Today we are visiting the cradle of Croatian tourism, the town of Opatija. It is known for its extravagant villas, and you’ll be surprised to see all the Austro-Hungarian architecture, as it is not something we usually associate with the Mediterranean. When you set off for a walk through the town, you will come across beautifully landscaped parks, Art Nouveau villas, with the sea following you in the background at every turn. We found out what you need to see and where the best restaurants are. Let’s see what Opatija Riviera has to offer.
We have also selected three villas to help you start planning your holiday in Opatija!
History
Opatija’s story started modestly, with the Benedictine Monastery of St. James, and a small settlement that grew around it in the 15th century. The monastery church, now known as the Saint James’s Church, remains one of the most important landmarks in Opatija.
And tourism? Tourism arrived somewhat later. Opatija rightly holds the title of the oldest Croatian tourist destination. The story begins in 1844, when Rijeka patrician Iginio Scarpa built the summer residence Villa Angiolina. Today, we consider it the beginning of tourism in Croatia. When the railway was build in 1873, Opatija became easily accessible to guests from all over Europe, and tourism became an important contributor to the local economy.
In 1884, the Hotel Kvarner opened, it was the first hotel on the east coast of the Adriatic. Hotel Imperial, villas, guesthouses and cafés soon followed. The town attracted famous guests as well; Opatija was loved by Emperor Franz Joseph, James Joyce, Isadora Duncan and Giacomo Puccini.
The town became the Imperial Climate Health Resort of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1889. During this period, the 10 km Lungomare promenade was also built. Today, it is the most famous memory of Opatija’s Austro-Hungarian past.
What to see
Here is a route you can take when sightseeing in Opatija:
Villa Angiolina → Angiolina Park → St. James’ Park → St. James’ Church → Maiden with the Seagull → Lungomare Promenade
Today, Villa Angiolina houses different kind of guests: museum visitors! It is home to the Croatian Museum of Tourism. The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., so definitely stop by when you are in Opatija. Angiolina Park is one of the most awarded gardens in Croatia with than 120 plant species brought by travellers from all over the world.
Camellia flower has become a symbol of the town and blooms every winter to announce the arrival of spring. The Camellia cake was created as a gastronomic souvenir of Opatija.
Having visited the Saint James’s Church and the park, you will reach the sculpture Maiden with the Seagull, one of Opatija’s best-known landmarks. Locals also affectionately call the girl Nimfa, because she appears to emerge from the sea when the waves are high.
After your history lesson, enjoy a walk along the Lungomare promenade, which stretches all the way to Lovran (about an hour and a half’s leisurely walk between Opatija and Lovran).
Where to eat
Opatija is located between the sea and Mount Učka, and you can see that combination on every plate. A famous local speciality is Kvarner scampi buzara-style. In spring, wild asparagus is a must, and it is most often served in frittatas and risottos. We have selected a few restaurants you can add to your list:
- Plavi podrum: The restaurant in Volosko has more than 100 years of history. In addition to its à la carte selection, it offers two tasting menus. The restaurant’s owner, Daniela Kramarić, is a renowned sommelier, so it is no surprise that the restaurant has an excellent wine list.
- Ružmarin: A restaurant that every local would recommend. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the menu has a bit of everything: meat, fish, veggie options, homemade pasta, etc. It gets busy at weekends, so it’s a good idea to give them a call and book a table.
- Pizzeria Roko: A popular pizzeria where it’s hard to get a table (luckily, they have both a terrace and an indoor area). Apart from pizza, they also have a fish and meat menu. If you ask us, we’d definitely recommend the homemade pasta with Istrian wine sauces.
- Colosseum Lounge & Beach bar: A cool lounge bar with sun loungers and a swimming pool (we’re not sure if the pool is for use or just for show
). In the evening, the lights are switched on, a DJ plays music, and all that’s left for you to do is order a cocktail and relax after a stroll around the city. - Kaokakao: The pastry shop in Volosko is known for French and Italian desserts. Highlights include éclairs, tarts, mille-feuille and modern mousse cakes.
Beaches in Opatija
If you walk along the Lungomare promenade, you will come across various pebble coves and beaches; we have selected three:
- Slatina: The main city beach with a concrete and sandy section, a volleyball court, a children’s playground and cafés.
- Črnikovica: A shingle beach in Volosko and a favourite destination for Opatija locals every summer.
- Dog Beach: Proof that Opatija is made for the whole family, even the four-legged members.
Opatija Riviera
Opatija is the heart of the Opatija Riviera, a 30-kilometre-long coastal belt stretching between the slopes of Učka and the sea. It was once called the Nice of the Adriatic. The Riviera consists of small towns, some of which are connected by the Lungomare promenade. There is the fishing village of Volosko, followed by Ika and Ičići, the well-known Lovran and Mošćenička Draga to the south, while Matulji lies inland. On the slopes of Učka sits the medieval town of Veprinac, offering one of the most beautiful views of the entire Kvarner Bay. Hiking enthusiasts can continue farther towards Učka Nature Park.
Where to stay
And where should you stay? Our answer, of course, is a villa! Opatija is a destination for all seasons, and there are many villas overlooking Kvarner Bay waiting for you. We have selected three villas that are available throughout the year.
Villa Opatija
Located above Ičići and surrounded by greenery, Villa Opatija has an amazing sea view. The villa is pet-friendly, and its 300 m² of space includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for 9 guests. For relaxation, there is a Finnish sauna, a gym, and a fenced yard with a children’s playground.
Villa Zora
The holiday home Villa Zora is located in peaceful Obrš, above Mošćenička Draga, and is designed for couples or a small family of up to 4 people. Its 100 m² includes 2 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony.
Apartment Villa Adelle
The building in which Apartment Villa Adelle is located was built In 1905 as a family summer residence in the centre of Lovran, just 50 metres from the sea. It has a private Mediterranean garden leading directly to the sea, beach and Lungomare promenade.
For more options on the Riviera, take a look at the other villas in Opatija.
And that’s it! We hope you decide to experience Opatija at your own pace, by the sea and with good food on the table. Have a safe journey!
