5 Best Sights in Kvarner, Croatia

The intimate harbor is the centerpiece of Veli Lošinj, at the entrance to which is the delightful Church of St. Anthony the Hermit, with a separate bell tower in pink and cream stone. Built on the site of a former church in 1774, the church has always had a congregation of seafarers, who have filled it with religious art and altars from spots such as Venice.

Driving into Baška, you'll pass through Draga Bašćanska and then find yourself in Jurandvor. While on this road, take the chance to visit the Church of St. Lucy, which has achieved cultlike status since the discovery of the Glagolitic Baška Tablet on its grounds in 1851.

Formerly the city's main church and dating back to the Middle Ages, St. Mary's is still known to locals as the "big church." However, many additions and changes now obscure much of the original architecture. The relatively recent updates have not imposed severe geometry, though: the bell tower remains leaning to one side by 40 centimeters or so.

This Romanesque cathedral is unusual in this part of the world because of its rotunda and the semicircular apse behind the altar. Fine Baroque statues are sheltered by Baroque and Gothic construction. Founded by the Jesuits in 1638, the cathedral was named for Rijeka's patron saint. An 18th-century gallery was reportedly built to protect young novice monks from the tempting sights presented when the local lovelies attended services. You can find a cannonball in the wall at the main entrance, apparently fired from a British ship during the Napoleonic wars. The church is closed every day from noon to 3 pm.

The Romanesque Sveta Marija Velika, built in the 12th century and consecrated by the pope in 1177, is the biggest church in Rab Town, and was built on the site of Roman ruins. However, the only way to visit is to attend one of the masses, which are posted on the announcement board outside.