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Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Rijeka Oil Refinery, located in Urinj near the town of Kostrena, is the largest and most significant industrial facility of its kind in the Republic of Croatia. Managed by the national oil company INA, the refinery plays a crucial role in the country's energy security and economic stability. The modern facility at Urinj was officially put into operation in 1964, following a long tradition of oil processing in Rijeka that dates back to 1883. It features a processing capacity of approximately 4.5 million tons of crude oil per year and is equipped with a deep-sea port in the Bay of Bakar for efficient transport. Recent investments have focused on the Residue Upgrade project to increase the production of high-quality petroleum products like diesel and gasoline while meeting strict environmental standards. The complex includes extensive storage tanks, processing units, and a dedicated terminal for maritime logistics. Its strategic location on the Adriatic coast allows for the distribution of energy products to both domestic markets and neighboring Central European countries.

Location: Croatia
Nearby: Kraljevica (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	4	9	13	17	19	19	14	10	5	0
Rain mm	81	96	83	85	105	88	71	89	131	122	139	109

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Rijeka Oil Refinery in Urinj is Croatia's most modern petroleum processing facility, powering regional energy supplies and supporting maritime shipping. Its own tanker terminal makes it a vital hub for crude oil imports and refined product exports along the Adriatic coast.

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Visiting

For safety reasons, the refinery grounds are typically not open to the public, but its coastal location provides good visibility from the water. Visitors arriving by ferry in Rijeka can spot the storage tanks and loading arms from the sea.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoints are along the coastal road between Rijeka and Opatija, especially near the Urinj bay area. From the hills overlooking the Kvarner Gulf, the refinery's towers and flares can be spotted on the horizon.

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Local products

Although there is no direct retail at the site, the refinery produces fuels, lubricants, and bitumen that supply gas stations and industries across Croatia. Travelers encounter these petroleum products in everyday use throughout the region.

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Active season

The refinery operates continuously throughout the year, with no distinct seasonal shutdowns typical of heavy industry. Maintenance periods may occur, but crude processing and product loading happen daily at the terminal.

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Nearby

A visit to the Urinj refinery area pairs well with exploring the historic port city of Rijeka and its maritime museum. The nearby Opatija Riviera gives coastal promenades and viewpoints that contrast with the industrial landscape.

Geography

Coordinates

45.28900, 14.51600

Facts

Oil refining activities in Rijeka originally started in the year 1883.
The Urinj facility reached a processing capacity of 4.5 million tons annually.
The refinery is owned and operated by the Croatian energy company INA.
Maritime logistics are handled via a deep-water terminal in Bakar Bay.
A Residue Upgrade project was launched to improve fuel quality and ecology.
It is strategically connected to the Jadranski naftovod (JANAF) pipeline system.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Viktor Lenac Shipyard2 km · NWExplore →

📍Bakar3 km · NEExplore →

📍Krasica (Bakar)4 km · NEExplore →

📍Kraljevica4 km · EExplore →

📍Praputnjak5 km · EExplore →

📍Kukuljanovo6 km · NExplore →

Port of Rijeka - Brajdica6 km · NWExplore →

📍Buzdohanj7 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj) (1)

Kostrena 🎡 recreation

A coastal area near Rijeka, known for its rocky inlets and bays.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Urinj oil refinery located?

It is located on the coast southeast of Rijeka, in the municipality of Kostrena.

Is the refinery accessible to visitors?

No, for safety reasons, the site is closed to unauthorized persons.

Why was the refinery built on the coast?

To allow direct access for tankers via the Port of Rijeka.

Can you see the refinery from the sea?

Yes, the industrial facilities dominate the Kvarner Bay skyline in this area.

Who owns the Rijeka refinery?

It is operated by the INA Group, Croatia's largest oil company.

Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj): where is it located?

Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj) is located in Croatia.

Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Rijeka Oil Refinery (Urinj): why is it worth visiting?

The Rijeka Oil Refinery, located in Urinj near the town of Kostrena, is the largest and most significant industrial facility of its kind in the Republic of Croatia.

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