Opatija

Opatija is a beautiful seaside town and municipality in western Croatia. Located in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Opatija is a traditional coastal resort town located on the Kvarner Gulf. It is a well-known tourist destination in Croatia, famous for its historic buildings, Mediterranean climate, and an overall feel that is reminiscent of the Austrian Riviera.

Also known as Genteel Opatija, this town used to be one of the most chic seaside resorts frequented by the Austro-Hungarian elite during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The many charming Epoque villas that dot the town stand witness to this period. Because of its natural beauty, the town of Opatija is also known as the pearl of the Adriatic.

In the last decade, Opatija has revamped itself and has become a major tourist destination of Croatian. Tourists are drawn to this beautiful city not only due to its spectacular location and pleasant climate but also because of the many grand spa hotels and restaurants that whip up some of the best delicacies of Croatia.

Once you arrive in Opatija, it is a good idea to discover the origins of the town's name first. Opatija means abbey in Croatian. There is a beautiful church that is the town's centerpiece. The Church of St. Jacob is one of the most historical attractions in this region, and you simply cannot miss this half-millennium old centerpiece.

After visiting the Church of St. Jacob, it is time to take a walk down the Walk of Fame. While this Walk of Game doesn't come with the glamor of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, but Opatija's Walk of Fame is also a must-see as there are many Croatian greats that have been honored here. Inventor Nikola Tesla, musician Rade Serbedzija, tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic, and writer Tin Ujevic are some of the names that have been honored here.

Don't forget to visit the most famous statue in Opatija, the Girl with a Seagull. This is a great tragic symbol of the Kvarner Gulf. While the original statue is now located in the Croatian Museum of Tourism, but you can still see the replica of the statue by the seaside and click a selfie with it.

It is also a great idea to check out the original statue at the Museum of Croatian Tourism. The museum is home to many other relics and artifacts that give you a glimpse of Opatija's glorious past. The Museum of Croatian Tourism is located in the heart of the town. The building that is home to the museum today was earlier known as the Villa Angiolina, and it was once a resort for the Austro-Hungarian elites. While the museum itself is fascinating, and you can spend many hours exploring the various items on display here, but what really attracts the crowds is the stunning surroundings and mesmerizing views from this place.

If you are confused about where to stay in Opatija, a recommended place would be to book your stay at the first hotel on the Adriatic Coast. Built in 1884, the Hotel Kvarner is the first public accommodation on the coast. In fact, people claim that this hotel was the starting point for the booming tourism industry of the region.