Wander along winding stone paths through the serene Japanese Tea Garden, a peaceful retreat rich in history and beauty. Originally a limestone quarry, this garden is a testament to San Antonio’s ability to transform and preserve nature. Explore tranquil ponds filled with koi fish and turtles, cross charming stone bridges, and admire a traditional pagoda that offers a perfect photo spot. Mini waterfalls add a soothing soundtrack to your visit, while lush vegetation attracts colorful butterflies fluttering gracefully from flower to flower.

A colourful glass cube by the port marks the only Pompidou outside France. Inside, there’s a mix of modern and contemporary art from the main collection in Paris, with rotating exhibits and some permanent works. Expect big names like Frida Kahlo (The Frame is here), plus a few thematic sections covering identity, the body, politics, and more.

With the arrival of Iginio Scarpa, a patrician from Rijeka and building of his summer house Villa Angiolina in 1844, Opatija opened her doors to a whole line of guests and passengers. This is the building that certainly marked the beginning of the tourist epoch in the history of Opatija.

To really get a deeper understanding of the area, head inland towards the golden sand dunes that are home to a myriad of hidden treasures. One not-so-hidden treasure is the amphitheatre of El Jem which was a set for the film Gladiator and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its size and importance during the Roman Empire. Due to the drifting sands of the desert, archaeologists periodically make discoveries here, the most recent of which is a large racetrack that had gone unnoticed for centuries. A private tour, which can last anywhere between four hours and three days, will take adventurers from Monastir through the surrounding Bedouin villages, past Kairouan to El Jem.