With more than 130 years of tradition in health tourism, Opatija once again invites visitors and all those interested to take part in the ‘Opatija – an Oasis of Health and Wellbeing’ project and experience the benefits of an active and restorative holiday.

Symbolically, the project begins in March, the month in which Opatija was declared the first climatic health resort on the Adriatic coast of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1889. Opatija is a natural remedy in every sense of the word. Its unique position between the slopes of Mount Učka and the Adriatic Sea, the clean air enriched by sea spray, iodine and essential oils of aromatic plants, the mild Mediterranean climate, and its exceptional natural surroundings create ideal conditions for restoring body and mind, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and achieving a lasting improvement in quality of life.
Through a series of carefully designed and engaging programmes, the ‘Opatija – an Oasis of Health and Wellbeing’ project connects physical activity, personal care and mindful presence with the enjoyment of the destination’s natural benefits. This year’s edition begins on 1 March with the anti-ageing workshop ‘Rock Samphire and Skin’ and concludes on 5 December with a Nordic walking event, rounding off a months-long cycle dedicated to health and balance. With a range of new features, the programme invites all those interested to find inspiration and discover their own path towards health, vitality and overall well-being in Opatija.
Nordic walking and hiking tours along Opatija’s historic trails take place in spring and autumn under the expert guidance of licensed instructors. The tours engage muscles throughout the body and are suitable for walkers of varying fitness levels. New additions to this year’s programme include the Opatija Camino, the Five Churches Trail and the Dobreć Route, while the Nordic Walk Challenge, an attractive 23.6 km fitness challenge, will connect the green and blue landscapes of Opatija and its hinterland.
From March to May, the programme also features the Thalasso Cardio Walk, guided walks accompanied by physiotherapists that combine Opatija’s natural resources with a professional healthcare approach. April brings the Sports Recreation Festival of Nordic Walking and Hiking, while in September participants can look forward to the ‘Run for the Heart’ charity race.
Spring and autumn bring mindfulness workshops led by psychologists, helping to reduce stress and enhance concentration through effective attention and breathing exercises. The workshops take place in attractive locations, including parks and promenades, with a particular focus on the experience of scents, sounds and light, as well as connecting with bodily sensations.
During the summer months, the project offers a unique combination of relaxation and active holidays. In the workshop ‘Reset Through the Frequency of the Waves’, participants learn how to harmonise their breath, heart and nervous system through guided heart coherence exercises, meditation and conscious breathing at a rate of approximately 0.1 Hz. For beginners in stand-up paddleboarding, the SUP Experience, led by licensed instructors, offers the opportunity to combine this activity with unique views of Volosko and its surroundings from the sea.
This year’s edition of the project also includes attractive home wellness and skincare workshops, starting with the educational workshop ‘Rock Samphire and Skin’ on the first Sunday in March. At this workshop, participants prepare a face cream based on rock samphire, a plant rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that stimulates collagen production and helps firm the skin. This will be followed in May by a workshop on making clay masks, suitable for all skin types and enriched with active ingredients and hydrolats, while in September there will be a zero-waste workshop on making a solid shampoo to help prevent hair loss. October is dedicated to Face Yoga, which strengthens facial muscles, improves circulation and reduces the appearance of wrinkles through exercises, acupressure and self-massage. Each workshop combines practical knowledge with natural ingredients, encouraging participants to adopt healthy skincare habits at home.
All activities are free of charge; however, due to the limited number of participants, prior registration is required (except for Nordic walking). 
The ‘Opatija – an Oasis of Health and Wellbeing’ project traditionally includes the participation of the town’s wellness and spa centres, which offer selected treatments at promotional prices. From 2 to 8 March, Hotel Keight offers those interested a rare wellness experience – Janzu water therapy sessions led by internationally recognised holistic therapist Alice Mazo.