When the emblem of a town is a Camellia, it follows that the town itself will be lovely and beguiling. Opatija overlooking the Gulf of Kvarner in Western Croatia is celebrated as being a jewel in the dazzling Croatian Riviera. Protected from the caprices of the elements, Opatija nestles under the towering Učka Mountain, enjoying a climate that makes it an idyllic holiday destination throughout the year with excellent summer and winter resorts.
The history of Opatija extends far into the past with archaeological evidence of cave inhabitants dating back thousands of years.
Despite its modest origins the building of the Villa Angiolina, in 1844, transformed the town into a mid-nineteenth century “hot spot”. Opatija became synonymous with splendour and nobility, attracting the Austrian Emperor, aristocracy and distinguished artists. The ornate architecture of grandiose buildings, the sweeping terraces, the parks adorned with exotic plants and sculptures, and the Lungomare - a 12 km promenade - recall a marvellous history that complements a contemporary, eclectic and cultural town. Gastronomic delights, festivals, carnivals, art, health spas and water sports are in abundance and holiday accommodation in Opatija is very enticing.
Throughout the year the town hosts a veritable cornucopia of Festivals that cater for all tastes beginning with a Carnival in January and ending with a Chocolate Festival in December and in-between offering: a Coffee Festival, a Wine Festival, a Flower Festival, a Jazz Festival, a Sailing Regatta, a Sci-Fi Convention, a Rock Festival, Highland Car-Racing, and a Folk Festival, with many more events being added to the calendar each year. Even the lunar calendar is observed, with an Astronomy Centre and Planetarium at Rijeka further up the coast. With so much going onall year round it’s important to book an Opatija apartment in good time for your favoured festivities.
The coastline has breath-taking views of the mountains on one side and crystal clear sea on the other. The surrounding region is rich in woodland; particularly noteworthy are the beautiful bay laurels and cypress trees. The Port is picture-postcard perfect with a variety of sailing crafts from fishing boats to splendid yachts nestled charmingly in the harbour. The much-revered statues of the Maiden with the Seagull and the Fontana Helios and Selena, St James Park and the Angiolina Park are just some of the many delightful historical and cultural attractions that make the town so captivating and why Opatija vacation homes are so sought after.
Opatija may prove to be so fulfilling that venturing beyond the town seems unnecessary, however Opatija is situated only an hour from Trieste, just over an hour from the ancient city of Pula, which possesses an impressive first-century amphitheatre, and it is possible to drive to the romantic city of Venice and back in just a day. The dramatic landscape of forests and lakes beg exploration, and a climb up the Učka mountain culminating with a breath-taking view of the Kvarner Gulf as a spectacular reward.
Croatia is renowned for being a remarkably hospitable and welcoming country. Whether you want to relax on a languorous wide-terrace imagining the splendid parties enjoyed by royalty, indulge in delicious local cuisine in some lovely restaurant, stroll through fine parks, museums and art galleries, be pampered at a spa, or become immersed in the wealth of culture, art and heritage –a stay in a Opatija vacation home has something to suit every everyone.
