Opatija's parks and promenades

Nature lovers will be pleased to know that Opatija’s Mediterranean climate has fittingly helped in the growth and protection of the lush vegetation of its parks and promenades. The close proximity of Mount Učka ensures fresh nights whilst spring tends to be the most pleasant part of the year. Opatija gets its fair share of rain which is vital in maintaining its vegetation. In winter, there is usually no frost whilst snow is very rare and short-termed. As Opatija is protected from the cold and strong winds, this also helps the vitality of its flora.


Park Angiolina and Saint James

It just so happens that at the same time as Villa Angiolina was being built, Opatija’s central park was also in the making. This horticultural masterpiece of 3.64 acres is divided into two scenic parts: one that resides next to Villa Angiolina itself and the second part which is next to the Church of Saint James. The gardens simply flourish with approximately 150 different plants, the majority of which come from distant parts of the world such as Japan, China, South America, Australia and other countries.
Ignio Scarpa, who built Villa Angiolina planted these exotic shrubs and trees thanks to his sea-roving sailors who would scatter across the world and return home with new plants. The cedars, sequoias, gingko, palms and oaks are still flourishing today, making this one of Croatia’s most important dendrological collections.  Amongst the many interesting plants, there is a Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica), which has with time, become a symbol of Opatija.

Park Margarita

The second largest horticultural delight is Park Margarita which was founded right after the year 1900. It spans 3.5 acres on the slope above Slatina. Its central part has been entirely preserved, however there has been some damage along the surrounding edges due to many renovations, reconstructions and inappropriate building development. Judging by the appearance of some of the plants (oak, planika, Juda’s tree and others), you’d think that the park was much older than Park Angiolina, however it is believed that the original plants that were seeded here over a century ago were already of age.

Franz-Jozef Promenade (Šetalište Franza Jozefa-Lungomare)

One of the non-negotiable and must do activities in Opatija is to walk at least part of the way along the Franz-Jozef Promenade, a pedestrian-only path that runs along the shore from Volosko 3km to the north, or in the opposite direction to Lovran 6km to the south. Winding its way above rocky coves and passing the palm-sprouting gardens enriched with beautiful samples of cypress, oak and palm trees as well as ornate pre-World War I villas; the promenade offers fantastic views across the Kvarner Bay to Rijeka, with the lush Gorski Kotar mountains brooding in the background.


The Carmen Sylva Forest Promenade
 
The 5 kilometre forest promenade on Mount Učka starts in Potok (Vrutki) and continues to Vela Fortica (Varljeni). The promenade was set up in 1890 under the name ‘Aurora’ and broadened in 1901 under the initiative and financial support of the Romanian King Karol and his wife Queen Elisabeth, a poetess who found inspiration there and wrote under the pseudonym Carmen Sylva.