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Town in Kvarner, Croatia
Photo: Jimmy Harris, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Opatija is a city in the Istrian Peninsula in western Croatia and is the main tourist city on Liburnia riviera. It is around 13 km southwest of Rijeka, one of Croatia's largest cities. Opatija has a population of 7,850 but during summer number of residents and visitors largely increase up to dozen of thousands of people.
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Amazing neo-Renaissance Villa Angiolina was first tourist resort in Opatija, built in 1844 by Iginio Scarpa, a rich merchant Rijeka and named after his wife. Inside the villa Angiolina today is situated museum of Croatian tourism, and it is place for major social events, concerts and even some high-class weddings. Beautiful building is followed by a very nice garden and is the best start for sightseeing Opatija.
Beautiful Fountain of Helios and Selena is one of the landmarks of Opatija, situated near the church of St. Jacob. Fountain was built by Austrian sculptor Hans Rathausky and is another part of Austrian heritage in Opatija.
Main square with the beach of the same name, bus station and beautiful fountain in charming park close to another 19th-century palace-Bellevue hotel. In front of fountain is popular Slatina beach.
Symbol of Opatija is the statue of Maiden with the seagull on her right hand, erected in 1956, by Croatian sculptor Zvonko Car. It is located on the rocks overlooking Kvarner bay, right on the “Lungomare” promenade. It is probably most photographed symbol of the city.
Most popular beaches of Opatija are Slatina and Lido beaches, but along promenade there are numerous hidden rocky beaches popular for swimming and enjoying the sun.
Walk or run 12 km long seaside promenade from Opatija to Lovran passing beautiful villages Ika and Ičići.
Mount Učka is situated right behind Opatija and with its 1496 m altitude, it is challenging hike if you start from the coast. Učka nature park covers most of the mountain and beside hiking offers great MTB and mountain running possibilities. Alternatively, you can come with car to the top of the mountain, Vojak peak and enjoy amazing views on Istria peninsula, Kvarner islands, Rijeka, highlands and even Alps in the distance.
Opatija is 13 km west of Rijeka and can be reached by car is easy drive next to the seaside with wonderful views on Kvarner bay.
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