"What an Elegant 19th Century Resort" Top 5 Page for this destination Opatija by BruceDunning

Opatija Travel Guide: 212 reviews and 427 photos

Tourism Makes Things Happen

Tourism is what makes this town thrive now, and has since 1844. Ignicio Scarpa, a wealthy merchant from Rijeka came here to construct an elegant palace, said to be dedicated to his deceased wife, whom he loved dearly,even though I think he enjoyed it also, and more so since he was alive. He invited many upscale and influential people to come and stay here. That led to more growth and long summer stays for those people to enjoy the climate and beach.
Southern Railway Company of Vienna bought the Angiolina in 1882, and then build Hotel Hvarner in 1884 to meet tourist demands. Now there are over 20 major hotels in the resort area

Angiolina Garden

Angiolina garden

The park was created shortly after the palace was finished. There were 159 plant species imported from around the world, and therefore, not indigenous to this climate, but they survived. The park was developed and expanded between 1845-60, and surrounded the Villa. It covers 3.64 hectares, and sectioned into 60 different themes, even though it looks merged for the most part. Now the garden park is divided into some by church of St. Jacob, and the rest at the Villa Angiolina

Many Ornate buildings from the Past

Elegant buildings on the horizon

This resort town got a footing from Austrian gentry that started to build in last half of 1800's in the style of what was popular back in Vienna. There were 120 buildings in about 1850, and today has over 20 decorative hotels, and many decorated and colorful structures; mostly businesses now.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very beautiful and decorative buildings in upscale resort
Cons:Parking can be difficult-too many people walking around
In a nutshell:After the stroll around to see the ornate buildings-what next?

Last visit to Opatija: May 2010
Intro Updated Jun 12, 2010
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Reviews (13)

Good Locals and Friendly Restaurants (1)

Excellent and friendly waiters-classy place at a decent price value The steak was very good, and even had a touch of... more travel advice

Pobri Apartment Hotels (1)

It was an excellent time to stay there, and the owners lived on site and were very helpful and friendly. A very large... more travel advice

Casino Things to Do (11)

This was opened in about 2000, and the building was totally redone for the casino more travel advice

Harbor views Things to Do (11)

The riva is the place all come to walk some of the 12 kilometers that they can take along the water edge. Near the... more travel advice

Comments (15)

ViajesdelMundo Dec 6, 2010 at 3:42 PM Report Abuse

lovely architecture and old-world area; I hope some day to see.
toonsarah Nov 2, 2010 at 5:36 AM Report Abuse

Looks a great place for a stroll and for photos. I love the statue of the girl with the seagull especially!
deecat Oct 19, 2010 at 9:26 PM Report Abuse

Excellent introduction page. Photographs are quite dramatic, especially the lead ones. Unbelievable price on the apartment.
MalenaN Oct 15, 2010 at 10:39 PM Report Abuse

Opatija looks like a lovely town to stroll around in and the architecture is beautiful.
tiabunna Oct 10, 2010 at 3:58 AM Report Abuse

This looks a very pleasant place and a very enjoyable stay, going by your photos Bruce. Interesting that it's been a tourist destination for so long - though hardly surprising.
LoriPori Sep 27, 2010 at 4:12 AM Report Abuse

Lovely little town of Opatija with some impressive architecture. Hans would love it here as they have a Casino.
HORSCHECK Sep 20, 2010 at 1:12 PM Report Abuse

Bruce, fantastic page about Opatija, which I haven't visited yet, although it was already a few times on my list. The Pobri Apartment seems to be a really good find.
nickandchris Sep 17, 2010 at 2:13 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful architecture and I particularly like the girl with the seagull. Must have been nice to have lived in such decadent times. Would like to visit Croatia.
starship Sep 15, 2010 at 4:30 PM Report Abuse

Such a beautiful place and I do love the architecture! Great accommodation and restaurant tip. Great photos too!
ranger49 Aug 12, 2010 at 11:04 AM Report Abuse

I always wanted to got to Opatija, nearly did in 1979 but booked Budva instead - then the earthquake - so went to Dubrovnik.Your page tempts me still to this lovely belle epoch resort!