Opatija Holidays

Stowed away in a corner of northern Croatia, Opatija was first claimed by the Austrian glitterati in the 19th century. You’ll still see their elegant, Viennese-style villas along the seafront. These days, it's still one of the swankiest towns in the Istrian Riviera. And the villas are joined by Opatija's chic hotels, boutiques, bars and spas.

This town certainly had a glamorous heyday, but it’s no has-been. People still flock in their hordes to visit Opatija, to stroll its pretty promenade, relax at a spa hotel or shop in sleek boutiques. Reminders of the bygone era are hard to miss, though. You’ll pass beautiful Belle Epoque buildings at every turn. That includes Villa Angiolina, which boasts perfectly manicured gardens and a tourism-focused museum.

Opatija’s beach isn't your typical stretch, yet it’s a head-turner nonetheless. Slatina Beach has the looks of a lido, with paved areas for sunbathing and steps into the sea. The terraces are semi-circular, which means the sea’s lake-calm for swimming. And, when you’ve had enough sun, you can retreat to the shaded pine forest behind.