Opatija

With impressive villas and grand hotels, magnificent parks and the rough Ucka Mountains in the background, the elegant seaside resort of Opatija on the Croatian coast introduces itself to visitors. Opatija is also one of the oldest tourist resorts in southern Europe. Opatija sits in the far northwest and overlooks the entire Kvarner Bay with its islands of Krk, Cres and Rab. The economic upturn in the big city today, with around 11,600 inhabitants, started first with upscale, Austrian-Hungarian nobility tourism. Opatija became an interesting tourist destination due to the imperial decree of 1889, which made the city the first climatic health resort on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Consequently, the European nobility and later many doctors began to travel to this health resort. As the rich began to bring their wealth to Opatija, they strengthened not only themselves, but the healthy economy of the city. Today the density of doctors is high in Opatija- foremost, cosmetic surgeons.

Opatija is in itself an attraction - with the grand residences in the style of Historicism and Art Nouveau, such as the Hotel Kvarner and Imperial. With its artfully landscaped gardens, such as the St. Jakob Park and the "Virgin with the Seagull", it attracts many visitors and the Lungomare lures you in to take delight in the fascinating view over the Kvarner Bay. The statue "Madonna del Mare" originally stood on the site where the "Virgin with the Seagull" now is. It was built in memory of Count Arthur Kesselstadt, who was killed during a violent storm off the coast of Opatija in 1891. The "Madonna del Mare" was built, henceforth, to watch over the lost souls, but it was unfortunately damaged by the weather. The sculpture "Virgin with the Seagull" by the sculptor Zvonko Car was created as a replacement and is illuminated at night by reflectors, which during rough seas it is reminiscent of a nymph watching over the seas. For this reason it is often called "Nymph" by the locals. The former Madonna statue can be seen in the Croatian Museum of Tourism which is housed in the no less than impressive Villa Angiolina. After a visit to the "Virgin with the Seagull", it is well worth it to take a stroll along the Lungomare, the 12 kilometer long waterfront promenade. The promenade leads not only along the city beach and the only marina in Opatija, but also towards the south to Lovran.

Opatija is a well visited spa all year round, which offers numerous places for relaxation and recreation. These include not only the "Blue Flag" beaches in Opatija and its surroundings, but also the many sporty recreational opportunities around the resort. Here the Preluk motor-sport track situated east of the city must be mentioned in particular. Between 1969 and 1977 winners of the Grand Prix of Yugoslavia carried their trophies home. Even today, the city is still closely associated with motor-sports. Among other things, the traditional Opatija Rally takes place in October. The nightlife is colorful, culturally influenced and marked by numerous events featuring traditional aspects. A special treat – and at the same time a tribute to the history of the city - is the Vienna Week. In this week, the Viennese Ball is hosted in the Crystal Ballroom of Hotel Kvarner (the oldest hotel in the city). In addition, Opatija offers clean coastlines, hiking and mountain bike trails in the Ucka Mountains and leisure facilities including open air theater, dance and song.