Opatija Riviera

Riviera Opatija Excursions Beaches Events

The Opatija Riviera is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia and the Adriatic. Situated on the eastern shore of Istria, in the very heart of Kvarner bay, protected by many islands and islets, the Riviera attracts a numerous travellers and sailors from all parts of the world.

Here you can visit Moscenicka Draga, Icici, Medveja, Lovran, and, of course, the Queen of Croatian tourism Opatija, a prestigious destination that has been hosting numerous respectable guests and events for over a century now. Besides the developed resorts, untouched nature, seaside promenades all along the Riviera, what people who admire the sea and the waves will probably enjoy the most are the islands of the Kvarner archipelago. Sailors will love the nearby islands Krk and Cres, which will forever stay embedded in your memory by their many peaceful bays, beautiful beaches and cultural heritage sites. Besides these, you can also explore the always interesting Rab and Losinj, as well as any other among the countless small islets, ideal for a break from reality and stress of everyday urban life.

The Opatija Riviera and Kvarner bay are among the most attractive destinations for sailors, and Opatija, well connected and easily accessible by air, sea and land, represents a perfect choice for a starting point of a memorable Adriatic cruise.

The centre of the Riviera is Opatija, the cradle of Croatian tourism, a town distinguished by a special elegance. Opatija is renowned for its fine hotels, manicured parks, unique Lungomare seaside promenade. Let us meet some of them.

The Villa Angiolina and Park

The construction of the Villa Angiolina is regarded as the beginning of tourism in Opatija, and the surrounding park with its beautiful specimens of indigenous and exotic plants, and the essential camellias is one of the symbols of the town.

The Church and Park of St. James

This church and the former monastery gave the town its name (opatija is the Croatian word for abbey). The park that surrounds the church, located in the immediate vicinity of the Hotels Kvarner and Imperial, has won several prizes as Croatia's most beautiful park.

The Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion and the Girl with the Seagull sculpture

In the immediate vicinity of the Church and Park of St. James is Opatija's are the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion, which regularly hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions, and one of Opatija's most recognisable symbols: the statue of the Girl with the Seagull.

Lungomare 

In addition to the parks, hotels and villas, one of Opatija's most prominent landmarks is the famous Lungomare seafront promenade, which stretches along the Riviera from the fishing village of Volosko via Opatija to the Lovran.

In co-operation with travel agencies, we organise excursions to some of the attractive destinations in the region.

Bus excursions:

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes, one of Europe's most stunning natural attractions, are located in the interior of Croatia. The Plitvice Lakes National Park includes sixteen lakes connected to each other by waterfalls and cascades. If you are a nature lover and enjoy daytrips, long strolls in beautiful natural scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities, then this is the excursion for you.

Postojna Cave

Step into the fascinating subterranean world of Postojna Cave in neighbouring Slovenia. Admire the stalactites and stalagmites that were formed over millions of years. Perhaps you will see the olm, a fascinating amphibian endemic to the underground of the Dinaric Karst. A visit to this 20-kilometre-long cave system is a memorable experience for every visitor.

Brijuni Islands

The Brijuni National Park consists of 14 small islands distinguished by their varied flora and fauna. Admire the safari and ethno park or the well-preserved remnants of the Roman villa and Byzantine castrum; play golf in the company of the mouflons, rabbits and peacocks who live freely on the islands. Visit the villas that used to accommodate Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Baker, the princes of Monaco and many other celebrities.

Daytrips by boat:

Kvarner Islands

Are you looking for a place to escape the worries of your daily routine? We invite you to visit the Kvarner Islands, which will enchant you with their peace and beauty. The historical sites and gastronomic specialities of the island of Krk, the wooded island of Cres with its quaint villages, and the balmy climate of the island of Lošinj are true oases for all visitors in search of peace and relaxation.

Venice

"The town of St. Mark", the former seat of the famous Republic of Venice, today is a living monument and destination that continues to attract millions of visitors every year. The town has almost the same appearance as it did in its heyday, with famous attractions such as its fantastic basilica, the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Campanile and many other unmissable sights. 

If you are interested in visiting some of these destinations, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to provide more information.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic are located on the Opatija Riviera. Here is our choice of the most attractive of them:

Peharovo beach, Lovran

This pebble beach with sandy parts next to the sea is ideal for families with children. Above the beach, there are natural terraces for sunbathing and also changing cubicles. The beach is surrounded with tall trees that provide pleasant shade.

Mošćenička Draga Beach

The beach in Mošćenička Draga is two kilometres long and surrounded with lush Mediterranean vegetation. There are several bars, ice cream shops and restaurants, and also a place to rent sports equipment.

Brseč Beach

This beach is located beneath the medieval town of Brseč, which is located on a 150-metre cliff towering above the sea. This rocky and pebble beach is one of the most attractive in the northern Adriatic, and is very popular with those who come here by boat.

Events

The summer stage in Opatija, an important and desirable destination on the cultural events map in Croatia and abroad, has become the trademark place of the most important cultural events in Opatija. The Stage was built on a wide plateau surrounded by the Angiolina park in the harbour of Opatija. The Summer Stage, beneath the starry skies, has hosted prominent domestic and foreign opera singers and ballet dancers, rock concerts, jazz festivals, philharmonic orchestras, musicals and rock operas. Diverse cultural programs during the summer are held also in Lovran and Kastav. 

Gastro

January and February are the months of traditional carnival cakes and various events for young and old alike. March is the month of wellness special offers for a more relaxed holiday, accompanied by delicious à la carte, show-cooking and buffet menus with meat, fish and local specialities. We can also provide diet and vegetarian meals and special wellness menus. 

In the spring months do not miss trying scrambled eggs with asparagus, or other specialities from this healthy, wild-growing plant prepared to traditional local recipes. June is the month of cherries and various cakes made of these sweet fruits growing in Lovran and the surroundings. Summer evenings are the right time for refreshing cocktails. Special gastronomic festivals are dedicated to seasonal fruits of the region: asparagus and cherries in springtime, and sweet chestnuts and mushrooms in the autumn.

From October to mid-December do not miss the event called Opatija's Gastronomy of the 19th century with dishes prepared to original recipes from this time long since passed. December in Opatija is a very special season: hotel lobbies with advent candles and Christmas decorations, festive meals with the clinking of champagne glasses at midnight…