Guide to Opatija

'Known for its elegant 19th century villas, fountained squares and picturesque waterfront, fashionable Opatija blends a cosmopolitan buzz with a dash of imperial Austria.'

There's an Austrian aura to Opatija that's unmissable. Established in the 12th century and named 'Abbazia' after a Benedictine abbey, its seaside elegance is left over from the 19th century Austrian nobles who came here for the mild climate and pure air. Tucked under Mount Ucka on the pine-covered coast near Istria, today's Opatija isn't all about Austria though. Nowadays, Italian tourists bring excitement and style. It's a great recipe if you're looking for an exclusive yet buzzing base rolled into one. Start your day with a coffee-and-cake breakfast and stroll the 12-kilometre Lungomare, the waterfront that skirts the resort before curling around the wooded hills to the modern tourist areas beyond. Here in Opatija's centre, frilly pastel-painted villas – many now luxurious hotels - stand in palm-tipped gardens, their fancy facades staring out over the dazzling Adriatic. All along the water, people sunbathe and swim from the concrete platforms or retreat to the lovely pebble coves burrowed nearby. Slurp on a gelato, slip on those movie-star shades and dive in. Restaurants are everywhere. Overlooking the water, classic fish restaurants serve stylish seafood cuisine on sea-view terraces, while cheaper bistros and bars offer the obligatory wine or espresso in the sunshine. On summer evenings, glamour settles over the resort as visitors enjoy the casinos, socialise in pavement cafes and dine under the stars. Away from here, follow a hiking trail up Mount Ucka for thrilling vistas over the lush slopes cascading into the sea. Swap Opatija's elegance for the charms of medieval Lovran nearby. Or go for the big guns, travelling to the awe-inspiring Plitvice Lakes or magical Venice – both possible in a day.

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