Travel Guide to Opatija

Opatija has been called the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and the "Queen of Tourism" being a popular health resort for European high society in the 19th century when Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The town of Opatija is just a few minutes drive northwest of the city of Rijeka at the beginning of the Istrian Peninsula and along the Adriatic Coast in the Kvarner Bay. This visitor's guide includes all the travel information you need to know and accents all the best sights to see to enjoy an elegant day in Opatija.

Maiden with the Seagull statue in Opatija, Croatia — "Maiden with the Seagull" Statue

Looking for more visitor guides on the north coast? READ: Travel Guide to Rijeka.

Hotel Kvarner was the first hotel on the Adriatic to accommodate the new chic tourists and sprinkled throughout the town are elegant villas from the Habsburg era. Famous guests that were visiting Opatija at this time included governors, archdukes, emperors and empresses, composers, authors, dancers and other royals and artists.

The 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long Lungomare, or seafront promenade, winds along the coast and almost the entire stretch of the town. Built in 1911, this famous walkway allows you to take in views of the grand hotels, beautiful villas and nearby islands. At the north end of the Lungomare you can visit the small pebble beach, called Tomaševac beach (Plaža Tomaševac) and at the south end you can reach the larger concrete beach, called Slatina beach (Plaža Slatina). Here sun loungers and water sport rentals are available and there is an inflatable aqua park popular with families. Near the center of the Lungomare is a commemoration to those who have contributed to the promotion of Croatia through science, culture, sports and arts, called the "Croatian Walk of Fame."

Go HERE for more beach recommendations along the north coast!

Igor and I at Maiden with the Seagull statue, Opatija, Croatia — Igor & I posing at the "Maiden with the Seagull"

Also located along the Lungomare is the "Maiden with the Seagull" statue. Built in 1956, she is a classic symbol of not only Opatija, but the entire Kvarner region. The sculptor, Zvonko Car, and model for the statue, Jelena Jendrašič, are actually from Igor's hometown, Crikvenica! From here you can see Saint Jacob's Park (Park Svetog Jakova), which has been awarded as the most beautiful park in Croatia with landmarks such as the Helios and Selena Fountain and the Madonna del Mare Statue. Next to the park, visit St. Jacob's Church (Crkva sv. Jakov) built in the 15th century.

Want to visit some of the nearby islands? READ: Day Trip to Krk, Cres & Lošinj Islands.

Caffe Wagner at Hotel Milenij, Opatija, Croatia

Around the corner is our favorite spot to grab coffee with a grand outdoor terrace, Caffe Wagner at Amadria Park Hotel Milenij. Other sights include the Summer Stage, an open air theatre and arts pavilion, where film shows, concerts, operas, folklore and festivals take place during the summer season. In front of the theatre is Lido beach, know to be one of the most charming beaches in Opatija with luxurious sun loungers and staircases down to the sea. The Croatian Museum of Tourism (Hrvatski muzej turizma) and Villa Angiolina Park is located near here, known for it's stunning gardens with exotic plants as well as the Wall of Fame, which is a long mural showcasing painted portraits of famous people from around the world who were either born in Opatija or have visited it.