Undoubtedly, one of the most popular Croatian resorts among tourists is Opatija, a city in the north of the Adriatic, on the shores of the Kvarner Bay. This place became a popular resort in the 19th century. And this is not surprising: a rare combination of a mild climate, the beauty of nature surrounding the city, the historical and cultural riches of the region attracted many people to the resort. It is hard to believe that until the 19th century this area was rather deserted, despite the favorable climatic conditions: Mount Uchka protects it from cold winds.
A bit of history
In the 16th century, the Benedictine monks settled here, from the word “abbey” the name of the city came from, the abbey also laid the foundation for it. But the city became popular only after Hijinio Scarpa, a prominent aristocrat from Rijeka, appreciated the local climate and built his villa “Angelina”. It was here, in a villa surrounded by olive and oleander trees, that Isadora Duncan, Gustav Mahler, Wilhelm II, A.P. Chekhov fell in love with spending time…
According to clothingexpress, it was Opatija that Vladimir Nabokov made the prototype of the city in the story “Spring in Fialta”. Opatija has become popular not only among tourists: various scientific congresses and symposiums have been systematically held here. In general, by the end of the 19th century, almost every house in the city, every villa in its vicinity could boast at least one eminent guest. Thanks to this, Opatija is now interesting not only for those who are looking for a seaside holiday, but also for lovers of the history of culture and science.
Hotels and restaurants in Opatija
The tourist infrastructure is well developed here. The city has many hotels of different levels, private apartments and villas, campsites – accommodation for every taste is guaranteed. Of course, it is better to reserve accommodation in advance so that you can choose among more options. In total, the city can take up to 8000 tourists at the same time, about the same number of residents in the city. There will be no problems with food. There are restaurants here, from fashionable ones offering an elegant setting and an exquisite menu, to folkloric ones where you can taste traditional local dishes. You can, after sightseeing and a delicious lunch, try to catch your luck in a local casino or visit a theater, an exhibition, a concert – there are many such opportunities here.
The most expensive local dish is a whole fried big fish, which the visitor pre-selects himself. The rest of the food (pizza, meat dishes or seafood) and drinks are at quite reasonable prices.
Beaches
The beach in Opatija is rocky, equipped with concrete slabs and descents into the sea, which is not uncommon for Croatia. A 12-kilometer promenade runs along the coast, Opatija Lungomar, which will allow you not only to walk in the sea air, but also enjoy magnificent panoramas, sit in one of the many cafes and restaurants, buy souvenirs, local products and products with the symbols of the city.
Entertainment and attractions of Opatija
Opatija is also rich in architectural sights. Several striking cathedrals, among which the most famous are the churches of St. harmony with the surrounding landscape and local vegetation. A special place among the sights is occupied by Villa Angelina (or Agnolina) and Villa Amalia, recently restored and available for tourists to see. Both villas have retained the appearance characteristic of their era and elements of decoration, authentic in that they were the place from the very beginning. And now, in the midst of the 21st century, anyone has the opportunity to admire the surroundings from that observation deck, with whom the great ballerina Isadora Duncan admired them. It can be assumed that at the same time she wrapped herself in her favorite two-meter white scarf.
Numerous hotels and villas of the late 19th – early 20th century give the city a special charm.
Opatija often hosts classical music concerts, folklore festivals, film festivals and sports competitions. In the evenings, live music is heard from everywhere. The pedestrian promenade stretches along the entire Opatija Riviera for 25 kilometers. All discos are located indoors, so those who like to go to bed early will not face insomnia in Opatija. Every twenty meters there are cafes, restaurants, casinos and nightclubs.
Leisure
Rest in Opatija has a health-improving bias. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, the mild climate and excellent environmental conditions contribute to the removal of toxins from the body. Secondly, the city is rich in thalasso and spa centers, where you can get a variety of treatment packages. The sporting orientation of Opatija is obvious. The city is rich in various swimming pools and tennis courts with different types of coverage, which attracts not only sports fans, but also eminent professionals to rest here. Among other things, there are conditions for mountaineering, windsurfing, sailing on yachts. Fans of car racing are well aware that there is a famous race track 15 km from Opatija.
Weather in Opatija
Opatija is located 70 km from Pula, in a vast bay of the Kvarner Bay at the junction of the Istrian peninsula with the mainland, surrounded by low rocky mountains. It has a special microclimate conducive to healing and recuperation. Thanks to this, as well as the work of famous doctors, health tourism is rapidly developing in Opatija.
The mountain landscape reliably protects the city from harsh sea winds and gives coolness on hot summer days. It is warmer here than in other areas, so exotic plants grow in parks and gardens that you will not find in other cities of Istria – camellias, magnolias, palm trees, bamboo. The weak point of the resort is rocky beaches, but this is compensated by the abundance of pools with sea water.
There are indoor pools here in most hotels, even in “kopeck piece”.