The Maiden with the Seagull
On one of our recent trips, we visited the beautiful town of Opatija. Here we’ll outline the top things to see and do if you find yourself in the area!
Opatija is an elegant coastal town in Croatia, located in Kvarner Bay, at the foot of Mount Ucka. It’s only about 1.5hrs drive from Zagreb, so we just did a day trip here. It was actually the first tourist town in Croatia, has the most incredible promenade that stretches 12km, there’s a chocolate factory, we’ll show you the best place to get coffee and dessert, and highlight a few historical spots that are a must-see!
Opatija is a real gem in Croatia. Not only is it the first touristic town in Croatia, it is a place with many high class hotels, excellent restaurants and plenty of things to do.
Opatija is a real gem in Croatia. Not only is it the first touristic town in Croatia, it is a place with many high class hotels, excellent restaurants and plenty of things to do.
1. The Maiden with the Seagull
This statue has become a symbol of Opatija. Anyone that comes here definitely has a picture with the Maiden of the Seagull! It was built in 1956 by the famous Croatian sculptor, Zvonko Car.
There was actually a fish in the seagull’s mouth when the statue was first made, but it mysteriously disappeared, and they don’t know exactly how. It’s believed that it was either stolen, or washed away by the sea. I think it was probably stolen, what do you think?
One very interesting thing is that they have a selfie camera facing a bench with the Maiden statue in the background, so you can easily get a picture with this famous landmark. It’s free, you just have to press the red button, the photo will be taken, and then it will be uploaded the next day on the website listed on the sign.
It’s also interesting to note that here where Maiden stands, there was once the sculpture of Madonna del Mare (Virgin Mary), made in memory of Count Arthur Kesselstadt who died in the storm.
After his death his family erected the sculpture to take care of his soul and preserve his memory. However, the waves, rain and wind slowly but surely corroded the sculpture. They decided to move it to safer grounds and restore it. It now stands right next to the Church of St. James, very close to the promenade where it originally stood.
There was actually a fish in the seagull’s mouth when the statue was first made, but it mysteriously disappeared, and they don’t know exactly how. It’s believed that it was either stolen, or washed away by the sea. I think it was probably stolen, what do you think?
One very interesting thing is that they have a selfie camera facing a bench with the Maiden statue in the background, so you can easily get a picture with this famous landmark. It’s free, you just have to press the red button, the photo will be taken, and then it will be uploaded the next day on the website listed on the sign.
It’s also interesting to note that here where Maiden stands, there was once the sculpture of Madonna del Mare (Virgin Mary), made in memory of Count Arthur Kesselstadt who died in the storm.
After his death his family erected the sculpture to take care of his soul and preserve his memory. However, the waves, rain and wind slowly but surely corroded the sculpture. They decided to move it to safer grounds and restore it. It now stands right next to the Church of St. James, very close to the promenade where it originally stood.
2. The Lungomare (The Seaside Promenade)
Stroll along Lungomare
This is probably the most popular thing to do in Opatija - walk the stunning promenade that lines the whole sea front of the city. The name of this promenade is the Promenade of Francis Joseph, but everyone refers to it as the Lungomare. It’s actually over 100 years old, as it was opened in 1911.
The promenade continues for about 12km, and connects two other villages on either side of Opatija - Volovsko and Lovran.
There are many beautiful little bays that shape the promenade and it’s great to breathe in the fresh sea air! There are many little look out points with benches to stop and take a rest and enjoy the views.
The promenade continues for about 12km, and connects two other villages on either side of Opatija - Volovsko and Lovran.
There are many beautiful little bays that shape the promenade and it’s great to breathe in the fresh sea air! There are many little look out points with benches to stop and take a rest and enjoy the views.
3. Hotel Kvarner
Hotel Kvarner
This is the oldest hotel on the East side of the Adriatic Sea. It was actually built in 1884 and was originally intended as a sanatorium to treat lung diseases. People with money would come and stay in this gorgeous hotel while they treated their illnesses.
Opatija as a city wanted to be known as a health tourism destination, so when this hotel went up, many other luxury hotels and guest houses started to be built. Hotel Kvarner was really what sparked tourism in Opatija, which then sparked tourism throughout the rest of Croatia.
It’s also interesting to note that the famous Crystal Hall (one of the most famous halls in Opatija) is located in Hotel Kvarner! It still hosts many events and balls, such as the Vienna Ball, and other graduation/prom parties.
Many famous musicians also performed on the terrace of the Hotel Kvarner, including the legendary Croatian singer Ivo Robić. There is now a statue of him placed in the hotel in his memory.
Today, this four-star hotel is called the Grand Hotel Kvarner-Amalia, as it consists of the main hotel building along with the annex of Villa Amalia.
Opatija as a city wanted to be known as a health tourism destination, so when this hotel went up, many other luxury hotels and guest houses started to be built. Hotel Kvarner was really what sparked tourism in Opatija, which then sparked tourism throughout the rest of Croatia.
It’s also interesting to note that the famous Crystal Hall (one of the most famous halls in Opatija) is located in Hotel Kvarner! It still hosts many events and balls, such as the Vienna Ball, and other graduation/prom parties.
Many famous musicians also performed on the terrace of the Hotel Kvarner, including the legendary Croatian singer Ivo Robić. There is now a statue of him placed in the hotel in his memory.
Today, this four-star hotel is called the Grand Hotel Kvarner-Amalia, as it consists of the main hotel building along with the annex of Villa Amalia.
4. Villa Angiolina
Villa Angiolina
Today, Villa Angiolina has turned into Croatia’s Tourism Museum and along with Maiden with the Seagull & promenade, it’s become one of the most recognizable points in Opatija.
This gorgeous villa was built in 1844 and is an extremely well-preserved country complex consisting of a main building, outbuildings and a beautiful garden that is featured in many post cards of Opatija.
The garden is beautifully and uniquely landscaped with green hedges that create a stunning design which is filled in with many different kinds of vibrantly colored flowers. Definitely worth a picture or two!
This gorgeous villa was built in 1844 and is an extremely well-preserved country complex consisting of a main building, outbuildings and a beautiful garden that is featured in many post cards of Opatija.
The garden is beautifully and uniquely landscaped with green hedges that create a stunning design which is filled in with many different kinds of vibrantly colored flowers. Definitely worth a picture or two!
5. St. James’s Church
St. James’s Church
This church sits in the center of Opatija, and it’s very important to the city’s history. It was built in the Benedictine Abbey around 1420, by a colony of Benedictine refugees.
Opatija even got its name from the Abbey, because abbey in Croatian is actually the word “Opatija'' so that’s how the city got its name. In 2008, the city of Opatija officially proclaimed St. James as its protector.
Opatija even got its name from the Abbey, because abbey in Croatian is actually the word “Opatija'' so that’s how the city got its name. In 2008, the city of Opatija officially proclaimed St. James as its protector.
6. St. James’s Park
This park sits right in front of St. James’s Church, and it’s a peaceful place to walk through, sit down and enjoy the immaculate landscapes throughout. The park is well known for the lovely fountain that sits in the middle. There are figures of Selene and Helios, which are the goddess of the moon and the god of the sun.
7. Hotel Milenij
Hotel Milenij is a luxurious 5 star hotel, located in a historic Habsburg-style villa. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and it features (in my opinion) the best terrace in the city that overlooks the entire Kvarner Bay!
Great views of the sea, beautifully designed and decorated, and they also have delicious cakes and coffee! It’s really the best place in town for a quick stop while you’re exploring Opatija.
Great views of the sea, beautifully designed and decorated, and they also have delicious cakes and coffee! It’s really the best place in town for a quick stop while you’re exploring Opatija.
8. The Chocolate Museum in Hotel Continental
Tasting chocolate at the Chocolate Museum
This is definitely the most delicious museum we’ve ever visited! There are so many different types of chocolate, along with breathtaking sculptures made of 100% chocolate.
In fact, there is one horse statue featured in the museum that was sculpted down from a block of 400kg (almost 900lbs) of chocolate! It’s really an incredible work of art! You can also watch how chocolate is being made and book yourself for a sampling time!
We really had a lovely day in Opatija. It really has so much to offer, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We come here once in a while when we need a break from Zagreb and a dose of the sea, because it’s just a quick 1.5-2hr drive.
Whether you’re in the mood for a stroll along the promenade, a coffee and slice of cake at Milenij, sampling chocolate at the museum, or admiring the most beautiful gardens at the Villa Angiolina, we’re sure you’re going to love the city, too!
In fact, there is one horse statue featured in the museum that was sculpted down from a block of 400kg (almost 900lbs) of chocolate! It’s really an incredible work of art! You can also watch how chocolate is being made and book yourself for a sampling time!
We really had a lovely day in Opatija. It really has so much to offer, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We come here once in a while when we need a break from Zagreb and a dose of the sea, because it’s just a quick 1.5-2hr drive.
Whether you’re in the mood for a stroll along the promenade, a coffee and slice of cake at Milenij, sampling chocolate at the museum, or admiring the most beautiful gardens at the Villa Angiolina, we’re sure you’re going to love the city, too!
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
- 25 Strange Things Croatians Do (And Would Never Do)!
- Croatian Culture, Etiquette & Social Norms: A Complete Guide!
- My Kids Don't Speak English: Raising Bilinguals is Tough!
- 15 Places in Croatia You've Probably Never Heard Of!
- 50 Insanely Spectacular Photos of Croatia: Start Packing!
- Croatia’s Best 20 Beaches: Sandy, Pebbly & Hidden Gems
- Is Croatia Safe? Read Our 20 Useful Safety Tips for Tourists
- 5 Reasons Croatian Grannies are Cuter than Kittens
- 8 Reasons You Should Never Swim in the Adriatic
- Top 10 Day Trips From Zagreb, Within 1hr Drive
- Croatian Money: KN or EURO, Exchanging $, and Daily Costs
- How I Learned to Speak Croatian as an Adult (in 7 Steps)
- Driving in Croatia (A Helpful Guide With Practical Tips)
- 38 Local Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Croatia
- Travel to Croatia With a Toddler or Baby (From Experience!)
- Tipping in Croatia: A Complete Guide With Suggested Amounts!
- 20 Croatian Habits Everyone Should Adopt
