Les plages de la rivière ne dorment pas la nuit. Beaucoup de gens se réfugient dans la mer.

Rijeka's beaches remain lively well into the night as residents and visitors seek relief from the sweltering summer heat. With daytime temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius and nighttime warmth showing little sign of abating, many have turned to the sea for cooling off, regardless of the hour. From students to retirees, families with young children to older generations, the coastal areas near Rijeka have become a popular destination for both day and night activities. The city’s beaches, whether made of pebbles or concrete, from Kantrida to Pećine, are packed during the day. But the situation changes little after sunset. On a recent evening around 9 p.m., just days before the end of July, the beaches remained bustling despite the encroaching darkness. The moonlight, while present, was insufficient to illuminate the shoreline, so the glow from nearby container terminals and beach bars became the primary source of visibility. This artificial lighting created an inviting atmosphere, allowing people to continue their seaside relaxation long after daylight had faded. Each beach has its own character and crowd. At Sablićeva, younger crowds gather under the music played from beach bars, blending laughter, conversation, and the sound of waves with current hits. While some choose to enter the water, others prefer to enjoy drinks and the ambiance from loungers and deck chairs. A short distance away, another section of the beach caters to an older demographic, offering a more tranquil setting for those seeking a different kind of experience. At the nearby, somewhat run-down beach of Hotel Park, which appears almost unchanged since World War II, the scene is dominated by younger visitors, mostly foreigners. They come for the drinks and loud music, though few actually take to the water. Nearby, at Glavanova Beach, the atmosphere is calmer and darker, attracting a mix of locals and tourists looking for a quieter, more intimate setting. Here, the focus is on enjoying the coolness of the sea rather than the social aspects of the beach. For many, the appeal of night swimming lies in the unique combination of natural surroundings and carefully placed lighting. At Grčeva Beach, known locally as "Šestica," the area becomes particularly vibrant in the evenings. The beach bar Pajol stands out as a central point of attraction, having transformed perceptions of evening outings. Its discreet yet effective lighting turns the shallow waters into a shimmering aquarium, creating a cinematic feel. While many enjoy drinks and live music, others seize the opportunity to swim, including parents with small children who stay in the water longer than adults. Aleksandra Ignatoski, fresh out of the sea, remarked that the water isn't as warm as one might expect, suggesting that the perceived temperature difference plays a role in the popularity of night swimming. Meanwhile, Teo de Privitellio emphasized the unique pleasure of night swimming, highlighting the blend of music and the sounds of live performances. Matija Jagodin, a local resident, noted that the best part of summer doesn’t happen during the day, but rather in the evenings when the city quiets down. He described the beaches as ideal meeting points for casual conversations and gatherings, free from specific plans or purposes. As the summer continues, the trend of night-time beach visits shows no signs of slowing. With the heat persisting and the allure of the sea providing respite, Rijeka's shores remain a focal point for relaxation and social interaction, adapting to the rhythms of the season.