Croatia's 'Pearl Of The Adriatic' Is An Elegant Coastal Town Perfect For Retirement

Croatia was once considered a wildly underrated country with the cleanest waters for swimming in all of Europe. While the second part of the statement remains true, people are starting to become more aware of Croatia's value not only as an excellent travel destination, but as a retirement heaven, too. You might've already heard of cities like Dubrovnik, one of Europe's most walkable cities and a "living fairytale" you shouldn't miss, but big hubs like this are slowly getting too overcrowded for their own good. So, if you're searching for a quiet, elegant coastal town perfect for retirement, look no further than Opatija. It promises the type of safety and manageable cost of living that Croatia became famous for in the first place, all while keeping you entertained with its mix of Belle Époque architecture, lush parks, and coastal promenades. And you'll get to enjoy it all most of the year thanks to the pleasant climate in the area.

Getting here can take a bit of time, but it shouldn't be too difficult. The nearest major entryway is Zagreb Airport, and from here, it's a two-hour drive to the city. Alternatively, you can go the public transport route and take a bus from Zagreb to Rijeka and another one from Rijeka to Opatija. This option can get a bit long and tiring, though, so consider booking an airport transfer if you don't want to drive yourself. Since we mentioned Rijeka, it's worth noting that there's an airport there, too, and this one's only a little over half an hour away. It usually serves fewer, seasonal flights, but it's worth considering as an option.

Opatija's nickname, the "Pearl of the Northern Adriatic," isn't just a clever marketing scheme.This city was one of the most popular vacation spots among Austro-Hungarian royals, and their late 1800s, pastel-colored buildings make perfect scenery for a slow, easy stroll. The Lungomare Promenade, in particular, is a great place for those early morning walks, and comprises many wheelchair-accessible sections, too.

If mobility isn't too much of an issue, you can stay active by swimming in the waters of Slatina Beach. It's the town's main beach and close to many places where you can eat, drink, and cool down. While it has its sandy spots, it's partly concrete — perfect for those who prefer a more stable footing. And if you need to relax after a taxing day or week, you can take advantage of Opatija's avid wellness scene. Thalasso Wellness Center, for example, is an almost 27,000-square-foot establishment whose programs are supervised by doctors and specialists. Their facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, massage rooms, beauty salons, and a wellness bar. They also offer psychological and nutritional counseling, and reviewers often praise the service and rehabilitation facilities.

Once you feel restored, consider a seaside weekend trip. Opatija's convenient location and decent public transportation help you reach some of Croatia's most beautiful destinations comfortably and without having to figure out driving in a foreign country. Pula, Croatia's breathtaking city with ancient ruins, is like a miniature Rome. It's a great destination you can reach for a little over $8 at the time of publication.

A great retirement spot is more than just pretty views and interesting attractions, and Opatija offers a lot of practical perks, too, starting with its pleasant climate. It's characterized by warm yet mild temperatures and distinct seasons, but keep in mind that precipitation can be a bit higher compared to the rest of Croatia. Daily highs usually range between 45 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, while lows tend to stay in the 34 to 64 degree Fahrenheit range.

Opatija is also widely considered a very safe town, and that's within the context of an already-safe country like Croatia. As long as you exercise normal precautions, you should feel comfortable exploring alone, too. Beyond that, the local healthcare system is rated satisfactory and primarily public, though nearby private hospitals like Specijalna bolnica dr. Nemec come with stellar reviews, too. And while this isn't the cheapest place to live by Croatian standards, anecdotal reports show that rent prices are more affordable here compared to cities like Dubrovnik and Zagreb. A one-bedroom, central apartment is reported to cost anywhere around $674 at the time of writing this article, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant comes out to roughly $35 per person (compared to $12-$14 at a more inexpensive spot).

The town has many pedestrian areas and boasts a well-organized public transportation system, so you won't have to rely on pricey taxis too much. Lastly, it's difficult to get bored when you've got so many great day trip options nearby. Rijeka, just a 25-minute drive away, is one of the world's best digital nomad destinations. Motovun, about an hour away, is another great choice. This perfectly preserved hilltop village is a sleepy, underrated gem with medieval charm.