Things to do in Opatija – 12 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What is there to see and do in Opatija, Croatia? The elegant coastal town on the Kvarner Bay offers grand turn-of-the-century hotels, beautiful parks, historic villas and the long Lungomare promenade. Here you can swim in the Adriatic Sea, enjoy spas and good food – and at the same time experience the history from the time when Opatija was one of Austria-Hungary's most fashionable spa resorts.

Opatija in Croatia

We have visited Opatija several times and find the town to have a character all its own. Here, palm trees and the Adriatic Sea meet in magnificent 19th and early 20th century architecture, and the atmosphere feels in many ways more Central European than in the old stone towns further south along the Croatian coast. We have also experienced Opatija in the off-season, including during the annual chocolate festival.

Things to see and do in Opatija

Opatija is not a big city, but there is a lot to see and experience here. What makes it special is the combination of the Adriatic Sea, the elegant architecture and the heritage from its time as an exclusive spa. Here are our best tips for things to see and do in Opatija.

1. Stroll along Lungomare

One of the very best things to do in Opatija is to stroll along Lungomare, the historic promenade that follows the coast of the Kvarner Bay. The entire promenade is around 12 kilometers long and stretches from Volosko in the north, through Opatija and further south to Lovran.

Along the way you pass old villas and hotels, parks, small bathing areas and cliffs where the Adriatic Sea hits. Of course, you don't have to walk the whole distance - just a walk through central Opatija gives a nice view of the city.

2. See the Virgin and the Seagull

One of Opatija's most photographed sights is the statue of the Virgin with the Seagull, Girl with a crowbar. It stands on a cliff right by the sea along the Lungomare and has become something of a symbol of the city.

The statue was created by sculptor Zvonko Car and placed here in the 1950s. Previously, a statue of a Madonna stood on the same spot, erected in memory of Count Arthur Kesselstatt who died at sea. Today, the Virgin with the Seagull is a classic photo spot – whether the waves are roaring or the sea is calm.

3. Discover Villa Angiolina and Angiolina Park

Villa Angiolina holds an important place in Opatija's tourist history. Built in the 1840s by businessman Iginio Scarpa from Rijeka, the villa is often cited as an important starting point for Opatija's development from a small coastal town to a fashionable holiday and health resort.

Surrounding the villa is the Angiolina Park, a lush park with exotic plants brought here from different parts of the world. Here you can stroll among palm trees, camellias and other plants and at the same time get a sense of the elegant environment that attracted wealthy guests to Opatija in the 19th century.

4. See St. James' Church

In a park near the sea lies the Church of St. James, Crkva sv. Jakova. The church stands on the site of a former Benedictine monastery and has given its name to Opatija – the Croatian word for Opatija means roughly monastery or abbot's monastery. The church is considerably smaller and simpler than many of the large churches you encounter on trips through Croatia, but the location is important to the city's history.

5. Admire Opatija's grand turn-of-the-century architecture

A big part of Opatija's charm is all the magnificent villas, hotels and palatial buildings from the town's heyday as a spa resort. The architecture here is noticeably different from many of the medieval stone towns along the Croatian coast.

When Opatija became popular with aristocrats and other wealthy travelers during the Austro-Hungarian era, many elegant buildings were built. Even today, facades, balconies, verandas and ornate gardens contribute to the special atmosphere. In other words, it is worth occasionally lifting your eyes from the sea and just taking a look at the houses.

6. See Hotel Kvarner and Hotel Imperial

Two buildings that tell a lot about Opatija's history are the classic hotels Kvarner and Imperial. Hotel Kvarner opened in the 1880s and is considered one of the early grand hotels in the town's development as a tourist resort.

The Hotel Imperial also dates back to the 19th century and was built for the growing stream of prominent guests. The hotels are fine examples of the grand architecture that still characterizes Opatija, making parts of the city almost feel like a Central European spa resort that happened to end up on the Adriatic Sea.

7. Visit the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion

Right next to St. James' Church is the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, a historic building that is today used for exhibitions and cultural events, among other things.

Originally built in the 19th century, the building has had several different functions over the years. Today, it is part of Opatija's cultural life, so be sure to check out the current program when you're there. Even if you don't go inside, the building and its surroundings are worth seeing during a walk through the center.

8. Sunbathe and swim in Opatija

Opatija may be better known for its promenades and elegant hotels than for a classic beach holiday, but of course it's also great for swimming. Along the coast there are both landscaped bathing areas, smaller beaches and places where you can dive into the clear Adriatic Sea.

Right in the center is Slatina, one of the city's most famous bathing spots. More bathing opportunities can be found along the Lungomare and in the resorts along the coast. Expect mainly stones, cliffs and concrete terraces rather than long sandy beaches.

9. Discover the Croatian Walk of Fame

At Slatina lies Croatia's own Walk of Fame, inspired by the much more famous Hollywood version. Here are stars dedicated to prominent Croatians in the fields of culture, science and sports, among other things.

It's a small and fairly easy-going attraction that's a good place to check out while you're strolling through central Opatija. Among the people who have been recognized are several names that are well-known even outside of Croatia.

10. Eat well by the Adriatic Sea

An important part of a visit to Opatija is of course the food. Its location on the Kvarner Gulf means that fish and seafood have a natural place on the menus, while the food culture has influences from both the Croatian hinterland, Istria and Central Europe.

You will find everything from simple taverns and cafes to elegant restaurants and hotel restaurants. Be sure to try local fish dishes, seafood, Istrian pasta or truffles – and don't forget the pastries. Opatija's long tradition of elegant cafes and pastry shops fits well with the city's old spa environment.

11. Experience Opatija's spa and health resort tradition

Wellness is not a new concept in Opatija. The city's mild climate and location by the sea meant that the resort developed into a place where wealthy Europeans traveled for rest, recreation, and various treatments as early as the 19th century.

That tradition still lives on today. Many of the larger hotels have spa and wellness areas with swimming pools, saunas and massages. We ourselves have tried a chocolate massage in Opatija – a treatment that was particularly fitting since we were here in connection with the city's chocolate festival.

12. Visit one of Opatija's events

Opatija is not just a summer destination. Throughout the year, a number of festivals, concerts and other events are organized, making the city interesting even outside the traditional swimming season.

One of the events we have experienced ourselves is Chocolate Festival in Opatija, which fills the city with pralines, desserts, tastings and chocolate-themed activities. The festival is usually held in November each year. We have also visited the cozy Christmas market, which is held in December.

Where to stay in Opatija?

There are of course several different hotels to choose from. We have stayed at Grand hotel 4 Opatijske Cvijeta, which is beautifully situated by the water in a fantastic location, while it only takes a minute to walk up to the city center. The room was excellent and we had a balcony with a nice view of the sea. The hotel also has a nice wellness area, with nice pools and good treatments. 

See more in the neighbourhood

There is a lot to see and experience in Croatia! Here are suggestions for some great places, not too far from Opatija:

• Hum
• Porec
• Plitvice Lakes