Opatija, meaning ‘abbey’, was named after the San Giacomo della Priluca abbey that is located in Park Svetog Jakov, or St. Jacob’s Park. The city’s famous Lady with the seagull statue stands by the Juraj Šporer pavilion.

Several of the city’s famous historical monuments, including the Imperial, Opatija and Kvarner, are hotels that date back to the late nineteenth century. The 1st May Park and the coastal promenade were also constructed in this period. The restaurant at the Opatija Hotel is the oldest in the city and comes highly recommended for all tourists.

The cultural calendar begins in January with the annual Carnival and goes on well into the year with the International Yachting Regatta in May and the Opatija Yachting Cup in November, which is one of the more popular events. Several dive charters stand around the Marina Admiral that offer a chance to explore the Adriatic a little deeper than standard boat charters.

Since 1900, when the regulation about the price lists for dishes, drinks and rooms was passed, Porec has been investing much in tourism, and in the 1970s it became one of the most prestigious C...