January the 24th, 2026 – Brseč is a little town in Kvarner, not far from glamorous Opatija, with a million dollar view and a mere 120 or so inhabitants. It’s known as one of the most beautiful places in the northern Adriatic.
As Putni kofer/Martina Hrupic writes, looking at Brseč from the sea, you’ll notice a little settlement that seems to merge deep into a cliff, before transforming into the greenery of the trees and then turning into the almost completely black mass of Učka. In the middle, a white-red dot appears, the bell tower of which tries to distract the eye from the surrounding nature. It’s precisely that magical combination in which the sea, cliffs, an ancient little town with a soul and a huge mountain meet.
despite its charm, there are only a few people left in charming Brseč
Srecko Niketic/PIXSELL
Brseč is a pretty little medieval town with narrow streets which allow you to feel the spirit of the times in which it was constructed. They also give you the opportunity to enjoy some sweeping views, bathed in that very same atmosphere. Charming Brseč is located on 157-metre-high cliffs, on the slopes of the imposing Učka, about 23 kilometres from the Austro-Hungarian glitz of Opatija.
Despite having million dollar views, little Brseč has a very modest population. If the data collected back in 2021 is to be belived, only about 120 vigilant “observers” of the Great Gate that connects the Bay of Rijeka and Kvarner live there permanently. It is located along the road that connects Rijeka and Pula, via Opatija and Labin.
It is a place where, on top of all of the above, the ancient skills of olive growing and fishing, as well as the production of Teran wine, all seamlessly come together. Tourism, of course, has taken precedence in modern times, which was preceded by the birth of Kaštel, the historic old core around which this place developed. Its ancient ramparts, today preserved only in the foundations of the outer walls of the houses there, were silent witnesses to jealous Venetian attacks in times long gone by. So much of it, transience, history, old and new stories, are squeezed into these tiny little streets and passages. It should therefore come as no surprise that Brseč has also been declared a cultural asset.
In Brseč, the majority of the buildings date back to the 17th century, while the walls, fortifications and the church bell tower itself date back to the early Middle Ages. The settlement is inextricably linked to the name of a Croatian writer, Eugen Kumičić. His bust is located at the entrance to the old town, while his birthplace is now the “Eugen K” library and gallery, where artists still exhibit their works.
Brseč has its own olive mill from the 17th century, named Toš. During that period, the Brseč parish priest Josip Mavrović had the Mašunerija building built, a residential building with rooms, utility rooms and a loggia, and the parish church was also renovated. There’s also the town well in the central square of the old town.
the home of one of Croatia’s most incredible beaches
Srecko Niketic/PIXSELL
Brseč is known for another thing aside from its astonishing Kvarner views – its beaches. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Adriatic, with the amazing Klančac beach standing out from the crowd.
One of the most special corners of Brseč is certainly the one where the Church of St. Magdalene (Sv Magdalena) is located. Built way back during the 15th century, it is located north of the old town, and its surroundings offer yet more breathtaking views.
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