Opatija, known as the "Queen of the Adriatic," is a stunning blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and coastal elegance—making it the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and discovery.
The moment the first rays of sunshine hit Croatia, we found ourselves craving the beautiful Adriatic Sea. So, one spontaneous Sunday in March, we decided to head to the charming Opatija for a coffee. With no real plan, we opted to spend the day like locals—enjoying a laid-back Sunday, the Croatian way, with plenty of coffee, delicious food, and stunning views. The weather couldn’t have been better, and the sun immediately had us ditching our jackets and hunting for a spot on one of the seaside terraces. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on the iconic coffee, but let’s dive into the top things you must do and see in Opatija... starting with that perfect cup of coffee.
Top Things to Do and See in Opatija
1. Walk Along the Lungomare and Enjoy Coffee by the Sea
The Lungomare promenade, officially known as Franje Josipa I, is one of Opatija’s most famous landmarks, stretching along the coast. With beautifully paved paths, parks on one side, and the enchanting sea on the other, it’s sure to take your breath away.
We immediately headed down to the promenade, strolling along the sunlit path while soaking in the views, of course stopping for a few perfect photos. The promenade was lively with street singers (and even dancers), seasonal flower vendors, and we were surprised by brave swimmers who took a dip in the sea as early as March. Our leisurely walk ended at one of the many seaside terraces for that well-deserved coffee. I’m convinced that no matter which café you choose in Opatija, the coffee will be great—and don’t forget, in Croatia, coffee time is at least a two-hour affair. So, sit back, enjoy the view, soak up the sun, and have fun observing the passersby.
2. Explore Historical Landmarks and Snap Some Photos
Opatija is full of history and landmarks that are perfect for both exploring and snapping photos. A must-see is the Girl with the Seagull statue along Lungomare—one of Opatija’s most iconic spots.
Take a stroll through Park St. Jacob with its lovely fountain and small church, or visit the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary for a peaceful moment. Art lovers can stop by the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion for some contemporary exhibitions.
Don’t miss the Hotel Kvarner, the first hotel on the Adriatic coast, located along Lungomare. And if you’re a fan of celebrity culture, check out the Croatian Walk of Fame, where you can spot stars dedicated to Croatian artists, athletes, and famous figures.
With so much history and charm, Opatija is a perfect mix of the old and new, offering countless photo opportunities and cultural gems!
3. Explore Beautifully Landscaped Parks Full of Flowers and Ornamental Plants
Opatija is known for its stunning parks, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. One of the most beautiful spots is Park Angiolina, located next to the villa of the same name. The park is a true oasis, where we can wander among exotic plants, lush trees, and beautifully arranged flowerbeds.
After exploring Park Angiolina, we decided to climb the steps and walk through the winding streets towards the American Gardens. The path leads us through lush greenery, with the final stretch connected by a charming, beautiful bridge above the road. Once at the top, we were greeted by breathtaking views of the sea, Opatija, and the Kvarner Bay. The view was simply stunning! And the best part? It’s all free to explore. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature and beautiful views without spending a dime!
4. Enjoying Food and Drinks
We admit it—guilty as charged! Unfortunately, we don’t have a single photo of our gastronomic experience in Opatija, because everything looked so amazing that we didn’t even have time to take out our phones before we dug in. But before we praise the food, we have to mention that after descending from the American Gardens, we were feeling thirsty, so we stopped for a drink at Kremenko Cocktail Bar. I went for a Hugo Spritz, and for someone who doesn’t usually drink alcohol, it was perfect—sweet, refreshing, and packed with lots of lime.
After that, we set off in search of a restaurant, and according to Google reviews, Ružmarin seemed to offer the best balance of price and quality—and it was just a short walk away! We started with two types of baguettes to share—one with shrimp and the other with truffles. Then came the main course: I chose a wok with chicken, shrimp, and prawns. The veggies in the wok were sensational, and the portion was more than enough for me. The spices were perfectly balanced. However, I should note that this dish is veggie-heavy, so if you’re more into meat, you might want to choose one of the many meat dishes they offer.
For dessert, we treated ourselves to a lava cake with ice cream, which was, of course, excellent. To top it off, they surprised us with a glass of teranino, a liqueur made from red wine—simply perfect. As for prices, we thought they were more than fair, and for the quality, it was totally worth it. On average, we paid around 40 euros per person for three courses and drinks. Hey, that’s really a great price! We left the restaurant with full stomachs and smiles from ear to ear.
The Gem of the Croatian Adriatic
There’s so much more that didn’t fit into this short post about one of my favorite towns on the Croatian coast, but even this little bit is enough to make sure you don’t skip this gem of the Adriatic, full of soul, character, and breathtaking views. Spring is truly the perfect time to explore the town, with its mild sun and fewer crowds, but honestly, no day of the year is a bad day for Opatija. I believe I’ll write about the magical Opatija Advent one day. Until then, chiao!
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