Istria’s eastern coastline, between the stylish elegance of Opatija and the artistic, hilltop town of Labin, calls to adventurers and lovers of natural beauty. Whether you wish to combine your time at Merania Golf in Brseč with days of exploring, or simply want to soak in as much scenery as you can, this stretch of coastline delivers endless inspiration for creating your own perfect outing.
Opatija: Where Elegance Meets the Adriatic
Opatija, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” enchants visitors with its grand villas and the famed Lungomare promenade. As you wander this 12km coastal path, you’re greeted by the gentle sound of waves, ornate gardens, and timeless architecture.
Parks such as Angiolina and St. James burst with Mediterranean flora, offering shady retreats and opportunities for quiet reflection. The iconic Girl with the Seagull statue and the abundance of cozy cafés make every stroll here a delight, providing a picture-perfect start or end to your exploration.
Beyond its natural allure, Opatija boasts a rich cultural scene with theatres, galleries, and music festivals throughout the year that attract both locals and visitors alike. Its elegant seafront cafés invite you to savor Istrian specialties while watching the sun dip below the horizon, making Opatija a perfect blend of relaxation and vibrant coastal life.
Mošćenice: The Timeless Spirit
A short climb from the azure shores below, Mošćenice surprises with its preserved medieval character. The village sits high above Kvarner Bay, its ancient streets inviting you to slow down and soak in panoramic vistas. Wander through stone-paved lanes, discover local olive oil presses that have survived generations, and breathe in the tranquility rarely found elsewhere. The views from Mošćenice are among the most captivating on the coast, stretching endlessly across sea and sky.
Mošćenička Draga: Seaside Charm at the Foot of the Hills
Mošćenička Draga is a relaxed coastal village known for its long pebble beach, one of the prettiest and longest on the Kvarner Gulf. The waterfront buzzes with traditional fishing houses, cozy taverns, and cafés, perfect for a seaside meal or coffee.
Adventurers can swim, paddleboard, or kayak in the sheltered bay, while hikers and cyclists have easy access to nearby nature trails. With its welcoming feel, great local food, and unspoiled setting, Mošćenička Draga is a peaceful spot to unwind and enjoy the region’s authentic coastal spirit.
Brseč: Clifftop Heritage and Seaside Escape
Brseč stands out for its dramatic location. Being perched on a 157m cliff, its old town is a mosaic of narrow cobbled streets, colorful doors, and stone buildings that seem to grow out of the rocks themselves. The Parish Church of St. George anchors the village, while the Church of St. Magdalene, set on the edge of the cliffs, offers both history and breathtaking views.
The village’s connection to Croatian literary culture adds depth, with the birthplace of writer Eugen Kumičić now home to an art gallery. Just beneath the cliffs, Brseč Beach (Klančac) waits: a secluded pebble cove with crystalline turquoise water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply savoring untouched natural beauty. For those seeking even more adventure, the nearby cliffs and caves, including the Little Blue Cave, offer moments of discovery and awe.
All around Brseč, olive groves and fragrant pine forests provide perfect terrain for hikers and nature lovers, with marked trails leading both up into the foothills and down toward the sea.
Labin: Artistry on a Hilltop
Labin crowns our the journey, both literally and figuratively. Set atop a 320m hill, its old town weaves together centuries of history, with colorful houses, impressive city gates, and the proud campanile standing watch over the landscape.
Labin’s artistic reputation is alive in its galleries, studios, and open-air exhibitions; local festivals and creative spaces fill the stone streets with life. From the fortress walls, gaze out across vineyards and olive groves to the shimmering sea—a sweeping tableau that’s especially enchanting at dusk.
The town’s café culture and authentic konobas (taverns) offer a flavorful taste of Istrian hospitality, from local wines to fresh seafood. You can also find one of the best Napoletana pizza in the Labin old town, so don’t miss out!
Rabac: The Pearl of the Kvarner Bay
Down the hillside from Labin lies Rabac, a former fishing village transformed into one of Istria’s most beloved seaside resorts. Here, a string of beautiful pebble beaches stretches along the turquoise bay, inviting sunseekers, swimmers, and families alike. The seaside promenade is alive in summer, lined with cafés, ice cream stands, and watersport vendors. Walk along the Rabac coast and you’ll discover secluded coves, shaded pine woods, and water so clear it seems unreal.
Rabac also serves as a gateway to adventure: rent a kayak to explore hidden beaches, set out on a boat tour to spot dolphins, or follow winding coastal paths connecting Rabac with Labin and the hilltop villages above. As the day draws to a close, the view from any Rabac terrace—sea sparkling gold beneath the setting sun—is the perfect finale to your exploration.
Embrace the Freedom to Explore
The beauty of this region is in the sheer variety of experiences available—whether you begin with a relaxed session at the Merania Golf driving range, seek out hidden beaches, delve into local art and history, or simply wander from viewpoint to viewpoint.
From Opatija’s cultivated grace, through the authentic spirit of Brseč and Labin, to the sun-soaked shores of Rabac, this Istrian corridor offers something for every traveler and every mood. The order and pace are yours to set; the possibilities, endless.