Kvarner encompasses in miniature what the Croatian natural wealth means to Europe - a diversity of plant and animal species on the smallest stretch of land: the flora of Kvarner includes more than 2,700 species (the most popular and most important in terms of their aromatic properties are the sage, rosemary, basil, laurel, myrtle, mint, palms, agaves, chestnuts, figs, olives, wild fruit, etc.), which make this region one of the richest parts of Europe in terms of the plant life. Most of the 114 species of birds considered endangered at the European level nest in this area (Golden Eagle, Gray Falcon, Griffon Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, black-cocks, owls, snipes, etc.). The island of Krk is the richest island in terms of the number of plant species (about 1,500), while the islands of Cres and Rab, next to the island of Krk, are, proportionately to their size, the richest islands in the Mediterranean in terms of the number and species of mammals. The forests of Gorski kotar are home to lynxes, bears, wolves, wild goats, mouflons, while the fast river currents abound in trout proven to be the largest trout in the world. The Kupa River valley is also known as the Valley of Butterflies (Dolina leptira). Only a few steps separate you from the sage on the coast and the pines on the mountain tops!
The following facts speak clearly about the level of preservation of the natural heritage, the most significant tourism resource today: Kvarner boasts ecological cleanliness and good, drinkable water that can be consumed directly from the tap. Some of the most significant results of ecological and educational projects are certainly the recognitions awarded by international ecological and educational organizations. Based on the assessment made by the European Judging Committee of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE), there were in 2009 38 Blue Flags, of which 35 awarded to beaches and 3 to marinas, on the territory of Kvarner.
In Brief
• Kvarner – one of the richest parts of Croatia in terms of the plant life, with more than 2,700 different species
• Kvarner – the habitat of numerous bird species considered endangered in Europe
• About 140 dolphins live in the waters surrounding the island of Cres and Lošinj
• The islands of Krk, Rab, Lošinj and Cres are, proportionately to their size, the richest islands in the Mediterranean in terms of the number and species of mammals and all large European predators
• There are 499 butterfly species in Gorski kotar
Look for our theme brochure «Protected Natural Heritage»