---
title: "Top Things to do in Opatija"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/a48fe60b-ffca-4fc5-b40a-8ed7bfb363cb
source_url: "https://cruisecroatia.com/blog/top-things-to-do-in-opatija/"
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summary: "Opatija, a renowned 19th-century wellness resort on Croatia's Istrian peninsula, offers visitors a wealth of attractions including the scenic Lungomare promenade, historic Villa Angiolina, lush parks, and idyllic beaches. The travel guide highlights top things to do in this glamorous seaside town, from strolling past opulent villas to relaxing on Blue Flag beaches like Slatina and family-friendly Tomaševac."
tags: "opatija, croatia, travel-guide, cruise, beaches, lungomare, tourism"
key_entities: "Opatija (location), Croatia (location), Istrian peninsula (location), Lungomare (location), Villa Angiolina (location), Angiolina Park (location), Slatina (location), Tomaševac Beach (location), Goran Ivanišević (person), Nikola Tesla (person), Croatian Walk of Fame (concept), Museum of Croatian Tourism (organization), Margarita Park (location)"
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# Top Things to do in Opatija

--> Home Blog Top Things to do in Opatija Top Things to do in Opatija An internationally renowned 19th-century wellness resort, Opatija is tucked between the mountains and the sea along the Istrian peninsula. Filled with aristocratic charm, during the Belle Epoque the town attracted countless VIPs, celebrities, and other wealthy elites from across Europe to spend warm summer days soaking up the sun. Today, Opatija is still a popular Croatia vacation spot with many picturesque beaches where visitors enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Plus, it’s often included in a Croatia private tour. There are also scenic parks, enticing streets lined with grand mansions, historical monuments, unique boutiques, outstanding restaurants, and a lovely seaside promenade, the Lungomare. To make the most of your time, put some of these top things to do in Opatija on your must-experience list. Speak to the Expert If your Croatia cruise begins or ends in Opatija, it is definitely worth adding a couple of nights here to experience all the town has to offer. Request a Quote Muno Cruise Specialist Stroll Along the Lungomare The Lungomare is a seaside promenade following the Opatija Riviera for 7.4 miles between Volosko and Lovran, including a stretch in central Opatija. It’s the perfect place for a stroll, popular among visitors and locals alike. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the sea on one side and opulent villas and mansions on the other. You’ll also find beaches ideal for stopping to relax and savor the scenery, and the Croatian Walk of Fame. Similar to the Hollywood stars in Southern California, it’s filled with legendary Croatian names like tennis great Goran Ivanišević and inventor Nikola Tesla, providing a symbolic tribute to those with cultural, sporting, scientific, and artistic endeavors who have contributed significantly to the promotion of the country. Visit Villa Angiolina A stroll along the winding paths in Angiolina Park, which we’ll outline below, will bring you to Villa Angiolina. This 19th-century mansion was once a hub for high society but today it hosts the Museum of Croatian Tourism. Aimed at preserving memories of Opatija’s past there is a wide range of memorabilia that traces the history of tourism here, including postcards, posters, old photographs, brochures, and more. Various exhibitions, workshops, and projects are focused on demonstrating why the town was such a popular destination for many historical figures. A reconstruction of an even older building, Villa Angiolina is the perfect place to host the museum as it’s the very same structure that marked the start of the tourism epoch in Opatija. Wander Through Opatija's Parks We mentioned Angiolina Park as the place to go to reach the renowned villa, but it offers plenty of its own as one of the most beautiful and lush parks in Opatija. It serves as its green heart, a garden with 124 different plant species from across the globe. The basis of the garden is a laurel grove, while the camellias, a symbol of the town, are a definite highlight. You’ll also see Ginkgo biloba, Californian cedar, giant sequoia, American pine, Himalayan cypress, eucalyptus trees, and glossy-leaf paper plants, among others, all of which thrive in the Mediterranean climate. Margarita Park offers an especially tranquil oasis further uphill from the sea with flowers, oak trees, and colorful strawberry trees. Relax on the Beach As a glamourous town by the sea, many visitors come to Opatija to take advantage of the idyllic beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Right off the Lungomare, Slatina is a Blue Flag stretch and one of the most popular, thanks to the easy entry into the clear blue sea. Plus, cafes, restaurants, and sports facilities are all within close proximity. Tomaševac Beach is a favorite among families with children. There are lots of entertainment options for all ages, including a playground, slides, pedal boats, and a trampoline. You’ll find umbrellas and loungers for rent along with plenty of eateries nearby. Škrbići Beach near Hotel Miramar is ideal for those who want to relax in the shade and not worry about burning. Savor Local Seafood Thanks to Opatija’s location along the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic, access to fresh local fish and seafood is a given. It’s often the main focus alongside fresh vegetables or served in dishes like risotto, soups, and stews. Caught daily by local fishermen, they deliver it to the town’s konobas and restaurants. Many hotels host eateries where you can sample it like the five-star Hotel Nevis. This gourmet hotspot has a stellar reputation that comes thanks at least in part to its fresh seafood, including sushi, which can be enjoyed with incredible views of Kvarner Bay. The marina is another great place to go, popular for its scampi and fine white fish that can be cooked in wine, baked, or grilled. Visit Nearby Volosko Enchanting Volosko is just a few minutes’ drive or a 25-minute walk along the Lungomare from Opatija. A charming fishing village, you can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch while relaxing at the harbor that serves as the heart of town while enjoying the spectacular sea views. Live jazz music and klapa vocal groups sometimes perform here while the colorful historic center and its narrow streets hide a number of art galleries and ateliers. If you’re a foodie, be sure to enjoy a meal in Volosko, it’s particularly famous for its seafood eateries offering fresh fish and various local specialties, including scampi. Take a Drive to Učka Nature Park Učka Nature Park is less than a 30-minute drive away, providing a great place to play while surrounded by picturesque scenery. Covering 62 square miles, it includes multiple mountain peaks and has a stone lookout tower at the highest, the nearly 4,600-foot summit of Vojak. If you aren’t up for the ascent, you can drive to the tower. Either way, it’s worth the effort as you’ll enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Istria, the Kvarner Bay islands, the Italian Alps, and even Venice on a clear day too. Popular activities include hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding, with treks that primarily wind through the forest providing much-needed shade on a hot summer’s day. It’s possible to discover ponds, waterfalls, and hundreds of caves. Visit the Maiden with the Seagull The Maiden with the Seagull is Opatija’s most famous statue. As you stroll the Lungomare promenade, be sure and watch for it, located in front of the Juraj Šporer art pavilion overlooking Kvarner Bay – it’s a great spot for a selfie with plenty of other photo ops thanks to the magnificent surroundings. But she’s a tragic symbol here, erected in remembrance of a local count who died in an 1891 storm. Created by sculptor Zvonko Car in 1956, it replaced a statue of Madonna that was destroyed by communists following the Second World War. This one is not the original, however. The original Maiden with the Seagull is displayed at the Croatian Museum of Tourism in Villa Angiolina. Discover Croatia by Cruise Top Croatia Tours Discover Croatia Cruise and Land Tour Deluxe Cruise 10 Nights | May 2026 - Oct 2026 From $3,495 per person 10-night cruise & land tour on board a deluxe ship Explore the full length of Croatia starting in Zagreb and finishing in Dubrovnik Pre-cruise private land tour to visit the spectacular Plitvice Lakes and capital of city Zagreb VIEW ITINERARY Enchanting Southern Dalmatian Coast Cruise Tour Deluxe Cruise 9 Nights | May 2026 - Oct 2026 From $3,195 per person 9-Night Croatia cruise and land journey with a visit to Montenegro Enjoy overnight stays in Split and Dubrovnik with a 7-night cruise included Discover the Croatian coastline on a deluxe vessel accommodating up to 38 guests VIEW ITINERARY Talk to our Croatia Cruise Experts Today Request a Quote OR CALL US ON 1-844 637 9747 Receive a detailed quote within 24 hours You may be interested in Destinations Top Tips Countries to Combine Croatia With While Croatia has lots to discover from its hundreds of islands to ancient seaside cities, if you have the time, consider visiting one or more… Destinations Top Tips Where to Go After Your Dalmatian Coast Cruise On your Dalmatian coast cruise, you're likely to visit coastal cities on the mainland like Split and Dubrovnik while island-hopping in between, perhaps to Hvar,… Destinations Top Tips Croatia or Montenegro? 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