January 20, 2025, 5:51 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sea breeze, magnificent architecture, and imperial flair: Once known as a spa resort of the monarchy, the Croatian coastal town of Opatija is no longer a hidden gem. Whether exploring the traces of historical personalities or space for relaxation—the seaside resort has a lot to offer. TRAVELBOOK author Sarah Bachmann traveled there and presents the best tips for a visit to Opatija.
Opatija is located directly on the coast of Kvarner Bay in northwestern Croatia. With a flight time of around one and a half hours from Germany, Opatija is a quickly accessible destination—and its mild climate ensures a sense of well-being. It is not for nothing that the coastal town was officially recognized as a health resort in 1889.
Overview of
Historic Buildings in the Town Center
As part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Opatija attracted mainly the nobility at the end of the 19th century. Some relics of this period can still be seen in the town today. Impressive buildings such as the Villa Angiolina in the center, the historic St. Jacob’s Church, or the Juraj Šporer art pavilion near the Lungomare coastal promenade are reminders of the town’s history.
According to Visitopatija, more than 150 different plant species from all over the world can be seen in the Angiolina Park, which is also located on the edge of the Lungomare promenade. The park is also home to a music pavilion, which not only provides shade, but also offers a great view of the numerous flower beds.
Swimming and Walking in Opatija
If you fancy a long walk, the Lungomare promenade, also known as the Franz Joseph I promenade, is the place for you. The 12-kilometer path stretches from the small harbor town of Volosko to Lovran and always offers a view of the Adriatic Sea. At the same time, small bays invite you to swim. And in the town center there is the Slatina beach, which offers both sandy and concrete sunbathing areas.
In the Footsteps of the Stars on the ‘Walk of Fame’
There is an extra portion of stars on the Croatian “Walk of Fame”. Just a few meters from Slatina Beach, the stars on the Walk of Fame commemorate prominent personalities. In addition to inventor Nikola Tesla, there are other names of famous people from the fields of art, culture, and sports. More stars are added every year, so that there are now more than 30 names on the promenade.
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Shopping on the Marsala Tita Promenade
In addition to large shopping centers on the outskirts of the city, Opatija also offers small boutiques of various kinds along the Marsala Tita promenade. Here, the offer ranges from jewelry and clothing to vacation souvenirs, such as truffle products or Croatian wine.
If you have a little more time, you can also take a bus from Opatija to the port city of Rijeka, around 13 kilometers away. In addition to various shopping opportunities, there are also various yachts to admire at the harbor. The Krk National Park, known for its picturesque waterfalls, is also only around an hour’s drive from Opatija.