{"id":22280,"date":"2026-09-25T12:54:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T11:54:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/blog\/sto-kazu-mjestani-upoznajmo-opatiju\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T15:02:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T14:02:41","slug":"local-insights-discover-opatija","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/blog\/local-insights-discover-opatija\/","title":{"rendered":"Local insights: discover Opatija"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today we are visiting the <strong>cradle of Croatian tourism<\/strong>, the town of Opatija. It is known for its extravagant villas, and you&#8217;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&#8217;s see what Opatija Riviera has to offer.<\/p>\n<p>We have also selected three villas to help you start planning your <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/villas-in-croatia\/kvarner-bay\/opatija\"><strong>holiday in Opatija<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-22280 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/buildings-in-opatija-2-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/opatija-aerial-view-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h2>History<\/h2>\n<p>Opatija\u2019s story started modestly, with the <strong>Benedictine Monastery of St. James<\/strong>, and a small settlement that grew around it in the 15th century. The monastery church, now known as the Saint James&#8217;s Church, remains one of the most important landmarks in Opatija.<\/p>\n<p>And tourism? Tourism arrived somewhat later. Opatija rightly holds the title of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/discover-opatija\/history-of-opatija\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>oldest Croatian tourist destination<\/strong><\/a>. The story begins in 1844, when Rijeka patrician Iginio Scarpa built the summer residence <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/villa-angiolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Villa Angiolina<\/strong><\/a>. Today, we consider it <strong>the beginning of tourism in Croatia<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>In 1884, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/hotel-kvarner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Hotel Kvarner<\/strong><\/a> opened, it was <strong>the first hotel<\/strong> on the east coast of the Adriatic. Hotel Imperial, villas, guesthouses and caf\u00e9s soon followed. The town attracted famous guests as well; Opatija was loved by Emperor Franz Joseph, James Joyce, Isadora Duncan and Giacomo Puccini.<\/p>\n<p>The town became the <strong>Imperial Climate Health Resort<\/strong> of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1889. During this period, the 10 km <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/lungomare-coastal-promenade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Lungomare<\/strong><\/a> promenade was also built. Today, it is the most famous memory of Opatija\u2019s Austro-Hungarian past.<\/p>\n<h2>What to see<\/h2>\n<p>Here is a route you can take when sightseeing in Opatija:<\/p>\n<p><em>Villa Angiolina \u2192 Angiolina Park \u2192 St. James\u2019 Park \u2192 St. James\u2019 Church \u2192 Maiden with the Seagull \u2192 Lungomare Promenade<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Today, Villa Angiolina houses different kind of guests: museum visitors! It is home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrmt.hr\/en\/about-museum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Croatian Museum of Tourism<\/strong><\/a>. The museum is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrmt.hr\/en\/contacts-tickets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>open<\/strong><\/a> Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., so definitely stop by when you are in Opatija. <strong>Angiolina Park<\/strong> is one of the most awarded gardens in Croatia with than 120 plant species brought by travellers from all over the world.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrmt.hr\/en\/2026\/exploring-heritage\/opatijas-camellias-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Camellia<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Having visited the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/saint-jamess-church\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Saint James&#8217;s Church<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and the park, you will reach the sculpture <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/maiden-with-the-seagull\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Maiden with the Seagull<\/strong><\/a>, one of Opatija\u2019s best-known landmarks. Locals also affectionately call the girl <em>Nimfa<\/em>, because she appears to emerge from the sea when the waves are high.<\/p>\n<p>After your history lesson, enjoy a walk along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/lungomare-coastal-promenade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Lungomare promenade<\/strong><\/a>, which stretches all the way to Lovran (about an hour and a half\u2019s leisurely walk between Opatija and Lovran).<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-22280 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-setnica-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/streets-of-opatija-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h2>Where to eat<\/h2>\n<p>Opatija is located between the sea and Mount U\u010dka, and you can see that combination on every plate. A famous local speciality is <strong>Kvarner scampi<\/strong> buzara-style. In spring, wild <strong>asparagus<\/strong> 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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Plavi+podrum\/@45.3477149,14.3174368,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a629ca43a401:0x9479ecd026e8b78f!8m2!3d45.3477149!4d14.3200117!16s%2Fg%2F1tncrpkv?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Plavi podrum<\/strong><\/a>: The restaurant in Volosko has more than 100 years of history. In addition to its \u00e0 la carte selection, it offers two tasting menus. The restaurant\u2019s owner, Daniela Kramari\u0107, is a renowned sommelier, so it is no surprise that the restaurant has an excellent wine list.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Ru%C5%BEmarin\/@45.3322694,14.3014165,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a8716fc9930b:0x36506b376dc1900e!8m2!3d45.3322694!4d14.3014165!16s%2Fg%2F1tdwcqrs?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ru\u017emarin<\/strong><\/a>: 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&#8217;s a good idea to give them a call and book a table.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Roko\/@45.3352893,14.3068305,20z\/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x4764a8716fc9930b:0x36506b376dc1900e!2zUnXFvm1hcmlu!8m2!3d45.3322694!4d14.3014165!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F1tdwcqrs!3m5!1s0x4764a8777aeedc47:0xbf69c75e5c6b91e1!8m2!3d45.3352727!4d14.3070883!16s%2Fg%2F1pv6ygrwn?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pizzeria Roko<\/strong><\/a>: A popular pizzeria where it&#8217;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&#8217;d definitely recommend the homemade pasta with Istrian wine sauces.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Colosseum+Lounge+%26+Beach+Bar\/@45.3300137,14.3021229,18z\/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a8738ac0b321:0xa8163a2d0ef6d3ae!8m2!3d45.3303045!4d14.3022358!16s%2Fg%2F11g8tjq6ld?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Colosseum Lounge &amp; Beach bar<\/strong><\/a>: A cool lounge bar with sun loungers and a swimming pool (we&#8217;re not sure if the pool is for use or just for show <span data-teams=\"true\"> <span class=\"___qsff000 f1a3p1vp f14t3ns0 f4l2907 f1j863za\" title=\"Nacereno lice s nasmije\u0161enim o\u010dima\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/teams.public.onecdn.static.microsoft\/evergreen-assets\/personal-expressions\/v2\/assets\/emoticons\/grinningfacewithsmilingeyes\/default\/30_f.png?v=v14\" alt=\"\ud83d\ude04\" width=\"20\" \/><\/span><\/span>). In the evening, the lights are switched on, a DJ plays music, and all that&#8217;s left for you to do is order a cocktail and relax after a stroll around the city.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hr.gaultmillau.com\/en\/restaurants\/kaokakao\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Kaokakao<\/strong><\/a>: The pastry shop in Volosko is known for French and Italian desserts. Highlights include \u00e9clairs, tarts, mille-feuille and modern mousse cakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<h2>Beaches in Opatija<\/h2>\n<p>If you walk along the Lungomare promenade, you will come across various pebble coves and beaches; we have selected three:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Slatina+beach\/@45.3319527,14.3004008,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a876ad68422f:0x91d71d7e8a3a718e!8m2!3d45.3319527!4d14.3029757!16s%2Fg%2F11c48rz7f_?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Slatina<\/strong><\/a>: The main city beach with a concrete and sandy section, a volleyball court, a children&#8217;s playground and caf\u00e9s.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Pla%C5%BEa+%C4%8Crnikovica\/@45.3507569,14.3112105,15z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a62853a938fb:0x4dc44de93422973a!8m2!3d45.3507579!4d14.3215102!16s%2Fg%2F1pzr8m91y?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>\u010crnikovica<\/strong><\/a>: A shingle beach in Volosko and a favourite destination for Opatija locals every summer.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Dog+Beach\/@45.3191965,14.2930742,20z\/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4764a80f74cb6e73:0x43cd48d887670114!8m2!3d45.3194195!4d14.2935555!16s%2Fg%2F11dymnm01k?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyNy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Dog Beach<\/strong><\/a>: Proof that Opatija is made for the whole family, even the four-legged members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Opatija Riviera<\/h2>\n<p>Opatija is the heart of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/opatija-riviera\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Opatija Riviera<\/strong><\/a>, a 30-kilometre-long coastal belt stretching between the slopes of U\u010dka and the sea. It was once called the <strong>Nice of the Adriatic<\/strong>. The Riviera consists of small towns, some of which are connected by the Lungomare promenade. There is the fishing village of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/volosko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Volosko<\/strong><\/a>, followed by <strong>Ika<\/strong> and <strong>I\u010di\u0107i<\/strong>, the well-known <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/lovran\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Lovran<\/strong><\/a> and <strong>Mo\u0161\u0107eni\u010dka Draga<\/strong> to the south, while <strong>Matulji<\/strong> lies inland. On the slopes of U\u010dka sits the medieval town of <strong>Veprinac<\/strong>, offering one of the most beautiful views of the entire Kvarner Bay. Hiking enthusiasts can continue farther towards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitopatija.com\/en\/ucka-nature-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>U\u010dka Nature Park<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-22280 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/djevojka-s-galebom-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/lungomare-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h2>Where to stay<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Villa Opatija<\/h3>\n<p>Located above I\u010di\u0107i and surrounded by greenery, <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/villa\/kvarner\/opatija-36566\"><strong>Villa Opatija<\/strong><\/a> has an amazing sea view. The villa is <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/pet-friendly-villas\/\"><strong>pet-friendly<\/strong><\/a>, and its 300 m\u00b2 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\u2019s playground.<\/p>\n<h3>Villa Zora<\/h3>\n<p>The holiday home <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/villa\/kvarner\/obrs-36892\"><strong>Villa Zora<\/strong><\/a> is located in peaceful Obr\u0161, above Mo\u0161\u0107eni\u010dka Draga, and is designed for couples or a small family of up to 4 people. Its 100 m\u00b2 includes 2 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony.<\/p>\n<h3>Apartment Villa Adelle<\/h3>\n<p>The building in which <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/villa\/kvarner\/lovran-36809\"><strong>Apartment Villa Adelle<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-22280 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija-.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija-.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"villas VillaOpatija\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija--300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija--768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/villas_VillaOpatija--600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a title=\"\" data-rl_title=\"\"  href='https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle.jpg' class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Apartman-villa-adelle-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>For more options on the Riviera, take a look at the other <a href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/villas-in-croatia\/kvarner-bay\/opatija\"><strong>villas in Opatija<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>And that\u2019s 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!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today we are visiting the cradle of Croatian tourism, the town of Opatija. It is known for its extravagant villas, and you&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":22262,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Local insights: discover Opatija | VillasGuide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What to see in Opatija, where to eat, and why do we call the Opatija the \u201cNice of the Adriatic\u201d? Discover Opatija and find a villa nearby.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/blog\/local-insights-discover-opatija\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Local insights: discover Opatija | VillasGuide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What to see in Opatija, where to eat, and why do we call the Opatija the \u201cNice of the Adriatic\u201d? Discover Opatija and find a villa nearby.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/en\/blog\/local-insights-discover-opatija\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog | VillasGuide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-25T11:54:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-05T14:02:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/villas-guide.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/thumbnail-za-opatija-clanak.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"851\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"315\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Marija Sadak\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Marija Sadak\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Marija Sadak\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c4c7c02962c03d2ef5701e497fdb241e\"},\"headline\":\"Local insights: discover Opatija\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-25T11:54:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-05T14:02:41+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1236,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/wp\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/thumbnail-za-opatija-clanak.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Destination\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/\",\"name\":\"Local insights: discover Opatija | VillasGuide\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/local-insights-discover-opatija\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/villas-guide.com\\\/wp\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/09\\\/thumbnail-za-opatija-clanak.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-25T11:54:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-05T14:02:41+00:00\",\"description\":\"What to see in Opatija, where to eat, and why do we call the Opatija the \u201cNice of the Adriatic\u201d? 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