Opatija on the Adria Croatia is a magnet for tourists, especially in the summer months. The city then becomes lively and the beaches fill with people. Despite the crowds of tourists Opatija to offer a variety of beaches that have something for every taste. Whether you prefer the lively Slatina Beach or are looking for the quieter atmosphere of Lipovica Bay, you will find your ideal place in the sun in Opatija.
Variety of beaches in Opatija
Opatija offers a wide range of beaches. Slatina Beach is the center of the action and ideal if you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Tomaševac is perfect for families, while Lipovica offers a quieter atmosphere. There are also always bathing platforms along the coast for a quick swim in the sea. The hotel's own rocky beach is also beautiful Hotel Miramar.
Why visiting the beach is a must
A day on the Opatija coast is more than just sunbathing. You can swim, try water sports like jet skiing, or just enjoy the view.
Local specialties in the beach restaurants
In Opatija you will find bars and restaurants near the beach that offer local food and drinks. Try a glass of Malvazija, a local white wine, or try fish straight from the grill.
The different beaches of Opatija
From busy places to quiet corners, the choice of beaches in Opatija is wide. In addition to the three beaches we present here, there are also small hotel beaches and bathing platforms along the panoramic path Lungomare, where you always have the opportunity to take a dip in the sea away from the crowds on the beaches.
Slatina Beach: The heart of Opatija
The Slatina beach is right in the center and is always busy. Here you will find many bars, restaurants and activities. The advantage is the central location, the disadvantage can be the crowds.
Tomaševac Beach: Ideal for families
This beach is particularly popular with families. The reason: shallow water and lots of play opportunities for children. Another advantage is the proximity to cafes and snack bars. The downside could be the noise as the beach is often full.
Lipovica Beach in Opatija is less known
Lipovica is less well-known and therefore often less crowded. If you're looking for peace and quiet, you've come to the right place. The advantage is the quiet atmosphere, the disadvantage is the somewhat more remote location.
Alternatives to Opatija beaches
In addition to the well-known beaches such as Slatina and Tomaševac, there are also less crowded alternatives in Opatija. Here we introduce you to two of them.
Small bathing platforms along the Lungomare
The Lungomare is a promenade that stretches for several kilometers. You will find small bathing platforms along this route. These are ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and still enjoy a swim in the sea. At the end of September we had free choice here. All platforms were deserted. There's definitely more going on here in the summer. The advantage is the peace and quiet, the disadvantage is that there are no services such as bars or restaurants in these places. You won't find any loungers here either. Instead, you might be able to watch a fisherman at work, as our video shows.
Hotel-owned beaches such as the Hotel Miramar
Some hotels in Opatija, like this Hotel Miramar, offer their guests private beaches. These are often less crowded and offer more comfort. The advantage is the exclusivity and proximity to hotel services. The disadvantage is that these beaches are usually only accessible to hotel guests.
Is there a sandy beach in Opatija?
The short answer is no, Opatija does not have any natural sandy beaches. Most of the beaches here are pebble beaches or concrete sunbathing areas. This may be a disadvantage for some, but the good news is that the water here is particularly clear. Pebble beaches have the advantage that they produce fewer suspended particles in the water.
Where to find the nearest sandy beach
If you're really looking for a sandy beach, you'll have to drive a little further. The nearest sandy beach is in Medveja, about 10 kilometers south of Opatija. This beach is particularly popular with families as the water is shallow and children can play more easily. Another sandy beach is in Mošćenička Draga, about 14 kilometers from Opatija.
The best places for sunbathing on the beaches in Opatija
Slatina beach
There are many places to sunbathe on Slatina Beach, the heart of Opatija. The advantage here is the proximity to bars and restaurants. If you come early, you can secure a front row seat.
Tomasevac beach
This beach is ideal for families and offers many sunbathing spots. The area near the playground is perfect if you are traveling with children. This way you always have them in view.
Lipovica beach
Lipovica is less crowded and therefore offers more peace and quiet. Here you will find many free places to sunbathe, especially in the morning hours.
Recommendations for parasols and deck chairs
You can rent umbrellas and deck chairs on almost all beaches in Opatija. It's worth getting there early to get the best seats. If you want to swim on one of the bathing platforms with a deck chair and umbrella, you have to bring your own. Sun loungers and parasols are free on the Hotel Miramar's private beach.
Water sports and activities on Opatija beach
Opportunities for water skiing, jet skiing and diving
There are numerous water sports providers on Slatina Beach, the central beach of Opatija. You can go water skiing, jet skiing or even go diving here.
Sailing and boat trips
If you want to experience the sea in a more relaxed way, sailing and boat trips are a good option. There are various providers along the promenade where you can book tours. Some even offer sailing courses if you want to learn the sport.
How and where to book them
Most water sports activities can be booked directly on the beach. For sailing and boat trips, it is recommended to reserve in advance online or with the providers along the promenade. This way you can be sure that you will get a place, especially in high season.
Local food and drinks on Opatija beach
The best beach bars and cafes
Near Slatina Beach in Opatija you will find a number of beach bars and cafes offering local specialties. “Café Palme” is known for its seafood and is about an eight-minute walk from the beach, while “Bar Mare” is a six-minute walk away and offers a good selection of cocktails.
Recommendations for local specialties
If you are in Opatija, you should definitely try “Čevapi”. These are grilled meat rolls made from beef and lamb. They are better known to us than Cevapcici. Many beach bars offer this specialty. For those with a sweet tooth, there are “fritule”, small Croatian donuts that are often sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Where to find the best “Ožujsko” beer and local wines
For beer lovers, “Ožujsko” is a must. You can find this Croatian beer brand in almost every beach bar. If you are more of a wine fan, look out for “Malvazija”. This local white wine is particularly refreshing and therefore goes perfectly with a day at the beach.
Facilities on Opatija beaches
Where to find toilets and showers
Toilets and showers are easy to find on Opatija's main beaches. For example, on Slatina Beach there are several sanitary facilities that are well maintained. You will also find toilets and showers that are open to the public on Tomaševac beach as well as on the pebble beach in Lipovica.
Conclusion: Enjoy the sea on an Opatija beach
Opatija, on the Croatian Adriatic coast, offers a diverse beach life. From water sports like jet skiing and diving to culinary delights in beach bars and cafes, the options are diverse.
Highlights of beach life
A highlight is certainly the Slatina beach, which is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of activities. Tomaševac beach is ideal for families, while Lipovica beach is perfect for rest and relaxation.
Personal recommendations and tips
For the perfect beach day, I recommend coming early in the morning to get a good spot. If you want to try local specialties, look out for beach bars that offer “Čevapi” or “Fritule”. And don't forget to bring enough water to stay hydrated in the heat. Since we prefer the peace and quiet on the beach, we recommend staying in one of the hotels on the beach in Opatija. We have the rocky beach at the end of September Hotel Miramar* We really enjoyed it and only occasionally shared it with one or two hotel guests. More Hotels on the beach* can be found under this link. You can find out whether they have their own hotel beach in the respective hotel description.
Additional resources for your beach day in Opatija
Map of Opatija beaches
A map of the beaches is essential to find the best place for you. Many tourist information centers and hotels offer free maps. You can also find them online in the article above.
Links to weather forecasts and tide calendars
Of course, the weather plays a big role in your beach day. You can find reliable weather forecasts on websites like weather.com or in special weather apps. For the tides it makes sense to have one Tide calendar to consult. This information is especially important if you plan to participate in water sports or scuba diving.
The best travel guide for the region
The Northern Croatia Travel Guide is the most detailed travel guide about the region from the Kvarner Bay through central Croatia to Slavonia. The author Lore Marr-Bieger has been traveling to the region since 1983 and has excellent knowledge of the region. This travel guide is therefore suitable for anyone who wants to get to know the region in detail. Not only will you get travel tips about tourist centers like Opatija, Rijeka, the Plitvice Lakes or the islands of Croatia, but also helpful information about the small places that are hardly mentioned in other travel guides. With this travel guide you are well prepared to plan trips to the small towns in the area. Order here*.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
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Source: own research on site. We visited the Hotel Miramar on a press trip. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Wikimedia Commons
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
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