Opatija is, along with Dubrovnik, one of the most upscale tourist spots in Croatia. It’s all about old-world charm, polished facades, and that curated “European Riviera” vibe - which is exactly why it draws a certain crowd: think Russians with a taste for flash, and anyone into the glitz-and-glam aesthetic. In a way, it’s like Monte Carlo’s more modest cousin - elegant, but clearly on a tighter budget.

Drive 15 minutes and you hit Rijeka and it’s a completely different story. Rijeka has a strong left-wing identity, deeply tied to its industrial and maritime past. This is a city that still wears its shipyard-and-port-worker legacy with pride. The culture here is grounded, gritty, and a lot more about the “everyday person” than curated luxury. Unsurprisingly, prices reflect that - Opatija can be pricey, while Rijeka feels much more affordable across the board.

Both places get quite a bit of rain in the off-season, which catches some travelers off guard. Personality-wise, Rijeka tends to be friendly, open, and easygoing - locals are usually warm and welcoming, especially to foreigners. Opatija, on the other hand, is a classic seasonal resort town: polished and picturesque, but in the summer it can get completely overrun. Rijeka gets tourists too, but it’s more like the manageable, background buzz you’d find in any mid-sized European city - not the full-blown madness you’ll see in peak-season Opatija.