It is a walk "in search of lost time" where you can admire the statue of The Girl with the Seagull, the Juraj Šporer art pavilion, the church and park of St. Jacob, the Kvarner, one of the historic hotels ofOpatija, the villa and park Angiolina ... The city presents a strong contrast between the atmosphere of the late nineteenth century, very chic, and the more popular summer tourism of today. More and more vacationers are also interested in marinas, tennis courts, water sports and beach activities.
Cultural vacations
This charming Croatian town and its surroundings were once frequented by the Austrian royal family, especially during the second half of the 19th century. Underneath its aristocratic appearance, its magnificent natural setting allows for a wide variety of experiences, for an ever more unforgettable vacation.
To begin with, let's discover its culture and heritage. If you feel nostalgic for the rich hours of elegant tourism, you must visit Villa Angiolina! It was built between 1845 and 1860 in the eclectic style typical of 19th century architecture. It is the oldest summer residence in the resort that is open to the public. Given to his wife by the wealthy Rijeka industrialist Igino Scarpa, the aristocratic residence inaugurated the fashion for Austrian seaside resorts in its time. Inside, some rooms decorated with frescoes and trompe-l'oeil have been refurbished to accommodate a fine collection of paintings, photos, postcards, lithographed posters, but also hotel equipment used from the late nineteenth century. The temporary exhibitions (often renewed and very interesting) frequently find the theme of worldly tourism, for example Opatija in the Belle Époque, gastronomy, the Lungomare, marine paintings... Outside, the French-style flowerbeds around the villa and the paths of the botanical park, near the church of St. Jakov, were designed by the first owner himself. The nature lover acclimatized a lot of plants from the Americas, Australia... There are 159 species, some of which are very exotic like the ginkgo, the sequoia or the Japanese camellia. One spends almost as much time inside the villa as outside, enjoying this oasis of greenery.
Nature and activities
Notice to sportsmen, outdoor activities are numerous. Of course, one can enjoy its beaches and crystal clear waters. A walk of up to ten kilometers reveals the seaside, with its breathtaking views and hidden coves. Prefer to stay cool and avoid the sun? There are many shaded paths to discover the surrounding nature. And if you're looking for adrenaline, a 1,400-meter high summit awaits you for a magnificent paragliding jump!
Nearby, don't miss to discover the village of Volosko. To go there, you can take a cab, count about 5 minutes and less than ten euros. Or you can take a half hour walk. By the way, did you know that this is one of Europe's hidden gems - voted by European Best Destinations? In the Kvarner Gulf, Volosko is a must-see destination. While most of the Riviera is expanding its tourist infrastructure at a rapid pace, this town, which closes the sea promenade (Lungomare between Lovran-Opatija-Volosko), has retained the elegance of old seaside resorts. Its fishing port has a lot of character with its beautiful historical villas on the seafront and the proud silhouette of the baroque church Sveti Ana (early 19th century), flanked by its two bell towers. Beautiful pebble beaches or rocks where it is good to rest in Volosko to get away from the summer crowds in Opatija. Also worth seeing: the small medieval ports of Moscenicka Draga, Moscenice and Brsec.
But we also love Volosko for its delicious restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. But before taking a meal break, take advantage of the calm of the city in the morning, to stroll through the streets, discover artists' studios, art galleries... In the evening, in the summer, enjoy the performances of music and jazz bands that animate the city with other cultural and artistic events. At least one day in the city will make you understand why it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the country!
And on the way back, at the end of the Lungomare, before arriving in Volosko, there is a hiking trail that takes you up to the historic village of Veprinac, which, like Volosko, predates the building of the first hotels in Opatija. Probably built on the foundations of a prehistoric settlement, Veprinac (little holly) is accessible through the three-arched town gate, located in the old municipal building. Worth seeing: a loggia, the Chapel of St. Anne (1442) and the parish church of St. Mark. From the square, the view of Opatija and the Kvarner Gulf is magnificent.
Good food, spas and long evenings
And now you want to relax and pamper yourself? Good news, Opatija allows you to do all that. Numerous spas and high-class hotels are waiting to pamper you. The best wellness centers in Opatija offer an incredible choice of massages, relaxing baths, innovative body treatments and aromatherapy. Opatija has been attracting tourists in search of relaxation since the 19th century, thanks to the combination of sea air and iodine and forest air.
Once well rested, why not discover the effervescence of the summer evenings? Discover the huge Colosseum Lounge club, with its bar-restaurant on the first floor, lounge café during the day, the sea just a stone's throw away and an exciting atmosphere at night. The Colosseum also has the advantage of being located in the city center. If you are staying in Opatija, there is no problem to get there by car! From the beginning of the season, there are before parties in the cocktail bar, beach parties and a nightlife that is always very disco house, animated by resident DJs and international guests. For a break or a drink during the day, you can sit on the historic terrace of Café Strauss, nestled in the Palace Bellevue hotel with its magnificent Empire architecture. Here you can enjoy homemade cakes and pastries, ice cream and of course many hot drinks and cocktails. The beautiful terrace overlooking the sea at Café Wagner in the 5-star Hotel Milenij is also open to you. It is possible to sit there, or in its chic interior, for a first coffee.
And to conclude our article, Opatija - like many cities - can also be discovered through its gastronomy. Let's go to the restaurant Plavi Podrum. This is the gastronomic table that is the talk of Opatija. Since 1997, the owner Daniela Kramarić has made her restaurant one of the most awarded addresses in Croatia. Twice elected national champion of the "best sommelier in Croatia", the restaurateur is among the greatest in her category in Central and Eastern Europe. Among the must-try dishes of the house, the risotto with scampi, truffles or wild asparagus in season, the tricolored taglioni with scampi, the tortellini with sea bass in foie gras sauce. Reservations are essential to make the most of the place. Enjoy your meal! So if you are seduced, we wish you a very good stay on the Croatian coast.
FUTURE INFO
When is it open?
All year round! The winter is mild, the summer hot and dry. The water temperature varies around 24°C between July and September. The air temperature is around 25-30°C in summer and 10°C in winter.
Duration
From a weekend to a week. It all depends on your desires and your budget. Once there, take the opportunity to visit the surrounding area and especially the national parks.
Budget
Croatia has the advantage of being less expensive than France, both for accommodation and restaurants. But remember to book your accommodation in advance! The same goes for activities in high season.
Public
For everyone! Many activities await children. And in summer, the place is perfect for travelers looking for parties. Program and agenda on the website of the tourist office.
The advantages
- Its climate, pleasant all year round. In winter, you can enjoy nature and hiking, and in summer, water activities and the beach.
- Its multitude of activities: the sea, nature, culture, parties during the summer season. There is something for every taste and budget.
The minuses
- During the summer season, the place can be a bit crowded and very party oriented. A tip: book your accommodation a little in advance to take advantage of the best locations, a little away from the beach to avoid noise.
Getting there
By car, from Paris, count about 350 km, or 12h30 of road. By bus, from Paris, you will have to change at Munich in Germany. By plane, count 1h50 of flight to make Paris-Zagreb, the Croatian capital. Then from there, count 2h30 by bus. The easiest way is to rent a car from the airport.
Useful
- Opatija Tourist Office - More information on the site
On the spot, the office of the tourist office (address: 146 Ulica Marsala Tita Opatija) welcomes you, guides you and helps you in your reservations of accommodation, activities..
