Kvarner coast

Opatija and Rijeka

Opatija suits gentle seaside days, while nearby Rijeka adds a busier city, market and hilltop castle.

Why go

Why visit Opatija and Rijeka?

Opatija is known for seaside walks, gardens and grand old hotels. It began as a resort for Austro-Hungarian visitors and still has a calm, old-fashioned feel.

Rijeka is a separate nearby city with the pedestrian Korzo, market and Trsat Castle. Many visitors stay in Opatija and spend a day in Rijeka.

Guided tours

Popular tours in Opatija and Rijeka

A private walk with a local guide is a good way to start. It takes in Angiolina Park, the Maiden with the Seagull and other landmarks along the seafront.

Private walking tour of Opatija

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First visit

Highlights

The Lungomare follows the coast from Volosko to Lovran.
Angiolina Park and Villa Angiolina mark the beginning of Opatija's resort story.
The Maiden with the Seagull and St. James's Church are central local landmarks.
Volosko is a small fishing village at the edge of Opatija.
In Rijeka, the Korzo, city market and Trsat Castle are key stops.

When to go

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are good seasons for the Lungomare, and Opatija's parks are at their best in spring. Summer brings swimming and more visitors.

Opatija in winter

Opatija stays open all year. Opatija Advent runs from 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, while Opatija Carnival and Rijeka Carnival run from 17 January to 10 February 2027. In Rijeka, the Queen pageant is on 22 January, the children's parade on 30 January and the international parade on 7 February.

Opatija Advent Visit Rijeka

Bus, ferry and on foot

Getting there

Long-distance buses run from Zagreb and Istrian towns, while Rijeka has the larger bus station. Autotrolej buses link Rijeka and Opatija along the coast. In Opatija, most visitor sights are along the seafront and main street and can be reached on foot.

Official information: Arriva Croatia · Autotrolej · Visit Opatija

Plan your route

Easy to combine with

Pula

Autotrolej buses link Opatija with Rijeka, where long-distance buses leave for Pula.

Rovinj

Autotrolej buses link Opatija with Rijeka, where buses leave for Rovinj and other Istrian towns.

Guided tours

Book a tour

Tours that work well on a first visit. You book and pay on Viator.

The Maiden with the Seagull statue on the Opatija seafront at dusk

Private walking tour of Opatija

A private walk of about one and a half hours with a local guide, visiting Angiolina Park, St. Jacob's Church, Hotel Kvarner, the Maiden with the Seagull, Juraj Šporer gallery, Slatina beach and the Croatian Walk of Fame.

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