Opatija Vacations & Tours

If you have time, it’s worth walking the entire 7.4-mile stretch of the Lungomare Promenade, which follows the coast offering views of the sea, the shoreline and beautiful historic villas, some of which have been converted into luxurious hotels. Watch the windsurfers in the Bay of Preluk and stop at Angiolina Park to enjoy the more than 150 species of plants from across the globe, including bougainvillea, black bamboo, Japanese bananas, lemon trees and sequoias. Take a selfie in front of The Girl with the Seagull statue, an iconic landmark.

Villa Angiolina is worth visiting for both the building and the museum inside. It was constructed in 1844, serving as the focus for high society gatherings, that included many VIPs like Emperor Franz Jozef. It now hosts the Museum of Croatian Tourism, which still holds impressive features like beautiful frescos, geometric floor mosaics and gilded mirrors. Exhibits include pieces that trace tourism history like old photographs, posters, postcards and brochures.

While you probably know many names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Opatija’s offers the chance to learn about Croatian legends, a symbolic tribute to people whose scientific, artistic, sporting or cultural works have made a major contribution to promoting Croatia worldwide. There are 32 stars dedicated to famous scientists like Nikola Tesla, writers like Ivan Gundulić, figures from sport including Olympic gold medallist skier Janica Kostelic and actors Rade Šerbedžija and Fabijan Šovagović.