We are looking to spend a view days on the Croatian coast in early March and are looking for some 'insider' tips for a nice town or village to head for. It needs to be no more than an hour beyond Rijeka (not the Istrian side). Right on the sea as we are rather starved of sea views in Bavaria. Somewhere traditional. Must have shops and restaurants open out of season. Rather tight criteria I know. Any recommendations of accommodation would also be appreciated - can be hotel, pension or apartment but good quality.

So we are just back from Croatia! We stayed on the edge of the small town of Opatija and it was lovely - full of late 19th century villas built by the Habsburg aristocrats and 90% of them are crumbling or collapsed but still very beautiful. You can walks for miles along by the sea and we had some fantastic meals. We drove down the coast (the weather improves noticeably as you go further south) and I was surprised at how little modern development there is on the coast. Definitely a place to go back to!

Margaret;

My daughter and her husband are going in May. Do you have recommendations of places to stay?

Thanks

Bill

Bill, are you interested in places just in the Istrian peninsula or all along the Dalmatian coast?

We stayed at the Villa Kapetanovic in Opatija. I have mixed feelings about recommending it. The views from the rooms at the front are stunning. But the rooms are rather basic and the restaurant food overrated - and, as non-smokers, we didn't take kindly to have to sit in a small area at the back which was the only non-smoking area. The service was generally good. At 74/90 Euros a night for double room and breakfast, it was reasonable value although probably a bit expensive for the area - its client were mainly the nouveau riche of Rijeka as far as we could tell!

We love this area and we have based ourselves here many times as it is the perfect place for day trips around the area. In Volosko, Villa kapetanovic is overrated but there are lots of lovely apartments nearby, check the ones we stayed at.
www.dinka.hr
www.pansion-stanger.hr
www.villa-palme.com
Also here is one of the great restaurants of Croatia, Le Mandrac, it's worth going to this area for the restaurants alone.
A trip to Plitvice is a must for every visitor and can be done by car or excursion from Opatija.

Agree about Le Mandrac, fabulous food in a lovely setting. Great to have links to apartments for future trips, thanks.