Zagreb to Opatija: Discovering Croatia’s northern Adriatic treasures

Surprisingly, 2026 has been a landmark year for direct flights to Croatia’s capital, making Zagreb more accessible than ever for Israeli travelers.

For many years, however, Zagreb and northern Croatia remained an underrated destination, often overshadowed by Croatia’s famous Adriatic destinations, with Dubrovnik in the south as the crown jewel.

For me, the city became something far more personal. While my daughter, Lihi, studied medicine at the University of Zagreb, it became a home away from home during my many visits. Those trips opened the door to discovering the hidden gems of northern Croatia, an enchanting region of elegant towns, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

From there, I set my sights on the aristocratic seaside town of Opatija, where timeless elegance, grand Habsburg architecture, and the sparkling Adriatic create one of Croatia’s most captivating destinations.

Opatija is the closest Adriatic seaside destination to Zagreb, just a two-hour drive from the Croatian capital or an easy three-hour bus journey, with comfortable services starting from around €14. Its convenient location makes it the perfect escape, whether for a weekend getaway or as the gateway to exploring northern Croatia.

Often referred to as the riviera of northern Croatia, the town is renowned for its grand Austro-Hungarian villas, elegant seaside promenades, lush gardens, and refined atmosphere, which has attracted royalty, artists, and distinguished visitors since the 19th century.

Standing proudly on the shoreline is Opatija’s most recognizable symbol, the iconic Maiden with the Seagull. Gazing across Kvarner Bay, the graceful statue has become the town’s enduring emblem, embodying its maritime heritage and romantic spirit.

One of Opatija’s greatest pleasures is the scenic walk to the neighboring village of Icici along the famous trail-promenade. Stretching beside the Adriatic, this leisurely rocky pedestrian route takes around an hour at an easy pace, with breathtaking views accompanying you every step of the way.

For my money, this is one of the most beautiful sceneries I have ever experienced. Not to be missed. The path winds past elegant Austro-Hungarian villas, grand historic hotels, charming cafés, and beautifully landscaped gardens, while the turquoise waters of Kvarner Bay remain constantly in view.

Along the way, countless swimming platforms and ladders invite you to pause for a refreshing dip before continuing your stroll.

One of Opatija’s most delightful features is how effortlessly the sea becomes part of everyday life. Nearly every stretch of the waterfront is equipped with these inviting ladders, allowing visitors to step directly into the refreshing Adriatic whenever temptation strikes.

Israelis, accustomed to sandy beaches, will be puzzled to see both locals and travelers spreading towels on hard concrete surfaces or endless rocks. I was intrigued as well. However, surprisingly, it was an interesting, pleasant experience, as the Kravner beaches here are similar to swimming pools – only wider, saltier and cleaner.

And then there is the scenery. Every turn reveals another postcard-worthy view. Elegant architecture framed by palm trees, sailboats gently gliding across the bay, the green slopes of Mount Ucka rising behind the town, and the endless blue horizon stretching toward the Adriatic.

At the heart of Opatija lies the magnificent Villa Angiolina Park, widely regarded as the birthplace of tourism in the town. It was here, in the mid-19th century, that Villa Angiolina welcomed European aristocracy, transforming Opatija into one of the continent’s first fashionable seaside resorts.

Today, the beautifully preserved botanical park remains a tranquil oasis, where centuries-old trees, exotic plants collected from around the world, elegant pathways, and seasonal blooms tell the story of the town’s remarkable heritage. Surrounded by impressive marinas, it continues to capture the refined character that has defined Opatija for generations.

As a backdrop to the iconic Slatina Fountain stands the newly opened Keight Opatija, a boutique-style luxury hotel and Croatia’s first international property. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Opatija, the hotel blends effortlessly into the town’s elegant streetscape while introducing a fresh, contemporary energy to this historic seaside resort.

Keight stands apart as Opatija’s first true lifestyle luxury hotel. Rather than recreating the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian era, it embraces bold modern design, sophisticated interiors, and an intimate boutique atmosphere that appeals to today’s luxury traveler while respecting the town’s rich heritage.

Unlike the grand historic hotels that have defined Opatija for generations, Keight delivers beautifully appointed guest rooms, thoughtfully designed wellness facilities, and personalized hospitality.

Davor Kovcalija, cluster hotel manager of Curio Collection by Hilton, is especially proud of the hotel’s unique highlight – the rooftop bar.

“Here, guests sip handcrafted cocktails, unwind beside the infinity-style outdoor pool, and soak in sweeping views of Kvarner Bay as the sun slowly sets behind the surrounding islands and mountains,” he rightly says.

With Croatia's beaches ranked among the most beautiful in Europe, our journey continued northwest to the enchanting Istrian Peninsula, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.

Shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, Istria is a fascinating blend of cultures, cuisines, and architectural influences.

While all three countries lay claim to part of the peninsula, Croatia encompasses the largest and most diverse stretch, where medieval hilltop villages, Roman heritage, crystal-clear coves, vineyards, and olive groves come together in one unforgettable destination.

At Istria, within easy driving distance from Opatija (even a day trip would be rewarding), magical surprises await.

One of its undisputed jewels is Rovinj, a town that effortlessly captures the romance of the Adriatic. Rising from a small peninsula, its pastel-colored houses, winding cobblestone alleys, lively harbor, and charming squares create one of Croatia’s most photographed settings.

Beyond its beauty, Rovinj is a feast for the senses, with boutique galleries, waterfront cafés, artisan shops, and elegant restaurants. Don’t miss dishes with the local finest white and black truffles. Enjoying lunch in one of the narrow streets, while fishing boats gently sway in the picturesque marina, is an experience.

Heading south brought us to Pula, the largest city in Istria and one of the Adriatic’s greatest historical treasures.

Located at the peninsula’s southern tip, Pula combines a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere with over 3,000 years of history.

Unlike many historic cities that feel like open-air museums, Pula remains a vibrant, lived-in destination where Roman monuments blend naturally into everyday life.

Indeed, Opatija is far more than an elegant seaside resort. It’s the perfect gateway to Croatia’s northern Adriatic.

Yet after every adventure, there’s something special about returning to Opatija as a base. Here, sunset strolls along the Lungomare, refined waterfront dining, and the timeless charm of Kvarner Bay guarantee evenings as memorable as the day itself.

The writer is the publisher of Travel Flash Tips.