Summer travel guide to Lovran, Croatia

Chill time on the Opatija Riviera

Situated on the banks of the Adriatic Sea, lies the Croatian town of Lovran. Perfect for backpackers wanting to chill in a beauty spot away from the tourist crowds, Lovran offers you a serene chance to relax on the Opatija Riviera.

Surrounded by evergreen pine trees and a lush seaboard sprinkled with olive groves, this medieval town captures the idyllic beauty of the Mediterranean. Lovran dates back to the Middle Ages and over the centuries it became a summer holiday destination for the Austro-Hungarian elite.

More recently it's evolved into a romantic holiday town for discerning travellers wanting to unwind on holiday. Don't expect any loud billboards or TV adverts about Lovran. Most visitors want to keep this town a secret from the masses.

Lovran has a warm microclimate and is wonderfully protected by the Ucka mountains. With its rich architectural heritage, the town's character is reflected by its terracotta Baroque townhouses, medieval tower and a fourteenth century church.

Visit the east town gates and Mediterranean fortified walls during your stay in Lovran. It's remarkably well preserved and you'll struggle to find somewhere as equally unspoilt during your time in Croatia.

Only a short distance from Opatija, the town blooms with sweet chestnuts (maruni) over autumn and hosts the Marunada Festival every October. Before the year ripens, Lovran offers travellers pristine beaches and water sports like diving and boating.

If you prefer just to watch the sea on vacation, then you'll have plenty of opportunities to venture inland and go hiking in the Ucka mountains if you prefer.

Getting to Lovran

Lovran is situated only 20km away from international bus and railway station Rijeka, and only 50km from Rijeka International Airport.

There are no direct boat or ferry connections to Lovran, but local buses connect Lovran to Opatija and Rijeka. Likewise there are frequent intercity buses to Pula, Rovinj and Porec, where travellers will find ferries that connect to Italy.

Where to stay in Lovran

Hostel Link is a brand new hostel (February 2014) situated in the centre of Lovran. Remarkably clean offering travellers a selection of 114 beds (double beds and bunks), the Croatian hostel captures the essence of the modern designer hostel.

Offering free Wi-Fi to all guests, Hostel Link has a chill out zone, laundry service and all rooms (private or shared) include an en-suite bathroom with shower and a LED TV.

Rooms are available from €17.71.