Opatija

Photo gallery>>

OPATIJA - this elegant tourist destination, lies at the centre of the Riviera with the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia. The very attractive geographic position, enabling its warm seas to be quickly reached from many cities in Central Europe (only about 500 km from Milan, Vienna and Münich), lush green scenery and a pleasant climate (45° 20’ north latitude) were some of the main reasons for its beginning and the quick development of its tourism at the end of the 19th century. Built mainly at the turn of the 20th century, Opatija has remained in complete harmony with Nature right up until the present day.

Well-maintained public gardens, the illuminated 12-km-long coastal promenade known as the "Lungomare", well-kept beaches and fountains provide a stunning backdrop for the villas and hotels that cater comfortably for up to 6,000 guests. Due to a relatively constant temperature (winter average 7.0 °C, summer average 21.9 °C), high air pressure and constant circulation of air, the climate in Opatija is relaxing and refreshing. The contrasts of sea and mountains, green parks and blue ocean, old buildings and modern comforts, noisy entertainment venues and quiet destinations for excursions all combine to make Opatija and its surroundings a very attractive tourist resort at any time of the year.

The tourist offering of Opatija includes its congress centre (with space for 500 to 800 delegates), 11 indoor swimming pools, wellness programmes, a casino, discotheques, a summer theatre with seating for 2,000, carnivals, festivals, and opportunities for shorter trips to nearby surroundings or all-day excursions to the Plitvice Lakes or Risnjak National Park, or even to Venice in Italy.

The characteristics of the climate have all the traits of a gentle Mediterranean climate with a warm sea, lots of sun and lush vegetation which paints a picture of Opatija as a kind of green oasis. Summer temperatures are relatively low beceause of the cool breezes to come from the Ucka mountains while in winter, the temperature is relatively high. Opatija is also a place for business meetings throughout the entire year as well as a center for convention tourism, scientific gatherings and congresses. In addition, for those ailing from cardio-vascular illnesses, there is therapy and rehabilitation available in Thalassotherapija.

The Pearl of Kvarner-Opatija is an ideal starting point for an inspired walk through the past of this region, as well as for taking pleasure in the intimacy of the still untouched present.

Top

Tourism first began in Opatija in 1844 when the leading citizen of Rijeka, a merchant called Higin Scarpa, built the Villa "Angiolina", and named it after his deceased wife. The Villa was soon being visited by many of the merchant’s family friends and business partners, and a number of other distinguished people came to stay there as well. Most notably, the Croatian Governor Josip Jelacic spent his holidays here with his wife in 1850, and the wife of Emperor Ferdinand I, Empress Mother Mary Ann, spent the entire bathing season here in 1860. Opatija, with its sheltered location, mild climate and green landscapes soon attracted the attention of the Vienna Southern Railway Company, which bought the Villa "Angiolina" from Count Chorinsky in 1882. In 1884, after only ten months of work on the property, the Railway Company opened the "Kvarner", the very first hotel on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. The event marked the beginning of a very dynamic period of building activity in the region.

Top

Climate – a moderate Mediterranean climate with mild winters and pleasant summers. Continuous circulation of air and sea aerosol. The average air temperature in summer is 21.9 oC, and in winter 7 oC. The sea temperature in summer goes up to 26 oC. The area averages 2,000 hours of sunshine a year.

Top

Top

[ About us ] [ How to Book ] [ Why histrica.com? ] [ Weather ] [ Useful information ] [ Terms of use ]

©2004 histrica.com & Miracolina web design, all rights reserved