The gulf of Quarnero is a fascinating spot of the Adriatic Sea, showing scattered islands so close to one another to favour sailing ever since the days of yore. However short distances may look, which suggests relatively easy transport, we cannot possibly reckon without bora, the ill-famed wind that occasionally hits this coastal area, and makes sailing tougher in the blink of an eye. It’s a winter wind though, breezes prevail in summer with their day mistral and night borino (light bora).
Opatija, the Quarnero pearl
Opatija was our starting point, stretching along the slopes of Ukla Massif with its Riviera. An old, elegant, fascinating town whose fame dates back to the end of 19th century. When, to be short, it became a popular destination for noble and wealthy Austro-Hungarian tourists thanks to its warm climate, balmy air, and thalasso-therapeutic sea water. Officially acknowledged as Cure Climatic Centre in 1989, Opatija now boasts an unparalleled series of art-deco villas and buildings mainly turned into hotels and spas, botanic gardens with all-scented flowers, museums, designers’ boutiques and a wonderful seafront embracing the bay with its trees. Inlets and high quality restaurants complete the picture, Lovran standing out as a Volonsko fishermen, belle-epoque village.
Cres Island, nature’s kingdom
The narrow, winding island of Cress stretches roughly ten miles south of Opatij. The northern coast, a woody, mountainous uninhabited area, is known for its
