Opatija Riviera – A feeling of pleasure resulting from the intoxicating combination of luxury, culture and 'good living'
The elegant Opatija Riviera (Opatijska rivijera) encompasses the coastal communities located on the Mošćenička Draga – Lovran – Ika and Ičići – Opatija – Volosko stretch of the coast and small communities, namely Veprinac and Matulji, in the hinterland. It developed after the completion of the Vienna – Opatija/Matulji railroad in 1883. The mentioned railroad connected Vienna with the Adriatic in only 5 hours, thus taking one at lightning speed (in those days) to one of the most attractive tourist destinations of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in which the first hotel on the eastern part of the Adriatic, the Kvarner Hotel, was built already in 1884. 1889 is yet another important year in the history of Opatija. It was then that Opatija was proclaimed a climatic resort by the tsar's proclamation, which resulted in the establishment of medical offices, rehabilitation centers and bathing areas. Opatija soon became the focal point of Croatian tourism. Fashionable luxury villas, grand hotels, health resorts and a 12-kilometer-long walkway along the sea (Lungomare) remind of that time even today. Although Opatija has been dubbed the Town Museum of Central Europe (Grad muzej Srednje Europe) because it presents various historic themes in a special manner at outdoor city locations, Opatija is a recognizable tourist destination with high quality accommodation facilities and a wide offer of vacation, health and congress tourism.
More information is available at:
www.opatija-tourism.hr
Hrvatsko primorje Riviera – A ‘high energy’ riviera with a healthy, sporting and joyful spirit
The Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski area encompasses the coastal area in the length of about 35 kilometers with a series of tourist destinations, including in north-south direction: Jadranovo, Dramalj, Crikvenica, Selce, Novi Vinodolski, Povile, Klenovica and Sibinj. This stretch of the coast mainly leans on the wine growing, rural and mountainous hinterland of the Vinodol Municipality with picturesque small communities of Tribalj, Grižane and Bribir. It is a combination of the peaceful, natural and, in many parts, almost intact hinterland and the active, highly developed coast. The region fosters a long tradition in tourism. Thanks to its exceptionally mild winter climate and closeness to former centers of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the industrially developed Czech Republic, numerous winter and health resorts intended for the European elite clientele were built here at the end of the 19th century, classifying the region’s tourist destinations among the first ones in the Adriatic coast to offer such accommodation. It is said that Archduke Josef personally ordered that the then Port of Crikvenica be turned into a resort because he was in feud with his brother Emperor Franz Josef I and therefore refused to share with him the refreshing summer air of Opatija. The tourist tradition of the Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski area is inseparably associated with the development of health (thalasso) tourism which, innovated and expanded to include a wellness offer and specialist clinics, represents even today one of the core attractions of this area (e.g. Resort Novi with the largest wellness center in the Adriatic region, a series of hotel wellness programs, Thalassotherapia, Terme Selce, Kanatur Clinic). The tourists are attracted by the diversity of the area, its beneficial climate, the healing properties of sea water, its long sandy and pebble beaches connected by a natural walkway, its network of walkways and parks, its interesting hinterland, healthy lifestyle, the possibilities it offers for active vacation and excellent conditions it provides for preparation of athletes, recognizable gastronomic specialties, its rich cultural heritage and numerous more recent attractions. New projects such as the Small Love Road (Ljubavna cestica), connecting the center of Crikvenica with its Vinodol hinterland, or the Eyes of Vinodol (Oči Vinodola) referring to the trail along the Vinodol Valley (Vinodolska dolina) with a series of exceptional view spots. The cultural and historic resources of the area are also exceptional. There are valuable Illyrian and Ancient archaeological sites (Ad turres, Kotor, Roman villas, ancient workshop in which clay utensils were made) in the Crikvenica area alone. Novi Vinodolski, a cultural and political center of the Frankopan Princedom in the Middle Ages and a place characterized by a rich history, entered the Croatian history as the place where the Vinodol Codex (Vinodolski zakonik), the oldest Croatian legal document dating from 1288, was signed. This is also the area where historic figures came from or where they left their legacy, including the powerful feudal rulers of the Frankopan family, world renowned miniaturist Julije Klović dubbed Michelangelo of Miniature (born in Grižane) and the Mažuranić family producing a series of important Croatian literary writers and rulers (born in Novi Vinodolski). The Vinodol Valley with its medieval forts and picturesque villages, such as Drivenik, Grižane and Bribir, is recognizable as a destination for tourists interested in history, culture and spending time outdoors. Vinodol proves with its name its exceptional agrarian value and grape growing tradition lasting since the ancient times (Vallis vinearia).
More information is available at:
www.tzg-crikvenice.hr
www.tz-novi-vinodolski.hr
City of Rijeka – The pulsating center of Kvarner, a town vibrating with pleasure (Rijeka Rocks)
The city of Rijeka is the center of Central European culture and tradition, the largest Croatian port and the region's capital with 51 percent of the total population of Kvarner. Its industrial heritage has recently started to be exploited as a feature with great tourism potential. Rijeka is a city characterized by lavish architecture (Baroque-style palaces, monumental buildings ranging in style from historicism and secession to modern, urban architecture), art galleries, museums, a theater, restaurants and cafés, beerhouses – an ambiance bringing together a fascinating tradition and the hustle and bustle of the city. Rijeka is known for one of the oldest sanctuaries in the world, the famous Trsat Franciscan Monastery housing a priceless treasury, a gallery of works of art and a Chapel of Votive Gifts (Kapela zavjetnih darova). (The pilgrimage season starts on May 10 on the occasion of the celebration of the Mother of Mercy of the Holy Nazareth House (Majka milosti od Svete nazaretske kuće) and lasts until the religious holiday of Christ the Lord). The Rijeka region is especially known for the numerous cultural events, festivals and happenings that have been affirmed as part of the national festival program (e.g. Rijeka Summer Nights, Zajc Days, Hartera, Summer at the Castle, International Festival of Small Stage Theater, International Puppet Theater Festival, Kastav Cultural Summer). Above all, Rijeka and its surroundings 'live' for the carnival, and the Rijeka Carnival (Riječki karneval) is a recognizable international event. Rijeka is the center of contemporary, classical (e.g. Ivan pl. Zajc Theater) and modern, popular cultural production (rock scene, modern gallery). It is exactly the city's lively 'rocker' culture, its clubs and discos, and numerous really good restaurants that give Rijeka that special, quick pulse. The wider Rijeka region is the place where certain 'specific' sporting activities take place, referring mainly to the Grobnik race track and the Preluk windsurfing site.
More information is available at:
www.tz-rijeka.hr