Your every step, breath and every
positive thought invoked by the beauty
of the landscape of this diverse region
represents just that – health.
Kvarner has maintained a strong bond with health tourism for a long time, with scientific proof dating all the way back to the 19th century. Even then it was already completely clear that this region was predestined to be a health destination.
Kvarner is a common name for the coast, islands, and the nearby mountains. The unique Kvarner climate, the strength of the sea waves, the air with a marvellous combination of the effects of sea water and aromatic plants and other valuable characteristics have joined forces with a long tradition and expert staff.
Moreover, modern thalassotherapy centres use the properties of sea water, algae and air in treatments aimed at increasing vitality and enhancing beauty.
The power of the Kvarner sea is at your service... Its exceptional food and abundant opportunities for an
active life make Kvarner a genuine health destination whose main centres are the island of Lošinj, Opatija and Crikvenica with their rivieras, along with the islands of Krk and Rab, as well as the towns of Delnice and Skrad in the continental, forested part of the region.
This region has a long tourist tradition. The city of Opatija has the longest tradition, and its tourism history dates back to 1844. The first hotel was opened in 1885, and the first congress of balneologists held that same year decided that it should become a climatic health resort, which officially happened in 1889 via an imperial decree. Interestingly, in 1907, Opatija was ranked second best among the top 243 health resorts in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
Many kings and emperors stayed there, it was a source of inspiration and pleasure for many artists, and all of them contributed to the everlasting beauty and splendour of its buildings, promenades and parks.
This tradition has continued and Opatija still remains a beautiful tourist destination, famous for the rich offer of its wellness centres, as well as medical tourism.
Thalassotherapia Opatija has half a century of experience in working
cardiology, rheumatic, psychiatric and dermatological patients and is ranked among the very top treatment and rehabilitation institutions.
Opatija also has a well-developed wellness offer which fulfils today’s standards, with numerous treatments aimed at preventing disease and contributing to health and beauty.
If you are looking for a wellness centre with the most beautiful view of the sea, you might just find one here, despite the really strong competition. Opatija is a city of beautiful architecture and parks, a twelve kilometre long promenade alongby the sea, genuine health therapy out in the open, with the sublime combination of the effects of the sea and Mount Učka, which serves as a backdrop for this town.
A famous institution for the treatment of orthopaedic illnesses is located in Lovran, in the immediate vicinity of Opatija.
Opatija’s offer is supplemented by the amenities of the nearby city of Rijeka, Kvarner’s largest city, which has built on its role of a maritime port by adding to it the reputation of a developed and ever dynamic tourist centre, flush with monuments, numerous events, dynamic day and night life and specialised health and dental institutions. All in one! Outstanding dental services are available in other parts of Kvarner as well, and they are a common reason for the visit of patients who can combine health with an enjoyable stay and a great gastronomic offer.
The island of Krk, also known as Insula Aurea or Golden Island, is a well-developed and popular tourist destination, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Apart from its climate and other benefits, as well as a rich history awarding it the nickname “the cradle of Croatian culture”, Krk is also known for its healing mud in the bay of Klimno.
The island of Lošinj, with well-known towns of Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj, is nicknamed the “Island of Vitality” and is known in Croatia and abroad for its well-rounded concept of health care offered by health institutions, hotel complexes, local entrepreneurs as well as, like almost nowhere else, all of its residents. After all, the tourism concept of Lošinj has won the UNWTO award for the best European project, and it was the third best project internationally.
Due to its specific micro climate, whose positive effects have been confirmed through numerous studies, the island of Lošinj was declared a climatic health resort in 1892. Along with professor Ambroz Haračić, who was responsible for the publication of meteorological research findings in 1884, Austrian balneologist and climate therapist dr. Conrad Clar also deserves to be mentioned. He confirmed the beneficial effects of the local climate through his research, but had the opportunity to further verify them through the experience of his son.
Lošinj has coupled its natural predispositions with modern health services, led by the Veli Lošinj Health Care Centre. The Centre offers programmes designed for treating respiratory tract illnesses and asthma, allergy and psoriasis treatment programmes, as well as classic rehabilitation programs for diseases of the locomotor system and neurological diseases.
Health tourism on the island is also complemented by admirable hotel service, systematic care for the environment, as well as staff expertise and innovativeness. This concept is further strengthened by the fact that it does not include only professional health workers, but also hoteliers, wellness specialists and local residents. They complement the offer of this unique island of health and vitality through the gastronomic offer adapted to local and contemporary nutrition trends and the production of cosmetic preparations from aromatic herbs grown in this region...
The aromatic herbs, healthy food and pristine environment will be highly beneficial for your health, even if all you do is take walks around the island. Make sure to visit a special cultural attraction – the unique and original Museum of Apoxyomenos, adopt a dolphin, observe the flight of the griffon vulture and take deep breaths, walk along promenades, go cycling on designated bike trails... or just walk around and breathe deeply...
Health tourism is deeply embedded in the tradition of the Crikvenica Riviera, mentioned in foreign magazines and guides ever since the 19th century. Then and at the beginning of the following century, the first hydropathic institutions operated within large hotels, health resorts for children and adults started opening their doors and, in time, separate sanatoriums were built.
In 1906, a special committee for health was established, and Crikvenica was officially proclaimed a climatic health resort and a seaside resort. Every following year started of a new chapter in the development of health tourism on this riviera, comprising Crikvenica, Selce, Dramalj etc. They all come together to give a new impetus to the successes in the prevention and treatment of respiratory illness, sports injuries and the improvement of fitness for athletes, preparation and care of divers, etc.
Thalassotherapy, Crikvenica is a special hospital for medical rehabilitation and it provides treatment and rehabilitation for patients with respiratory diseases and rheumatism. The Terme Selce Polyclinic specialises in diagnostics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, sports medicine and special healthy living programmes. All this is combined with a stay in beautiful surroundings, an excellent and diverse array of tourist services, enjoyment in the Mediterranean gastronomy and events that combine the past with the present, for the future, in such a pleasant and interesting way.
The path to health and the prevention of illness also leads to Rab, one of the lushest Adriatic islands, whose climate and wellness offers as well as over a hundred kilometres of cycling paths, have a beneficial effect on the health and on the spirit. If you are in the mood for a change of scenery, you can visit another jewel of Kvarner, the mountains of the green Gorski Kotar, home to the Risnjak National Park and the towns of
Delnice and Skrad. With a simple stay on the islands, the coast or in the mountains, taking walks by the sea or through the forests, you are doing a lot for your health.