Rijeka is a lovely Adriatic-Mediterranean city nestled in Kvarner Bay. It’s a principal seaport that acts as a pass-through port for travelers from other parts of Europe when connecting to Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split. Rijeka is a perfect place to work remotely, especially for digital nomads who want to travel around while working throughout the year in Croatia.
Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect and everything you need to know about working in Rijeka as a remote worker or digital nomad.
History of Rijeka and the Culture to Expect
Rijeka is the third-largest town in Croatia; it comes after Zagreb and Split. The city is situated right on Kvarner Bay, the Adriatic Sea inlet. Historically, Rijeka city was fiercely contested amongst Croatia, Italy, and Hungary due to its strategic location and a deep-water port.
Rijeka changed demographics and ruling hands over time, also reflected in the city’s population. Most citizens in Rijeka are Croats, with small numbers of Serbs, Bosniaks, and Italians, making it an intercultural city.
The city’s economy largely relies on maritime transport and shipbuilding, although tourism is a massive factor in the surrounding areas. Apart from Croatian, the population in the city also uses the Fiumano language. Rijeka was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2020, the title of its program being the ‘Port of Diversity.’
Living in Rijeka as a Remote Worker or Digital Nomad
Are you a digital nomad looking for a less touristy destination in Croatia? Rijeka is a perfect spot for you. Even though the city has a less touristy take on Croatia, it’s near several Blue Flag beaches with warm and clear waters. The town is excellent for summer swimming and is well-preserved with Neoclassical architecture.
Beaches
Rijeka embraces a Mediterranean lifestyle, and therefore beaches are part of the lifestyle. The beaches, the wine, the food, if you’re a digital nomad who likes this kind of life, then Rijeka is a perfect place to live. Here, you’ll experience stunning scenery and a relaxing vibe in the refreshing sea nature. It’s a place you can comfortably sit back, relax, and work on your assignments without the hustle and bustle of chaos in other major cities.
Food and Restaurants in Rijeka
Croatian food is outstanding. Most Rijeka cuisines draw inspiration from the Balkans, the Italians, the Hungarians, and many other cultures. Croatians have a Mediterranean diet with a bit of Balkan influence, and therefore, most of their cuisines are not often vegetarian. They instead love foods like fish, good cheese, dairy, and cured meat. You can easily sample the cuisines in restaurants as they’re pretty affordable.
Fresh foods from markets are quite affordable, depending on what you purchase. Most food items have pretty standard prices whether you’re eating out or sourcing from the market. You can also get quality vegetables and fruits from various stores like Plodine and Kaufland at great prices.
Other Fun Activities
Going out in Rijeka is pretty affordable whether you’re going to a restaurant, bar, theatre, club, or sports venue. Other activities you can do in Rijeka are visiting the sea, the electronic music clubs, Ivan Zajc theatre, and football matches, including HNK Orijent 1919 and HNK Rijeka.
Great Things or Activities to do in Rijeka, Croatia
There is no shortage of fun activities you can do. Rijeka is a perfect destination to have a city break and enjoy the relaxed nature. There are many activities to enjoy, from its fascinating history to year-round club nightlife and great restaurants! Here are some of the most remarkable things you can do in Rijeka.
Visit the Peek and Poke Computer Museum
If you’re a digital nomad who’s into anything to do with computers and game consoles, you’ll enjoy visiting Peek and Poke Computer Museum. Here, you’ll find a massive hands-on attraction to vintage computer hardware.
You’ll get to see a collection of personal computers and game consoles from the 1960s. Depending on your favorites, whether it’s Nintendo Wii or the Sinclair Spectrum, you’ll find something that will brighten your day.
Enjoy the Trsat Castle Scenery
At Trsat Castle, you’ll appreciate ancient times. This elevated location is just next to Rjecina Gorge and has been a watchtower since ancient times before the Romans arrived. The Trsat Castle changed hands between the Habsburg Empire and the Venetians in the 1950s but was later forgotten until the 19th century.
The majority of what you’ll see at the summit is the Romantic additions by Nugent in the late 1800s. From the castle, you’re able to enjoy the best scenery in Croatia. Apart from the notable fine courtyard found at the castle, there’s also a café where you can enjoy a drink as you enjoy the views.
Attend the Rijeka Carnival on Korzo Street
Rijeka Carnival is the leading annual celebration in Croatia, attracting over 100,000 visitors to the city’s center. The celebration consists of different events in the run-up until the main parade on a Sunday just before Ash Wednesday. The former pagan ritual features bellringers wearing terrifying costumes and masks. The Zvončari are known to cast out the dark associated with winter to summon spring. If you want to enjoy some late partying, find a place on Rijeka’s main street, Korzo, as early as possible.
Enjoy Sunbathing and Swimming at Sablicevo Beach
Rijeka hosts several beaches you can visit, but Sabliveco beach is one of the most popular beaches. The beach is located in the eastern part of Rijeka town. You can access the beach on foot from town, but it’s easier if you drive or take public transport. Visit Sablicevo beach in summer to enjoy the warm, clear waters with a spectacular mix of cobalt and emerald colors.
Easy Weekend Trips From Rijeka
As a digital nomad or remote worker looking forward to exploring different places, Rijeka is an excellent spot. The city is surrounded by beautiful attractions you can visit and explore. Here are weekend trips you can take from Rijeka city:
Take a Day Trip to Pula
Pula is a city in Istria, located near the peninsula’s base. The town is excellent for any digital nomad looking for a mild climate but still enjoys the beautiful beaches. The city also has a tradition of tourism, winemaking, shipbuilding, and fishing. On your trip, you can also visit various monuments of Roman architecture, including the Arena and the Temple of Augustus.
Get a Trip to Opatija Resort
Opatija is arguably the first seaside resort in Croatia. The resort is a lot fancier and pricier than other resorts around, but it’s a perfect place to relax on holiday. If you’re a remote worker or digital nomad searching for a relaxed place to have your work done without distractions, this is definitely a place to consider. The Opajia resort is approximately 20 minutes from Rijeka, along the coast.
Take a Trip to the Neighboring Villages and Islands
You can take a short trip to visit Crikvenica, a resort town in the south of Rijeka. The resort town can easily be accessed from the center and features various family-friendly hotels for accommodation.
At Crikvenica, you’ll get to enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports, trails, and tracks. With safe, clear waters nearby, you can also practice diving, sailing, surfing, fishing, or paragliding. On quieter days, you can explore the nearby Blue Flag beaches around Crikvenica for easy relaxation.
You can also explore the nearby island called KrK, which can be accessed by a speed boat during summer. The sea seems enormous, but you’ll also enjoy the views of the tall rocky cliffs. KrK town features bustling bars, ancient buildings, and fancy gift shops that attract many tourists. Generally, Rijeka is a great place to stay and work as a remote worker or digital nomad. There are many places to take trips and tons of activities you can participate in as you explore Rijeka city. In addition, there are remote work forums where you can interact and seek ideas from your fellow digital nomads.
Photo credits
Photos by Ozren Cuculic on Unsplash, David Gabrić on Unsplash, Danijel Durkovic on Unsplash, Ege Balaban on Unsplash, and Denis Tuksar on Unsplash.
