Bakar, Croatia City
Coastal town on Kvarner Bay near Rijeka
Perched on a steep bay near Rijeka, Bakar’s narrow streets and Austro-Hungarian warehouses attract anglers, photographers and seafood eaters; ferries leave for nearby islands and the shoreline hosts grill joints.
Why Visit Bakar, Croatia?#
Perched on Bakar Bay west of Rijeka, Bakar combines a working harbour, narrow stone streets and layered Austro-Hungarian and medieval architecture that appeal to coastal history lovers. Seafood restaurants serve fresh squid risotto and grilled fish, while summer festivals celebrate the town’s shipbuilding and maritime traditions. Proximity to the Kvarner Islands and coastal promenades makes it an atmospheric base for exploring the northern Adriatic.
Best Things to Do in Bakar, Croatia#
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Bakar, Croatia Bucket List#
Bakar Old Town - Narrow streets, historic harbour, and traditional stone houses in the hillside old town.
Bakar Bay promenade - Seafront walk with views across the bay, fishing boats, and peaceful benches.
Fortress above Bakar - Historic fortress ruins above town provide elevated views over the harbour and coastline.
Local shipbuilding heritage displays - Small exhibits recount Bakar’s maritime and shipbuilding traditions from past centuries.
Secluded coves for swimming - Short walks from town lead to sheltered pebble coves popular with locals in summer.
Traditional konoba eateries - Family-run konobas serve regional seafood dishes and home-style Croatian cooking in town.
Rijeka city visit - Short drive to Rijeka for castles, markets, waterfront promenades, and ferry connections.
Krk Island - Ferry or short drive to Krk offering beaches, historic towns, and coastal scenery.
Best Time to Visit Bakar, Croatia#
Bakar is best visited from late spring to early autumn for warm sea temperatures, boating and seaside dining. Winters are mild but quieter-visit May-September for swimming and lively coastal life.
December - February
3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
Mild, wet winters with quiet harbours and fewer tourists; good for moody coastal walks and lower prices, but limited services.
June - August
22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F)
Hot, sunny summers ideal for swimming, sailing, and seaside dining - beaches and marinas get lively; book accommodation early during peak season.
March - May & September - November
12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
Lovely shoulder months with warm sea temperatures early and late in the season; quieter marinas, great for sailing and exploring seaside towns.
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1441 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Bakar, Croatia#
Bakar is a small coastal town in the Kvarner Bay close to Rijeka. The easiest international access is via Rijeka Airport (RJK) or by arriving at Rijeka by train/bus and taking a short local bus or taxi to Bakar.
Rijeka Airport (RJK): Rijeka (on the island of Krk) is the closest airport serving the Kvarner area. From Rijeka airport to Bakar the drive is about 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; taxis and rental cars are the quickest options - taxis cost significantly more than buses.
Zagreb / Pula (larger international hubs): If you fly into Zagreb or Pula you can continue to Bakar by road or rail (see below); travel times are longer but these airports have more frequent international connections.
Train: The nearest main railway hub is Rijeka station; from Rijeka you can take local buses or a short taxi to Bakar. Bus: Regional buses link Rijeka and nearby coastal towns; local bus services run from Rijeka bus station to Bakar with frequent departures. Tickets are inexpensive - expect short coastal bus journeys to cost in the low tens of HRK.
How to Get Around Bakar, Croatia#
Bakar is most practically reached via Rijeka (airport, rail and bus hub). Once in the area local buses or a short taxi will deliver you to the old town; a car is handy for exploring the surrounding coastline.
- Regional bus (HRK 10-30) - Local buses run frequently between Rijeka and Bakar; the ride is short and inexpensive. Check the Rijeka bus station timetables for exact departures and platforms.
- Train (to Rijeka) (Depends on origin (regional fares)) - Intercity trains serve Rijeka - from there use the local bus network or a taxi to reach Bakar. Trains are convenient if you’re coming from other parts of Croatia or Slovenia.
- Taxi / Private transfer (€15-35 (approx.)) - Taxis from Rijeka or Rijeka Airport are the fastest door-to-door option and useful if you have luggage or arrive late. Expect fares notably higher than bus prices for the short trip into Bakar.
- Car / Rental (HRK 200-600/day (varies by season)) - Renting a car gives full flexibility to explore Kvarner Bay and nearby coastal towns. Roads are straightforward and parking in Bakar is limited in the old town area.
- Walking - Bakar’s historic centre and harbour are compact and best enjoyed on foot. Expect narrow streets and uphill sections; wear comfortable shoes.
Where to Stay in Bakar, Croatia#
Old town / waterfront - $40-90/night
Bakar is a small coastal town with a few basic guesthouses and apartments; budget stays are simple and often seaside.
Bakar guesthouses (Booking listings) - Budget rooms and apartments
Tripadvisor Bakar listings - Local low-cost stays
Bakar waterfront / Rijeka (nearby) - $70-150/night
Mid-range hotels are most plentiful in nearby Rijeka; Bakar itself offers some pleasant seaside apartments and family-run inns.
Rijeka hotels (nearby) - More mid-range options a short drive away
Selected boutique hotels in Rijeka - Comfortable city hotels
Rijeka / Opatija (20-40 min drive) - $160+/night
Bakar has no five-star resorts; for true luxury stay in Opatija or Rijeka where international-standard seaside hotels operate.
Luxury coastal resorts (Opatija / Rijeka area) - Upscale hotels within easy reach
Boutique and 5-star stays near Rijeka - Premium seafront hotels
Where to Eat in Bakar, Croatia#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Bakar, Croatia’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Bakar, Croatia#
Shopping in Bakar centres on small local shops, fish markets and family-run stores selling regional produce and everyday goods. The town is not a major retail centre, so expect limited boutique options. For a larger selection of shops, Rijeka and nearby coastal resorts have more choices and specialty stores.
Nightlife in Bakar, Croatia#
Nightlife in Bakar is modest and concentrated on seafront konobas and small bars where locals gather for drinks and seafood dinners. Summer brings livelier evenings with more tourists and extended opening hours. For a livelier bar scene or clubs, Rijeka is the nearest place with more late‑night options.
