The modern history of Opatija began in the middle of the 19th century, when Villa Angiolina was built. At that time, many famous personalities from the metropolises of Zagreb, Vienna and Budapest came to Villa “Angiolini” and Opatija and enjoyed the climatic advantages offered by its location. Opatija became a fashionable destination for the Austrian imperial family and the Austrian nobility. Soon luxury hotels, residences and villas were built. The first luxury hotel – Hotel “Quarnero” (today “Grand Hotel Kvarner”) – was built in 1884. The hotel Crown Princess Stephanie was opened in 1885. The first travel guide about Opatija was published in Vienna in 1883 under the title Abbazia, Idyll of the Adriatic.
Opatija, with its Riviera, is located in the Kvarner Bay on the Adriatic Sea below the Učka Mountains, where the Učka Nature Park with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities is located. In addition to a number of natural and cultural attractions that Opatija has to offer, there are also national parks nearby (Risnjak National Park, Brijuni National Park, Plitivička Jezera National Park). The peculiarity of the location and climatic advantages enabled the early development of health tourism. Today Opatija is a tourist destination that offers numerous cultural, entertainment and sports events, congresses and gastronomic offer.
To study in the place where the development of Croatian tourism began is a true privilege. The historical development of tourism by the sea and constant monitoring of current tourism trends in Opatija will reveal to you the secrets of creating a successful and recognizable destination.
We invite you to visit, study and get to know Opatija, Kvarner, Croatia!