Opatija

Travel Guide

Opatija showing a garden and heritage architecture
Opatija featuring general coastal views
Slatina Beach featuring a statue or sculpture and general coastal views
Park Angiolina which includes outdoor art
Opatija showing general coastal views
This chic oceanfront resort is known for its elegant Belle Époque architecture, renowned seafood restaurants and year-round mild climate.

Opatija is a popular resort town with a history of tourism dating back more than 150 years. At its center sit several grand pastel-colored villas and elegant buildings, with architectural styles ranging from classical to Baroque, Venetian and Gothic. Stroll along the romantic Lungomare coastal promenade, swim at Slatina Beach and visit famous seafood restaurants in Volosko.

This town was a sleepy fishing village until the mid-19th century when a rich merchant, Iginio Scarpa, built the lavish Villa Angiolina as a vacation getaway. Later, the railway arrived at Opatija and authorities began developing and promoting the town as an elite vacation destination for European nobles and aristocrats. As you explore, look for hints of its opulent past in the extravagant Austro-Hungarian architecture.

Trace the resort town’s history at the impeccably restored Villa Angiolina and various other longstanding tourist establishments, such as Hotel Kvarner and Hotel Imperial. Opatija’s main street, Maršala Tita, has additional examples of lavish Austro-Hungarian architecture.

Stop at Slatina Beach, where vacationers congregate to swim and sunbathe. Take a walk along the Lungomare, an oceanfront promenade stretching for 7.5 miles (12 kilometers). This attractive tree-lined trail leads past ornate oceanfront villas and offers access to scenic rocky coves.

North of Opatija lies the old fishing village of Volosko. Stop at its lauded seafood restaurants, which serve fish fresh from the harbor. In the center of town, museums and churches, including the Croatian Museum of Tourism in Villa Angiolina and the 15th-century St. Jakov’s Church, provide indoor entertainment for a rare rainy day.

For a more challenging outdoor adventure, hike up Mount Učka. The forested slopes of the mountain can be seen looming above the Opatija skyline. Follow one of several trails leading to its summit.

Opatija is about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Rijeka. It is relatively small and best explored on foot. There is no train station in the village, so use regular bus services departing from Rijeka to get here.

Reviews of Opatija

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
27
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Have been several times, always enjoy visiting Opatijja. I appreciate the architecture, general atmosphere, greenery, parks, as well as shopping and restaurant options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful coastal town! Not overrun by tourists during the holiday season. Plenty to do, but not too noisy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I wished we stayed more than a day, the city still has a royal-like flavor , with a beautiful promenade , cafes, etc.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Opatija is beautiful place...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice little town, very friendly, quiet and safe. Love it.

5/5 - Excellent

Georgia

What a beautiful place! It is very sad that we only had a night to spend there on our way to Pula.

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