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At the turn of the last century, Opatija became the high-class retreat of numerous crowned and noble heads of Europe; it also became very popular amongst well known artists of the time such as Mahler, Chekov, Klimt and Isadora Duncan. Today the opulence and elegance of the time remain visible in the smart Opatija hotels and the well tended parks and seaside villas along the seashore.
The best way to see all this is to take a stroll from your Opatija hotel some of the way along the 12km long promenade called “Lungomare”, which winds its way along the coastline linking little seaside villages such as Ika along its route. You will also find an endless choice of sea facing cafes and restaurants at which you can stop for a coffee or meal. Perhaps the prettiest place along the Lungomare is a fishing village called Volosko. It is absolutely charming and is full of little shops and boutiques – but nothing beats a splendid dinner at either Plavi Podrum or Amfora overlooking the enchanting harbour full of colourful boats. About 15 minutes drive south from your Opatija hotel you will come to lovely pebble beaches such as at Medveja and Moscenicka Draga.
We can certainly recommend staying at the Hotel Miramar when choosing a hotel in Opatija. It is located in a beautiful bay and surrounded by lush green mountains and blossoming Mediterranean vegetation. A rocky beach lies in front of the hotel and a pleasant 10 minute walk along the Lungomare takes you directly from the hotel gardens to the centre of Opatija with its multitude of shops, bars and restaurants.
From your hotel in Opatija you can venture out for a number of interesting day trips. In particular you should not miss Pula which is about 45 minutes drive away. Pula’s list of heritage is so long that practically every step through the old town takes you to one of its landmarks: the Roman Amphitheatre the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century BC, Hercules gate and Twin gates, the temple of augustus and the small Roman theatre in the town centre. About an hour from your Opatija hotel lies Fazana, a coastal town from which trips to the magical Islands of Brijuni are organised.
For entirely surroundings, also about an hour from your hotel in Opatija is the Cape of Kamenjak – its 30km coastline is dotted with rock slabs, beaches, bays and small islands and is ideal for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
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