Crikvenica is one of those coastal towns that seems to always be alive—whether it’s high season or a quiet weekend in spring. On a recent one-day road trip along the southern stretch of the Kvarner Riviera, I found myself drawn to this exact moment. A mix of everyday life, a splash of floral decoration, and the Adriatic in the background made this scene too good not to capture.
The photo shows a man dressed in a Kvarner-branded outfit crouched down, taking a picture of a decorative floral frame bearing the name “Crikvenica.” It’s one of those little city installations meant for tourists, but the scene becomes much more than that when you take in the people casually enjoying their coffee nearby, the marina in the background, and the energy of a sunny coastal day.
Crikvenica has been a beloved health tourism destination since the late 19th century, thanks to its mild climate and clean air. Nowadays, it’s popular with families, cyclists, and beachgoers alike. But it’s these in-between moments—when locals and visitors interact with public spaces—that really bring a destination to life for me as a photographer.
If you’re curious to see more slices of Croatian life like this, head over to the Explore page. And if you’re on Instagram, follow @croatia_captured for regular updates from all over the country.