The Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera has been living in the spirit of scampi these days, and the programme so far of the second edition of the Scampi Festival has once again confirmed how strongly the local flavours, fishing tradition, and authentic coastal atmosphere motivate visitors to come to this Riviera.

Saturday, 23 May, in Klenovica will be especially remembered, where the premiere events, Scampi Fishing and the Scampi Festival, gathered numerous visitors eager to experience authentic life by the sea. The day began with a boat trip alongside local scampi fishermen, who introduced participants to the tradition of scampi fishing, demonstrated how traps are hauled in, and shared stories about the everyday life of people who have lived from and with the sea for generations. This direct encounter with local fishermen and the authenticity of the experience left a strong impression on all participants.

The uniqueness of scampi from the Vinodol Channel, renowned for their sweetness and firm texture thanks to the specific sea conditions and underwater freshwater springs, could be experienced in the best possible way – directly where they are caught.

After returning ashore, the Klenovica waterfront transformed into a true centre of great atmosphere, local flavours, and music. The Scampi Festival attracted a large number of guests who enjoyed gastronomic delicacies. Alongside a glass of local Žlahtina wine and the music of the klapa group Intriga, Klenovica lived throughout the day in the rhythm of the sea, socialising, and tradition.

The excellent atmosphere, full tables, and satisfied visitors once again demonstrated how successfully the Scampi Festival combines gastronomy, local heritage, and authentic experiences that modern travellers increasingly seek.

However, the festival is not over yet. Until 31 May, restaurants throughout the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera continue to offer special menus dedicated to this premium ingredient. Participating venues include restaurants Burin, Dida, Lemoon (Hotel Esplanade), Half 8 (Hotel Aminess Younique Narrivi), the restaurant of Hotel Miramare in Crikvenica, restaurant Kantunić and the restaurant of Hotel Marina in Selce, restaurants Admiral (Marina Novi), Mirakul and Pizzeria Nava in Novi Vinodolski, as well as the taverns Navigare and Pod orajom in Klenovica.

Visitors can still enjoy creative dishes such as scampi and orange tartare, Caesar salad with sautéed scampi, monkfish with scampi on a bed of rice, scampi millefeuille, and many other delicacies that reinterpret the region’s rich gastronomic tradition in a modern way.

The highlight of the festival finale will be the second exclusive dinner, taking place on 29 May at Restaurant Dida in Crikvenica, accompanied by the music of klapa Nevera. Following exceptional interest in the first festival gourmet event at Burin, the second dinner promises another special fusion of top gastronomy, the sea, and Mediterranean ambience.

The Scampi Festival is jointly organised by the tourist boards of the City of Crikvenica, the City of Novi Vinodolski, and the Vinodol Municipality, with the aim of promoting the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera as a destination of top gastronomy, authentic experiences, and rich fishing tradition.