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Opatija

General information

Opatija, often called the Nice of the Adriatic, is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Croatia and a place with the longest tourist tradition on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. In 1844 the powerful merchant Higinio von Scarpa erected Villa Angiolina, with beautiful green and a lavish park around it, visited by distinguished guests - the Croatian Viceroy Josip Jelacic, the Austrian empress Maria Anna - which soon made Opatija a popular excursion destination of the inhabitants from Rijeka, then of the Italians and Austrians. Opatija was the first in the region of the Adriatic to introduce tourist statistics already in 1884, and the first hotel on the Adriatic, called Kvarner, was built by the Society of the Southern Railways in 1884; situated on the very coast and luxuriously furnished, it attracted exclusively elite guests. With the construction of the hotel, Opatija became an elite summer resort, so that, apart from the 12km-long promenade (Lungomare) from Volosko - Opatija - Lovran, a mountain path from Opatija to Veprinac and farther to Ucka was laid. Already in 1889 Opatija was declared the first climatic seaside resort on the Adriatic, which strengthened its position as the most fashionable tourist resort. Numerous tourists and owners of the villas contributed by planting exotic plants to the horticultural grandeur. Opatija was so attractive that, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, it was visited by the then most prominent personalities of the noble rank - Princess Luise von Sachsen Coburg, the Romanian king Charles I, the Swedish-Norwegian king Oscar, etc. Tourist development is Opatija's main feature even today. Favourable climate, well-maintained landscape, maintained beaches and lively entertainment throughout the year make this place one of the most elite summer resorts in Croatia today. The offer includes 20-odd hotels, a large number of catering establishments, sports and recreational facilities, and especially entertainment opportunities. By the hotel Admiral there is a marina open throughout the year. Very many events in Opatija have a long tradition and offer a high-level entertainment: carnival (January/February), International Yachting Regatta (in May), the Opatija Yachting Cup (in November). Opatija is also a national centre in which Porin, the prize for the best musical pieces is awarded (in March), as well as one of the most important congress centres in Croatia. One of the best restaurants in Croatia is open in Opatija throughout the year.

Admiral Marina has 200 berths in the sea and 40 places on the land.
OPATIJA, a town, harbour, tourist, summer and climatic resort on the foot of Mt. Ucka, situated at the eastern coast of Istria in the Rijeka Bay, 13 km southwest of Rijeka; population 9,073. The coastal region formed of limestone, in which Opatija lies, is protected from the north and northwest by Ucka. Climatic conditions are favourable, with relatively mild winters; the mean air temperature in January attains 4.7 °C, and in July 23.3 °C; 2,230 hours of sunshine a year. The whole narrow coastal strip is covered with evergreen vegetation; there are no loose soils or water springs. Ucka holds the moist air and clouds driven by the westerly winds, so that Opatija has lower rainfall and more hours of sunshine than Rijeka. The climate and the specific historic and geographic features favoured Opatija's rapid development. The completion of the railway Vienna - Trieste (1857) and the branch railroad from Pivka (then called Sent Peter) to Rijeka (1873) opened the way from Vienna to Opatija. The climatic advantages of Opatija were famous already in the first half of the 19th century. Chief occupation is tourism. The harbour consists of a pier and a protected basin. The inner part of it is protected from all winds except from those blowing from the first quadrant; the bora is moderate, blowing from the east; the sirocco and the easterly winds are rather strong and heave the sea. The outer part of the port is designed for larger vessels, and smaller vessels can land at the inner part. The anchoring ground lies 500 m off the coast, but is far from being safe during strong easterly and south-easterly winds. The harbour comprises a marina. Situated on the road (M2, E751) Rijeka - Pula.

[Text by Croatia.hr]

[franeymoon]

Visit Croatia's grandest coastal town


Opatija is one of northern Croatia's grandest coastal towns and is an ideal place to see beautiful buildings, take in sea views and wander around colourful gardens.

Located in the Bay of Kvarner at the foot of Mount Ucka at the point where the Mediterranean reaches most deeply into the European continent, Opatija is within easy reach of nearby cities and towns Rijeka and Pula, and around 200 kilometres from Zagreb.

It is also well-located for access from Italy, particularly from Venice, which is just over 200 kilometres away, as well as Slovenia's capital Ljubljana.

One of the most famous hotels, and visitor attractions, in the city is The Bristol, which recently celebrated its hundredth birthday.

The hotel was a popular retreat during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, designed for the upper nobility and the rich.

Now in full working order after a recent restoration, the four-star Bristol has nearly 80 rooms, an old Viennese-style café and grand ballroom with a breath-takingly large crystal chandelier.

Another sight not to be missed in Opatija is the Villa and surrounding park Angiolina, built in 1844 by a merchant from Rijeka who named it after his late spouse.

The park features bright and colourful floral displays and is another typically grand element of Opatija's 19th century legacy.

If you have time to explore the coast then head along the Lungomare, a 12 kilometre traffic-free long promenade that joins up the main points along the Opatija Riviera.

The relaxing walk also has monuments of the famous people who used to stay in Opatija, including local writers, doctors and generals.

If you are more serious about your walking, then Ucka Nature Park has hiking trails going all the way to the highest peak of the Ucka mountain, Vojak, which stands at 1,401 meters.

If you are lucky, then on the way up you might be able to spot rare flowers and birds of prey such as a griffon vulture or golden eagle.

Once at the summit you will find a medieval tower that has views in of the Istrian peninsula, the islands of the northern Adriatic, the mountains of Gorski kotar, and in the far distance, Venice and the Italian Alps.

Flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Split cost around £92 return.

Flights with Easyjet to Rijeka cost around £46 per person from Luton or Bristol airports http://www.easyjet.com


taken from travelbite.co.uk