Famous for its amazing blue water, string of islands (Krk, Rab, Cres and Losinj) and indented coastline, whose vegetation is exuberant and spectacular on the Istrian side and more austere and stony south of Rijeka, it is easy to understand why Kvarner Gulf triggered the growth of tourism in Croatia during the Belle Epoque. Although sea bathing is not always easy, the splendid landscapes and scenic villages and towns (Brsec, Opatija, Senj) more than compensate.