This calm beach town on Rab Island has 22 sandy beaches along its 12-kilometer coastline. The most popular beach, Paradise, stretches 1.5 kilometers near pine forests.
Lopar sits on the northeastern shore of Rab Island in Croatia, where you'll find rare sandy beaches like the 2-kilometer Rajska Plaza, shallow Livacina Beach, and Sahara Beach with its dunes. The village connects to Saint Marinus, a 4th-century figure who later established San Marino. Ferries run regularly to nearby islands such as Goli Otok, and pine forests border walking paths along the coast. Families return here yearly for the safe swimming areas, and short trails lead to quiet coves. You can reach Rab Town in 20 minutes by car to see medieval stone buildings and Romanesque churches.
Beaches and Swimming Areas
Rajska Plaza anchors Lopar’s coastline with its long stretch of sand and gradual drop into the sea, safe for kids to play in waist-deep water. Beach bars here rent umbrellas and paddleboards, and showers are available near the parking area. Livacina Beach, a 10-minute walk south, has the same soft sand but fewer crowds, with a small snack bar serving grilled fish and ice cream. Sahara Beach surprises first-time visitors with its wind-shaped dunes, which you can climb for views of passing sailboats. Follow the marked trail from Lopar’s main road to Sturic Beach, a pebble-covered spot where locals often swim early in the morning.
Saint Marinus and Local History
A stone statue near Rajska Plaza marks the reported birthplace of Saint Marinus, who left Rab to found San Marino in 301 CE. While Lopar has no major historical buildings, Rab Town preserves 12th-century walls and the Cathedral of St. Mary the Great with its carved altar screen. Join a guided walking tour there to learn about Rab’s medieval rulers or visit the small museum inside the church. If you’re here in late July, watch for the Rab Fjera festival, where residents dress in traditional costumes and light bonfires on the Old Town squares.
Where to Stay
Most accommodations in Lopar are private apartments or guesthouses with kitchens, many within a 5-minute walk of the beaches. San Marino Camping Resort sits directly behind Rajska Plaza and has mobile homes with air conditioning, plus a grocery store on-site. For adults-only lodging, Suites Bellevue offers rooms with terraces facing the sea and a pool built into the cliffs. Three campgrounds near Sahara Beach accommodate tents and camper vans, with shared bathrooms and shaded picnic tables. Reserve any stay by May for July-August visits, as rooms fill quickly.
Ferry Connections and Transportation
Car ferries to Lopar leave from Valbiska on Krk Island year-round, with up to eight daily departures in summer. The shorter route from Misnjak on the mainland takes 25 minutes but only operates from June to September. Rab Island connects to the mainland via a bridge at Stinica, making it possible to drive from Zagreb in under three hours. Buses run hourly between Lopar and Rab Town, but renting a bike lets you explore beaches like Stolac and Kaštelina at your own pace.
Day Trips and Activities
Rab Town’s compact center includes the 13th-century Church of St. Justine, the preserved Romanesque bell towers, and stone streets lined with ice cream shops. Walk the Kalifront forest trail north of Lopar to see wild olive trees and rocky bays where fishermen mend nets. Boat tours from Lopar’s harbor visit Goli Otok, where you can walk through abandoned prison barracks from the 1950s. In mid-August, Rab hosts a crossbow tournament on the main square, with teams competing in historic uniforms. For a full-day excursion, take the ferry to Pag Island to try its sharp sheep’s milk cheese.
