I’ve written about Croatia’s  Opatija Riviera before. It ranks, in my books, as one of the best countries to visit in Europe because of its year long pleasant weather conditions, clean waters and the abundance of wellness centres. If you are planning a Croatia holiday, consider the small town of Lovran for your base.

Location

Lovran stretches along the Rivera, about 6km away from Opatija. The town gets its name from the evergreen laurel trees that surround the town, along with rich oaks and chestnuts.

History

The heart of Lovran retains its medieval features with stone walls and houses wrapped around a 14^th century church and bell tower. Many of these homes and villas were once owned by Austro-Hungarian aristocrats, as part of their winter escape. Today, post restoration, they have been converted into guesthouses and private tourist accommodations.

Culture

Lovran is always in the midst of a festival – a great excuse for visitors to celebrate with and like locals. You can dance the day away to traditional beats and spend the nights on local delicacies and ales. Lovran’s two most popular festivals are the Carnival (held in January-February every year) and the Marunada (held in autumn). Be sure to check local listings before a visit.

Activities

Lovran is linked to the 12 km long Lungomare, the Rivera’s seaside promenade. It is a popular spot for seaside walks and jogs. And then there are Lovran’s pebbled beaches. Here you can lounge around and catch a tan or take part in a number of water based activities. These include fishing, rafting and canoeing. Lovran is also known for its hiking and cycling trails.

Day Trips

Once you’ve covered Lovran, explore the other towns along the Opatija Riviera, including the fishing village of Volosko and the bustling Opatija Town. Lovran also makes an ideal base for those planning to explore Croatia’s Kvarner and Istria regions – you can easily travel to the Islands of Losinj and Cres from Lovran, as well as to bigger Istrian destinations like Rovinj and Pula.

More Tips for Things to Do in Croatia

We’ve lots more tips on what to do in Croatia on Europe a la Carte.