Day in Opatija, Croatia: What to do?

Day in Opatija, Croatia: What to do?

Explore this picturesque Croatian seaside town Opatija nestled along the Adriatic Sea. Learn about its stunning landmarks like the "Maiden with the Seagull" statue and the scenic Lungomare promenade. Find out where to enjoy a delicious lunch and unwind with a coffee by the water.
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Opatija isn't just for summer vacations – it's magical in winter too! From December to January, the town transforms into a fairy tale wonderland. In autumn or spring, you can still savor lunch by the sea. And when December arrives, don't miss Opatija's renowned Advent festivities – it's one of Croatia's top Christmas markets, and we couldn't agree more!

How to get there?

Depending on your departure point, reaching Opatija is possible by bus, train, or car. Local Croatian buses or Flixbus provide travel options. For travelers from Ljubljana, the easiest route is via train (with a one-way ticket priced at just 9 €). Arriving by car offers access to parking garages and street parking, which is free on Sundays. 

What to do there?

After your journey, treat yourself to a coffee with a stunning view. Where's the perfect spot? Head to Hotel Milenij. Picture this: sipping your drink, soaking in the sun, and vibing to live violin tunes with a killer sea view.

Hotel Milenij
@thecreationofus
It might not be the most budget-friendly place for a coffee or cocktail, but the experience is definitely worth it (we have paid 6€ for a coffee).
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Rested and ready to explore? Go down by the sea and head towards the "Maiden with the Seagull" one of the most famous symbols of Opatija. The seagull is depicted with its wings spread, ready to take flight. The statue has several interpretations, but the most common one is that it represents the connection between human beings and nature, as well as the beauty and tranquility of the Adriatic Sea.

Maiden with the Seagull
@thecreationofus
The statue portrays a young woman standing on a rocky pedestal, holding a seagull in her outstretched hand. She is looking out towards the sea with a sense of wonder and serenity. The seagull is depicted with its wings spread, ready to take flight.
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Lungomare Opatija
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Lungomare" is an Italian word that translates to "along the sea" or "seaside promenade."
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If you are craving a good lunch, check out Ružmarin (which translates to rosemary). Don't miss the chance to sample some of Croatia's famous liqueurs Aura, especially the Teranino liqueur and Limoncello – we fell in love with them!

Ružmarin
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They serve fantastic pasta, meat dishes, and burgers.
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Before heading home, stop for an afternoon coffee at Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa (splendid view).  

Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
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One awesome hotel with a splendid view.
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 This is the perfect guide for a day in Opatija. But here's the twist — if Opatija's charm captivates you (and trust us, it will!), why not turn it into a weekend escape?

Extend your stay, and we've got the perfect sleeping recommendation just for you: 

Apartments Villa Chiara Opatija
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It's located in Ičići.
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Grand Hotel Adriatic
@thecreationofus
It's close to the center.
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Have fun and share your adventures with us!

(Tag us on Instagram: @thecreationofus) 📸

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Tea 🫖, a Macedonian expat who has been calling Ljubljana, Slovenia, home for the past nine years. With a passion for traveling and a heart full of wanderlust, I am always on the move, ready to explore new places and try delightful cuisines —truly a self-proclaimed hedonist at heart. 🗺️ My mantra? La vita è bella" or "Life is beautiful." The joy hides in life's tiny treasures, in those simple, magical moments we often overlook. Whether it's trying a new dish, exploring a hidden gem, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, I believe that happiness lies in the everyday moments. 🧸🎀 I really enjoy organizing trips. My friends often joke about how much I plan every little detail, but when you're visiting a place, you want to make the most of your time, right? My travel expertise spans from curating detailed itineraries to recommending must-visit spots. So, if you don't like planning but love traveling, I can help you out. Just ask me for advice on museums, good places to eat, wine bars, or even secret bars! I know Ljubljana and its surroundings intimately, but my recommendations extend beyond Slovenia. I can offer my expertise from experiences in Europe (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Italy), Asia (Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket; Bali, Kuala Lumpur), and Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Zanzibar). Follow me on TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest @thecreationofus for recommendations, tips, and more. Let's make your next journey extraordinary!
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