Timeless Elegance on Croatia’s Adriatic

For years, Croatia’s dazzling coastline has captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. Dubrovnik, Split and the southern Adriatic islands have long dominated the spotlight for Israelis, while the country’s elegant capital, Zagreb, remained little more than a gateway. That perception is now changing thanks to a significant increase in direct flights from Tel Aviv during 2026. Zagreb has become more accessible than ever, inviting visitors to discover an entirely different side of Croatia.

Just two hours west of the capital lies one of the country’s most elegant destinations. Northern Croatia offers a captivating blend of imperial heritage, spectacular scenery, sophisticated seaside towns and a slower, more refined pace of life. At its heart is Opatija, a town that introduced European high society to seaside holidays long before the French Riviera became fashionable.

Often referred to as the Riviera of Northern Croatia, Opatija has welcomed aristocrats, artists and royalty for more than 180 years. Grand Austro-Hungarian villas, Belle Époque hotels, palm-lined promenades and beautifully landscaped gardens still evoke the glamour of another era, yet the town feels remarkably vibrant and contemporary.

Standing proudly along the waterfront is Opatija’s best-known landmark, the graceful Maiden with the Seagull. Looking out across Kvarner Bay, the elegant statue has become the enduring symbol of the town’s maritime heritage and timeless romance.

The famous 12-kilometre Lungomare promenade is undoubtedly Opatija’s greatest attraction. It was built in the late 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian era. Stretching along the coastline, it links picturesque villages while revealing uninterrupted panoramas of the Adriatic. One of the greatest pleasures is the scenic walk to the neighboring village of Ičići 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 feature immediately catches the eye in the city’s public beaches. The sight of locals and travelers relaxing on smooth rocks and concrete terraces initially feels unfamiliar. Israelis are accustomed to endless sandy beaches. Surprisingly, it quickly becomes one of Opatija’s greatest pleasures. Visitors find countless swimming platforms descending directly into the Adriatic. The calm waters of Kvarner Bay resemble a vast natural gigantic swimming pool – clear, tranquil, exceptionally clean and incredibly inviting.

My own connection with northern Croatia, began long before I truly appreciated its beauty. Over the past six years, my daughter Lihi, studied medicine at the University of Zagreb. Those regular visits gradually transformed Croatia from a destination into something much more personal. Rather than simply passing through the capital, I found myself venturing farther afield, uncovering charming towns, hidden coastal villages and remarkable landscapes that rarely appear on the typical tourist itinerary.

This summer, those journeys came full circle. Lihi graduated, proudly becoming another Israeli Doctor of Medicine, and I returned to Zagreb to celebrate this important milestone and help her prepare for the journey home. With the celebrations behind us, it felt only natural to continue exploring the region that had become such a meaningful part of our lives, heading west toward the Adriatic and the elegant streets of Opatija.

No visit would be complete without strolling through Villa Angiolina Park, regarded as the birthplace of tourism in Opatija. It was here, during the mid-19th century, that European aristocracy first discovered the town’s exceptional climate and coastal beauty. Today, the beautifully preserved botanical gardens remain a peaceful oasis filled with centuries-old trees, exotic plants collected from around the world and flowering pathways that celebrate Opatija’s distinguished past.

Standing beside the iconic Slatina Fountain is one of Opatija’s newest landmarks – Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton. As Croatia’s first internationally branded lifestyle hotel, the relatively new boutique property introduces a fresh and contemporary perspective while respecting the town’s celebrated architectural heritage.

Rather than recreating imperial grandeur, Keight reinterprets Opatija’s history through contemporary architecture, thoughtful design and meaningful storytelling. Designed by the acclaimed Croatian architecture practice 3LHD, the hotel has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive new luxury addresses in the country. The architect’s vision was to create a building that feels unmistakably connected to Opatija, while embracing the expectations of today’s luxury traveler.

Its architecture subtly echoes the proportions and rhythm of the town’s historic Belle Époque villas. The Adriatic itself provided another important source of inspiration. Guestrooms were conceived as contemporary interpretations of refined ship cabins, evoking the reassuring feeling of returning home after a memorable journey. Yet, despite our amazing guestroom with its floor-to-ceiling, seemingly endless windows, it faced a noisy street, and we missed waking up to views of the Adriatic each morning as if in a ship’s cabin.

Yet what truly distinguishes Keight is its deeply personal story. Every floor draws inspiration from Pierrot, the timeless theatrical clown, paying tribute to the hotel’s late co-owner, whose lifelong passion was collecting Pierrot figurines. Rather than displaying the collection as memorabilia, the concept has been transformed into a carefully curated artistic narrative that flows throughout the property. The story reaches its emotional heart in Pierrot Restaurant, named in his memory. Breakfast was of the highest quality, enjoyed within a beautifully designed “gallery of memories.” A true delight to relish.

One of the hotel’s defining experiences awaits on the rooftop. According to Davor Kovčalija, the charming Cluster Hotel Manager of Curio Collection by Hilton, “guests gather here to enjoy handcrafted cocktails beside the outdoor pool while watching the sun slowly disappear behind the islands of Kvarner Bay. With panoramic views stretching across the Adriatic and the surrounding mountains, it is an unforgettable setting to end the day”, he reveals.

Unlike the grand historic hotels that have defined Opatija for generations, Keight represents a new chapter in Croatian luxury hospitality. One where contemporary architecture, local craftsmanship and heartfelt storytelling combine to create a hotel with genuine personality. I loved it. This thoughtful vision has already earned international recognition, including the title of Croatia’s Best Lifestyle Hotel 2025.

‘What are the benefits of joining the Curio Collection ‘, I ask Kovčalija. He replies: “Opatija needs to evolve and move forward rather than remain anchored in the past. Becoming part of an international brand like Hilton introduces the destination to entirely new markets, particularly American travelers, who have not traditionally visited Opatija in large numbers. Many of these guests are Honors loyalty program members. They combine a visit to Venice – one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations – with a stay in Opatija, which is just a short journey away. As the first internationally branded hotel in Opatija, we’re helping position the town on the global travel map, while attracting a new generation of international visitors.”

For travelers arriving through Zagreb, Opatija is remarkably accessible and a bus is truly recommended. The journey takes around three hours by comfortable coach (no need for a private vehicle), making it an ideal a few days or weekend escape from the capital or the perfect gateway to exploring this aristocratic jewel.

Sometimes the greatest discoveries are not the destinations everyone talks about, but the ones quietly waiting just beyond them. Opatija for an Israeli is exactly that. Among its many treasures, Opatija remains its most graceful and perhaps its most rewarding surprise.