One of the most beautiful gastronomic stages of the northern Adriatic, the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, will once again become a true oasis of flavours this year – from 15 to 31 May, the Scampi Festival will take place, a unique eno-gastronomic event dedicated to one of the region’s most prized seafood delicacies.

Following last year’s successful pilot edition, which gathered numerous lovers of fine cuisine, the Scampi Festival returns in full splendour, reaffirming the Riviera’s status as a must-visit destination for gourmets. Kvarner, proudly holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy, further highlights the importance of this event, placing scampi and its distinctive flavours at the heart of the celebration.

Throughout the two-week festival, selected restaurants across the Riviera will offer special menus inspired by scampi – a symbol of this region and one of the finest delicacies of the Mediterranean. Scampi from the Vinodol Channel are renowned for their exceptional quality and flavour, thanks to the unique combination of seawater and brackish water, making them a true gastronomic gem of the region.

Visitors can expect a diverse culinary offer – from traditional dishes such as buzara-style scampi, clear fish soup and similar classics, to modern and creative interpretations that push the boundaries of contemporary cuisine. The festival successfully blends tradition and innovation, offering an experience that goes far beyond gastronomy itself. Restaurants participating in the festival with special scampi menus include Burin, Dida, Lemoon (Hotel Esplanade), Half 8 (Aminess Younique Narrivi Hotel), the Miramare Hotel restaurant in Crikvenica, Kantunić restaurant and the Marina Hotel restaurant in Selce, Admiral restaurant (Marina Novi), Mirakul and Nava pizzeria in Novi Vinodolski, as well as the taverns Navigare and Pod orajom in Klenovica.

During the Scampi Festival, two exclusive dinners will also be held in the Crikvenica restaurants Burin (15 May) and Dida (29 May). These unique dining experiences will feature carefully crafted menus centred around Kvarner scampi, interpreted by top chefs who combine local tradition with contemporary gastronomy. These intimate premium events further showcase the quality and creativity of Kvarner cuisine – a perfect opportunity for true gourmets seeking unforgettable Riviera flavours.

In addition to outstanding culinary experiences, the Scampi Festival also brings together education, natural beauty and entertainment, creating a complete destination experience. On 23 May, all interested visitors will have the opportunity to discover the authentic heart of the local fishing tradition – Klenovica. This small coastal village reveals the true story of scampi – where the sea, the wind and centuries of fishermen’s experience create the unique flavours of the Adriatic.

Visitors will have the chance to experience scampi fishing first-hand – heading out to sea, lifting the traps and discovering the very locations where this premium delicacy originates. It is precisely the combination of underwater freshwater springs and the unique seabed of the Vinodol Channel that gives these scampi their distinctive sweetness and firm texture, highly appreciated by connoisseurs.

The programme continues along the waterfront with the “Fešta od škampa” celebration – featuring tastings of freshly prepared dishes, a glass of local Vinodol žlahtina wine and music by Klapa Intriga. Applications for the scampi fishing experience can be submitted via email at info@tz-novi-vinodolski.hr.

The price of the excursion with tasting is €15.00 per person (including: scampi fishing and socialising with local fishermen at sea, tasting of one scampi dish on the Klenovica waterfront, a glass of wine and live music entertainment on the promenade). For all those who were unable to secure a place on the fishing excursion, the Scampi Feast is open to all visitors! The programme begins at 10:00 am with a great atmosphere and homemade scampi specialties priced at €10.00.

The project is jointly organised by the tourist boards of the Town of Crikvenica, Novi Vinodolski and the Municipality of Vinodol, with the aim of promoting the Riviera as an authentic eno-gastronomic destination and showcasing local tradition through a contemporary tourism experience.

The Scampi Festival is the perfect opportunity for all lovers of fine food, the sea and nature to discover the rich flavours of the Riviera – a destination where gastronomy is experienced not merely as a meal, but as a feast for all the senses.

Gourmets, reserve your seat at the table – May on the Riviera smells of scampi!