BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Senj is a port and city located on the coast of the Velebit Channel along the Adriatic Highway. It is located below the Vratnik pass and is the largest urban center between Rijeka and Zadar. It can be reached by car from the west via the Rupa and Pasjak border crossings via Rijeka (about 65 kilometers away) along the Adriatic Highway. From the direction of Zagreb, take the A1 highway, after which you turn via Gospić to the Žuta Lokva exit. Senj is also accessible from the south. Arrival by bus to the Senj train station is possible from various centers in Croatia and bus lines to Senj are very frequent. The nearest train station is in Rijeka, and for arrival by plane, the nearest destination is Rijeka Airport, about 40 kilometers away. The Senj port is designed for arrival by boat, but you should be careful and pay attention to the forecast because gusts of bora in the port can sometimes be very dangerous.

CULTURE, HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS

The city of Senj was founded 3000 years ago, and during the Roman period the settlement was called "Senia". The present-day city was built during the Middle Ages and soon became one of the most important trading centers, lasting until the 19th century. The first Glagolitic printing house was founded in Senj at the end of the 15th century, and evidence of Senj's Glagolitic tradition is the Senj Tablet, a stone fragment found in the staircase of the Nehaj fortress. The medieval Nehaj fortress is the symbol of the city, and when visiting the fortress, you can see various exhibits that testify to the war history of the city and the so-called "Uskoci" - a famous military unit that fought many major battles with the Turks. The Senj City Museum provides even more information about the history of Senj. Other sights to visit include Nehaj Park, the Park of Senj Writers, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary built in 1169, the Permanent Exhibition of Sacred Art, and the Sundial, which commemorates the fact that Senj is located exactly between the equator and the North Pole at the 45th parallel.

BEACHES

In Senj and the Senj Riviera (which includes several towns), pebble and rocky beaches predominate, providing a peaceful holiday and enjoyment of the very clear sea. The most famous beaches are Prva draga, Škver and the City Beach Banja with a very good range of other facilities.

OTHER CONTENT

Gastronomic delights are provided by the restaurants Krešimir, Martina, Riva, Paron, Zagreb and Hacienda, along with many other taverns and bistros. Senj and its surroundings are particularly famous for their beekeepers and honey production, which is at a top level due to the excellent climatic conditions. In the cafes and bars Korner, Križ, Bilao or Kod tri mornara you can relax with a coffee or a drink, and nightlife and going out can be found in the nightclubs Konoba and Magnus. Popular events in Senj include the International Senj Summer Carnival, Uskočki Days, the Senj Klapa Festival and the Senj Concert Evenings.

SPORT

Cycling trails in Senj and the surrounding area are particularly attractive because in just a few kilometers you can go from the Mediterranean climate and proximity to the sea to areas with a continental climate and fresh air. You can hike along many hiking trails, and Mount Velebit is a great and demanding location for experienced hikers looking for a challenge. The Galathea diving club offers wonderful diving arrangements at underwater archaeological sites. The Senj waters are particularly attractive for sailors, and there are several locations for fishing with the necessary permit. Hunting in the areas under Velebit, where various game live, will certainly attract many.

WHAT TO DO – EXCURSION OPPORTUNITIES

A trip to some of the places on the Senj Riviera can be a great opportunity to spend time in untouched nature. For true enjoyment of nature, the Northern Velebit National Park is the place to go, where the richness of flora and fauna is something that can rarely be experienced. Boats and yachts can be rented to tour Senj and its surroundings from the sea, and evening walks along the city streets or the Nehaj Fortress will leave everyone breathless.

ACCOMMODATION

The Libra and Art Senj hotels are located near the city center and are a desirable place to stay. There is also a large selection of private apartments and guesthouses in Senj. Camps where tourists can stay are Camp Škver, Bunica I, Bunica V, Ujča and Eurokamp Rača. Interesting places to stay include the Zavižan mountain lodge and the Miroslav Hirtz and Alan mountain lodges.