In the heart of Kvarner, along coasts that take your breath away and urbanity that transcends classic tourist postcards, British journalist and travel writer Paul Bradbury has started a new project of filming video material dedicated to Rijeka. But this time the matter is about a completely different approach – far from the usual tourist templates and perfect postcards. Bradbury, for whom Croatia is not a stranger, decided to portray Rijeka as it truly is – alive, authentic, and layered.

More than Ordinary Promotion

Unlike typical tourist videos that often skim the surface and offer only the most famous attractions, this project dives deeper into the identity of the city. Paul Bradbury, known for his critical eye and ability to discern deeper narratives of a space, emphasizes that he is no longer interested in superficial and algorithmically generated presentations of destinations. Instead, he focuses on real life, the local community, and the everyday dynamics that shape a city.

He says that Rijeka fascinates precisely because of its uniqueness. This city is not just a destination – it is a way of life. Alternative culture, the legacy of industrial development, and the open spirit of the community make Rijeka a unique urban organism that stands out among Croatian coastal cities.

Personal Connection with the City

For Bradbury, Rijeka is not just another city on a filming list. It carries personal weight and emotional connection. His children were born right here, and many important moments in his life are tied to this place. Precisely because of that, he says, in Rijeka he always felt accepted, as if at home – a feeling that is hard to find everywhere.

He compares Rijeka to Manchester, the city from which he comes. Both cities share an industrial past, a strong working-class tradition, and a distinctly alternative cultural scene. According to his words, Rijeka represents a Mediterranean version of Manchester, with slightly milder weather but an equal dose of character.

Behind the Scenes of Everyday Life

Bradbury's plan is to portray life firsthand through conversations with the people of Rijeka and visits to city locations. The camera will capture everyday scenes – from a walk along Korzo, to views from Trsat fortress, to the colorful Rijeka market and the pulsating energy of the Art Quarter. A special emphasis will be placed on how foreigners experience Rijeka and how they integrate into the local community.

Unlike many coastal cities that become seasonal tourist backdrops, Rijeka stands out with its authentic life throughout the entire year. Paul emphasizes that in many places along the Adriatic coast he has seen tourism smother real life – everything is subordinated to visitors, and the local identity disappears. In Rijeka the situation is different – tourism exists here, but it is not the dominant force that shapes the city.

Support of the Local Community

The project has also been recognized by the Rijeka Tourist Board, which is actively involved in the filming realization. Director Petar Škarpa stated that such an approach offers an opportunity for the city to be presented in a new light. Instead of classic marketing messages, the city is revealed through the stories of real people, through streets that are walked daily, and through the content that is used every day.

Rijeka's gastronomy, music, history, and contemporary culture will receive new media space, adapted to an audience that seeks more than classic tourism. More and more travelers today want to experience the destination from the inside, to live it, and not just visit. That is exactly the goal of this video – to inspire viewers to come and become part of Rijeka's rhythm.

Rijeka as a Place to Live

One of the key messages of Bradbury's project is that Rijeka is a city where one can not only enjoy a holiday but also live permanently. A city that offers urban content, cultural dynamics, natural beauty, and a sense of community. In a world where many cities have become backdrops for Instagram photos, Rijeka stands out as real, full of contrasts, and rich in life.

Accommodation in Rijeka is available in various forms, from modern apartments in the city center, to boutique hotels, to family houses and villas that offer privacy and comfort. All this makes Rijeka ideal not only for a visit but also for a longer stay, or even relocation. Many digital nomads and foreigners have already recognized its potential as a place that combines European urbanity with Mediterranean relaxation.

When the film is completed, it will be available on Paul Bradbury's online channels and on digital platforms that promote Rijeka as a destination. But, as the author himself emphasizes – the goal is not promotion, but the revelation of the true face of the city and the creation of a bridge between the local identity and those who want to get to know it.