Owing to such climatic and ecological conditions the first tourists began to arrive in Crikvenica on an organised basis more that one hundred years ago primarily for medical reasons. Recreation, vacation and entertainment were only additional reasons. In 1956 Crikvenica was officially proclaimed a health resort and a seaside resort.

The fact that balneotherapy, climatotherapy and thalassotherapy are highly valued in the most famous medical centres of Europe has prompted the construction of medical centres and establishments in Crikvenica. First a medical establishment for Austro-Hungarian officers and the children´s home "Ladislavovac" were completed, followed by hydropathic establishments in the hotels "Therapia" and "Miramare" and the sanatorium of Dr Seidl, then also the "Czech colony" and the teacher´s home "Villa Ruzica". After the second world war establishments for thalassotherapy for adults and children were founded with in-patient clinics for curing and rehabilitation, particularly for illnesses of respiratory organs and rheumatism.

The present "Thalassotherapia" is a well organised establishment equipped with most modern apparatuses and equipment. It offers to in-clinic patients and tourists a wide range of medical services in curing and rehabilitation. This institution serves for teaching purpose to the Medical School in Rijeka.

The observation and investigation of meteorological, ecological and aerobiological parameters initiated a century ago, are now being improved and scientifically elaborated.