Bakarac – Coast, Culture and Walking Trails

Bakarac combines coastal character with traces of the historic tuna fishery and several trails with different route profiles. When choosing a hotel, you may want to consider the coast, archaeological sites and hiking. The destinations vary in theme, route type and length, so you can decide whether to combine your stay with stretches of beach, history or a specific tour.

Coast and beach areas

Bakarac is a coastal town with concrete beaches along its shore. The beaches include Zminca, Kupalište, Mala plažica, Palada, Skalada, Melina, Prva kućica, Sridnja ućica, Sansovo and Kavranić. Their names help you identify the different stretches of shoreline; conditions can vary from beach to beach. Another feature of the coast is its many springs, which make the water cooler at Bakarac’s beaches. If you plan to spend time by the water during your stay, both the concrete beaches and the cooler water are part of the town’s character.

Archaeological traces and local history

Gradac, a modest archaeological site, lies south of Bakarac. It contains ruins of ancient buildings and remains of an old fortification system; Gradac is also known as a Bronze Age fortified site. The parish church of St Peter the Apostle in Bakarac dates from the 18th century. Three Roman milestones add to the town’s historical heritage. When planning your trip, you can therefore take different periods into account, from Roman heritage to more recent local history.

The history of tuna fishing is also connected with Bakarac: the last active tuna fishing post was named Bakarac and was used until the mid-20th century. This is a historical link to the tuna observation posts, which are also the subject of a hiking trail today; the exact annual schedule for the Tira, tira reenactment may change. You can watch the Tira, tira reenactment from the shore or from boats in Bakar Bay. Traditional tuna dishes are served afterwards; the specific offering may vary from year to year.

Hiking trails and tours

The trail to the tuna observation posts is an eight-kilometre point-to-point route. It passes through Bakarac and by several observation posts along Bakar Bay. The estimated duration is two and a half hours; the surface is 30 percent asphalt and 70 percent off-road. The distance, estimated time and surface breakdown can help you compare this tour with other trails and decide how much space to give it in your travel plans.

Stazama naših nona, by contrast, is a marked 10.7-kilometre loop considered easy and suitable for all age groups. It follows the waterfront promenade to Bakarac, then continues through Šmrika and Banja back to Kraljevica. Mountain hikes, Bark & Hike programmes, and walks for dogs and their owners are organised along the route throughout the year; specific dates may change. While the trail to the tuna observation posts is designated as a point-to-point route, Stazama naših nona offers the loop described here.

The Frankopan Roads Route also passes through Bakarac on its outward and return legs. Check the conditions on this route locally. The “Along the Hunters Paths” tour takes you through the forests of Bakarac and along old Roman roads; it also visits an old forest cemetery and church buildings covered in ivy. If you plan this tour, please confirm its availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Križišće, Kraljevica, Šmrika.

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