Portić – Small Harbor of Opatija

The small port of Opatija, known locally as Portić, is the traditional departure point for the boatmen's excursion boats, traditionally called barkajoli. Over time, this service has improved greatly and the small wooden boats specially made for this purpose in the local shipyards have become much more beautiful and comfortable. The barkajoli of Opatija were always there for their passengers, spoke several foreign languages, and the boats were always clean and well-maintained, usually equipped with seat cushions and a small wooden backrest for more comfort on the way. The barkajoli, which originally carried passengers along the Riviera or even to the neighboring islands by oars and only later motorized, have a defining character in the history of tourism in Opatija. Their legendary exclamation "barke fahren" has already become a common phrase in the region. The expression was even used for the title of a poem by the great Opatija poet Drago Gervais. The task of the Barkajoli is continued today by excursion boats, which today, as in the past, invite tourists to explore the Opatija Riviera from the sea side. For this purpose, here in the Portić and in some places along the Lungomare seaside promenade, you will find moorings for excursion boats marked with the "Taxi Boat" sign.Source: visitopatija.com/de/der-kleine-hafen-von-opatija-p485