[3] The circuit's layout was comparable to that of the Monaco Grand Prix course but faster and longer at 6.000 km (3.728 mi) in length and with 85 m (279 ft) of elevation changes.

[2][3] The race course presented an impressive challenge for competitors, starting on the beachfront corniche and winding up a steep hill with a rock face on one side and a sheer drop to the sea, protected by a stone wall, on the other.

[7] Despite the circuit's scenic setting, it was an unsafe race track due to high speeds on narrow roads coupled with numerous unmovable roadside obstacles, such as trees, stone walls, lampposts, electric poles, embankments, houses, and the Adriatic Sea.

[2] The safety situation became untenable for cars and the last auto race held on the circuit was the 1968 Formula 3 Gran Premio Adriatico won by Manfred Mohr driving a Tecno 68.

[11] The event was a disaster with Italian rider, Giovanni Ziggiotto, crashing during practice for the 250cc race when his motorcycle's engine seized and he was hit from behind by Per-Edward Carlson.

[11] Racing activity was not to return to Opatija although the old circuit is occasionally used as a special stage during Croatian national rallies and for historic motorsport events.