Croatia is a famous holiday destination among sun-worshippers and sea-lovers as it boasts a long and scenic coastline, lots of little islands to be discovered, and wonderful Mediterranean weather, all at a pretty reasonable price-tag compared to many other locations in the area. The region of Istria, in particular, is well-known as an excellent coastal destination as is the area around the famous capital of Dubrovnik. However, there are plenty of other wonderful seaside destinations to be discovered. Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, for example, boasts a long coastline along the Northern Adriatic, some 55 islands, 86 harbours, lots of villages, towns, and cities by the sea, and endless beaches. If you love being by the sea then a vacation rental in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is just the thing! In fact, it is in this region that you will find the island of Rab with rare soft, sandy beaches for Croatia that rival the perfect strands of the Caribbean. Another of the most appealing examples among these various coastal gems is the town of Opatija, which is where Croatian tourism was born and where you'll find one of the most unique and striking beaches in the country.
Opatija, the so-called, "Old Lady," of Croatian tourism, is where the first Croatian hotel was built, was the destination of choice among the Austro-Hungarian elite during the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and remains popular among tourists in the know to this day. Located on the Kvarner Coast in the West of Croatia, it is a traditional seaside resort and boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect holiday destination throughout much of the year. In the winter, travellers can expect average high temperatures of 10 °C and, in the summer, an average high of 32 °C. While the winter temperatures might not be high enough for many, for those leaving duller, colder homes, it is quite appealing. The warm springs and autumns, meanwhile, make Opatija popular for those who like to travel out of season and the hot but usually not overwhelming summer weather will appeal to those looking to work on their tan and enjoy outdoor pursuits in the sun. Check out our villas in Opatija and get planning a trip for whenever suits you best today!
Surrounded by woods of bay laurel, with a rocky and picturesque coastline framing a town made up of a proliferation of picturesque historic buildings in its pretty centre, particularly lots of elegant Belle Époque villas. Opatija is quite the looker and a charming vacation destination. While there isn't an endless list of attractions, there is a lovely 14th-century Benedictine Abbey from which the town derives its name, spa hotels in which to enjoy beauty and therapeutic treatments, a pretty forest walk, a lovely town park with a wide array of plants from all over the globe, a tourism museum in the beautiful Villa Angiolina, various art works dotted throughout the town including the beloved statue of a Maiden With A Seagull (1956) by artist Zvonko Car, lots of architectural gems to admire as you wander about, some great restaurants, and a delightfully slow pace of life. This is a destination that often attracts mature travellers and is the perfect place to go to relax and unwind.
Surrounded by woods of bay laurel, with a rocky and picturesque coastline framing a town made up of a proliferation of picturesque historic buildings in its pretty centre, particularly lots of elegant Belle Époque villas. Opatija is quite the looker and a charming vacation destination. While there isn't an endless list of attractions, there is a lovely 14th-century Benedictine Abbey from which the town derives its name, spa hotels in which to enjoy beauty and therapeutic treatments, a pretty forest walk, a lovely town park with a wide array of plants from all over the globe, a tourism museum in the beautiful Villa Angiolina, various art works dotted throughout the town including the beloved statue of a Maiden With A Seagull (1956) by artist Zvonko Car, lots of architectural gems to admire as you wander about, some great restaurants, and a delightfully slow pace of life. This is a destination that often attracts mature travellers and is the perfect place to go to relax and unwind.
As noted at the beginning of this article, however, one of Opatija's most appealing traits is its unique beach. However, technically the town has no beaches as all. Certainly, it has no natural beach with sand or even pebbles along the strand. Instead, it has a perfectly maintained, uniquely beautiful, manmade concrete beach. This is the 12km long lungomare concrete promenade that follows along the entire riviera from Volosko, via Opatija, to Lovran. The entirety of the town of Opatija is fronted by this perfectly smooth slope to the sea with various points that allow diving or gentle submerging and stepping down into the water, nice and sheltered swimming spots, lounging areas with brightly-coloured sunbeds and umbrellas, and more. If you don't love the feeling of sand or pebbles beneath your feet or you're just looking for a different kind of beach-going experience, this unique stretch of the coast of Croatia is a must!
A perfect seaside destination, a vacation rental in Opatija or a villa in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and day-trips to the town mean great weather, an excellent swimming spot, picture-perfect surroundings, and utter relaxation on the coast.
A perfect seaside destination, a vacation rental in Opatija or a villa in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and day-trips to the town mean great weather, an excellent swimming spot, picture-perfect surroundings, and utter relaxation on the coast.
Photo credits:
Picture 1: ChrisV / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 2: Jimmy Harris / CC BY 2.0
Picture 1: ChrisV / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 2: Jimmy Harris / CC BY 2.0