Hotels in Opatija

Opatija Hotels

With a winning year-round climate and an enviable setting on the Adriatic coast, Opatija promises a blend of Croatian culture and sun, sea and spa. Reclining at the foot of the Ucka Mountain, flanked by bay laurel forest, Opatija’s idyll has long made it a holiday haven. Having historically catered to the discerning tastes of Viennese aristocracy, the town still boasts the grand villas that once accommodated them. Gently merging the old and new, the resort’s pleasures range from gourmet cuisine and vibrant entertainment, to picturesque promenade strolls.

Things to see

Whilst there aren’t any sandy stretches nearby, Opatija offers the convenience of a paved beach right in the centre of town. With a Blue Flag stamp of approval and facilities for bathers and baskers, Slatina Beach is an oasis during the warmer months. Built in 1844 by wealthy merchant Iginio Scarpa, Villa Angiolina originally kicked off Opatija’s tourist industry, and now serves as the Croatian Museum of Tourism. A fine example of neoclassical architecture, the villa’s lavish interior features marble pillars, chandeliers and decadent furnishings. Outside, the elegant seafront gardens, known as Angiolina Park, feature over 150 species of fragrant floral finery. Among the exotic collection you’ll be able to whiff Japanese camellia, lemon trees, and bougainvillea. As you stroll along the Lungomare oceanfront promenade, you’ll eventually come to Opatija’s most recognizable landmark. Created in 1956, the ‘Maiden with the Seagull’ sculpture cuts a serene figure as she gazes out to sea.

Hotels in Opatija

Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a rejuvenating family escape, the hotels in Opatija cater to every type of stay. Among them you’ll find modern full-service hotels laden with amenities, cheap and cheerful family-sized apartments, and historic seaside villas still fit for the aristocracy. Most hotels count restaurants, gardens and terraces among their amenities, whilst many of the larger digs provide swimming pools and luxurious spa facilities. Depending on where you stay rooms come in contemporary or classical chandelier-lit style, and offer lots of creature comforts. Along with cable television and WiFi, many open out onto balconies graced with glittering sea views.

Where to stay

Many of the hotels in Opatija sit strategically along the town’s coast, with the Lungomare promenade running behind them. Stretching for 12 kilometres between the communities of Preluka and Lovran, the promenade offers a terrific seaside stroll, passing many of Opatija’s historic villas and landmarks along the way. When it comes to eating, drinking, shopping and spa-style pampering, the town has no shortage of opportunities. Whilst many eateries dot the waterfront, you’ll find much of the town’s commercial activity, entertainment and parks along the main thoroughfare, Marsala Tita. Just a few minutes away, the old adjoining community of Volosko offers yet more sites and culinary experiences.

How to get to Opatija

Rijeka Airport is Opatija’s nearest international gateway, situated around a 40 kilometre drive away on the island of Krk. It serves a good handful of European destinations during the summer season, including London, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Stockholm. Once you’ve arrived you can get into Opatija by either a taxi, bus, or hiring a car and driving in. Some hotels also provide airport transfers with prior arrangement. You can also make connections to the area by bus or train. Buses stop at the bus station in the centre of Opatija, whilst the nearest railway station is located in neighbouring Matulji, a few short minutes away.