Opatija in Croatia - 15 things to see and do

Opatija in Croatia - a beautiful town on the Istrian Riviera! We've been here several times, and now we thought we'd take you on a tour. The seaside resort of Opatija in Croatia is the oldest tourist and health resort on the Opatija Riviera in Kvarner Bay. Over the years, celebrities have lined up to come here. Come along!

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Opatija in Croatia

In Opatija, it doesn't look like anywhere else around the Adriatic, because this is the turn-of-the-century charm of Croatia. This was the place of fine people, mostly from Austria and Hungary, and was the biggest spa destination after Austria. Karlovy Vary in the former Czechoslovakia. We start from the beginning ...

1. Fascinated by the Monastery of St James

Opatija, originally a fishing village, began its history with the construction of a Benedictine monastery (St James' Monastery) by the sea around the 12th century. Opatija has had several names during its history such as the Italian abbazia and also called Abbazia ad Palum. The site of St James's Monastery is now home to St James's Church where you can read about more history from the Kvarner area if you are there.

2. take part in the Villa Angiolina

Rijeka shipowner and merchant Iginio Scarpa built Villa Angiolina in Opatija as a summer residence in 1844. He built it for his beloved wife along with a botanical garden (Angiolina Park), which today has over 150 different plants from all over the world. This was the start of the most popular tourist resort on the Mediterranean at the end of the 19th century. Iginio Scarpa had contacts with Austro-Hungarian high society and was very hospitable. With his interest in plants, the symbol of Opatija also became a Japanese Camellia.

In high circles, such as the Austrian court, it was rumoured that the Gulf of Kvarner on the Mediterranean had a wonderful climate all year round. There was plenty of vegetation and Mount Uckas provided protection from the wind. The word health resort emerged, and Abbazia (Opatija) became more popular and the city grew. In 1883 the first tourist guidebook 'Idylle von Der adria' (Idyll of the Adriatic) was published.

Angiolina Villa i Opatija — Villa Angiolina in Opatija and also the Croatian Tourist Museum.

3. see the two famous hotels from 1884-1885

In 1884, the Grand Hotel Kvarner (formerly Quarnero) was built by the sea and large villas and more hotels were lined up to accommodate the fine people. The following year, in 1885, the beautiful and large Hotel Kronnenprinzessin Stephanie, now the Hotel Imperial, was also built. The new hotel had a pool and a cinema. Now things really took off and Opatija became the official holiday resort of the Austrian court. The town grew and at the turn of the century Emperor Franz Josef of Austria had a villa built at the spa to spend the winters.

As money flowed in, Opatija was able to develop in the late 19th century. Electricity and water began to be installed in the finer hotels and villas. The early 20th century also saw the arrival of the electric railway and connection to the state railway network. Abbazia (Opatija) was home to the flashy casinos and hotels with large ballrooms and celebrities, princesses, composers, heads of government from all over Europe.

4. Experience Opatija Marina spa and seaside resort from 1889

Bathing did not become popular until a little later, but then it was more a matter of walking in the water while holding on to ropes. Nobody knew how to swim, and bathing fashions, with their opaque woollen creations, perhaps did not facilitate water activities either ...

Amazing views of the Adriatic Sea then and now.

5. Learn about the history of Opatija - Abbazia (Opatija)

Around 1920, after World War I, Austria and Hungary had just been dissolved and the Italians took Istria. In 1922, Italy became fascist and all labour was replaced by Italians. This continued until 1947, when World War II ended and Istria became part of the Croatian part of Yugoslavia. The town was now called Opatija.

6. View Opatija's beautiful century-old houses

Opatija is a small town, with only 14,000 inhabitants in 2017 (11,825 in 1910), located in the Gorski kotar area of Istria. You quickly learn to find your way around, and it's pleasant to stroll the streets and look up at the beautiful facades of the houses. You might stop by a café and enjoy some chocolate - they produce their own chocolate and every year they also organise a chocolate festival.

The seaside resort of Opatija in Croatia is the oldest tourist resort in the country and a spa with beautiful architecture. Visiting the Opatija Riviera is like travelling back in time to the turn of the century, with its grandiose spa hotels, ornate balconies and exotic plants. This impressed the wealthy gentry of the late 19th and early 20th century in pure Belle Epoque style.

På den stora gatan genom Opatija — Early 20th century architecture

7. Go to Chocolate and asparagus festivals

Many of the 14,000 inhabitants work in tourism, and the town is able to accommodate roughly double the number of tourists. Most of them come in the summer, of course, but events such as the chocolate festival and the asparagus festival help extend the tourist season.

Every year in December, a chocolate festival is organised here in Opatija. Here they make their own chocolate in the city and the imagination knows no bounds. We also experienced chocolate massage during the days we visited the festival. If you want to read more about it, it can be found under chocolate festival in Croatia.

8. Stroll along the beautiful Lungomare seafront promenade.

The beautiful Lungomare promenade is 12 kilometres long and runs between Volosko and Lovran with Opatija in the middle. It is a wonderful walk that takes into account vegetation and nature. The Lungomare promenade is the main route to everything associated with Opatija.

istriens riviera i Kroatien — Lungomare promenade along the coastline

9. Cosy up at the charming Juraj Sporer Art Pavilion

Along the Lungomare promenade is the Juraj Sporer Exhibition Pavilion (Padiglione delle esposizioni). It is currently used for exhibitions, concerts and theatre. The pavilion was once a confectionery and fresh cakes were available daily, brought by train from Vienna and Pest in Hungary in the early 1900s. Juraj Matija Sporer was a doctor in 1872 and one of the founders of the spa and seaside resort of Opatija in Croatia.

10. Take a selfie by the Virgin with the seagulls

In 1893 a sculpture (Madonna del mare) was placed along the Lungomare promenade near St James' Park and Juran Sporer's art pavilion. In 1956 the sculpture (statue) was replaced by the "Virgin with the Seagull" (Djevojka's galebom) which has become one of the main symbols of Opatija.

READ MORE: National parks in Croatia - 8 lovely oases
READ MORE: Istria in Croatia - 9 wonderful places to visit

11. Swimming and sunbathing at Slatina beach

Slatina beach is Opatija's major bathing area where people take their daily swim with many others, chill out and gather in the evenings to chat with friends. 20,000 square metres of concrete have been poured to create a lovely atmosphere around the centre of Opatija. There is also a free wifi spot for everyone's enjoyment.

slatinastranden i Opatija — Slatina beach in Opatija

12. Be inspired by the famous Croatian Walk of Fame

In 2005, a Walk of Fame was created on a pavement next to Slatina beach. They copied it from Hollywood, and made marble stars for several famous people in Croatia. Today there are 32 stars with names of famous people in sports, science, music, art and more.

Located in Angiolina Park, the Wall of Fame features paintings of famous people such as Robert de Niro, Albert Einstein, Kirk Douglas, Gustav Mahler and many others who visited Opatija.

Opatija i Kroatien — More past and present: In a park in the centre of town, there are portraits of famous people who have visited Opatija at some point in time

13. Stay in the centre of Opatjia

There are of course several different hotels to choose from. We stayed at the Grand hotel 4 Opatijske Cvijeta, which is nicely situated on the waterfront in a great location, while only taking a few minutes to walk up to the centre street. The room was excellent and we had a balcony with a nice view of the sea.

Hotell Opatija — Grand hotel 4 Opatijske Cvijeta.

The hotel also has a nice wellness area, with nice pools and good treatments. However, we were not at all impressed with the dinner (buffet) at the hotel, so if you plan to stay at the hotel, we simply recommend having dinner elsewhere. What we do recommend is the hotel's chocolate spa, since Opatjia is known as a spa and health resort, you have to try it.

Wellness Opatija — Lower part of the pool area (a large pool is located upstairs).

14. Dine with idyllic views in Opatija

We tried the restaurant Yacht Club, a cosy little restaurant with a fantastic location by the water. Unfortunately, we were not completely satisfied with the food here. The minestrone soup turned out to be an octopus soup (maybe minestrone can contain anything, but I was expecting a vegetable soup?). The Vongole pasta was good, but swimming in far too much oil. We've been here several times and had really good food, but it didn't work out this time.

Vongolipasta i Opatjia i Kroatien — Vongole pasta alla Opatija

READ MORE: Facts about Croatia - 30 things you (might) not have known
READ MORE: Holidays in Dalmatia - 10 favourites on the Croatian coast

15. Try the Christmas market in Opatija

We visited the Mediterranean city and experienced a lovely Christmas market in the spirit of the turn of the century. It was a more picturesque Christmas market with more peace and quiet than the big ones around the world. Ice rink, Christmas decorations and lots of Christmas food we got during our visit. You can spend several days here!

Barnen åker glatt skridskor - trots att det är plusgrader — Children are skating happily - despite the high temperatures in Opatija

julmarknad i Opatija — Honey at the Christmas market

Opatija - dear child with many names

The Old Lady (Stara Dama)
Pearl of the Adriatic (Biser Jadrana)
Queen of tourism (Kraljica turizma)
Winter Vienna and Vienna at sea

A gem, but where is it?

Opatija is located in Istria in western Croatia and belongs to Primorje-Goski Kotar County. The town is known as a seaside resort in the Kvarner Bay, with a Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic Sea. The city is located 17 km southwest of Rijeka, which is Croatia's third largest city and largest harbour city and is about 80 km east of Pula.

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 - The world's smallest city
Porec - Holiday town in Istria
Plitvice Lakes - Great national park

Poreč på Istrien på kvällen — Porec in Istria

Facts about Opatija

What country? Croatia
County? County of Primorje-Gorski kotars
Language? Croatian (many also speak English)
Residents? 11 000 (2015)
Currency? Kuna (HRK)
Price point? Cheaper than Sweden
Time difference? None

Travelling to Opatija

Flight: The nearest airport is Rijeka, 40 kilometres from Opatija. There are also airports in Pula (100 kilometres from Opatija) and in the Croatian capital Zagreb.
Car: It takes 2 hours to drive from Zagreb to Opatija. This route includes motorway with motorway toll, but alternative routes are available. North of Rijeka there are The Istrian Y where you choose motorways A7, A8 or minor roads towards Porec, Rovinj and Pula.
Trains: The railway station is located in Rijeka and is 15 kilometres from Opatija. You can take a local bus from there.
Bus: Buses run from the airports to most major centres.

05 December 2016 6:00

Croatia

city guide Europe, history, hotel, Motorhome holiday Croatia, culture

Helena

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23 Comments

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åsa i åsele says:

Hm the food doesn't sound very good, I don't like squid or oily pasta 😉 .
but given all the chocolate in the previous post, perhaps those who visit the Yacht Club have already had their fill of chocolate and their taste buds are numb 😉.

05 December 2016 - 7:30

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Kors och Tvärs says:

Good thing there's chocolate for when food isn't so fun :p

05 December 2016 - 8:10

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Steve says:

What a wonderful little town. If I had still been able to travel, it would have immediately been put on the visit list. Sad, however, with negative food experiences.

05 December 2016 - 8:12

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Imelda says:

Have only been to Opatija in the summer and swam. Wonderful summer town!

05 December 2016 - 8:48

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Frank Olsen says:

We were almost in Opatija in August when we came to the Croatian coast from Slovenia. We walked from the campsite we were at to Volosko, which is only about 500 metres from Opatija. Wonderfully beautiful area. Our post from there: http://janneogfrank.blogspot.no/2016/08/en-kroatisk-kystperle-og-hvordan-en.html

05 December 2016 - 10:07

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Marina says:

It really sounds like a place worth visiting. Love those smaller places (food can be eaten some other time 😉 ).

05 December 2016 - 10:25

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nils-åke says:

I thought I saw the portrait of Albert Einstein. There was a lot to see here.

05 December 2016 - 10:40

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Husbilen Helge says:

But we were not there! Ha ha, was there in '77 and then the city was ugly and boring. Fortunately, tourism makes things improve and change!

05 December 2016 - 10:51

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- Anonymous says:
  
  How was your own city 77 Helge, beautiful and fun?
  
  15 April 2020 - 15:32
  
  Reply
Lennart says:

A great country!

05 December 2016 - 11:21

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Rantamor på näthinnan says:

Thank you for letting me travel with you on your amazing trips.
And because we are not big city people, but still it tickles a bit that we went to Barcelona and got a story from the daughter,

Keep up the good work, both of you.

Tjingelingen from Rantamor.

05 December 2016 - 11:30

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Åsa in Åsele, we think that food on a trip is important, but we had very many other super nice experiences in Opatija.

Across the board, there was plenty of chocolate! And it was good too 😉

Steve, Ooatija is indeed a charming and cosy town! Food is an important part of travelling, so it's a bit sad when you don't get what you expect.

Imelda, yes of course it is nice!!! We were there for a short trip in the summer of 2011 as well 🙂 ðŸ™'

Frank Olsen, yes it is really nice around here! Agree that it is a gem!

Marina, Opatija is really worth visiting!

Nils-Åke, there was apparently a science conference here once 😉.

The motorhome Helge, haha, no you were not there 😉 Wow, hard to understand that the city was ugly and boring then, the houses are still there since the turn of the century? But of course, it can have been cleaned up in many different ways!

Lennart, we can only agree!

Rantamor, it's so nice that you want to travel with us! 🙂

05 December 2016 - 11:33

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Husisblogg says:

You give so many great tips to my owners so I wonder how they will find time for everything.. 🙂 .
I have been to Croatia on two occasions, but on no occasion have they directed me to Opatija, but on the other hand I have seen many other beautiful things in Croatia.

05 December 2016 - 13:06

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BP says:

The city really looks incredibly cosy. By the way, I had a good laugh at the picture "Past meets present", where one of the girls meets the present in the form of a mobile phone - hahaha:-).

In addition, I think it is strong that you criticise the food at the hotel and the other restaurant. I mean, the trip is sponsored and then "expected" to say only praise. A Minestrone certainly does not contain squid but meat, sausage and vegetables....

05 December 2016 - 14:03

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Husisblogg, there are so many nice things in the world that it's impossible to keep up with everything ... But if you end up in the neighbourhood of Opatija again, I think you should steer your owners there 😉

BP, haha, yes, it was quite funny when she stands with her mobile phone? I got another picture later, but liked this one better 😉 And yes, it feels super important for us to be honest. If someone chooses to offer us an experience, we often say yes both because it can be nice for ourselves, and because we can write about it on the blog. BUT we will always write honestly what we think. If we don't, you can't trust anything we write.

05 December 2016 - 15:33

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Anette says:

Turn-of-the-century buildings are truly magnificent.
Sad to be disappointed when you eat out, often you have high expectations, hopefully you just had bad luck and get better food at the next place.
If not, you will have to make do with the chocolate 😉.

05 December 2016 - 16:10

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Henny says:

I agree that it is important to be honest. Of course, it felt a bit sour that it did not work out so well for you when you visited Nolia in Piteå, but as I said, good that you wrote as it was. That you also have negative views on a sponsored trip, I really give a thumbs up for.

05 December 2016 - 18:37

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Matts Torebring says:

You are so touched by the knowledge you gather and share so much. Fantastic!

05 December 2016 - 19:28

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Deciree says:

Surely it is the best, to visit smaller places and just be:) Then the fact that the buildings are so insanely beautiful is just better. Take care of your friends. Hugs from us

05 December 2016 - 21:01

Reply
Comment by post author

admin says:

Anette, we are always disappointed if the food is not good, but you can't be lucky every time. Regardless, Opatija is a fantastic destination!

Henny, thank you! Yes, we feel that we absolutely must be honest in all situations. That's almost what a blog is based on!

Matts, yes we have seen a lot and it's fantastic! It's probably lucky that we take photos and write down, otherwise it would be difficult to remember 😉.

Deciree, it is very beautiful in Opatija and it is fascinating that it is so different from other villages and towns in Croatia (which are also beautiful, but in a different way).

05 December 2016 - 21:17

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Mias Mix says:

Croatia is very beautiful and lovely. Most of all I liked the clear clean water when we were there. Many nice pictures you show and have seen some on Instagram as well. Chocolate festival you do not say no to.
Thank you for your concern and comment. We are struggling on. Hugs

05 December 2016 - 22:30

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Comment by post author

admin says:

Mia's Mix, we agree that the clear water is amazing. Hugs

06 December 2016 - 8:27

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Elisabeth says:

Another enticing city to discover!!! Thanks for that!

14 December 2016 - 20:35

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Opatija in Croatia - 15 things to see and do

Opatija in Croatia

1. Fascinated by the Monastery of St James

2. take part in the Villa Angiolina

3. see the two famous hotels from 1884-1885

4. Experience Opatija Marina spa and seaside resort from 1889

5. Learn about the history of Opatija - Abbazia (Opatija)

6. View Opatija's beautiful century-old houses

7. Go to Chocolate and asparagus festivals

8. Stroll along the beautiful Lungomare seafront promenade.

9. Cosy up at the charming Juraj Sporer Art Pavilion

10. Take a selfie by the Virgin with the seagulls

11. Swimming and sunbathing at Slatina beach

12. Be inspired by the famous Croatian Walk of Fame

13. Stay in the centre of Opatjia

14. Dine with idyllic views in Opatija

15. Try the Christmas market in Opatija

Opatija - dear child with many names

A gem, but where is it?

See more in the neighbourhood

Facts about Opatija

Travelling to Opatija

You might also like:

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23 Comments

åsa i åsele says:

Kors och Tvärs says:

Steve says:

Imelda says:

Frank Olsen says:

Marina says:

nils-åke says:

Husbilen Helge says:

Anonymous says:

Lennart says:

Rantamor på näthinnan says:

admin says:

Husisblogg says:

BP says:

admin says:

Anette says:

Henny says:

Matts Torebring says:

Deciree says:

admin says:

Mias Mix says:

admin says:

Elisabeth says:

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