Day 4: Croatia - Opatija and Plitvice

Opatija, a charming coastal town in Croatia, was developed in the 19th century as a luxurious retreat for wealthy Austro-Hungarian nobility. Renowned for its elegant villas, mild climate, and therapeutic seawater, it remains a premier wellness destination today.

St. Jacob's church

St. Jacob's Church was built in the 14th century on the site of a Benedictine monastery. The church played a significant role in the town's history, and it's from this abbey that the town got its name.

"Opatija" is derived from the Croatian word for "abbey." 

Interestingly, St. Jacob is also St. James! The names St. James and St. Jacob refer to the same saint, but the difference arises from language and translation. In Croatian, the saint is called Sveti Jakov, which translates directly to St. Jacob in English. However, in many English-speaking contexts, this same saint is often referred to as St. James. St. James/St. Jacob is the patron saint of Opatija.

Madonna del Mare

In front of St. Jacob's Church stands the golden statue of Madonna del Mare, a symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary. Originally placed along the waterfront promenade, it was replaced during the period when Opatija became part of Yugoslavia. Under the Communist regime, religious symbols were not approved, leading to the Madonna's removal in favor of the now-famous Maiden with the Seagull statue.

Lungomare coastal promenade

Maiden with the Seagull

Created by sculptor Zvonko Car in 1956, the statue depicts a young girl extending her arm to a seagull, gazing out towards the sea.

Yes, there's an intriguing legend tied to the Maiden with the Seagull statue in Opatija. According to local lore, the maiden was a young woman who awaited the return of her love, a sailor lost at sea. Day after day, she stood by the shore, watching and hoping for his return. The seagull in the statue represents the spirit of her lost love, who never returned but remained forever close to her in spirit.

It's so fun to travel in a group.

Clowning around with Rose, my new found friend from our travel group

Yes, Croatia has its very own Walk of Fame too!

The Croatian Walk of Fame celebrates the achievements of notable figures in sports, culture, science, and the arts who have significantly contributed to Croatia's global reputation. 

Much like the famous Hollywood version, this promenade features stars dedicated to icons such as Nikola Tesla, Janica Kostelić, and Goran Ivanišević. 

Lunch @ Restoran Feniks, Plitvice.

Suckling pig, or "pečenje prase," is a beloved Croatian dish, especially in the Plitvice region. Often served at festive gatherings, it's slow-roasted to perfection with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Typically paired with roasted potatoes, vegetables, and fresh bread, this hearty meal reflects the region's rustic culinary traditions.

PLITVICE  LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in central Croatia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and scenic boardwalks that offer close-up views of the park’s natural wonders.

The boardwalks at Plitvice are especially notable for how they meander gracefully over crystal-clear turquoise waters, passing right by waterfalls and hugging the edges of the lakes. These wooden pathways, built above the lakes and streams, allow visitors to experience the park intimately while preserving its delicate ecosystem. The boardwalks create an immersive experience, bringing you so close to the lakes that you can feel the mist of nearby waterfalls and see fish swimming below.

The park’s boardwalks connect both the upper and lower lake areas, each with unique landscapes. In the upper section, the lakes are elevated and surrounded by dense forests, creating a serene and enclosed feel. The lower lakes area, on the other hand, is home to spectacular waterfalls, including the iconic Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall), which is the tallest waterfall in Croatia. Here, the boardwalks wind between lakes at various elevations, offering breathtaking views of cascading waters and steep limestone canyons.

Built in harmony with the surroundings, the boardwalks ensure minimal impact on the environment. This naturalistic approach enhances the visitor experience, allowing for stunning photo opportunities without harming the park’s fragile flora and fauna.

I have anxiety issues and found the walk along the boardwalks a bit nerve-wracking. Imagine narrow, rough-hewn logs with gaps, uneven surfaces, and fast-flowing water below, with people moving in both directions—often without handrails for support. Adding to the challenge, I was trying to keep my balance while carrying a large, heavy tote bag and wearing thick winter clothing in the chilly 35°F (1.5°C) weather. However, the breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning autumn foliage were an absolute reward, making every step worth the effort. While the walk felt challenging for me, it was likely a breeze for the rest of our group, who were much younger than I am. I guess, in the words of Bette Davis, getting old is not for sissies!

                           

Hats off to those who walked in their flip-flops, as seen in some YouTube videos!

Here’s a glimpse of the stunning emerald-green waters of Plitvice Lakes. The crystal-clear surface reveals every detail beneath, making it feel like you’re peering into another world. Nature’s perfection at its finest!

This is one of those bucket list moments that feels like stepping into a dream. I was spellbound—it's almost too cool to believe it's real.

Dinner @ Lyra Hotel Plitvice

Pastrva na krumpiru s blitvom (Trout on Potatoes with Chard)—a popular and traditional dish in regions like Plitvice, celebrated for its fresh and rustic flavors.

The day ended with this delicious dinner at the hotel. 🍴

To give you a sense of the experience, here's a video by my favourite YouTuber, Rok Goes Around. Enjoy!