Things to Do in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia: City Guides

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is a diverse region of western Croatia that combines the Bay of Kvarner, its islands, the Northern Croatian Littoral and the mountainous terrain of Gorski Kotar. With Rijeka as its centre and a mix of coastal towns, forested mountains and cultural sites, the county offers a variety of landscapes and experiences worth exploring. Neywo provides a free audio guide for the area, covering three cities with 39 narrated places across three walking tours.

Exploring the region

Rijeka

As the county’s administrative centre, Rijeka sits at the heart of the Bay of Kvarner. Visitors can see the Governor’s Palace, Rijeka Cathedral, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Rijeka City Museum, all highlighted in Neywo’s narrated stops for the city.

Bay of Kvarner

The bay itself defines much of the county’s coastline, framing the islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab and providing a scenic backdrop for seaside walks, swimming and sailing along the Adriatic.

Northern Croatian Littoral

This stretch of coast lies between the bay and the interior, offering traditional fishing villages, pebble beaches and a blend of Mediterranean and Central European influences that shape the local culture and cuisine.

Gorski Kotar

Inland, the mountainous region of Gorski Kotar rises with dense forests, rolling hills and fresh air. It is known for hiking trails, wildlife observation and a cooler climate that contrasts with the coastal zones.

Islands of Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab

The county includes four major islands in the Kvarner archipelago. Krk is the largest and connects to the mainland by a bridge; Cres and Lošinj are noted for their pine forests and clear waters; Rab is famous for its historic old town and sandy beaches. Neywo’s audio guides spotlight specific sites on Mali Lošinj (such as the Croatian Apoxyomenos, Lighthouse Murtar, Zabodaski and Čikat) and on Rab (including the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Rab concentration camp and Sv. Andrije).

Risnjak National Park

Located in the Gorski Kotar area, Risnjak National Park protects rugged terrain, lynx habitats and pristine springs, offering marked trails for hikers and nature lovers.

Učka

The Učka mountain range rises above the littoral, providing panoramic views over the bay and the Istrian peninsula. Its slopes are crisscrossed by walking paths that lead to the summit and the historic Učka tunnel.

Experience the region with Neywo

Neywo’s free audio guide lets you discover Primorje-Gorski Kotar County at your own pace. The app offers three walking tours that narrate 39 places across Rijeka, Mali Lošinj and Rab. As you approach each point of interest, the guide plays the story of that spot, so you can explore without a group, a fixed schedule or needing to stare at a screen. Simply download Neywo, select the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County guide, and let the region’s history, culture and landscapes unfold as you walk.

For broader context, you can read about Croatia or dive deeper into the individual cities of Mali Lošinj, Rab and Rijeka.