Start the year with a bang—literally! During January and February, Opatija’s Carnival blends elegant Riviera charm with wild local traditions. Head to the hinterlands to witness the Zvončari in action: these bell-ringing, costume-clad locals march through towns to chase away winter and welcome spring. It’s a centuries-old custom you’ll never forget—colorful, loud, and wonderfully weird in the best way.

Come first weekend of July, the air in Opatija is filled with saxophones, smooth vocals, and summer vibes. The Liburnia Jazz Festival is your chance to sip, sway, and soak up live music under the stars. With performances in parks, promenades, and historic venues, it’s a jazzy celebration of sound that brings international flair to this coastal paradise.

Every August, the Liburnicon Festival transforms Opatija into a geeky wonderland of about 1200 people from all over Croatia. It’s where sci-fi, fantasy, history, and mythology collide in a celebration of creativity and curiosity. With cosplay, games, workshops, and lectures, it’s perfect for fans of all things imaginative. Bonus: you’re by the beach, so you can swap lightsabers for sunbathing when you need a break.

In October, the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air in Lovran during Marunada, the famed Chestnut Festival. Celebrate the region’s prized maruni with traditional food, drinks, and desserts—yes, even chestnut cake! With local music and folk dances rounding out the event, this harvest-season bash is the perfect mix of taste and tradition.