The most beautiful Riviera in Europe - Opatija Riviera
In northern Croatia, walking along the beach requires wearing good shoes. The descents to the sea are often sharp and steep, but the lack of loose sand is fully compensated by the beauty of the jagged coast.
The Croatian coastline is exceptionally varied, and the water washing the beaches is warm and clear. The holiday of your life can be not so much a stay in one of the tourist pearls of this beautiful country, but a leisurely walk along the coastline. There is something intriguing behind every corner and the people are warm and friendly.
On the way, we pass more tiny towns and villages. During the day, the eye is drawn to the azure water blending in perfect unity with the blue of the sky, and at night - dozens of lights flashing on the water, tempting stray wanderers like fireflies in the swamps.
Opatija Riviera
The most popular of tourists are the resorts of southern Croatia, including Dubrovnik and Split, but the coast of the northern part of the country has something to tempt visitors with. One of the most beautiful Riviera in Europe stretches here - the Opatija Riviera , where high mountains descend straight to the sea. One of its most popular resorts is Opatija, formerly a health resort, and today proud to be the most visited congress place in Croatia. It is the main town in the region.
Approx. 1 km from the resort is Volosko , a must-see for every connoisseur of fish dishes. In addition to the tasty dishes served by the local restaurants, it is also famous for its specific architecture, including old-fashioned chimneys. It is calm even in the summer, so it will appeal to people looking for silence.
It is also worth visiting Rijeka , the third largest city in the country and the largest Croatian port.
Croatian Portofino
Driving from Pula towards the Opatija resort, we can visit a tiny fishing village called Mošćenička Draga in advance. It is connected with the aforementioned town by a seaside promenade, and the settlement itself is located in a bay on the Ućka slope. Its picturesque, mild climate and charming pebble beach owes its name to the Croatian Portofino.
The center of the town is a square located near a tiny marina. Medieval tenement houses stand in the narrow streets with steep stairs between them. We can find here typical Mediterranean buildings that are pleasing to the eye. Among the attractions of the village are toš, that is an ancient olive press, the churches of St. Bartholomew and St. Andrew, as well as the watchtower building, which used to be a gathering place, a market and a town hall in one.
Mošćenička Draga is located about 2.5 km from Mošćenice , which is one of the oldest settlements in the region. It is worth visiting, being so close - it is an interesting medieval fortified city, located at the top of a small hill.
Where to find accommodation?
The drive along the Croatian coast is stunning with views, but can also be tiring. Motorized tourists have a huge choice of accommodation - practically in every town there is at least one campsite, as well as several guesthouses. Caravanning enthusiasts can stay, among others at Autocamp Draga ** campsite located only 100 meters from the center of Mošćenička Draga. It can accommodate 450 people (150 stands) and is pet-friendly. You can put up a tent on it, park a motorhome or a car with a trailer. For a motorhome pitch, depending on the season, we will pay from EUR 6.22 to EUR 8.73 a day, and for a stay - from EUR 5.15 to EUR 7.41. The campsite has a children's playground, a mini club and a heated swimming pool. A pebble beach is approx. 150 meters away.
Tourists wishing to explore the attractions of the area can visit the Brestov port, which is approx. 20 minutes by car by car, take the ferry and visit the island of Cres. This is just one of the many opportunities to spend time on the picturesque coast of the Opatija Riviera.
A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)