coffee at Hotel Milenij, Opatija

Discover the Festive Charm of Opatija’s Christmas Market

Dear travelers,

We’ve always wondered what it’s like to celebrate Christmas by the sea, and you know what? We had the chance to experience it firsthand in Opatija, Croatia, right by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea!

Opatija is not only a famous summer tourist destination, but also a winter one, as we already mentioned in our previous blog about the top 10 Christmas markets to visit in Europe. It becomes a magical fairy tale from the beginning of December to the first week of January. The Advent in Opatija is considered one of Croatia’s best Christmas markets, and we completely agree with that.

How to get there?

Depending on your departure point, reaching Opatija is possible by bus, train, or car. Local Croatian buses or Flixbus provide travel options. For travelers from Ljubljana, the easiest route is via train (with a one-way ticket priced at just 9 €). Arriving by car offers access to parking garages and street parking, which is free on Sundays.

After your journey, treat yourself to a coffee with a stunning view. Where’s the perfect spot? Head to Hotel Milenij. It might not be the most budget-friendly place for a coffee or cocktail, but the experience is definitely worth it (we have paid 6€ for a coffee). Picture this: sipping your drink, soaking in the sun, and vibing to live violin tunes with a killer sea view.

coffee at Hotel Milenij, Opatija

Rested and ready to explore? Go down by the sea and head towards the “Maiden with the Seagull” one of the most famous symbols of Opatija.

The statue portrays a young woman standing on a rocky pedestal, holding a seagull in her outstretched hand. She is looking out towards the sea with a sense of wonder and serenity. The seagull is depicted with its wings spread, ready to take flight. The statue has several interpretations, but the most common one is that it represents the connection between human beings and nature, as well as the beauty and tranquility of the Adriatic Sea.

The Maiden with the Seagull

Take a walk along the coast or Lungomare (Opatija’s promenade). Located nearby are: St. Jacob’s Church, the park of St. James, and Angiolina Park (this one it’s a must!).

Lungomare” is an Italian word that translates to “along the sea” or “seaside promenade.” The Lungomare in Opatija is a scenic pathway that stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a popular spot for leisurely walks, jogging, and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

Did you get hungry from walking around all day?

You can head to the Christmas market in front of Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion and try their specialties. Grab mulled wine or hot chocolate, fritule, and enjoy the Christmas carols.

Christmas markets street food

If you are craving a good lunch, check out Ružmarin (which translates to rosemary), They serve fantastic pasta, meat dishes, and burgers. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of Croatia’s famous liqueurs Aura, especially the Teranino liqueur and Limoncello – we fell in love with them!

Before heading home, stop for an afternoon coffee at Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa (splendid view).

Hotel Ikador pool view Opatija

This is the perfect guide for a day in Opatija. But here’s the twist — if Opatija’s charm captivates you (and trust us, it will!), why not turn it into a weekend escape? Extend your stay, and we’ve got the perfect sleeping recommendation just for you: Apartments Villa Chiara Opatija located in Ičići or if you want something closer to the center, check Grand Hotel Adriatic II.

Have fun and share your adventures with us! (Tag us on Instagram: @thecreationofus)

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us

P.S.: Just a heads up: our travel recommendations may contain magical affiliate links that teleport a small commission our way. Fear not, it won’t cost you a single extra gold coin, but it might help fund our quest for more epic adventures.