, familiarisation and understanding of the character of the people and places, memories and myths, uncovering the identity, which represents an unbreakable link of the past and present. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Church of St. Lucy (53 reviews)
    - A must see
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    This is a must see! We’ve been to this area frequently, but never made it to this place. I’m so glad we went to visit. Our guide was wonderful explaining all the important things we should notice. Documentary also provided enough information to anyone not being familiar with Bašćanska Ploča. Definitively worth the visit! See more..
    
15. 4.5 Zeleni Vir (49 reviews)
    - Zen
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    The attraction in question is a hiking trail SW of the town of Skrad in the county of "Gorski Kotar", Republic of Croatia."Zeleni Vir" translates into "Green Whirlpool", a name drawn from the local stream.The hiking trail leads through a gorge, by some impressive cliffs, a mountain stream and a small local hydropower plant. There's also a cavern close by. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Ridimutak Beach (43 reviews)
    - Best Ambient
    Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Best chill /lounge music, best coffee, best drinks offer, best ambient. Great for kids also! Good stuff, good prices. But the atmosphere is what brings me back and back again .. ♡ See more..
    
17. 4.5 Underwater park Punat (40 reviews)
    - Great, just do it!
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    The underwater park is a unique attrations that one must experience when visiting Punat and islad of Krk. It is a true, once in a life time adventure for all non divers out there! Experience the ultimate sensation where time stops, worries fade away and breathing underwater becomes possible, safe and easy. The underwater sea walk does not require any knoeledge of swimming or diving. See more..
    
18. 4.5 The Harbour and the Town Prospect (40 reviews)
    - The town center (varos) and the busy marina
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Also known as Eporij, the harbour was already an integral part of the Roman town. It was situated in a tamed natural bay. We assume it was equipped with typical facilities of ancient town harbours. In the medieval age the town defence wall spread out on this place, alternating in straight lines of serrate curtain with powerful towers and bastions, especially on the eastern, more open area. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Manufaktura Souvenirs (39 reviews)
    - They have everything!
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Nice small shop with authentic Croatian products. Croatian delicacies, natural cosmetics, handicrafts, souvenirs, gift packages ... If you are looking for something original just drop by Manufaktura, and here you will find a lots of gifts for everyone, something for yourself.. See you in Manufaktura! See more..
    
20. 4.5 National Park Risnjak (38 reviews)
    - Such a beautiful place
    Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
    
    
    This was the first time we were in this national park and the only thing we regret is not having more time for climbing, walking and exploring. Such a peaceful place, the smell of wildflowers, the chirping of birds, crickets ... You need to experience this by yourself, smell the fresh air, and listen to the sounds of rivers and forests. The ticket price is 45 kunas and is valid for 2 days. This time we did not reach the very top of Risnjak and we will definitely try to climb it next time. We visited the spring of the river Kupa; I definitely recommend visiting it! You can hardly experience this beauty more realistically than with your own two eyes; no brochures or photographs can do it justice. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Veprinac (34 reviews)
    - Veprinac gateway to Uchka mountain top!
    Neighborhoods
    
    
    A beautiful quiet town above Opatija reminding one immediately of what life used to be like in these parts! Hiking. Mushroom picking are my favourite experiences experienced just above veprinac towards the top of one of the most beautiful mountains Ucka! i have been travelling these parts my whole life, and if ever there was a location to buy and build your dream mediteranean home, this is the place to consider! See more..
    
22. 4.5 Diving Center Kostrena (34 reviews)
    - Best diving in Kvarner area
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling
    
    
    Just one word. Must visit diving. Super nice diving with all what you need for fun and beautiful diving. Realy. My favorite diving in all area. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Church on San Marino Island (33 reviews)
    - Great, have a swim to the island, visit the island, swim around it...
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Only 205 m from Novi lies a small island of san Marino. In the past it was used as the fishing spot for tuna, but today there is only a Gothic church here, dedicated to St. marin, after which the island got its name. This church was most probably built on the foundations of a bigger old Croatian church, the remains of which were found during archeological excavations. A stone fragment from the 3rd or 4th c., discivered on the island, bears an inscriptions mentioning Roman empress Helena. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Kuća Vina Ivan Katunar (31 reviews)
    - Wine tasting in a relaxing environment.
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    The Wine house Ivan Katunar continues the family tradition of wine production. We can offer you local wine tasting and cellar tour, which is built under the house. It would be a pleasure to have you as our guests in our winery. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Valun Tablet (Valunska ploca) (30 reviews)
    - Important Historical Evidence
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    The Valun tablet is an 11th-century bilingual (Old Croatian and Latin) and digraphic (Glagolitic and Latin) tablet, originally serving the role of a gravestone, found at the graveyard in Valun on the island of Cres. It records that under the tablet three generations of one 11th-century Valun family rest in peace: the grandmother, her son and grandson (named Teha, Bratohna and Juna). Today, the Valun tablet is embedded in the wall of Saint Mary in Valun. Its bilinguality is important evidence of the coexistence of two ethnic and linguistic elements: old Romance and newly arrived Croatian. The town itself is very nice and definitely worth a visit. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Sablicevo (28 reviews)
    - A Secret Passage to Happiness
    Spent 2-3 hours Beaches
    
    
    Sablicevo is a very tiny beach of Rijeka. It’s located to East from the centre and available to approach easily on foot as well (approximately 2,5 km from the city centre). Sablicevo is a short pebbly shore line, mainly ideal for couples and elders since its simplicity. Of course it’s suitable for families with children as well but the water deepens pretty quickly. It has shower and toilette and changing cabins. There is a little bar with good drinks and music P.s. the sunset is extremely beautiful from this spot See more..
    
27. 4.5 The Governor's Palace (28 reviews)
    - Impressive building and a nice park
    Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Architectural Buildings • History Museums
    
    
    Construction of the Governor’s Palace began in 1892 during the period of Governor Lajos Batthyány's rule and based on the design of one of the leading Hungarian architects of the time, Alajos Hauszmann who had already proved himself on the project of the King's Palace and the Parliament building in Budapest. On a surface area of 12 000 m² a simple and monumental corpus of the detached neo-Renaissance palace was built based on models of the famous Palladi's works, a French park with two fountains and balustrades made of wrought iron and two-leaf doors with sentry boxes.Today, the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral can be found at the palace founded in 1961 which contains a maritime, cultural and historical, ethnographical and archaeological department. Part of the exhibits of original pieces from the Governor’s palace are presented in lounges, including the furniture and objects of the art crafts belonging to the periods from the Renaissance to Historicism as well as a collection of portraits of the most notable Rijeka citizens. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Kanjon Kamacnik (Kamacnik Canyon) (26 reviews)
    - Great walk, lovely nature
    Canyons
    
    
    Went here for a walk on a Sunday afternoon. Entrance is 25 kn/person no matter the age. The canyon with its river is wonderful to see, even in winter. One way its about 3,5 km. It gets slippery in winter so prepare adequate shoes. Ig you love nature, definitely worth the visit. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Lokvarka Cave (24 reviews)
    - Great
    Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves
    
    
    We had a fortune to be the only visitors when we were there and it was great since we were with small kids. The cave is wonderful. It has nice and large halls and nice (movie like) corridors. We lived the tour guide and the site. The experience is much grater than photos can illustrate See more..
    
30. 4.5 Diving Center Mihuric (22 reviews)
    - Helpful & Welcoming. REALLY GOOD!!
    Scuba & Snorkelling
    
    
    Contacted them via e-mail for e-mail to finish my Padi OW certification. Very fast communication!! On arrival, they organised the remainder of our course very quickly and efficiently. Staff very welcoming and professional. Equipment in very good condition. Instructors very nice. HIGHLY recommended. WILL GO BACK NEXT TIME!!!!! See more..
    
31. 4.5 Kredenca Opatija (21 reviews)
    - Nice place to buy souvenirs
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Welcome to a traditionally decorated gift and souvenir shop and enjoy free tasting of brandies and liqueurs. Here you can buy products exclusively made in Croatia - lavender, fig products, wine, brandies (rakija), jams, honey, truffles, natural cosmetics, candles and many more. Have a nice shopping time! See more..
    
32. 4.5 St. Jacob's Church (20 reviews)
    - Quaint Church
    Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites
    
    
    I love visiting churches in my travels around the world, not from a religious aspect but because the churches generally, are so beautiful inside. This quaint little church is located in the centre of Opatija, Croatia, near the Villa Angiolina (today the Croatian Museum of Tourism) and next to the Hotel Kvarner. Originally built in the 14th century, the church is said to be an architectural masterpiece. It is also how the town of Opatija got its name as it was originally called St. Jacob’s Abbey and abbey in Croatian is opatija. The church and its surroundings are well worth a visit. There are lovely trees and seats and paths to walk around. Don't forget to leave a donation towards its upkeep and benefit of future generations. If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'Helpful' button; those of us who write reviews love to get them and it motivates us to do more to assist you in your holiday planning. See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.