{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Selce
History & Background
Selce is a small coastal town (technically a village) in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, situated on the bay of the Crikvenica Riviera.
In the Middle Ages, Selce was part of the municipality of Bribir. In the 13th century it came under the influence (or control) of the powerful Frankopan family, which helped in its development as a trading and maritime settlement.
The site is believed to have grown from a Roman post or outpost (“Ad Turres” is sometimes mentioned) and later developed as a small harbor with storage facilities for wine, salt, and as a customs point.
The modern tourist era in Selce began in 1894, when the first seaside resort was opened, leading to the construction of villas and guesthouses.
Over time, Selce transformed from a fishing and maritime settlement to one whose economy is strongly oriented toward tourism.
The town has faced natural challenges: for instance, in 2008 a storm and strong sirocco winds caused flooding and damage to the beaches.
In September 2017, heavy rainfall caused flooding from local streams (Dubracina and Suha Ricina Novljanska) affecting Selce and nearby towns.
So, Selce combines an old coastal settlement legacy with more recent development as a seaside resort.
Description, Character & Atmosphere
Selce is relatively small (area ~ 7 km²) with a modest population (˜ 1,298 as of 2021)
It retains a Mediterranean / “Primorje” style: lots of stone buildings, narrow streets, a seaside promenade, pebble and rocky beaches, piers and terraces by the sea.
It is part of the Crikvenica Riviera—together with Jadranovo, Dramalj, Crikvenica—and is well connected by road (the D8 highway) and relatively close to Rijeka (~ 34–40 km)
Because of its mild climate and clean sea, Selce is often appreciated as a relaxed, pleasant holiday spot.
The town also hosts a rehabilitation centre (Thermal / Spa / Polyclinic) that treats sports and physical conditions.
Typical Foods & Cuisine
Selce’s cuisine will mostly reflect Croatian coastal / Mediterranean / Adriatic food traditions, especially seafood and local specialities. Here are dishes you are likely to find (or to try during your stay):
Seafood & Adriatic specialities
Crni rižot (black risotto) — rice cooked with squid/cuttlefish ink to turn it black; a coastal specialty.
Octopus salad — tender octopus with tomato, onion, olive oil, herbs, etc. A light, classic Adriatic dish.
Ispod peke — meat (or sometimes seafood) and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid with hot coals; a traditional cooking method in Dalmatia but you may find versions along the coast.
Gregada — a fisherman’s fish stew (fish + potatoes + olive oil, gently cooked) typical in coastal Croatia.
Other Croatian cuisine staples you might also encounter:
• Cevapi / Cevapcici — grilled minced meat sausages, served with bread, onions, ajvar, etc.
• Pršut & local cheeses — cured ham, often served with cheese and perhaps olives / bread.
• Fritule — small doughnut-like sweets, often found as a dessert or a sweet snack.
• Maneštra — vegetable stew / soup, used in Croatian cuisine especially inland but likely encountered in mixed menus.
In short: expect a mix of fresh seafood, local olive oil, simple ingredients, and traditional Croatian coastal flavors.
Activities & Things to Do
Selce offers a variety of leisure, outdoors, and cultural options:
Beach & Water Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, diving — the Adriatic sea in Selce is clear and good for underwater exploration.
Water sports: windsurfing, jetski, etc.
Boating and excursions along the coast or to nearby islands.
Walking, Promenade & Nature
The seaside promenade is pleasant for strolling, enjoying cafes, views, and the harbor.
Exploring the old town streets, local churches, small lanes.
Hiking or walking in the hills behind the town, enjoying nature, forested slopes, and sea views. (Being in a coastal-hills interface, there will be scenic vantage points)
Cultural & Local Attractions
Visit local churches, such as the Church of St. Catherine (built late 19th century)
Local historical architecture, old villas, and preserved elements of the fishing / maritime heritage.
Spa / rehabilitation / wellness center at the local polyclinic / thermal establishment.
Day Trips & Nearby
You can take day trips to Rijeka, coastal towns along the Riviera, or nature in the hinterland.
Exploring nearby beaches, bays and hidden coves along the coastline.
Shops & Markets
In the center of Selce, there are supermarkets, souvenir shops, pastry & bakery shops, fish markets, and other general stores to meet daily needs.
There is a market (likely local / seasonal) and a fish market.
For larger or specialized shopping (clothing, electronics, etc.), one might go to Rijeka (˜40 km away) or larger nearby towns.
So for everyday needs, Selce is quite well equipped; for more variety or big purchases, you may travel outwards.
Festivals, Events & Culture
In July and August Selce hosts a beach music festival, which draws visitors from around and provides entertainment by the sea.
The local cultural programme often includes music, performances, and summer events (concerts, cultural nights) in Selce or in neighboring Crikvenica.
Fishing and maritime traditions are sometimes celebrated through events organized by local fisherman associations.
Nature, Landscape & Environment
Selce is framed by the Adriatic Sea on one side and hills / forested slopes behind, offering a mix of coastal and upland scenery.
The coastline is mostly rocky or pebble, with some concrete sunbathing terraces, steps into the sea, and small sandy or shallower parts especially near “beaches Rokan, Poli Mora,” etc.
Hidden coves and smaller bays around the coast add variety and opportunity for quieter beach spots.
Inland nature includes typical Mediterranean vegetation (maquis shrubs, olive trees, pine, mixed woodland) and walking paths.
The sea quality is good; Selce’s beaches often receive the Blue Flag award (for cleanliness, amenities).
Selce is a small coastal town (technically a village) in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, situated on the bay of the Crikvenica Riviera.
In the Middle Ages, Selce was part of the municipality of Bribir. In the 13th century it came under the influence (or control) of the powerful Frankopan family, which helped in its development as a trading and maritime settlement.
The site is believed to have grown from a Roman post or outpost (“Ad Turres” is sometimes mentioned) and later developed as a small harbor with storage facilities for wine, salt, and as a customs point.
The modern tourist era in Selce began in 1894, when the first seaside resort was opened, leading to the construction of villas and guesthouses.
Over time, Selce transformed from a fishing and maritime settlement to one whose economy is strongly oriented toward tourism.
The town has faced natural challenges: for instance, in 2008 a storm and strong sirocco winds caused flooding and damage to the beaches.
In September 2017, heavy rainfall caused flooding from local streams (Dubracina and Suha Ricina Novljanska) affecting Selce and nearby towns.
So, Selce combines an old coastal settlement legacy with more recent development as a seaside resort.
Description, Character & Atmosphere
Selce is relatively small (area ~ 7 km²) with a modest population (˜ 1,298 as of 2021)
It retains a Mediterranean / “Primorje” style: lots of stone buildings, narrow streets, a seaside promenade, pebble and rocky beaches, piers and terraces by the sea.
It is part of the Crikvenica Riviera—together with Jadranovo, Dramalj, Crikvenica—and is well connected by road (the D8 highway) and relatively close to Rijeka (~ 34–40 km)
Because of its mild climate and clean sea, Selce is often appreciated as a relaxed, pleasant holiday spot.
The town also hosts a rehabilitation centre (Thermal / Spa / Polyclinic) that treats sports and physical conditions.
Typical Foods & Cuisine
Selce’s cuisine will mostly reflect Croatian coastal / Mediterranean / Adriatic food traditions, especially seafood and local specialities. Here are dishes you are likely to find (or to try during your stay):
Seafood & Adriatic specialities
Crni rižot (black risotto) — rice cooked with squid/cuttlefish ink to turn it black; a coastal specialty.
Octopus salad — tender octopus with tomato, onion, olive oil, herbs, etc. A light, classic Adriatic dish.
Ispod peke — meat (or sometimes seafood) and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid with hot coals; a traditional cooking method in Dalmatia but you may find versions along the coast.
Gregada — a fisherman’s fish stew (fish + potatoes + olive oil, gently cooked) typical in coastal Croatia.
Other Croatian cuisine staples you might also encounter:
• Cevapi / Cevapcici — grilled minced meat sausages, served with bread, onions, ajvar, etc.
• Pršut & local cheeses — cured ham, often served with cheese and perhaps olives / bread.
• Fritule — small doughnut-like sweets, often found as a dessert or a sweet snack.
• Maneštra — vegetable stew / soup, used in Croatian cuisine especially inland but likely encountered in mixed menus.
In short: expect a mix of fresh seafood, local olive oil, simple ingredients, and traditional Croatian coastal flavors.
Activities & Things to Do
Selce offers a variety of leisure, outdoors, and cultural options:
Beach & Water Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, diving — the Adriatic sea in Selce is clear and good for underwater exploration.
Water sports: windsurfing, jetski, etc.
Boating and excursions along the coast or to nearby islands.
Walking, Promenade & Nature
The seaside promenade is pleasant for strolling, enjoying cafes, views, and the harbor.
Exploring the old town streets, local churches, small lanes.
Hiking or walking in the hills behind the town, enjoying nature, forested slopes, and sea views. (Being in a coastal-hills interface, there will be scenic vantage points)
Cultural & Local Attractions
Visit local churches, such as the Church of St. Catherine (built late 19th century)
Local historical architecture, old villas, and preserved elements of the fishing / maritime heritage.
Spa / rehabilitation / wellness center at the local polyclinic / thermal establishment.
Day Trips & Nearby
You can take day trips to Rijeka, coastal towns along the Riviera, or nature in the hinterland.
Exploring nearby beaches, bays and hidden coves along the coastline.
Shops & Markets
In the center of Selce, there are supermarkets, souvenir shops, pastry & bakery shops, fish markets, and other general stores to meet daily needs.
There is a market (likely local / seasonal) and a fish market.
For larger or specialized shopping (clothing, electronics, etc.), one might go to Rijeka (˜40 km away) or larger nearby towns.
So for everyday needs, Selce is quite well equipped; for more variety or big purchases, you may travel outwards.
Festivals, Events & Culture
In July and August Selce hosts a beach music festival, which draws visitors from around and provides entertainment by the sea.
The local cultural programme often includes music, performances, and summer events (concerts, cultural nights) in Selce or in neighboring Crikvenica.
Fishing and maritime traditions are sometimes celebrated through events organized by local fisherman associations.
Nature, Landscape & Environment
Selce is framed by the Adriatic Sea on one side and hills / forested slopes behind, offering a mix of coastal and upland scenery.
The coastline is mostly rocky or pebble, with some concrete sunbathing terraces, steps into the sea, and small sandy or shallower parts especially near “beaches Rokan, Poli Mora,” etc.
Hidden coves and smaller bays around the coast add variety and opportunity for quieter beach spots.
Inland nature includes typical Mediterranean vegetation (maquis shrubs, olive trees, pine, mixed woodland) and walking paths.
The sea quality is good; Selce’s beaches often receive the Blue Flag award (for cleanliness, amenities).
Click to show the map