Opatija is one of Croatia's oldest tourist towns. Perched on the Adriatic Sea in the northern stretches of Croatia's coastline, the peaceful waters and scenic landscapes have made this a renowned tourist spit for nearly two hundred years. Today, it is still easy to see why. With mild temperatures, sea views, and a mountain backdrop, there is much to love about Opatija.

History

Opatija has a quiet history, commonly thought of in terms of before and after its development as a tourist town. The tourist era in Opatija started in the late 1800s, when a well-known citizen of nearby Rijeka built an impressive Villa there. From there, the town underwent various renovations, all focused on catering to those who chose to visit its warm and peaceful shores as a getaway from everyday life. Before that period, Opatija had a relatively uneventful history, which is still evidenced in some of the structures still standing, such as a fourteenth century abbey which is now a part of St. Jacob's church. It is from this abbey that the town gets its name, since Opatija can be translated as "abbey."

Art & Museums

There are a number of historical sites and well maintained gardens in Opatija. Guests can enjoy touring the original villa that started the tourist era, the Villa Angiolina. The Park of St. Jacob is also a popular restful spot for its beautiful and lush greenery. Many people also visit St. Jacob's church, which still has relics from the original abbey that was founded there. There is also an art pavilion in which various artists are showcased year round.

Nightlife

The night scene in Opatija is not quite as raucous as in larger nearby towns like Rijeka, but guests can still find plenty to do to pass the evening. Most bars and restaurants in Opatija close by eleven, but are quite full and welcoming during the evening hours. There are other, more family friendly options as well, such as ice cream parlors and an open air theater which will often show movies.

How to get there

Opatija is connected to larger urban centers such as Rijeka. Due to the amount of tourist traffic to the area year round, Opatija is relatively easy to find. For those looking for public transportation to Opatija, several buses do run to the area.