While the masses flock to nearby Opatija for its glitz and crowded promenades, the smart travelers head five kilometers south to Lovran. It’s the quieter, greener, and frankly more authentic sibling of the Kvarner Riviera.
I believe Lovran deserves a lot more attention than it currently gets, so here I am, ready to fix that. In this guide, we’ll cover everything about traveling to Lovran: the top things to do, where to find the best food, where to stay, and which beaches are actually worth your time.
Lovran is also a perfect home base if you’re traveling with a car. You are within striking distance of some of the country’s best National Parks (Učka, Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni, or Risnjak), as well as the islands of Krk, Cres, and Rab. You can even make day trips to the Postojna cave in Slovenia or Venice in Italy.
Of course, the entire Istria coast is right here for you to explore.
Interesting fact: Lovran was named after the Laurel tree (Laurus nobilis), which grows everywhere in the area!
Essential Logistics: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Before we get into all the details, let’s handle the practical stuff that might not be as fun, but which can make or break your trip:
Getting There: If you aren’t driving, the closest airport is Rijeka Airport (RJK) located on Krk Island. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive. You can also fly into Pula (PUY), which is around 100 kilometers away.
From either place, you can then book a bus ride (plenty of fast, affordable options) or rent a car if you prefer to drive.
Parking is Tricky: Lovran is an old town with narrow streets. Parking is scarce and aggressively patrolled.
If your accommodation offers free parking, it’s a massive value add. Otherwise, look for the main public parking lots near the center, but be prepared to pay hourly during the season.
The Magic Bus 32: If you want to visit Opatija without the headache of parking, use the public Bus Line 32. It runs frequently between Rijeka, Opatija, Lovran, and Mošćenička Draga. It’s cheap, reliable, and runs late into the night.
Currency & Borders: Since 2023, Croatia uses the Euro (€). Also, Croatia is fully part of the Schengen zone, so if you are driving in from Slovenia or Italy, there are no more border checks – just drive right through!
Lovran Accommodation: Where to Stay
There are plenty of options to choose from during your stay, but I am listing below some of my absolute favorites. I’ve included budget-friendly options that still deliver value, as well as places that offer serious luxury.
With these in mind, my top recommendation is the Hotel Villa Vera. It’s rated at four stars and will simply amaze you with the quality of services, as well as the beachfront location.
Hotel Villa Vera
As I mentioned already, this is my overall best pick for Lovran, offering the best value for the money and amazing sea views, as you can see in the photo above.
It also has decently sized, clean rooms, great friendly staff, and a covered pool area that is a lifesaver if you catch a rainy day. It also has amazing ratings from other visitors as well, so it’s not just me who believes this place is top class.
Check rates for Hotel Villa Vera here
Hotel Park
One of the oldest hotels in the city, this one has aged well and gone through relatively recent renovations, offering a good experience to people visiting the area.
It sits right next to the sea, and the pricing is very fair for the location. The rooms are large, and you are steps away from everything in the city center.
Check rates for Hotel Park here.
Hotel Villa Eugenia
Although a bit farther away from the sea than our other choices, Villa Eugenia remains one of the best accommodation options in the area.
It features great views over the Adriatic Sea, and the interior is very clean and modern. You will likely want to revisit after your first stay.
Check rates for Hotel Villa Eugenia here.
Hotel Villa Laurel
If you prefer a traditional hotel experience but are watching your wallet, Villa Laurel is a solid choice. It is an older property with a lot of faded, historic charm, located directly on the Lungomare promenade.
While it’s not as polished as Villa Vera, the location is unbeatable, and the prices are consistently lower than the competition. It’s perfect if you plan to spend most of your day exploring and just need a quiet, scenic place to sleep.
Check rates for Hotel Villa Laurel here
Hostel Link
This is not your average, dingy backpacker hostel. It is modern, clean, and arguably offers better sea views than some of the luxury hotels in town.
Located just steps from the water, it has a chill vibe, a great terrace for morning coffee, and offers both private rooms and dormitory options. If you want to save cash for dinners and excursions, this is hands down the best base in Lovran.
Check rates for Hostel Link here
Note: Lovran is somewhat seasonal. While the town is alive year-round, some hotels may close or limit services between November and March. Always check ahead if you’re traveling in the off-season.
Lovran: Best Beaches
There are several great swimming spots in the town itself or nearby. Most of these are pebble, gravel, or concrete plateau beaches.
Important Tip: Buy a pair of water shoes. Not only do they make walking on pebbles comfortable, but they also protect you from sea urchins. Urchins are a sign of very clean water, and the Adriatic here is full of them – just don’t step on one!
Here are my favorite beaches – I am sure you will love them too:
1. Kvarner Beach
I like this one because it can easily be accessed from the city, although it’s not the most impressive beach you will ever see. Made of concrete and with some natural shadow offered by the natural trees, it still gets pretty crowded during the top season.
It has the advantage of having a nearby bar to clench your thirst and one of my recommended hotels, Villa Eugenia, is very close to it.
2. Peharovo Beach
A better choice, in my opinion, this beach is located at the southern exit of the city. It is made mostly of gravel, with some fine pebbles and sand mixed in.
The water here is a bit shallower than at Kvarner Beach, making it safer for kids. It also has plenty of natural shade and is generally more family-friendly.
3. Medveja Beach
Situated a few kilometers south of Lovran, this is a large, gravel beach that is incredibly popular for a reason – it’s gorgeous.
However, be warned: parking here can be expensive and difficult to find in July and August. If you can, take the bus or a water taxi.
4. Icici beach
This is a Blue Flag beach located between Lovran and Opatija. It’s a mix of pebbles and concrete sunbathing areas. It offers excellent facilities, including several restaurants, coffee shops, and playgrounds, making it a very easy place to spend a full day.
5. Moscenicka Draga beach
If you have a car available and you don’t mind driving some 10 kilometers South, you will find this set of linked beaches that stretches over 16 kilometers and offers all sorts of options, all near perfect sea.
The main beach here is Sipar (around 500 meters), but along the aforementioned distance, you can find various smaller coves and beaches.
Loungers, bars or spots that are not as crowded – these can be all found if you explore the area a bit.
6. Dog Beach
Believe it or not, there is such a thing just a bit north of Lovran. A beach dedicated to your pet because they must enjoy the beautiful sea too, right?
The truth is that nobody minds if you take a bath as well, but do expect to see lots of dogs enjoying the waves because we do have this beach dedicated to them here.
Lovran, Croatia: Top Things to Do and See
Lovran is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Opatija Riviera. First time mentioned in the 7th century, its old historic city center gives a special atmosphere to this small Mediterranean town.
Make sure you visit the Old Town to see the Romanesque bell tower, surrounded by defensive walls and intersected with cobblestone streets. It’s a delight to just stroll around and take photos of the baroque houses and hidden courtyards.
Aside from its charming town center, Lovran boasts the beautiful Lungomare promenade, ideal for lovers of long walking along the sea. It stretches from Lovran to Opatija, but have in mind that if you choose to walk between the two cities, it will take around 1.5 hours.
Nearby destinations worth visiting:
Top Lovran Croatia Monuments and Landmarks:
- Church of St. Juraj (St. George): The patron saint of the town, located in the main square.
- Church of St. John in the old town
- Church of St. Trinity above the harbor
- The Town Tower: Located on St. George’s Square, this is a remnant of the medieval fortifications.
- East City Gate ‘Stubica’: The gate leading down to the port.
- Mustaćon: Look for the wooden carving of a bearded man on one of the houses – it’s a local curiosity said to ward off enemies.
Hiking Mount Učka
One thing that sets Lovran apart from other coastal towns is its direct access to Mount Učka where you can leave the sea behind for a rewarding hike.
The hiking trail to Vojak, the highest peak (1,401m), starts practically from the town center. The hike is demanding but offers one of the best views in all of Croatia – on a clear day, you can see the Alps and Venice!
Food to try in Lovran
Lovran’s gastronomic scene is a delightful blend of traditional Mediterranean and Central European flavors, and I am sure you will love it. But unlike general Croatian food, Lovran has three specific stars: asparagus, cherries, and chestnuts.
Try the local specialty of sparoge na buzaru, an aromatic dish of wild asparagus sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. Finish the meal with a delicious višnja torta (cherry cake) that perfectly captures the essence of local cherries.
Lovran is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering year-long delights of freshly caught foods. I recommend trying the basic grilled fish at a local tavern, as well as scampi na buzaru (scampi cooked in a wine and garlic sauce). Order them and prepare to get your hands dirty.
Also, the local čevapi, small grilled meat sausages served with onions and ajvar are something you will fall in love with – I sure have and I will never stop recommending these!
Finally, don’t leave without trying Lovranski maruni, a unique variety of chestnuts that are roasted or turned into delectable pastries, usually celebrated at the Marunada Festival (more about it below).
If you want to learn more about Croatian food, I recommend checking out my in-depth article here.
Where to eat?
Don’t just wander aimlessly. For a high-end experience with a view, try Draga di Lovrana (it has a Michelin star and sits high up in the hills in the hotel of the same name).
For something authentic in town, look for Food & Wine Bar Ganeum, run by a fantastic local chef. Finally, for a local’s favorite konoba (local tavern), try Konoba Marun – you won’t be dissapointed!
Traditional Events in Lovran, Croatia
Among many traditional manifestations, there are several events that are combination of gastronomy, sports and culture.
Here are some of the most important ones. Note: Dates change slightly every year, so check the local tourist board schedule before you book.
Asparagus Festival (April) – For all asparagus lovers, it is advisable to visit the Asparagus Festival in Lovran, where restaurants and taverns offer various wild asparagus dishes.
If you want to see how to prepare the traditional omelet of 1000 eggs and 30 kg of asparagus, do not miss the Asparagus Festival in Lovran!
Cherry Festival (June) – Usually held in the first half of June. The local cherry “brtošinka” is celebrated here, together with various other types of cherries. You will find cherry strudels, cherry cocktails, and fresh baskets of fruit everywhere.
If you like this delicious sweet fruit, you should not miss this event!
Marunada (Chestnuts) Festival in October – This is the biggest yearly event in Lovran. You will get the chance to enjoy some of the traditional gastronomic treats in the area, made with the famous Lovran chestnuts (maruni).
The Lovran Carnival – It is the second biggest event that takes place every ear in the town, usually in January and February
It starts with St. Anthony’s Day and by raising the Carnival flag. We then have the Zubijada fishing competition, followed by the main event – the International Carnival Parade.
Lovran, Croatia Weather
The climate in Lovran is typical Mediterranean with an average of 269 sunny days per year. Average temperature in January is 4.7° C, while the average daytime temperature in July is around 28° C.
The whole area has a mild climate, protected by the Ucka mountains.
When is the best period to visit Lovran?
- May, June, July, August and September are the best months with pleasant weather conditions and rather high average temperature.
- The warmest month is July, the best month for for swimming and sunbathing.
- November is the wettest month and it isn’t recommended unless you like rain.
- The coldest month is January.
Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about visiting Lovran. It is a truly beautiful place that you will surely enjoy, even though it’s not the most “famous” destination in Croatia.
It might not excel in sandy beaches—very few places in Croatia do—but it makes up for it with charm, incredible food, and access to nature. Whether you are here to hike Učka, eat your weight in Kvarner scampi, or just lounge by the pool at Villa Vera, you will have an amazing holiday.
If you have additional questions about Lovran, don’t hesitate to ask. Also, for additional recommendations and advice for fellow travelers, do use the comments section below.