Ičići

Throughout the year, Opatija not only offers its visitors leisure but also various creative activities in the town's museums and galleries, numerous events and concerts at the spectacular Open Air Theatre, and a wide range of wellness & spa services and facilities in its hotels. Discovering the town's cultural and historical heritage or strolling along the Lungomare coastal promenade or the Carmen Sylva forest promenade are particularly popular activities with visitors to the town, which is regarded by many as the "Queen of the Adriatic".

Before Opatija became a holiday resort, Volosko was the seat of the district, an important trade port and the area's administrative centre. Today Volosko has lost that importance, but not its magical appeal as a picturesque fishing village, an inexhaustible source of inspiration to artists, a haven to those searching for peace in the narrow lanes of the old town, or for a cup of coffee on the waterfront, in the unique atmosphere of the harbour. There is something very special about the view of the sea from Volosko's waterfront: the whole Adriatic seems to open up towards the south from here… When walking through the lanes in the historic part of the town, you will come across the monument commemorating Volosko as the birthplace of Andrija Mohorovičić, the world-famous scientist who first identified the discontinuity that separates the Earth's crust from the mantle. This layer is called the Mohorovičić Discontinuity, or Moho for short. He was born in the house at the very beginning of the Lungomare coastal promenade. Today Volosko is also synonymous with fine gastronomy – from typical taverns offering fish and other traditional dishes of the local area, to superb gourmet restaurants that are listed in the most prestigious international restaurant guides – Volosko offers all of that, and much more. It is only a pleasant three-kilometre stroll along the coastal promenade from where you are now standing. Do not miss the chance to pay this enchanting place a visit!

Just like Volosko, Veprinac was also an important centre long before Opatija became a notable tourist resort. Probably built on the foundations of a pre-historic settlement, the origin of the name Veprinac is usually thought to be connected to the Croatian word for butcher's broom, a plant which grows abundantly in the area. The historic heritage of the town includes the Veprinac Law from 1507, a very important document that regulated the customs and legal issues of the time. The old part of the town can be reached by passing the town gate with three arches, which is located in the former municipal building. On the right, in front of the town gate, is the loggia, and on the left is St. Anne's Chapel with an inscription from 1442. During recent restoration work, the remnants of some interesting frescoes were found on the walls inside the chapel, but these still need to be researched in more detail. The building right by the town gate hosts an ethnological collection presenting items, tools and documents that illustrate how people in this area used to live in the past. The ascent up stone steps to the entrance to the church yard of St. Mark's parish church; the wonderful views of Kvarner Bay and Opatija on the sea side, and Mount Učka in the hinterland; the church yard where time seems to be standing still – this is Veprinac, the ancient town above Opatija Riviera where at every turn one can feel the nostalgic spirit of the times gone by. Just like the local poet Josip Stanić wrote in his verses – Veprinac seems to almost touch the heaven

Visitors to Ika can enjoy perfect peace and quiet – probably the most sought-after qualities on a holiday, and essential for escaping the stress of daily life. This small coastal town with a population of only several hundred is particularly proud of its fishing and shipbuilding traditions, which today make up part of the local tourism offer. Ika is also the university centre of the Opatija Riviera, as it is home to the internationally recognised Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, which has educated hundreds of students from all over Croatia and abroad. A special event is the Fish Festival, when visitors can experience what it means to live in a coastal place like this, as they have the opportunity to help fishermen repair their nets or place the fish traps, observe the fishing boats as they set out to sea, and then taste the freshly caught fish prepared by local chefs.

The sea has always been the main resource for the people of Ičići ever since the ninth century BC when the Liburnians (an Illyrian tribe) used to build their fast ships along these coasts and then sail to North Africa and Asia Minor. Today, Ičići is most famous for its attractive beach and one of the best marinas in the Adriatic. Ičići offers much more than just enjoying the beach and sea. Visitors can spend an action-packed holiday doing a variety of sports activities such as speedminton, sand volleyball, beach aerobics, tennis, paintball and football at the nearby campsite. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous marked trails leading up to Mount Učka that start in Ičići and end at the top of the highest mountain in Kvarner.