Most of what makes Opatija special is outdoors and free, which suits a dog perfectly: the seafront statues, the Belle Epoque villas and the old fishing quarter of Volosko are all yours to explore on a leash. The town is small enough to see on foot in a day. Only the indoor museums are off-limits to pets, so plan those for when you have someone to wait outside.
Opatija's emblem: a bronze statue of a young woman holding a seagull aloft, set on a rock above the sea at the start of the Lungomare. It is the town's most photographed spot and a classic sunset stop. Being fully outdoors, it is completely dog-friendly on a leash.
💡 Go early or late to photograph the statue without crowds; the rocks can be slippery, so keep your dog on the paved path.
At the northern end of the Lungomare, Volosko is a tangle of steep stone lanes tumbling down to a working fishing harbour, with a village feel that some compare to Venice. It is the most atmospheric part of the Riviera for an evening wander and home to the best konoba restaurants. Explore the lanes and harbour with your dog on a leash.
💡 The lanes are steep and cobbled; go slowly with an older dog and reward yourselves with dinner on a harbour terrace.
The elegant 1844 villa that launched Opatija as a resort now houses the Croatian Museum of Tourism, set in its namesake park of camellias and exotic trees. The gardens and forecourt are a lovely leashed stroll and completely dog-friendly. Dogs cannot go inside the museum, so enjoy the grounds and the surrounding Park Angiolina.
💡 Time a garden visit with the spring camellia bloom, when Park Angiolina is at its best.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Apartments Villa BV
★★★★★ · 9.9/10
€120/night
Apartments Villa Zara
★★★★★ · 9.8/10
€120/night
Amadria Park Hotel Sveti Jakov
★★★★★ · 9.6/10
€120/night
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