Croatia and Wales 2024: Day 11- Opatija

Today was spent exploring Opatija, mostly wishing to see what the seaside had to offer. We headed east from our place looking for an easy access down to the waterfront and eventually located a route requiring few stairs and a smooth sidewalk with a gradual descent.

We strolled along a very pleasant walkway which continued to show beautiful hotels and manicured gardens just above us. It is a very popular area with many others enjoying the same experience as us. There are several benches along the walkway for those who wish to stop and gaze out at the Adriatic Sea. It is a very relaxing place for sure. As we continued on our journey, we arrived at a marina which had many small boats, not as large as we’d seen previously, and a number of waterfront cafes. Though we were looking for breakfast, the most they had to offer was a croissant and coffee, but we wanted more. One restaurant advertised they were opening at 11:00, so we wandered a little more and at 11:00 discovered the kitchen only opened at 11:30!

A little more wandering brought us to a tableau announcing we were at the small fishing harbour of Volosko. We had actually walked to a nearby area which was the start of the Lungomare coastal promenade. While waiting for a much anticipated meal, we wandered into a shop which specialized in sales of various truffle delicacies which looked very interesting. These, in various forms, are served here in meals with pasta. Truffles are found in Istria, in the Mirna River Valley. It is the truffle capital.

Once we had finally eaten, we headed towards the west side of Opatija to see what we had missed yesterday while the shops were closed. We wandered back up towards the main street but after some time decided down by the waterfront was more interesting so returned to see areas we had missed before. It is certainly peaceful and enjoyable to watch the activity amongst the people, dogs, sunbathers and general activity though little was happening on the water.

We eventually sat at a café on the waterfront, enjoying a cool one. We sat next to a couple from England who soon engaged us in conversation, of course suggesting we were American. We soon set them straight. They are world travelers, so had much to share.

When we’d finished our drinks, we headed back to our place for a bit of a rest before heading out for dinner to the restaurant nearby which was closed last night! We enjoyed sea bream, caught in the Adriatic sea, which was excellent, along with a Greek salad and a local beer. We were very satisfied with our choice.

Tomorrow we plan to peruse a little more of the Istrian Coast which is purported to be worth a visit.