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Yes, the water and sky were really that blue. And yes, Opatija should be added to your travel bucket list ASAP! This little seaside resort town in the northern Croatian region of Istria is as charming and authentic as it gets. A favorite vacation destination of the Austrian royal family, Opatija is an influence of Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Croatian cultures, architecture, and food. I visited here a few years ago with my family but couldn’t wait to come back!
Less than a two hour drive from Zagreb, Mary (my roommate and fellow intern) and I decided to do a day trip there this past Sunday. After getting over my fear of driving internationally, we made it without any accidents. I know this sounds silly, especially because I’ve been living abroad for a few years, but I’ve had this fear of driving abroad…and yes, this was my first time driving internationally! However, highways in Croatia are sooooo much nicer than ones in the USA. Now I want to do more European road trips!
Words can’t do Opatija justice. Seriously, I think the photos speak for themselves. Look at those blues and teals!!! I was in water heaven 🙂
The Wagner Cafe overlooking the Adriatic Sea. I might have had a special love for this cafe, especially because they served a Wagner cake. Perfect for me!
The Church of the Annunciation, high above the city of Opatija, served as the perfect relaxation point and gave the best view of the city! Almost 100 years later and this church still isn’t complete. Austrians, Italians, Croatians, and Slovenians have all contributed to the building of this gorgeous church. Happy Palm Sunday from me in Opatija!
View from the church. Pretty stunning, isn’t it?
Adorable villas line the side streets of the city. Most of these buildings are engraved with German phrases dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Madonna with her seagull. The Madonna watches over and protects the soul of Count Arthur Kesselstadt, who died off the coast of Opatija in 1891.
The location of St. James Abbey. Opatija is actually the Croatian word for “abbey.” St. James Church now stands on the original location of the abbey built in the 14th century. It can be seen through the trees!
Cafe Continental with the most charming outdoor seating and the most delicious cakes!
How amazing is this outdoor seating? And that little bar cart on the right-hand side…it is named Wagner 🙂
19 Comments
so THIS is your backyard! BEAUTIFUL, unbelievably beautiful! I’m also so delighted you weren’t in a fender bender!! keep ’em coming!
This is seriously beautiful!! You lucky lady!!
The colors are all so gorgeous, I can see why it was a destination for the royal family! I’m glad to hear you survived the road trip, and good to know it can be done. 🙂
What an adorable little town! I want to go sit by the sea and eat a Wagner cake. Also, I really like your leggings.
What is in the Wagner cake?
Totally jealous! Looks like you are having the most amazing time in Croatia!
Oh my, what a stunning place! And can I please remark that I am not at all jealous of that beautiful weather? 😉 I am scared of driving everywhere (haven’t driven in like two years. yes, it’s bad.), but especially internationally, so it’s good to know that you have gotten over your fear a little bit! 🙂 By the way, I demand that we have a “Melanie visits Jordan” brainstorming session soon – I’ve done some research already, I just never really mention to sit down to write you a mail… 😉
What a beautiful place! The water and sky look so blue. Love your photos.
http://www.mintnotion.com
beautiful, bright, and colorful! Croatia is definitely a place I’d love to explore more! 🙂
I just love Croatia, such a beautiful place! I must go back!
Wow! That place is stunning! Croatia is high high high in my bucket list… Maybe this Summer?
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
Beautiful!!! I should’ve had the fear of driving internationally, before I crashed the little car, but I still yearn for a classic European road trip! I just love them!
Those coastline shots are GORGEOUS! I love way the colourful houses contrast with the blue of the ocean and sky. I’m deathly afraid of driving in Europe as well! Theroundabouts are so confusing and Spaniards love to drive really fast. Good on you for getting over your fears, maybe one day I will too (though this is unlikely). lol
Oops double post! Feel free to delete this one!
Those coastline shots are GORGEOUS! I love way the colourful houses contrast with the blue of the ocean and sky. I’m deathly afraid of driving in Europe as well! The roundabouts are so confusing and Spaniards love to drive really fast. Good on you for getting over your fears, maybe one day I will too (though this is unlikely). lol
Is this place for real?!?! I can’t handle the gorgeousness. MUST. TELEPORT. THERE. NOW!
Seriously though. What a dream. Also, your outfit is on point chica!
Wow! Wow! Wow! SO many colorful buildings! And I am a sucker for marinas/ports, so those photos were my favorite!! It reminds me a bit of Nice and Monte Carlo!
hahaha thanks so much! Because Opatija used to be part of Italy/Austro-Hungarian Empire, it definitely has a Nice/Monte Carlo/Venice vibe.
Great photos!;)