Travel Info

Flight

How to get there

Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is the largest airport in Croatia with the most flight connections. Opatija is approximately 2 hours away, requiring a bus ride or car rental. If you're traveling as a group, we recommend renting a car (this will also give you more freedom to take day trips). If you take the bus, the best options are 'Autobusni Kolodvor' or 'Arriva'. The bus typically takes between 3 to 4 hours. Rijeka Airport (RJK) is the closest to Opatija. However, it is very small with limited flight options. If you choose this airport, consider flying through Munich. There is one direct flight from Munich to Rijeka, operating every Thursday and Sunday (Croatia Airlines OU 4435). Other nearby airports include Pula Airport (PUY) and Trieste Airport (TRS). Both require about an hour to reach Opatija by bus or car. They are a good middle ground—while still small, they offer more connections than Rijeka and are closer to Opatija than Zagreb. For those seeking an adventure, consider taking a ferry from Venice (Italy) to Poreč, Pula, or Rovinj (Croatia). From any of these cities, it's approximately a 1-2 hour drive to Opatija. You can also take a bus or car from Venice, but that's (slightly) less fun. Below is a helpful travel planning tool for local trips (just don't rely on it too much for international flights).

Hotel

Where to stay

Opatija is a popular destination, so you'll find a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels and Airbnbs. To truly experience Opatija, we recommend staying in one of the old villas in the town center. Some of them are worth splurging on. You can find plenty of hotel options online. We do not have a room block. Please note that the wedding venue is located outside the town center, approximately a 20-minute walk. For hotel options near the venue, we recommend Boutique Hotel Mali Raj or Hotel Ičići. If the small seaside town vibe is not for you, you may want to check out Rijeka. It's the third largest city in Croatia (after Zagreb and Split), just a 20-minute drive east of Opatija.

Travel Note

How to get around

This town is perfect for walking, especially along the seaside promenade, and that’s the best way to get around. The promenade connects many of the charming seaside towns along the coast. If you need to get to places slightly further from the center, you can use bus #32, which runs all the way from Rijeka to Lovran. Water taxis are also a fun way to travel between different points along the coast! It's not a replacement, but if you haven't already included a boat tour in your plans, you should at least try this option. Regular taxis are also available.

Travel Note

Other tips

Cash: While most places accept cards, you may occasionally come across a place that's cash-only. To avoid an awkward situation, it's best to carry some cash. Croatia uses the Euro. Tipping: While tipping is not mandatory in Croatia, it's customary to round up your bill to the nearest whole number after a meal. If you were particularly satisfied with the service, you may consider adding a small extra amount. For cafes, bars, and drivers, rounding up your bill is generally sufficient. Language: The official language of Croatia is Croatian (shocking!), but most people in the tourism industry speak English. Still, it's always nice to learn a few local phrases to show you’ve done your homework and respect the local culture. Hello = Bok Goodbye = Doviđenja (or Bok) Please = Molim Thank you = Hvala Yes = Da No = Ne Beer = Pivo

Travel Note

Travel Visa

IMPORTANT: Starting in the summer of 2025, U.S. citizens will need a travel authorization called ETIAS to enter most European countries. This is a new EU security initiative. Once the new requirement takes effect, you'll need to apply for ETIAS online. It will be a simple process, and the majority of cases will be approved within 20 minutes. However, applying in advance is strongly recommended to avoid potential travel disruptions. In some cases, it may take up to 30 days for approval. This is also a good opportunity to check your passport's expiration date. ETIAS requires a valid passport issued within the last 10 years that does not expire within three months of your planned travel.