View Mediterranean on the mapUnlike the highly touristic towns of the Dalmatian coast, Rijeka is a working city shaped by shipbuilding and logistics. Korzo is part of residents' daily routines, while the hilltop fortress overlooks the city and bay. During carnival, the entire city fills with costumes.

Rijeka

Rijeka · Croatia · 45.33, 14.44

Located at the head of Kvarner Bay in northern Croatia, Rijeka is the country's largest cargo port and third-largest city. It combines imposing Austro-Hungarian architecture with the straightforward atmosphere of a port city.

Port highlights

A mid-sized city of about 108,000 people

Population

Mediterranean climate, but with mountains nearby. Summers are dry and winters are mild. Annual rainfall is relatively high for a coastal area. In winter, a cold, strong wind called the Bora can blow down from the mountains.

Climate

Croatian (English and Italian are also spoken in tourist areas)

Language

Euro (EUR)

Currency

May to June and September. The Rijeka Carnival in February is also a highlight

Best time to visit

Local food

Scampi (Norway lobster) dishes, squid ink risotto, surlice (local pasta), white wine from Kvarner

Sights

Trsat Castle and the pilgrimage churchKorzo Street and City TowerCathedral of St. VitusPek i Energana (cultural venue in the former industrial district)Coastal promenade in nearby Opatija

Monthly average high / low temperatures

10°

3°Jan

10°

4°Feb

14°

6°Mar

18°

10°Apr

22°

14°May

27°

17°Jun

30°

20°Jul

30°

20°Aug

24°

16°Sep

19°

12°Oct

14°

8°Nov

11°

4°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: RIJEKA · about 0.9 km from port · elevation difference about 115 m · Approximate (station elevation differs) · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

More expensive than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)136 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, coffee is much cheaper; beer costs about the same; water, meals and a Big Mac are somewhat more expensive.

€0.82

Water 500 ml

€1.65

Coffee

€8.00

Inexpensive meal

€3.50

Local beer

€5.00

Big Mac

Prices in Rijeka. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)