Nautical tourism is a phenomenon that in the last three decades has recorded one of the highest development rates known in the
European and Croatian economies. Economic forecasters for tourism development agree that nautical tourism is in its early
stages of development and that increasing results are to be expected. From a scientific perspective, however, nautical tourism
development is still not sufficiently represented in the science of tourism. In Croatia, nautical tourism is seen as a new
opportunity for the economy and for development, and it has motivated numerous scientific and research programs. The authors
examine opportunities for developing nautical tourism in Croatia by building new marinas, considering the present lack of
carrying capacity which is especially evident where mega-yachts are concerned. Urban nautical tourism ports make up the main
part of the nautical offering to boaters in the Mediterranean. This development is in accordance with, and determined by, the
development concept of the cities and their environs.
The aim of this paper is to determine the interdependence of spatial planning methodology as a continuous activity that enables
the identification of developmental processes as well as taking into consideration interests in function of a timely offer of spatial
and development possibilities to investors. The aim is also to achieve spatial conditions for the implementation of the model of
urban development based on the practical research within the locality of the City of Rijeka (Northern Adriatic).
This will determine the interdependence of nautical tourism and development based on a model according to the city’s needs.