This thesis describes the beginnings of Opatija's tourism, by describing developmental stages of Croatian tourism and adaptations of the city of Opatija throughout them. In this thesis, the prerequisites that enabled that are presented first, and then, through the prism of changes happening to tourism in the region, a wider historical and cultural context is given, and finally, detailed history of Opatija's own tourism is depicted. From a small fishing village, Opatija grew to become the center of tourism for local aristocracy, which automatically included economical growth, urbanization, changes in city's culture, and creation of its new cultural identity. Due in part to all of this, Opatija managed to reach the very top when it comes to tourism, and stayed there ever since. This paper encapsulates Opatija's development under Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (to which special emphasis was given), followed by periods under Italian and Yugoslavian rule. For each of these periods, relevant statistical data is presented, and then interpreted from historical, cultural, sociological and economical aspect. Additionally, for each individual period special attention is given to architectural achievements, social events, as well as their influence on Opatija we know today. Everything mentioned above served to depict an uninterrupted image of progress made by this jewel of Mediterranean tourism through recent history, and to explain how, despite all the obstacles it faced on the way, Opatija's place in Croatia's tourist offer remains secure in foreseeable future.