OPATIJA
Area: Croatia


Location:
In W Croatia, on the NE coast of the Istrian Peninsula. 58 miles NE of Pula airport, 10 miles from Rijeka, 4 miles Lovran.

Telephone code from UK:
385 51

Website:
http://www.htz.hr

Position:
On the broad Kvarner Bay, backed by the verdant foothills of Mount Ucka.

Description:
One of Croatia's most sophisticated seaside resorts, having established itself as a popular year-round destination with the European aristocracy during the 19th century. With many fine old Venetian-inspired buildings, acres of terracotta roofs and few concrete monstrosities, the town retains an old-world respectability reminiscent of the French Riviera, but without the expense. Sandwiched between the sea and a series of rugged hills, it is unfortunately bisected by a narrow, but busy coast road, dense with traffic, foggy with fumes, and lined with shops, bars and accommodation. There is a sizeable marina, although the centre focuses on an extensive lido equipped with spacious bathing decks, parasols, playgrounds, snack stalls and seawater pools.

Suitability:
Middle- and upmarket mature couples and increasing numbers of families. Livelier and more sophisticated than most resorts in Croatia, yet still not ideal for keen nightclubbers.

Accommodation:
Hotels are in predominantly older, often 19th-century buildings, mainly situated on the landward side of the main road among the shops and restaurants. Few are set far enough back to ensure genuine tranquillity.

Shopping:
Good selection of designer boutiques and jewellers, alongside usual collection of souvenirs, handicrafts, beachwear and motley bric-a-brac stalls.

Beach:
A picturesque waterfront paralleled by extensive pedestrian promenade runs the length of town and beyond with one or two short, narrow stretches of rock and stone at either extremity. A fine, central lido with ample room for sun bathing and swimming in lagoon-style pools.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports (including windsurfing, snorkelling and water-skiing); pedalloes and boat trips; tennis; minigolf. Nightlife: lively and quite sophisticated. Several nightclubs provide open-air dancing, live bands as well as discos. Open-air concerts and opera. Popular cafe life with most venues open until the small hours. Small casino.

Eating:
Varied choice of pavement cafes and some fine, sophisticated restaurants in addition to those in the hotels. Mediterranean-style cuisine with abundant seafood and grilled meats. Local beers and wines are good, if not award-winning.

Public-transport:
A regular bus service plies the length of town as well as providing connections to neighbouring Lovran and the commercial port of Rijeka. Abundant taxis.

Local-excursions:
Various boat trips out into Kvarner Bay and along the coast. Organised bus trips to Rijeka (half day); Pula (full day) and Rovinj (full day); Venice (long day).