Best of Opatija

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Opatija

Overlooking a lovely stretch of the cobalt blue Adriatic, Opatija has been a favorite seaside retreat since the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Belle-Époque villas dot the town center, and its ideal year-round climate continues to make Opatija a draw no matter the season. While there isn’t much in the way of beaches, the lovely promenade stretches the whole length of the waterfront, while a new wave of restaurants make Opatija a rewarding stop when taking a road trip along the coast.

Kimkim travelers who visited Opatija have spent the day exploring the grand architecture and stunning gardens of the Lungomare (waterfront). Officially known as the Franz Joseph I Promenade, this 12km route makes an idyllic setting for a stroll. You’ll pass fabulous seafront homes, sparkling marinas, and photogenic bays (bring your swimsuit for a dip). For a bigger dose of greenery, head to the Učka Nature Park, less than a 30-minutes drive from Opatija. Here you can climb mountain peaks, hike through wildflower-filled meadows and purchase fresh cheese directly from the producers in the tiny shepherding village of Mala Učka.

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Relax among the vines near Rovinj (photo courtesy of Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery)

Luxury Tour of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula - 10 Days

Starting in Zagreb and ending on the doorstep of the Dalmatian Coast, this 10-day luxury trip immerses you in the Italian influences and renowned gastronomy of Istria, Croatia's "Little Tuscany." A private driver will whisk you between the peninsula's loveliest coastal villages and vineyard-laden hilltop towns as you learn to make pasta and hunt for truffles in Rovinj, cruise around unspoiled islands off Opatija, and go wine tasting at a family-owned vineyard near Šibenik.

Get a taste of Istria's Venetian influences in coastal Opatija

Balkan Capitals & Culture: Podgorica, Sarajevo, Ljubljana & Zagreb - 21 Days

Over three grand weeks, you'll explore the beautiful Balkan capitals of Podgorica, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, along with smaller cities, charming towns, and fairy-tale villages. Hop from Montenegro to Croatia, exploring the Bay of Kotor and Dubrovnik before crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina. After Mostar and Sarajevo, carve a path back across Croatia, from Split to the Istrian peninsula via Plitvice Lakes. Finally, you'll reach Slovenia, with stops at Lake Bled and Predjama Castle.

Focus on the beauty of Istria with this weeklong luxury tour of Croatia

Luxury Tour of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula: Zagreb, Rovinj & Opatija - 7 Days

This weeklong luxury tour introduces you to Istria, often called Croatia's "Little Tuscany" for its hilltop towns, Venetian port cities, and distinct gastronomy. Start in Zagreb with a quick spin around the capital, then head to the Adriatic peninsula and Rovinj to learn the art of Istrian pasta-making and take a cruise up the coast of Pula. See the medieval villages of Grožnjan and Motovun, go truffle hunting and wine tasting in the rolling countryside, and end among 19th-century splendor in coastal Opatija.

Stay at a luxury wine estate in the heart of Istria (photo courtesy of Meneghetti Wine Hotel)

Luxury Mainland Croatia: Zagreb, Istria & Dalmatia - 14 Days

Combine wine tasting and gourmet cuisine with private boat trips and historic city sights on this two-week luxury idyll in Croatia. It begins in Zagreb with a tour of Trakošćan Castle and a vineyard picnic. Italian-influenced Istrian cuisine and the peninsula's medieval hilltop towns are next before your driver whisks you to the shores of the Dalmatian Coast. See Šibenik's historic sights and relax at your boutique hotel in Split, ready for a finale in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Discover Croatia's Istria Region - 8 Days

This trip focuses on the cultural and culinary delights of the Istria region in Croatia, starting with a road trip through the hilly medieval villages of Grožnjan and Motovun. Enjoy a boat trip to the islands of Brijuni National Park, explore the coastal cities of Rovinj, Pula, and Opatija, and discover the untouched scenery of Cres and Lošinj Island. Along the way, you'll explore the region's culinary scene with visits to a regional winery and a local distillery, as well as an eco goat farm, an olive grove, and a wool museum.

The beautiful "Old Town" of Rovinj along the Adriatic coast

Wonders of the Adriatic Coast: Venice to Dubrovnik - 11 Days

Explore Croatia's stunning coastline from Venice, through Istria, down to the popular islands of Dalmatia. You will see breathtaking views of the Adriatic, cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes while sampling some of the country's best wines and delicacies. This well-balanced itinerary of cultural and natural sightseeing is a wonderful introduction to the best of Croatia.

Sunset over Opatija's Maiden with the Seagull sculpture

Croatia Luxury Tour: Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar, & Dubrovnik - 15 Days

From the energetic capital city to the peaceful Konavle villages, explore Croatia's cities and Dalmatian coastline on this comprehensive luxury tour. Starting in Zagreb, you'll discover the stunning architecture and historic landmarks on a guided walking tour. Then head to the coast for a decadent spa treatment in Opatija and tour the travertine lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll sample the country's best cheese on Pag, visit Lumbarda wine country on Korčula, and cap off your trip in the medieval city of Dubrovnik.

The Istrian peninsula's Hum, the "smallest town in the world"

Croatia Luxury Tour: Zagreb, Rovinj, Zadar, Hvar, & Dubrovnik - 16 Days

This grand luxury tour features the lively capital of Zagreb, the romantic Istrian peninsula, and the coastal cities and island towns of the picturesque Dalmatian coast from the ancient Roman city of Zadar to medieval Dubrovnik. You'll navigate the network of cobblestoned streets in historic Rovinj, feast on fresh-caught seafood from a world-class restaurant in Zadar, tour the Lumbarda vine-covered countryside on Korčula, and learn to cook like a local on a family-run estate in the Konavle.

The stunning Old Town of Rovinj along the coast of Istria

Best of Croatia: Pula to Dubrovnik - 15 Days

Explore the highlights of Croatia as you cross the country starting in the Istrian Peninsula in the north and working your way down the Dalmatian Coast to the "Adriatic Pearl", Dubrovnik. Along the way, you will explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval fortressed towns, and beautiful national parks. You will also bike, hike, kayak, and zip-line on this tour that highlights both adventure and cultural discovery.

Best of Croatia: Istria to Dalmatia -14 days

Get ready for an immersive 14-day itinerary that will take you through almost every region in Croatia. It begins in the culturally rich capital of Zagreb, continues through the Istrian Peninsula, and finishes with an epic journey down the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. You'll end the trip in Dubrovnik, one of the most awe-inspiring ancient fortress cities in Europe.

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula, & Split - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of cultural exploration around Croatia. You'll begin in the colorful capital of Zagreb, tour the romantic landscape of Istria, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, and venture along the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Split. Along the way, explore ancient Roman ruins in Pula and Split, sip Istrian wine and eat truffle-infused dishes in Motovun, catch an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, and admire Šibenik's architectural masterpiece, the grand Cathedral of St. James.

Best of Croatia & Slovenia: Ljubljana, Rovinj, Hvar, & Dalmatia - 14 Days

Head off on an unforgettable adventure as you cover the best of Croatia and Slovenia in two weeks, starting in Zagreb. You'll cross borders to overnight in the capital of Ljubljana before venturing through the breathtaking scenery of Triglav National Park, the Soča Valley, and the Karst region. Your trip culminates along Croatia's Adriatic coast, from the Istrian Peninsula in the north through to the fortressed city of Dubrovnik in the south as well as Plitvice Lakes, Split, and Hvar in between.

St. Euphemia Church dominates Rovinj's skyline

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice & Split - 10 Days

Explore Croatia's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day Best of Croatia tour. Start in Zagreb, the country's capital, before moving on to explore the Roman ruins, Venetian-style architecture, and medieval hilltop towns of the Istrian Peninsula. After spending a night in stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll work your way down the Adriatic coast to visit Zadar, Šibenik, and Split, as well as enjoy a fun day of sailing to the quaint island of Šolta.

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, & Split - 9 Days

Experience Croatia's charming capital and coastal cities, medieval hilltop towns, and peaceful islands with this complete 9-day itinerary. You'll discover the best attractions starting from Zagreb as you venture throughout the Istrian Peninsula, through stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, and down the Dalmatian coast to end in historic Split. Explore Pula's famed Roman Arena, wander amid the Roman and Byzantine ruins of Brijuni National Park, and listen to the music of Zadar's sea organ.

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split & Dubrovnik - 14 Days

Set out to explore the hidden gems of Croatia on this extensive two-week itinerary from the romantic vine-covered hills and Venetian-style coastline of Istria to the ancient coastal cities of Dalmatia. From Zagreb, you'll immerse yourself in the Istrian Peninsula exploring medieval hilltop towns, seeking out prized white truffles, and dining on fresh-caught seafood in top-rated restaurants before experiencing the delights of the Dalmatian coast. You'll take in an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, discover cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes in Plitvice Lakes, sail in and around the nearly-barren islands of the Kornati, and enjoy views over the Adriatic and historic saltpans from a parapet walkway in Ston.

Magical Istria: Rovinj, Grožnjan, Motovun, & Pula - 5 Days

Get a glimpse of Istria on this quick 5-day tour. Starting from Croatia's capital, Zagreb, you'll make the scenic drive to Rovinj, one of Croatia's most charming coastal cities. Besides discovering Venetian-influenced architecture, you'll take a day to explore the heart of the peninsula with a visit to the nearby medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun, capping off your stay with a day in Pula to check out its notable Roman remains.

Best of Croatia & Slovenia: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Istria, & Dalmatia - 16 Days

A great route to discover Slovenia and Croatia over 16 unforgettable days. Starting in Croatia's dynamic capital, you'll first head into Slovenia to discover charming Ljubljana, the popular Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, as well as the captivating Soča Valley and Kobarid. Then, continue into the romantic Istrian peninsula discovering the walled hilltop towns and thickly wooded landscape before working your way to stunning Plitvice Lakes and then on to the Dalmatian coast ending your stay in medieval Dubrovnik.

Sunset over medieval Lubenice on Cres Island

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Istria, Dalmatia, & Dubrovnik - 21 Days

Experience the highlights of Croatia as well as the less-frequented hidden gems on this comprehensive 21-day tour. Start in the dynamic capital of Zagreb and cover the rolling hills and castles of the Zagorje, the hill towns and Venetian-era villages of Istria, and the unspoiled nature of Cres Island in the Kvarner Gulf before returning to the mainland. You'll explore the stunning Dalmatian coast with its ancient coastal cities of Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, and Dubrovnik along with discovering Adriatic islands, Korčula and Mljet, the rugged beauty of the Pelješac Peninsula, and the exquisite Bay of Kotor on a day trip to Montenegro.

Ban Jelačić Square in Croatia's capital, Zagreb

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Hvar, & Dubrovnik - 16 Days

Explore the best of Croatia on this comprehensive 16-day trip from the dynamic capital of Zagreb to the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik. Immerse yourself in culture, history, and stunning landscapes as you tour the romantic countryside of the Istrian peninsula, overnight in Plitvice Lakes National Park, and drive along the Dalmatian coast. You'll roam the tightly-woven network of cobblestoned streets in historic Rovinj, walk Split's 1,700-year-old stone-paved streets, leftover from Roman times, and feast on fresh-caught oysters and mussels in Ston after sampling wine native to the Pelješac peninsula.

The town of Fazana on the coast of Istria

Magical Istria: Zagreb, Rovinj, Brijuni, & Pula - 6 Days

Spend six days touring Croatia's magical Istrian Peninsula, starting and ending in the dynamic capital of Zagreb. Soak in the stunning beauty of the romantic countryside as you work your way to the Venetian-influenced city of Rovinj on Istria's coast, your base for the next three nights. You'll discover nearby medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun, as well as visit the small fishing town of Fažana, explore Brijuni National Park, and tour Pula's famous Roman ruins.

The charming hilltop town of Buzet in the Istrian peninsula

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Istria, & Dalmatia - 13 Days

Go from medieval hilltop towns in vineyard-covered Istria to charming coastal cities of the Dalmatian coast over the course of this 13-day trip. You'll begin in the art-forward capital of Zagreb before venturing to the romantic landscape of the Istrian peninsula where you'll hunt for truffles, tour fortressed villages, and relax on pebbled beaches. Carry on down the coast after spending the night in breathtaking Plitvice Lakes to watch a sunset in Zadar, visit your own personal island off of Korčula, and explore the rugged beauty of the Pelješac peninsula.

The Church of St. Euphemia marks the beautiful Old Town of Rovinj

Magical Istria: Zagreb, Rovinj, Cape Kamenjak, & Plitvice - 9 Days

Enjoy nine days immersing yourself in Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, starting and ending in the vibrant capital of Zagreb. You'll spend four nights in the coastal Venetian-style town of Rovinj, a great base to explore the romantic landscape of nearby vineyards and olive groves, medieval hilltop towns, and dramatic coastline. Stroll Opatija's Lungomare for pretty views of the Kvarner Gulf, drink Istrian wine and eat truffle-infused dishes in Motovun, as well as discover the lush beauty of famous Plitvice Lakes.

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, & Split - 7 Days

This 7-day getaway is a short and sweet solution for travelers looking to discover the best of Croatia from cultural attractions to breathtaking scenery. Start in the country's lively capital for museums, art galleries, and historical buildings, then head to the Istrian Peninsula to explore Pula's Roman ruins, Rovnij's network of medieval streets, and the stunning hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun. End your trip discovering the ancient coastal cities of Dalmatia from the unforgettable sunsets of Zadar and the impressive fortresses of Šibenik to Split's famous Diocletian's Palace.

Magical Istria: Zagreb, Rovinj, Cape Kamenjak, & Plitvice Lakes - 8 Days

Explore Croatia's "Tierra Magica," a compelling region chock-full of vineyards, olive groves, stunning Venetian-style coastline, and medieval hilltop towns. You'll spend eight days discovering the romantic Istrian Peninsula as well as spend time in the vibrant capital of Zagreb and enjoy a full morning exploring the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park. Try a meal with pilchards in Fažana, visit the once-infamous White Villa on Brijuni Island, and tour the dramatic coastline of Cape Kamenjak.

Trakošćan Castle in the Zagorje region on a sunny fall day

Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, & Split - 11 Days

Spend 11 days exploring the best of Croatia's attractions from the charming capital of Zagreb and the castle-laden hills of Zagorje down to the ancient coastal city of Split and the nearby stuck-in-time Šolta Island. You'll venture across the romantic countryside of Istria to discover Roman ruins, Venetian-style architecture, and medieval hilltop towns before moving on to stroll the wooden boardwalks of the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. The trip culminates with a tour along the Dalmatian coast to end in Split, stopping first to visit underrated Šibenik and trendy Zadar.

Other popular travel destinations in Croatia
Dalmatian Coast · Dubrovnik · Split · Hvar · Korčula · Zagreb · Plitvice Lakes · Zadar · Istria · Ston · Rovinj · Hvar Island · Motovun · Vis Island · Trogir · Brač Island · Mljet Island · Skradin · Stari Grad · Šipan · Vela Luka · Miljet Island · Šibenik · Osijek · Bale

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