This coastal town on the Adriatic Sea has a 13th-century Frankopan Castle, clear pebble beaches, and traditional Vinodol cuisine. A summer resort since the Habsburg era.
Novi Vinodolski, a town of 5,000 residents on Croatia's Adriatic coast, welcomes visitors with its white stone buildings and red roofs rising up the hillside from the sea. You can swim at Lišanj Beach, explore the 13th-century Frankopan Castle, or taste local Žlahtina wine in one of the waterfront restaurants. A 5-kilometer coastal promenade connects the town's swimming spots, while the 36-meter bell tower of St. Philip and St. Jacob Cathedral marks the center of the medieval quarter.
Getting to Novi Vinodolski
You can fly to Rijeka Airport on Krk Island, 30 kilometers from town. Buses run every hour from Rijeka city to Novi Vinodolski, with a journey time of one hour. By car, take the A1 motorway to Žuta Lokva exit or follow the coastal road D8, which gets busy during summer weekends.
Exploring the Old Town
The medieval center occupies a hill above the Adriatic. Walk up to the 13th-century Frankopan Castle to visit its town library and local history museum. The Cathedral of St. Philip and St. Jacob's 36-meter bell tower rises above the stone houses. As you walk the narrow streets, you'll pass small squares and the 15th-century Trinity Church.
Beaches and Swimming
Lišanj Beach runs along the town's waterfront, with both pebble areas and concrete sunbathing platforms. You'll find showers, changing rooms, and rental stands for chairs and umbrellas. Beach Skrapun, south of the center, attracts fewer visitors and has pine trees for shade. You can swim or take a boat to San Marino islet, 205 meters from shore.
Wine Valley and Local Drinks
The town's name comes from Vinodol Valley, where vineyards cover the slopes. Local winemakers focus on Žlahtina, a dry white wine variety that grows here and on Krk Island. Try it in local restaurants alongside grilled fish and other Mediterranean dishes.
Day Trips and Views
Hike to any of the six "Eyes of Vinodol" viewpoints above town - the closest takes 45 minutes to reach. Each lookout point faces the Kvarner Bay. Take boat trips to nearby islands, drive 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park, visit Crikvenica (10 kilometers north), or explore the fortress town of Senj (23 kilometers south).
Practical Information
During summer, shops in the center stay open until 10 PM. The town has several supermarkets, a post office, and a daily market with fresh produce and fish. Stop by the tourist office on Tomislava 6 for maps and an events calendar.
