Matulji is a small town only 2km from Opatija, located at the eastern border of Istrian peninsula, in Opatija hinterland. The beginning of tourism in Matulji dates back to 1873 when the first train arrived from Vienna to the newly built Matulji train station and with it many of the European notables. This also marked a new era for trade. The wider Matulji area is rich with caves, chasms, caverns and icicles with water coursing through them. There are almost a hundred caves and some of them are not fully explored yet. Matulji area is covered by forests and is the connection between Kvarner and Ucka. It is the intersection of numerous mountain trails that lead to the coast or from the coast, such as those that lead to the park-forest Lisina - destination of mountain climbers and hunters. The surrounding villages cherish agriculture and traditional trades. Andrejici, Veli Brgud and Selo Lipa are registered as rural cultural monuments. Brezanski zvoncari (bell-ringers), Rukavacki zvoncari, Munski zvoncari, etc. have been included in the UNESCO immaterial cultural heritage list. Excursionists, those passing by and tourists that come here for their summer vacation (for more pleasant, cooler summer nights) are offered apartments and rooms in private houses. Accommodation signs are hung on the houses saying "apartmani". Hosts are agreeable and make Matulji and its surroundings special. They are simple, kind and have plenty of stories and traditions. This is best portrayed by Zvoncari, masked marry people that inspire hope and chase away evil spirits each year, with masks and bells. Local buffets and osterias offer traditional dishes and local specialties. Matulji has everything necessary for truly relaxing. Urban, modern, additional contents can be found at any time, in the nearby Rijeka, Opatija and other tourist resorts.