This thesis is about history of tourism in Opatija. The most important determinants of touristic development in Opatija were: building of Vila Angiolina, development of health and „sun and beach“ tourism. Opatija was the destination that was visited mostly during winter and it was the destination of the elite. Opatija is the place where the development of Croatian tourism has started and it is often said that Croatian tourism has it roots in Opatija. The most important years of history of tourism in Opatija were: 1844 as the year of the construction of Vila Angiolina, 1883 as the year of the construction of Angiolina-Bad and 1889 as the year when Opatija was named as coastal climatic and health resort. Moreover, the goal of establishment of Opatija festival was to extend the offer and entertain local community and tourists. After the establishment of this festival, other festival were founded on the Adriatic coast. This events in history of tourism in Opatija were important for the future development of tourism and because of that the tourism in Opatija today has a high standard.