A little closer toOpatija.

Today Opatija’s elegant past is reflected in its architecture and public spaces. The Lungomare, a 12-kilometer seaside promenade, winds along the coast from Volosko to Lovran, offering wide views, access to beaches and a string of historic landmarks. Along the promenade visitors meet the iconic statue of the Girl with the Seagull, also called the Maiden with the Seagull, the Croatian Walk of Fame and the charming harbor known as Portić. Villa Angiolina and its surrounding Park Angiolina remain central attractions, with exotic plants, fountains and the Croatian Museum of Tourism housed in the villa. The Carmen Sylva Forest Promenade, a shaded path through the woods, is another pleasant walk. In the evening, the Casino Rosalia, a historic building, recalls the days of high society.

Opatija’s beaches, such as Slatina Beach and Lido Beach, provide chances for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. They are largely made of pebbles and concrete platforms, and the water is deep and clean. The town’s parks and gardens, including St. James Park and the American Gardens, offer peaceful retreats among Mediterranean and exotic plants. The Church of St. James, dating to the 15th century, which grew out of the old abbey, shows Opatija’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Many of the plants in the parks, camellias, magnolias and palms, were brought from other continents by 19th-century gardeners.

Cultural life in Opatija is vibrant, with a calendar filled with music festivals, open-air concerts and art exhibitions. The town’s cafes, seafood restaurants and patisseries serve local and international cuisine, while the busy market offers fresh produce and regional specialties. Local dishes include scampi, the chestnuts of Lovran and Istrian pasta, and a tradition of fine hotel dining continues. Opatija’s wellness tradition continues in its modern spas and wellness centers, many of which are housed in historic hotels.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Učka Nature Park, with hiking and cycling trails leading to panoramic viewpoints over the Kvarner Gulf. The summit of Vojak, the highest point of Učka, can be reached by road, and on clear days the view takes in the islands and the Alps. Day trips to the islands of Cres and Krk, or to the lively city of Rijeka, are easily arranged from Opatija.