Matulji

When European nobility once travelled to Opatija, they were welcomed at the gateway to the Riviera—Matulji. Today, you’ll be greeted by numerous cycling and hiking trails surrounded by greenery, as well as authentic gastronomic experiences. Local taverns serve dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations, often accompanied by jarbola, a traditional wine made from an indigenous grape variety. You might even encounter the zvončari, guardians of a unique carnival tradition who symbolically call for a fertile and prosperous year.