Istria, CROATIA
Airing Date: Oct 6th, 2003
Istria is rich with history, culture and beauty - and these days it's also rich with wealthy Europeans. The region has been a popular playground for hundreds of years, especially in the two pretty towns of Opatija and Rovinj.
Often called the Nice of the Adriatic, Opatija is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Croatia.
In 1889 Opatija was declared the first climatic seaside resort on the Adriatic, which strengthened its position as the most fashionable tourist resort. Holidaymakers and locals alike contributed to its stunning landscape by planting exotic plants throughout the town.
Opatija has certainly drawn in the big names. Almost all members of the Austrian imperial family visited Opatija. Europe's high aristocracy was at home there, and Italy's King Umberto, the kings of Serbia, Montenegro and Greece, the Bulgarian Czar and many other royals have spent time in the town. It's no wonder Opatija today has more first class hotels than any other place on the Croatian coast.
Villa Angiolina was the place that got the ball rolling, back in 1844. The powerful merchant Higinio von Scarpa from Rijeka built it as a summer house and named it after his wife. The paint had barely dried when the party invitations went out - but the only problem was that the hosts couldn't fit all their guests in the villa. To accommodate everyone, Scarpa built a hotel nearby. Nowadays, open-air concerts are regularly held in the villa's park in summer.
Almost before they recovered from that first hangover, things started to happen at Rovinj, on the Italian side of Istria. The beginning of tourism here was marked by the introduction of a steamship line between Rovinj and Italy and the construction of the railroad to Vienna. Today, the Italians flock to Rovinj, with many catching the two-hour hydrofoil from Venice.
The heavy Italian influence in Rovinj is noticeable, from the language to the shops and the gelato. Italian or not, Rovinj is still a distinct destination. The cobblestone streets are full of art, the alleyways are full of history and the harbour full of boats. The historic town has a magical atmosphere and a great holiday vibe.
The facts
Thai Airways International flies to Rome. Their UK/Europe Dollar Deals start at $2134 from the east coast and $2012 from the west. Connections to Zagreb on Croatia Airlines start from $680 return.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Sky Air Services
Tel: 1300 737 177
Rooms at Hotel Kvarner start from $91 per person twin share per night, including breakfast.
Hotel Kvarner
Tel: 0011 385 51 271 233
