Sveti Juraj: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The small fishing village of Sveti Juraj in the Kvarner Bay has retained its original charm. You can still watch fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor. The fresh catch, such as scampi, is served in the local restaurants. Your holiday destination welcomes you at the foot of the Velebit Mountains.
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Sveti Juraj - Must-see attractions
St. George's Church
The Church of St. George on the island of Sveti Juraj traces back to ancient traditions and houses two apses from that era inside. The house of worship has been altered multiple times and impresses with a mix of Romanesque and later architectural elements. One of the most important days of the year on Sveti Juraj is the feast day of Saint George. Extensive processions on foot and with fishing boats to the island and the church take place then. Loud singing and praying of the rosary occur during this time.
Beach Saint George
Sveti Juraj Beach is located in the picturesque fishing village of the same name in the Kvarner Bay. The crystal-clear water of the gently sloping, family-friendly pebble beach is awarded the Blue Flag. In various bays, you will also find your favorite spot to relax. Afterwards, rent a pedal boat or canoe to explore the magnificent coast or discover the fantastic underwater world while snorkeling. Before heading home, enjoy the maritime cuisine of Croatia in the nearby region-typical restaurants.
Senj City Museum
A palace from the 14th/15th century, already remarkable from the outside, houses this city history museum. Inside, you embark on a journey through history with various archaeological artifacts, a noteworthy lapidarium, and a collection of interesting print art. A collection on the history of seafaring complements the exhibition of the Senj City Museum, as well as an ethnographic collection, among others. Additionally, learn a lot of fascinating scientific information about the Velebit Mountains, which rise behind the Croatian Adriatic.
Paklenica National Park
The popular holiday resort Sveti Juraj by the sea is ideal for exploring the Paklenica National Park. Here, Croatia's nature shows itself at its most beautiful. The steep, densely forested slopes alternate with breathtaking gorges like the Velika Paklenica. You can admire around 400 plant species in the Paklenica National Park, 40 of which grow only here. Additionally, 200 bird species inhabit this natural paradise, including griffon vultures and short-toed eagles. The Velika Paklenica educational trail provides information about the natural and cultural monuments of the region.
Vratnik Fortress Viewpoint
Between Senj and the municipality of Vratnik, you head up into the mountains and can stop at one of the various viewpoints. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in this region. Additionally, a road leads to the peaks. The Vratnik Pass at about 700 meters in height and the peaks reaching up to 1,700 meters into the sky are part of a national park and captivate with their green, fragrant forest areas. Additionally, rugged rock walls can be admired.
Strand Mocunig
The Beach Mocunig is located in the small Croatian community of Donja Klada, in the middle of the Velebit Nature Park in the Kvarner Bay. It is about 700 meters from the center, accessible only on foot, and is therefore particularly popular with hikers and nature lovers. The green-covered slopes frame the bay and, together with the intense blue and turquoise tones of the water and the fine, light pebbles, create a beautiful panorama. The lovely natural beach does not offer infrastructure or amenities, but it does provide plenty of tranquility.
Sveti Juraj - Secret spots
Stroll through the old town of Senj
A few kilometers north of the Croatian seaside resort Sveti-Juraj lies the charming coastal town of Senj in the south of the Kvarner Bay. In addition to romantic dream beaches and quiet bays, the oldest town of the Upper Adriatic is famous for the Nehaj Fortress from the 16th century. It imposingly towers above the picturesque old town with its narrow alleys.
Karlobag
The Croatian seaside resort of Karlobag on the coast of the northern Adriatic attracts visitors with numerous excursion destinations such as the famous Plitvice Lakes. In Paklenica National Park, hiking trails lead to exciting caves and grottos. Observe short-toed eagles and griffon vultures. Worth seeing in Karlobag is the Capuchin monastery with its precious art treasures. Families are drawn to Kupalaliste beach.
The Bay of Zavratnica
About a 30-minute drive south of Svet-Juraj, the 1-kilometer-long Zavratnica bay stretches fjord-like between meter-high limestone cliffs in the Croatian Northern Velebit National Park. Turquoise blue water and a sunken naval ship make this place a paradise for snorkelers. Hiking trails lead through the impressive rocky landscape around the bay.
Dream backdrop on the beach of Lukovo
Snow-white stones, a turquoise sparkling Adriatic Sea, and the karst Velebit Mountains as a panorama: A few kilometers south of the small fishing village of Sveti Juraj, the 200-meter-long beach of Lukovo glistens with charming cafes and a colorful underwater world. The wind-protected dream beach in the Croatian region of Kvarner is a true paradise for families.
Sveti Juraj - In 3 days
Day 1
South of the Kvarner Bay, the tranquil fishing village of Sveti Juraj welcomes you, home to fewer than 1,000 residents. Located directly on the Adriatic coast, the community promises a peaceful stay in the Mediterranean climate. Use your first day on site to explore the cultural sights. The most famous landmark is the Church of St. George, which has been the heart of the village since its construction in 1856. It is surrounded by some older residential houses, and from here you can quickly reach the Mediterranean coast on foot. The nearby Iza Banja beach regularly receives awards for its excellent water quality and invites you to swim during the summer months. The main season for beachgoers is between May and October. A few minutes' walk from the main beach, you will find many smaller, untouched bathing coves. There you can expect peace and relaxation in complete seclusion. The gently sloping water in the coves is ideal for small children.
Day 2
In clear weather, you can already see some of the many islands in the Kvarner Bay from Sveti Juraj. These are perfect year-round excursion destinations and are recommended for your planning on the second day in Croatia. Picturesque beaches, untouched landscapes, and many charming towns along the coast await you on the island of Krk. It is easily accessible not only by boat but also by car thanks to a modern bridge. There, you can visit early Christian ruins or stroll through the old town of the eponymous place. You will find picturesque alleys, bustling marketplaces, many lively cafés, and picturesque facades of centuries-old buildings. Other cultural attractions on Krk include the cathedral with the iconic bell tower from 1515, the Frankopan Castle, and the town hall. The beaches of Porporela and Portapisana are especially popular during the high season.
Day 3
Use the third day of your trip either for relaxation in Sveti Juraj or drive in just over an hour to the big city of Rijeka. Since the 19th century, the port city has been one of the most important coastal cities of the Mediterranean and delights with its historic center and many museums. The centerpiece is the pedestrian zone Korzo. Stroll along the wide boulevard, characterized by boutiques, cafes, and sights. After sunset, the mile transforms into an open-air concert when numerous street musicians and other artists perform. Other landmarks in Rijeka include the 13th-century Trsat Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, and the City Tower. The 1.7 km long breakwater Molo Longo is also open to visitors and is considered a popular destination for extended walks, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor and the coast.