Opatija has been popular and fashionable tourist destination for Austrian imperial family since a rich merchant Ingio Scarpa from Rijeka decided to take advantage of Opatija's climate and natural beauty. In the year 1844 he built the first villa in Opatija - Villa Angiolina and that was marked as the beginning of Opatija's tourism. The Angiolina Park with lots of plant species from all over the world and magnificent trimmed gardens, makes the heart of that romantic town. A girl with a sea gull - Madonina, is the recognizable tourist symbol of Opatija. Also along the entire riviera there is a promenade from Lovran to Volosko, which make Opatija a perfect choice for those who likes long walks on peaceful and beautiful coast with mix of fresh mountain and sea air. Opatija is well connected to Istria and other Croatian cities, islands and national parks.