A new section of the Way of St. James along the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera has officially opened, enriching the Croatian Camino network with yet another important segment of the European cultural route Camino de Santiago, which attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. The Camino Crikvenica Vinodol project was realized through the initiative and cooperation of the Tourist Board of the City of Crikvenica, the Tourist Board of the Vinodol Municipality and the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski, with the support of the Croatian National Tourist Board. The project was implemented by the Brotherhood of St. James, the official Croatian representative in the Camino Europa Compostela federation and the holder of the Camino Croatia project.

On the second Sunday of Advent, December 7, the first fifty pilgrims from almost all parts of Croatia walked the new route from Crikvenica to the Church of St. James in Jadranovo, guided by two expert leaders, symbolically marking the opening of this pilgrimage trail. After Holy Mass in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Crikvenica, the pilgrims headed along Balustrada towards Dramalj. They enjoyed magnificent views of the sea, the island of Krk and the Kvarner Bay. The scenic Kačjak peninsula offered an ideal moment for a pause, prayer, and reflection. Following the “Trail of Waves,” they arrived in Jadranovo, once a settlement of sailors and fishermen, at the Church of St. James. The participants then enjoyed a shared meal at the Sveti Jakov restaurant, followed by organized bus transport back to Crikvenica.

Camino Crikvenica Vinodol is part of the coastal branch of the Croatian Camino network, which stretches through Dalmatia, Lika, the Croatian Littoral and Istria, naturally continuing further into Slovenia and toward the sanctuary in Santiago de Compostela. Today, tens of thousands of people walk Croatian Camino routes annually, discovering in Croatia this increasingly popular “Camino experience.”

Pilgrimage tradition has deep roots here — Croatian Camino heritage records over 800 years of pilgrimages to Santiago. Jadranovo holds a special place in this story — not only because it was historically known as St. James, but also due to its strong local devotion and centuries-old veneration of the saint.

The new section brings spiritual enrichment and valuable experiences to pilgrims, while also providing concrete benefits to the local community. Camino routes have been proven to extend the tourist season, boost local economies, and highlight the cultural and natural heritage of destinations.

Marijana Biondić, Director of the Crikvenica Tourist Board and coordinator of the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera, reflected on the first Camino Crikvenica Vinodol and announced plans for 2026:
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“This Advent Camino offered peace, spiritual preparation and a sense of togetherness, while opening new opportunities for the tourism and social development of our community. Our goal is to create a recognizable and sustainable product that will attract pilgrims, nature lovers and guests seeking an authentic experience.”

Situated between the blue of the sea and the silence of a winter morning, this Camino exuded a special calm — a perfect opportunity to give thanks, reflect and prepare the heart for the arrival of Christmas.