Opatija is a sea coast town in North Western Croatia, popular with tourists year round. Located on a sheltered bay off of the Adriatic sea, it’s mild winters and balmy summers make it a perfect Mediterranean vacation spot.
The city of Opatija is surrounded on the inland side by a beautiful forest of laurel trees. Many examples of classic Croatian and Grand Austrian architecture are also in abundance. With a local population under 15,000, there is a small town feel to this city by the sea.

Both it’s Croatian name and it’s Italian counterpart, Abbazia, mean Abby.

Opatija is at the center of what is known as the Opatija Riviera. Tourism dates back to 1844, when this tourist town attracted such 19th century notables as Anton Checkov, Isadora Duncan and Gustav Mahler.

In the old days, before it became a tourist center, Opatija was the typical hodge podge of streets and courtyards common to most sea towns of the era. But, in 1880, the Southern Railway Company decided to refurbish this seaport into a spectacular tourist Mecca.
Naturally, many of the main buildings, churches and landmarks were kept, but the ramshackle housing and twisting streets were cleared away and replaced with wide avenues and spacious housing.

Places to Visit Opatija

Some of the best sites in the now new and improved Opatija include:

• Park Angiolina is a must see, the park was build in 1844 by Higin Scarpa who names it after his late wife Angiolina.
• Lungomare is a 12 KM long promenade winding along the coastline, it spans from Opatija – Volosko, Ičići, Ika and Lovran.
• Several outstanding public sculptures are located in Opatija, including Hans Rathautsky’s ‘Helios and Selena’, located near the Hotel Imperial, and Zvonko Car’s ‘Maiden with the Seagull’, situated near the sea shore.
• Old churches like the Romanesque Church of the Annunciation and the St, Jakov’s Church also attract many site seers each year.

Places to Eat Opatija

Dining is also a requirement for any tourist town, and Opatija is no exception. As a seaport, many restaurants feature fresh seafood, including the Amfora (Address: Črnikovica 4). The dining atmosphere is enhanced by terraces on the beach.

Located in an old fishing village Volosko, Restaurant Le Mandrac (Address: Obala F. Supila 10), with it’s heated terrace and varying menu offers excellent accommodations year round.

Activities Opatija

If you are feeling energetic and would like to do a bit of hiking or bushwalking, Ucka Nature Park is only a short distance from Opatija. If you are a flower lover or bird watcher Nature Park Ucka will not disappoint, here you will find the Učkarski zvončić flower (Campanula tommasiniana) or if you are really lucky you might be able to spot either the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) or golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos),

Nature Park Ucka’s highest point is on Učka mountain – Vojak as it is know at a height of 1401 meters

Car & Bike Rentals Opatija

Sixt car rental has an outlet in Opatija located at Hotel Istra, you can contact them via phone on +385 51 740128

Getting There & Away Opatija

Opatija is only a short bus or car ride from Rijeka, See detail on How to get to Rijeka

Unique to Opatija

What makes Opatija unique is its tourist history which as mentioned dates back to 1844, the other thing that makes Opatija unique in conjunction with Dubrovnik is year round tourism.

Facts & Figures about Opatija

Phone Prefix – 051
Postcode – 51410
Population – 12,719
Previous Name – Abbazia – Italian
Opatija weather at the moment is: 8 ºC

Tourist Office Opatija

Address: Vladimira Nazora 3

Phone: +385 51 271 710

E-mail: [email protected]

The tourist office has maps of Opatija and surrounding areas available.