In the Vinodol riviera on the northern Croatian coast, the town of Novi Vinodolski is laid out by the sea - historically established as a political and cultural centre of the Vinodol Principality (famous for the Vinodol Statute of 1288). Derived from the Latin 'Vallis Vinearia' - 'Valley of Wine', or 'Fertile Valley', the region's evergreen vegetation and mild Mediterranean climate, with clean sea
, water and air, made Novi Vinodolski one of Croatia's first tourist destinations in 1878. Reminders of its vibrant heritage include: the walls of the Roman fortress 'Lopsica'; remains of the Pavlina monastery; a Frankopan fortress and castle; the cathedral; the churches of the Holy Trinity and St. Marin (the latter located on a small island of the same name); and a reading-room and library dating to 1845. The region's museum and gallery give an authentic representation of the town's customs and folklore, and the old city centre is still a busy hub today. The inhabitants are well-known for their hospitality, and the area boasts beaches with crystal clear waters. Free from the smoke and pollution of the big city, wind currents carry clean mountain air down from the forests in the hills above the town. The harbour offers gas stations, parking, berths and devices for lifting and lowering vehicles. Novi Vinodolski is connected with greater Europe and the Mediterranean by the Adriatic tourist road, the railway station of Rijeka (45km away), the airport of Krk-Rijeka (35km away) and, don't forget, by the blue sea.
