Rijeka

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Rijeka, Croatia

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45°19.7′N, 14°25.4′E
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[ Photo gallery]
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[ Local chartlet]
Harbour of Rijeka
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The busy commercial port of Rijeka lies at the head of the Gulf of Kvarner on the eastern side of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia, around 12 miles NNE of the island of Cres and nine miles NW of the island of Krk. An important harbour for nearly 450 years under the Austro-Hungarian empire, during which industries such as shipbuilding, paper mills and oil refining sprang up in the town, Rijeka came under Italian control from 1919 onwards following the end of the Great War, a situation formally recognized in 1924 with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. The area was subsequently seized by the Nazis after the Italian surrender in 1943, after which it was heavily bombed by the Allies in an attempt to neutralize its oil refining and shipbuilding operations. In 1947 Rijeka was formally ceded to the new Republic of Yugoslavia and nine in ten of the Italian-speaking population went into exile rather than accept life under Communist rule. Today the harbour is Croatia’s busiest, with a container port, shipping lines, oil tankers and ferries operating from its four commercial harbour facilities. Although a port of entry, however, yachts are not encouraged in Rijeka and facilities in the one harbour where they are briefly tolerated for the purpose of clearing in, Gradska Luka, are very basic.

Charts

British Admiralty 2719

Croatian charts 100-18, 50-4

Italian charts 924, 6001

Imray Nautical Chart M24

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

Plan of Gradska Luka, Rijeka
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There are no dangers in the approach to Rijeka, although a careful watch should be kept for commercial traffic entering or leaving the main harbour of Gradska Luka. The long breakwater of Gradska Luka, extending for over a kilometer in an E-W direction from the shore, is usually clearly identifiable from the commercial ships tied up alongside. A tall lighthouse, painted in white alternating bands of black, stands on the shore due N of the entrance to the harbour, which is at the extreme western end of the breakwater. Yachts are discouraged, but may moor at the eastern end of Gradska Luka for the purpose of clearing in.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

The Rijeka harbourmaster’s office is on the eastern side of the basin of Gradska Luka. The customs office is nearby. Tie up alongside wherever there is space, clear of the commercial vessels and fishing boats. Shelter here is good in most conditions, although strong westerlies create an uncomfortable chop in the harbour.

Offshore Islands and Groups

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

There are several bays around the Gulf of Kvarner between Opatija and Rijeka where a yacht may anchor in settled weather, but a yacht is advised to seek shelter in the marinas in Opatija or Cres in unsettled conditions.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Nearest fuel dock in the harbour of Opatija at World icon.png 45°20.22′N, 14°18.6′E. No water or electricity in Gradska Luka.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The mediaeval castle of Trsat
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There is little of tourist interest in Rijeka, since sadly much of the finest architecture was flattened during World War II. The unusual circular 17th century cathedral of St Vitus is worth a visit if you are here, but there are much better ones elsewhere in Croatia, e.g Porec and Sibenik. Another unusual attraction that will probably appeal to those with an interest in military history is a torpedo factory where, during the days of Austro-Hungarian rule, the first naval torpedo was tested in 1866. Lovers of exercise will appreciate the climb to the top of the hill of Trsat which overlooks the town, where there is a restored mediaeval castle as well as the important church of Our Lady of Trsat and a nearby Franciscan monastery.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Numerous provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

  • Numerous bars and restaurants in the town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Some bins around the harbour.

Transportation

  • Airport on the island of Krk (30 kms)
  • Regular buses to Zagreb
  • Domestic and international trains to Zagreb, Trieste, Ljubljana, Vienna, Munich and Salzburg.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

  • Istria Tourism website: [1]

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See entry for Croatia.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

  • Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 15:00, 9 March 2011 (GMT)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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