This small coastal town on Croatia's Opatija Riviera has 15th-century Venetian architecture, chestnut forests, and a seafront promenade lined with Belle Époque villas.
Lovran, a small coastal town on the eastern edge of the Istrian peninsula, sits between the Adriatic Sea and Mount Učka. You can walk through medieval stone streets to find the 12th-century Church of St. George, stroll past 19th-century Austro-Hungarian villas on the Lungomare promenade, or taste local specialties at the town's seasonal food festivals. The town takes its name from the bay leaf trees (lovor in Croatian) that grow throughout the area.
Walking the Lungomare
The 12-kilometer seaside promenade connects Lovran to Opatija. You'll walk past grand villas and through coastal gardens, with frequent spots to rest and swim. The paved path takes about three hours to complete, and you'll find cafes and beaches throughout the route. Many locals use it for morning exercise or evening walks.
Exploring the Medieval Center
The old town (Stari Grad) winds through narrow stone streets that open into small squares. At its center, the Church of St. George dates from the 12th century, with its yellow bell tower added in the 17th century. Look for the medieval tower and Stubica Town Gate, which remain from the original defensive walls.
Beaches Near Lovran
The coastline has several pebble beaches. Kvarner Beach lies 900 meters north of the old town, with concrete platforms where you can sunbathe and enter the water. Peharovo Beach runs alongside the Lungomare promenade, with several food stands in summer. Medveja Beach, a 10-minute drive south, stretches for 1.2 kilometers against a mountain backdrop.
Local Food and Festivals
Lovran's festivals celebrate local ingredients throughout the year. During April's Asparagus Festival, you can watch local cooks prepare a giant omelette using 1,000 eggs and wild asparagus. Cherry Days in June fills the streets with cherry-based foods and desserts. In October, the Marunada Festival brings out street vendors selling hot roasted chestnuts, while restaurants serve traditional chestnut dishes.
Getting to Lovran
To reach Lovran, fly to Rijeka Airport on Krk island and take the shuttle bus to Rijeka's main station. From there, bus 32 reaches Lovran in 30 minutes. Direct buses from Zagreb take 3.5 hours. The town center is compact and walkable.
Mount Učka Activities
Mount Učka rises 1,396 meters above the town. The nature park has marked trails ranging from 30-minute forest walks to full-day mountain hikes. From the summit, you can see across Kvarner Bay, and in good weather, the Italian coastline appears on the horizon.
