Enjoy your walk along the Opatija beach promenade
The Opatija beach promenade Lungomare stretches for 12 kilometers and connects several coastal towns on the Kvarner Bay. It runs directly on Hotel Miramar where we stayed in Opatija. Since most of the city's sights and beaches are lined up along the beach porch, we only traveled around Opatija on foot. Along the way you will find statues and monuments that tell stories from the past. Additionally, many of the villas that line the promenade date back to the Habsburg era.
But it's not just history that shapes the Opatija seafront promenade. The flora and fauna along the trail are also remarkable. From Mediterranean plants to native birds, the promenade is a feast for the senses. And for the foodies there are cafes and restaurants serving local specialties Croatia .
History of the Opatija seafront promenade
The creation of Opatija's seafront promenade dates back to the late 19th century. At that time, Opatija was a popular health resort that attracted guests from all over Europe. In order to provide tourists and the local population with a pleasant stroll, the Opatija seafront promenade was built. It originally connected the towns of Volosko and Lovran and was later expanded.
The historical significance of Opatija's seafront promenade cannot be underestimated. It has made Opatija one of the most famous travel destinations on the Adriatic coast. The promenade, or as it is also called, Opatija Lungomare, was not only used for relaxation but also for social networking. It was the place where high society met to stroll, chat and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Today the Lungomare Opatija is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Anecdotes from the history of the Opatija seafront promenade
The Opatija beach promenade is named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, and its history is closely linked to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The promenade was built in several stages, with the first section completed in 1889. It served not only for recreation but also to beautify the region. What's interesting is that the promenade has been renamed several times over the years. It was only given back its original name in 1996, when a return to the Habsburg legacy began.
Along the promenade you will find numerous architecturally remarkable villas and hotels from the time of the Danube Monarchy. Some of these have hosted prominent guests, such as Villa Minach, where the Hungarian revolutionary Gyula Andrássy spent his final years. Literature also has its place here; The writer Henryk Sienkiewicz wrote a novella in Abbazia as a preliminary draft for his later novel “Quo vadis”.
The route of the seafront promenade on the Opatija Riviera
The Opatija seafront promenade starts in the fishing village of Volosko and ends in Lovran. It stretches over a length of around 12 kilometers. This may seem long at first glance, but the route is easy to manage. Depending on your pace and how many stops you make to enjoy the view or take a photo, the walk will take around 2 to 3 hours.
The Lungomare Opatija is well signposted so you can easily find your way around. There are numerous benches along the path where you can take a break and enjoy the view of the sea. You will also find various cafes and restaurants along the route if you need refreshment.
Our day on the Lungomare during our Opatija Croatia vacation
However, since we will be spending a day in Opatija in addition to our stay on our trip Moscenicka Draga in the south of the Opatjia Riviera planned, we limit our day on the beach promenade to the city of Opatija. This gives us more time to enjoy the Lungomare in peace. A good decision, as it turns out. Because there is a lot to discover. We use the day to take a walk along the coast and sit on one of the benches to relax with the beautiful view of the sea. It's a bit too cool for us to swim in the sea in late autumn. But in summer you can also swim well at Škrbići Beach or Lido Beach.
Our stroll along the beach promenade during our Opatija Croatia vacation
Sights along the Opatija Lungomare
Along Opatija's seafront promenade you will find a number of statues and monuments highlighting different aspects of local history and culture. One of the most famous is the statue of the “Maiden with the Seagull”, a symbol of the city. She stands on a rock and looks out to sea, as if welcoming the arriving ships. The statue of the “Madonna del Mare” used to stand on this spot before a storm tore it from its location. You can see a gold-plated copy of the Madonna today in front of St. Jakob Church.
But it's not just the statues that attract attention. The Lungomare Opatija is also lined with historic buildings and villas that date back to the time when Opatija was a popular health resort. These buildings are often built in the Belle Époque style and give you a glimpse into the city's past. They tell stories of a time when Opatija was a meeting place for the elite.
In addition to the buildings, there are also various works of art and installations. For example, in the park behind Lido Beach there is the Wall of Fame, which shows famous personalities who have visited Opatija over the years. The Villa Angiolina, which is now a museum, is also located in this park. We follow the Lungomare to the Church of St. Jacob. This was the abbey church of the former Benedictine monastery around which the city of Opatija developed. Not far from there is the “Girl with the Seagull”, probably the most famous statue in the city.
The nature and landscape along the Opatija seafront promenade
The flora along the promenade is diverse. On our walk we discover oleander bushes that are in full bloom. Fig trees surprise us with their size. They are much bigger here than we know them from back home. Every now and then I also see red pomegranates hanging on her bush. Strolling along the Lungomare is like visiting a botanical garden right by the sea. Sit with us on this bench and listen to the sound of the sea.
There are several viewpoints along the Opatija Lungomare from which you can see the Kvarner Bay in its full glory. Every now and then we find a bench where we listen to the waves that the gentle wind blows onto the shore. Every now and then we hear the chirping of the birds that feel comfortable in the bushes along the promenade.
Culinary options along the Lungomare in Opatija
The promenade is lined with a variety of cafés and restaurants that offer something for every taste. For example, the Caffé Wagner is well known. It is not far from the statue of the “Girl with the Seagull”. However, the prices are quite high. However, since we get a lavish half board at the Hotel Miramar, we skip the visit to the café and prefer to continue our walk and have a coffee on the hotel terrace after we return to the hotel.
However, if you are in one, for example Holiday apartment* If you're staying overnight, then you shouldn't miss out on the seafood. From grilled fish to squid, the choice is wide. And if you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options too. Another highlight is the Istrian pasta known as “Fuži”, often served with truffles. Or what do you think of risotto with squid?
Practical information
The best time to travel to the Opatija seafront promenade is from May to September. During these months the weather is mostly warm and sunny, ideal for walks by the sea. But the promenade also has its charm in spring and autumn, when there are fewer tourists.
As far as getting there is concerned Opatija easily accessible by car. The city is located about 15 kilometers from Rijeka and is easily accessible via the A7 motorway. Parking is available near the promenade, but keep in mind that it can get crowded in high season. If you're staying in Opatija for a longer period of time, it's worth it Accommodation including parking* to book. We really appreciated this advantage during our stay Hotel Miramar. There we left our car in the parking garage and explored the city and the coast on foot. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus or taxi. The nearest airports are in Rijeka and Pula.
The Lungomare Opatija is well signposted and there are numerous information boards along the way. They provide useful information about the attractions and history of the promenade.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why a walk along the Opatija Lungomare seafront promenade is worth it:
- The promenade is a window into the history and culture of the region. From statues and monuments to historic buildings and villas, here you can get a taste of the beginnings of tourism in Opatija.
- The beach promenade is also a paradise for nature lovers. The diverse flora and fauna as well as the viewpoints overlooking the Kvarner Bay make every walk an experience.
- And finally, the Lungomare Opatija is a culinary highlight. With a number of cafes and restaurants along the way, you have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine.
The promenade is also conveniently accessible, with various travel and parking options. It is well signposted and offers numerous information boards to make your visit informative and pleasant.
Additional sources
For a detailed map of the promenade and the surrounding area you can, for example, visit the official tourism website of Opatija. It also offers a interactive map, which will help you find all important points along the Lungomare Opatija.
For current events, weather forecasts and other useful tips, I recommend following travel experts' social media and blogs. They often provide insider information not found in traditional travel guides.
Questions and answers about Opatija seafront promenade
Are there places for swimming along the Opatija beach promenade?
Yes, you will find several small bays and pebble beaches where you can swim. There are also platforms from which stairs lead into the sea. Here you can take a dip in the sea away from the crowds that tend to flock to the beaches.
What is the best way to get to the Opatija seafront promenade?
You can easily reach the promenade by car and there is also parking available.
Is the Opatija seafront promenade accessible for wheelchair users?
The seafront promenade in Opatija is not barrier-free throughout, but there are sections that are easily accessible.
Are there public toilets along the Opatija seafront promenade?
Yes, there are public toilets at various points along the promenade.
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Source Opatija beach promenade: own research on site. We visited the Hotel Miramar on a press trip. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text Lungomare Opatija: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Pixabay and Unsplash
Videos: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
