Opatija, a resort town established in the 19th century, is still popular tourist destination in Croatia. Although it has fallen into a slow decline, it still attracts many tourist and it is especially popular in spring and fall. Frank has already written about the reasons why you should not visit Opatija in summer. Now he wants to do a justice to this resort town. It still has a lot to offer to its visitors, and it is a charming town. You just need to know when to visit. And in Frank’s opinion the perfect time to visit Opatija is in spring and fall.
Frank’s reasons to visit Opatija
Wellness
Open Air Massage
Located between mountain and the sea, Opatija has always been known for its pure air and health beneficial aerosols. Since 19th century, visitors have been coming in Opatija to improve their general well-being. Today many Opatija hotels feature spa & wellness centers making wellness in general an important part of its tourist offer. Most hotels feature interior swimming pool with sea water for maximum health benefits. Head to Opatija for a wellness weekend break.
Walking
Seaside Promenade
Head to Opatija during the off season for long and enjoyable strolls through its parks and promenades. If you are more of a city stroller, just enjoy Opatija’s streets and its beautiful architecture dating back from 19th century. Opatija is often referred as Vienna by the sea due to its history and architecture. The town centre still contains a great number of 19th century architecture. Great for walking and enjoying it. Its three parks Angiolina Park, St. Jacob Park and Margarita Park, are protected as monuments of garden architecture. They feature over hundred different varieties of plants originating from all over the world. Its hundred years old and 12 km long seaside promenade offers easy and pleasant walks. Another walking path is 5 km long Carmen Sylva forest promenade.
Beautiful Park
Gastronomy
If you ask Frank, a perfect weekend break needs to include plenty of nice things to eat. And Opatija is a right place! From classy seafood restaurants to bistro style dining, it has something for everyone. The one thing in common to all style restaurants is really tasty food. Fishing village Volosko is the real deal with its charming harbor and al fresco dining along the sea. Frank’s favorite place is konoba Tramerka. Kastav, a charming hilltop town, is another gastronomy gem. Head to fine dining restaurant Kukuriku at the main square. Or just enjoy local and casual dining at konoba Pul Kukuriku with great views over the bay. In Opatija itself, the hotspot restaurant is restaurant Bevanda.
Restaurant Bevanda Terrace
Joie de vivre
Opatija is famous for its cafes. Take the moment out of your day and enjoy an espresso or cafe latte in one of numerous Opatija cafes. Regardless of the weather, watching the world go by on one of seafront terraces is the ultimate activity in Opatija. Check cafe Wagner for its home made praline or cafe Kvarner for its home made mignons.
Seafront Terrace
Accommodation Prices
Avoid hustle and bustle of summer crowd and profit of favorable accommodation rates of Opatija hotels. Accommodation rates drop down significantly in spring and fall.
Seafront Hotel
Hi Frank
My favourite fish restaurant until I visited Tramerka was in Valun, on Cres. Its called Na Moru. The fish is always perfectly cooked and the service is great. The restaurant is right next to sea, with great views. The stolno Malvasia is some of the best that I have tried.
We also like Santa Croce in Rovinj – again really good seafood including excellent carpacio of brancin.
Enjoy!
Hi Bruce,
thanks for the tip. I know about Santa Croce, although I haven’t eaten there myself. I will certainly put it on my list for this spring / summer. Na moru is now a good reason to visit Cres again. Happy to share that there is a new old place opening in Rovinj tomorrow. Kantinon, I don’t know if you are familiar. The place is revamped and a new menu will be introduced. I will report back on the quality.
Hi Frank
Mnay thanks for the tip about Konoba Tramerka – the best seafood that I have had in Croatia.
Best wishes
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
thanks for your comment. I am so happy that you have enjoyed it. Is there any other place you have visited and would recommend me to check out?
Frank