Opatija
From CruisersWiki
Opatija, Croatia
 Click links for more information
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 | 45°20.22′N, 14°18.6′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Click for larger view
The popular resort of Opatija lies on the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula of Croatia, six miles W of the port of Rijeka and 11 miles due N of the island of Cres. Originally little more than a small fishing village and an isolated Benedictine abbey, the area became one of the favourite summer resorts of the Austrian nobility during the 19th century and a number of impressive villas and hotels were built along the coast, including the Villa Angiolina, built by a wealthy merchant from Rijeka, and the luxurious Hotel Kvarner. The legacy of this ‘golden age’ is seen today in the town’s splendid parks and 10 kilometer beachfront promenade. For yachtsmen, the main attraction is the town’s two marinas, the ACI-owned Marina Opatija close to the suburb of Icici, with 302 berths for yachts up to 60 metres in depths up to 6.0 metres and the Marina Admiral, owned by the adjacent hotel of the same name, with 160 berths for yachts up to 30 metres in depths up to 4.0 metres.
Local Weather
Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2719
- Croatian charts
- 100-18
- 50-4
- Italian charts
- 924
- 6001
- Imray Nautical Chart
- M24
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are no dangers in the approach to Opatija. The ACI-owned Marina Opatija lies two miles S of Opatija at the suburb or Icici, a few hundred metres N of the tiny beach and harbour of Icici. Marina Admiral is situated just under a mile further N next to the conspicuous hotel of the same name. A mile further N is the small harbour of Opatija, where the fuel dock is located. However, visiting yachts will struggle to find a berth here since is it full of local moorings. Both marinas are entered from NE. Depths in the marinas range from 6.0 metres at Marina Opatija to 4.0 metres at Marina Admiral. Shelter is good in both marinas, although entry can be difficult in strong onshore winds.
Berthing Options
Yachts visiting Opatija have two main berthing options (while there are small harbours at both Icici and Opatija, they are relatively shallow and invariably full of local boats):
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Marina Opatija 45°19.0′N, 14°17.7′E
Marina Opatija is owned by the ACI group and has 302 berths for vessels up to 40 metres in depths of 6.0 metres. Click on link for details.
Marina Admiral 45°19.6′N, 14°18.4′E
Marina Admiral has 160 berths for vessels up to 30 metres in depths of 4.0 metres. Click on link for details.
Anchorages
There are several bays around the Gulf of Kvarner between Opatija and Rijeka where a yacht may anchor in settled weather, but a yacht is advised to seek shelter in the marinas or at Rijeka or Cres in unsettled conditions.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
See marina entries for details.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel dock in the harbour of Opatija at 45°20.22′N, 14°18.6′E. Water and electricity in both marinas.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The long Franz Joseph I Promenade (Lungomare) runs from Volosko to Lovran though Opatija and its total length is approximately 12 kilometers [1]. It is lined with lushly vegetated parks and imposing villas. The best known park is Park Sv. Jakova or Saint James's Park, which contains the 14th-century Benedictine abbey, Opatija Sv. Jakova, from which the town gets its name.
Among the more impressive former private villas is the Villa Angiolina [2], built in 1844 by wealthy Rijeka merchant Iginio Scarpa. Today the villa contains a Croatian museum of tourism. The Angiolina park is considered as the main park of Opatija, about 159 plant species grow here.
Down on the shore is Opatija’s famous bronze sculpture of the Maiden with a Seagull, created by Zvonko Car in 1956 and now one of the town’s best-known attractions.
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Several provisions shops in the town of Opatija.
- Supermarket "Tommy" is near the main square of Opatija. Just at the top floor of the Parking complex.
Eateries
- Numerous bars and restaurants in Opatija and Icici.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the marinas.
Transportation
- Airports at Rijeka (40 kms) and Pula (100 kms)
- Regular buses to Rijeka line #32. The buses depart from the main square near the Hotel Palace-Bellevue.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
For other useful websites, see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 14:13, 4 March 2011 (GMT)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
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