Opatija - Empress of the Adriatic
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and imagine your ideal holiday destination. Is it crystal clear sea, the waves gently rocking the yachts and boats in the marina, luxurious beaches bursting with life? Or is it fresh mountain air fragrant with the scent of pine needles and aromatic grasses, and long walks along shaded forest trails that lead through ancient landscapes? Or maybe it's adrenaline-filled sport activities, paragliding from peak that is 1,500 metres high? Or is it culture to rank alongside the great European metropolises?
It's not really important what you imagined, because there's a place in Croatia that can offer you all of this: Opatija. This destination frequented by Austrian royals in the second half of the 19th century has an aristocratic appearance and wonderful natural surroundings.
What is there to do in Opatija?
Walking along the Lungomare coastal promenade, which stretches for 10 kilometres and connects all the places on the Opatija Riviera, is always a wonderful experience. This paved promenade passes by villas with attractive architecture, great beaches, small secluded bays, and excellent restaurants and bars. The promenade starts in Volosko, a fishing village whose stone houses with red roofs surround an attractive small harbour in the centre, and around which a number of top-class restaurants have sprung up. The Lido and Angiolina beaches in the centre of Opatija represent two different pages in the story of Opatija. The Lido is a luxurious, modern resort, while the adjacent Angiolina is a replica of a historic, aristocratic wooden bathing establishment. Lovers of active holidays adore Mount Učka and its mountain trails and forest paths. The yacht marina in Ičići is major draw for those who love sailing, as are the numerous small harbours. As far as night life is concerned, besides the night clubs and bars, there is another ideal venue - the Open Air Theatre, the most beautiful outdoor stage in the Adriatic.
What should you taste?
The cuisine on the Opatija Riviera uses local ingredients and changes in line with the seasons. Kvarner scampi, which are only found in this area, can be prepared in a variety of creative ways. Spring is dedicated to asparagus, a wild forest plant with a fantastic flavour, and summer to seafood, while autumn sees the marun harvest, a delicious kind of sweet chestnut that grows only on the slopes of Mount Učka.
When should you visit Opatija?
Opatija is a great destination that can be visited at any time of the year and has numerous events, attractive beaches, and plenty of things to see. One of the most popular events is RetrOpatija, held in June. During RetrOpatija, various musical events take place at numerous locations throughout the town and at the main street.
Chocolate festival is held in November, when the enticing aroma of chocolate conquers all the senses of the numerous visitors to the sweetest event in Opatija.
In winter squares and streets are lit up by thousands of illuminated decorations, the Open Air Theatre becomes a winter garden with a skating rink, while the Advent programme offers musical performances, children's workshops and various other events.
Photo: Vladimir Franolić/Opatija Tourist Board; Željko Jerneić/Opatija Tourist Board
