The summer season in Opatija traditionally brings a wealth of opportunities for an active holiday, and this year special emphasis has been placed on popular seaside activities. While Nordic walking and relaxing walks along picturesque historical trails marked the spring months, with the rise in temperatures and sunny days, the focus shifts to attractive water sports. Among them, stand-up paddleboarding, better known as SUP (Stand-Up Paddling), is taking an increasingly prominent place as a favorite summer recreation that combines physical activity, enjoyment of the marine environment, and discovering coastal beauties from a unique perspective.

For all those who have not yet tried this dynamic and fun sports discipline, or want to perfect their skills, the Tourist Board of the city of Opatija has prepared an excellent opportunity. Already on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in idyllic Volosko, a new cycle of the free SUP Experience program begins, designed precisely to bring the charms of stand-up paddleboarding closer to a wider audience.

What is SUP and why is it so popular?

Stand-up paddleboarding is a global phenomenon that has captivated water sports enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. Its popularity lies in the simplicity of learning basic techniques, but also in the numerous benefits it provides. SUP activates almost all muscle groups, from the legs that maintain balance, through the core that stabilizes the body, to the arms and shoulders involved in paddling. This develops strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. In addition to physical benefits, being by the sea, the sound of the waves, and the feeling of gliding on the water surface have an extremely relaxing and anti-stress effect, making SUP an ideal activity for escaping the daily hustle and connecting with nature.

This activity also allows for the exploration of hidden coves, beaches, and parts of the coast that are more difficult to access from land, providing paddlers with unique scenes and experiences. The Opatija Riviera, with its indented coastline, crystal clear sea, and beautiful vistas, is the perfect backdrop for SUP adventures.

SUP Experience: An unforgettable experience under expert guidance

The SUP Experience program, which the Tourist Board of the city of Opatija has been organizing for the third year in a row, is part of the broader project "Opatija - oasis of health and wellness". It is an experiential course intended for beginners, but also for those with a little experience who want to learn the basics or improve their stand-up paddleboarding technique. The entire program takes place under expert guidance and the watchful eye of experienced instructors from the VOP SUP Team, which guarantees safety and quality instruction for all participants.

The gathering for this year's first session is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the open swimming pool in Volosko. Volosko, with its charming little harbor and picturesque seaside ambiance, is an ideal starting point for this sea adventure. After a short theoretical part on land, where participants will be introduced to the basics of equipment, safety procedures, and proper paddling technique, the group will set off to sea with the instructors. The planned route leads from Volosko to one of the most recognizable symbols of Opatija – the statue of the Girl with the Seagull. Paddling this section offers a unique opportunity to experience the vistas of Opatija and Volosko from the sea, revealing the beauty of historicist villas, landscaped parks, and the Lungomare coastal promenade from a completely new perspective.

The adventure ends with a return to Volosko around 11 a.m., where all participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded commemorative diplomas as a memento of this unique experience. This is not only an opportunity to acquire a new skill but also to create unforgettable summer memories in the beautiful ambiance of the Kvarner Gulf.

Dates and conditions of participation

To enable participation for as many interested people as possible, the SUP Experience program will be held during June, July, and August. In addition to the Saturday session on June 7, the following dates are also planned:

• June 21, 2025 (Saturday) at 9 a.m.


• July 5, 2025 (Saturday) at 9 a.m.


• July 19, 2025 (Saturday) at 9 a.m.


• August 1, 2025 (Friday) in a special session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing an opportunity to experience paddling at sunset.

Participation in the program is completely free, but due to the limited number of places and to ensure the quality of the experience, prior registration is mandatory. Interested parties can register at the Tourist Information Centre of the Tourist Board of the city of Opatija, by personal visit, by calling +385 51 271 310, or by sending an email to tic@visitOpatija.com. When registering, it is necessary to provide the participant's name and surname, and contact number.

For participation to be safe and enjoyable, several basic conditions have been set. All participants must be swimmers and must not have health problems that could interfere with safe participation in this physical activity. Children older than eight years are also welcome, but exclusively accompanied by a parent or guardian, which is important to mention during the registration process. As for equipment, the organizer provides boards and paddles. Participants only need a swimsuit or appropriate clothing for being in the sun and sea. It is recommended to bring a bottle of water for refreshment, a cap or hat for sun protection, and high SPF sunscreen. It is important to note that all participants in the program participate at their own risk.

Part of a broader story of health and well-being

The SUP Experience initiative fits perfectly into the long-standing tradition of Opatija as a destination for health and wellness. The project "Opatija - oasis of health and wellness", within which this course is held, includes a series of year-round activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, recreation, and relaxation. From guided walks and Nordic walking, through workshops on healthy eating and natural cosmetics, to anti-stress programs and now, attractive SUP, Opatija continuously confirms its status as a place where body and spirit can be renewed and revitalized. This project not only enriches the tourist offer but also encourages the local population to live a more active and healthier life, using the benefits of the unique combination of sea, mild climate, and lush vegetation.

Stand-up paddleboarding offers an ideal combination of physical activity, relaxation, and enjoyment of natural beauties. It has a beneficial effect on the overall psychophysical state, reduces stress, improves mood, and strengthens the feeling of connection with nature. Take the opportunity for an active and refreshing start or continuation of summer in the beautiful surroundings of Opatija and Volosko. Combine the pleasant with the useful, take care of your health, and create unforgettable sea experiences.

Comprehensive information about the SUP Experience program, as well as other recreational, sports, and anti-stress programs implemented as part of the project "Opatija – oasis of health and wellness", is available on the official website of the Tourist Board of the city of Opatija, www.visitOpatija.com. There you can find detailed schedules, registration information, and news related to the rich offer of activities that Opatija offers its visitors and residents throughout the year, confirming its reputation as a year-round destination for active and healthy holidays in Kvarner.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to explore the charms of Opatija and Volosko in a completely different way, gliding on the sea surface and soaking in the beauty that surrounds you. Join the SUP Experience program and discover why stand-up paddleboarding has become a global hit and a favorite summer activity for many. Opatija awaits you!