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Opatija

Western Balkans Travel Guide

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Hotel Kvarner. This was the first hotel in Opatija, and probably on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. It was built in 1884.

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Overview

Genteel Opatija, 13km west of Rijeka, was the most chic seaside resort for the Austro-Hungarian elite during the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – as evidenced by the many handsome belle époque villas that the period bequeathed the town. Although it lost a lot of its sheen during the Yugoslav period, Opatija has spruced itself up in the last decade and once again attracts a mainly mature crowd, drawn to its grand spa hotels, spectacular location and agreeable year-round climate. Some excellent restaurants have sprung up to cater to them, with a particularly good cluster in pretty Volosko, just up the road.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Croatian Museum of Tourism

    Croatian Museum of Tourism

    Opatija

    Spread between three historic buildings, this excellent museum houses a permanent collection of old photographs, postcards, brochures and posters tracing…

  • Lungomare

    Lungomare

    Opatija

    Lined with majestic villas and ample gardens, this wonderful path (more formally known as the Franz Joseph I Promenade) is a people-watcher’s dream and…

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