Opatija: The Riviera, Just Not In France!

Opatija is Croatia's answer to the Riviera, and not only is it a dead ringer for the South of France, it's a lot easier on your budget too!

The town's position at the edge of the Mediterranean means that it's a popular tourist destination all year round, an locals and visitors alike come here to spend time doing as little as possible, aside from actively relaxing.

A Picture Perfect Town

One of the reasons for Opatija's growing popularity as one of Croatia's hottest tourist destinations, and as one of Europe's best kept secrets, is the sheer prettiness of the town. With its beautiful white sand beaches, historic buildings, hip cafes and glamorous hotels, it's not hard to imagine yourself in a Hollywood movie when you visit this town.

A Town Built on Tourism

While the world may only be beginning to wake up to the many wonders that Croatia has to offer as a nation, Opatija has been a major tourist hotspot for over one hundred and fifty years. It's no wonder that the service, entertainment, and amenities in this town seem to be geared towards the holidaymaker, the people of Opatija have lots of practice!

A Taste of History

Many people visiting Croatia find themselves surprised at the amount of historic buildings, cultural and heritage sites, and Opatija is no different. In fact, when you can manage to tear yourself away from the sea front, you can see 15th century churches, 17th century villas and more.

Nearby towns and villages offer other historic sites, including Roman villas and the promenade that runs along the beachfront is itself a historic monument, with construction having started in 1885.

What to Do in Opatija

Opatija offers the visitor a little bit of everything. Once you've explored historic sites, and had your fill of the beach, there's also the casino, cafes, bars, and nightclubs to spend your time in.

Tango evenings, jazz recitals, festivals, and exhibitions also happen throughout the year, and there's almost always something worth seeing happening in the town or in one of the hotels.

Then there's the Forest Path of Carmen Sylva, which winds through the area around the town, and dates back to 1901. You'll see local fauna and flora as you wander, and pass historic sites along the way, but no matter what strikes your fancy, you'll probably find the stroll peaceful and relaxing.

In short, if you love the idea of the French Riviera, but are looking for somewhere that's more budget friendly (and less likely to be filled with hordes of people looking for the same thing), then Opatija is a great alternative. It's certainly one of the hidden jewels of Croatia, and well worth a visit if you plan a trip to the country.