ABOUT OPATIJA
Opatija riviera is 40 km long and rich in beautiful nature, parks, walking paths near the sea, old Austro-Hungarian villas and beaches.
In the 19th century in Opatija Austro-Hungarian noblemen built spacious villas and spent their winters due to very mild Mediterranean climate. Even today you can see the heritage of lifestyle of noblemen from Austro-Hungarian monarchy in the architectural stiles of villas. Now, those villas are turned into hotels. Most of them are situated next to a famous walking path <lungo mare> which is 11 km long and winds along the sea.
Parks with beautiful indigenous plants cover a large part of Opatija Riviera. You can witness the past and present of Croatian Monte Carlo by taking a walk through its parks. Opatija and its Austro-Hungarian flair, that marks this town even after 120 years, is an ideal choice for all who seek luxury and splendor. Opatija is often called "Croatian Monte Carlo" where trendy villas and luxurious hotels provide accommodation to guests who enjoy mild climate on terraces of many cafes furnished in traditional stile. Young people tend to drink cocktails in one of the lounge bars rather then going out to discotheques. Opatija is a synonym for luxury and a right choice for all who wish to have a good time or relax on their holiday.
Gastronomy
Opatija and the surrounding area are famous for good restaurants where you can enjoy complete service. You can enjoy excellent food, wide variety of wine and personnel that will recommend you with an ideal combination of the two.
In some restaurants you will be able to enjoy meals prepared according to recipes from the 19th century. Most restaurants base their offer on fish and crabs specialties. You can depend on the personnel's recommendations to get to know the best from this cuisine.
Most restaurants are situated next to Lungomare walking path so it is especially pleasant to enjoy sea delicacies on one of their terraces with sea view.
Sport
Opatija and nearby places are famous for their marinas and nautical tourism.
Moreover, bicycle lovers have several cycling paths at their disposal in the vicinity. Učka has been a popular challenging path for some time, a place where you can test your abilities and enjoy the beauties of nature.
For those who like challenge or adventure, they can climb mountain Učka or head for the islands of Cres and Lošinj where there are excellent diving localities, even diving with dolphins. For more experienced and daring divers there are diving localities such as the one on a sunken war ship from World War I.
Fun and night life
Opatija became more than ever a favorite place for those who do not search for parties in noisy discotheques but rather wish to drink cocktails in some of the lounge bars. Still, there are places and choices for everyone. You will be able to dance or talk to pleasant music in one of the beach bars, depending on how you feel.
There are plenty of summer events in Opatija. You can go to a good concert, watch a movie or visit an exhibition. A lot is going on on the Summer Stage, which is a place for concerts and various performances. The atmosphere on such concerts, due to interesting ambient, leaves a truly memorable impression. There are also interesting events like Liburnia Jazz Festival in July.
If you get bored of Opatija, Rijeka is not far so you can go and check out the nightlife in Rijeka.
Beaches
Due to its position on the riviera, Opatija has many beaches, some of which have many facilities and a blue flag. There are also concrete terraces for those who look for complete comfort. Nature lovers in hidden bays and rocks can enjoy nature in its purest form. Nearby Mošćenička Draga is famous for its 2 km long pebbled beach, which is an excellent choice if you are on holiday with children.
What to see?
St. Jacob Park
St. Jacob Park is one of the places you meet on your walk through Opatija. St. Jacob church was built on the foundations of ancient Benedict convent and it was first mentioned in 1439. To the left near the church there is a convent and cloister with a well in the center. Between the church and the convent there is a bell tower made of stone. This park is also a horticultural sight that covers more than 3,64 hectares with more than 160 different plants.
Girl with a seagull
Girl with a seagull is a frequent theme on posters and postcards that show Opatija, so that this statue in time became one of the symbols of Opatija. It was erected in 1956 and it is a work by sculptor Zvonko Car. The statue stands next to the Lungomare walking path blending in the atmosphere perfectly.
Lungomare walking path
Lungo mare walking path was built slowly through time. Today, it its one of the most beautiful walking paths on the Adriatic where you can enjoy a 11 km long path that attracted the royal families to come to Opatija for the first time.
Church of Mary denunciation
Franjo Nagl, a Trieste bishop has laid a founding stone of this beautiful building in 1906. This Neoromantic building is one of the favorite religious gatherings of Opatija's residents. Its characteristic detail is the green dome, which makes it distinct and easy to find.
The Angiolina park - Villa Angiolina
Villa "Angiolina" is the building that certainly marked the beginning of the tourist epoch in the history of Opatija. The central Opatija park is a horticultural monument covering an area of 3.64 hectares. It is divided into 60 fields and about 159 plant species grow here. A great number of them originates from distant parts of the world and is not typical of this region. Today the park is divided into two separate units, one near the church - the Park of St.Jakov and the other near Villa "Angiolina" - Park "Angiolina".
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