In short: in Opatija it is worth seeing the Lungomare (the Franz Joseph I promenade), the ‘Maiden with the Seagull’ statue and the belle-époque villas; the town was the first climatic seaside resort on the Adriatic (1889).
Opatija is the oldest seaside resort on the Croatian coast and one of the most elegant towns of the Kvarner — with parks, villas from the Austro-Hungarian era and a promenade by the sea. Here is what to see in Opatija and why it is worth a visit, along with the door-to-door Belgrade to Opatija minibus transfer.
Why visit Opatija
Opatija is the cradle of Croatian tourism: modern tourism began in 1844 with the building of Villa Angiolina, and in 1889 the town was proclaimed the first climatic seaside health resort on the Austrian Riviera. It took its name from the Benedictine Abbey of St James around which it grew. Belle Époque architecture, well-kept parks and a mild climate still make Opatija a destination for a quiet and refined break today.
What to see in Opatija and nearby
The Lungomare promenade
The town’s main symbol is the Lungomare (the Franz Joseph I Promenade), a coastal path about 12 km long that connects the fishing village of Volosko, Opatija and Lovran. It runs right by the sea, past villas and coves — perfect for a long walk in the morning or at dusk.
Villa Angiolina, the park and the “Maiden with the Seagull”
Villa Angiolina from 1844 is surrounded by a park full of exotic plants — the camellia has become the symbol of the town — and is considered the place where Opatija’s tourism was born. By the sea is the “Maiden with the Seagull”, a statue from 1956 that is the emblem of Opatija, as well as the Croatian Walk of Fame with marble stars dedicated to famous Croats (since 2005). In the park is also the old Church of St James, after whose abbey the town was named.
Hotel Kvarner — the first hotel on the Adriatic
Right by the park is the Hotel Kvarner, opened in 1884 as the first and oldest hotel on the eastern coast of the Adriatic — a neoclassical building that hosted Emperor Franz Joseph I and the dancer Isadora Duncan. It is a symbol of Opatija’s glamour and of the start of the tourist tradition on this coast.
Mount Učka above the town
Right above Opatija rises Učka, a mountain and nature park with the highest peak, Vojak (1401 m). From it a view opens over the whole Kvarner bay and the surrounding islands, and it is popular for hiking and trips into nature. See also what to visit in Rijeka, some fifteen kilometres away.
Volosko and Lovran
To the north is Volosko, a picturesque fishing town known for its taverns and seafood cuisine; to the south is Lovran, a town known for its sweet chestnut, the “marun”, and the autumn Marunada festival (October). Both are connected to Opatija by the Lungomare.
Beaches in Opatija
The beaches are mostly landscaped (concrete) and pebbly, with a clear sea; the central town beach is Slatina, in the very centre by the promenade. The sea is warmest from June to September, and along the Lungomare towards Volosko and Lovran there is a string of smaller coves.
Where to eat and a quiet break
Opatija and neighbouring Volosko are known for their seafood cuisine — fresh fish, shellfish and Kvarner scampi, accompanied by local wines; the Volosko taverns are among the most highly regarded on this part of the coast. With its well-kept parks, the promenade and the hotels’ wellness offer, Opatija is above all a destination for a quiet, refined and family break.
Belgrade to Opatija minibus transfer
We drive from your address in Belgrade straight to your accommodation in Opatija, with no changeovers — as part of the regular minibus transfer from Serbia to Croatia, with Belgrade as the starting point for travellers from across Serbia. Departure is at night at 23:00h, the Batrovci – Bajakovo border, and the journey takes roughly 7–8 hours (about 565 km). The price is from €75 per person one way — see the Belgrade to Opatija minibus transfer page and the price for Opatija.
The whole region is covered by the Kvarner (Belgrade to Kvarner transfer) (and the guide the Kvarner 2026), and the full offer for Croatia (Belgrade to Croatia transfer) and all the prices can be found in the price list. Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras too.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the journey from Belgrade to Opatija?
About 7–8 hours (about 565 km), with a night departure at 23:00h via the Batrovci – Bajakovo border. You sleep through most of the journey and arrive in the morning.
How much does the minibus transfer to Opatija cost?
From €75 per person one way. You can see the exact amount (one way and return) on the price for Opatija and in the price list.
Do I need a passport for Opatija?
Yes — Croatia is in the Schengen Area, so a valid biometric passport is required (an ID card is not enough). From April 2026 the EU EES system also operates (photo and fingerprints). More in the guide documents for the coast.
What to see in Opatija?
The Lungomare promenade (12 km, from Volosko through Opatija to Lovran), Villa Angiolina with its park, the “Maiden with the Seagull” statue, the Hotel Kvarner (the first hotel on the Adriatic, 1884) and Mount Učka above the town.
What is Opatija known for?
For being the cradle of Croatian tourism — modern tourism began in 1844, and in 1889 it was proclaimed the first climatic seaside health resort; today it is known for its Belle Époque villas, parks and the Lungomare.
What to see around Opatija?
The fishing town of Volosko with its taverns, Lovran with its chestnut festival Marunada, Mount Učka with the Vojak peak (1401 m) and nearby Rijeka (about 15 km) with the Korzo and Trsat.
