What to visit ?
From Opatija to Lovran
Very nice route to follow when you arrive in Istria (or on your way back!). First you arrive in Opatija: this is the Croatian Saint Tropez Riviera ! I am a fan! OK, there are lot of turist in high season, but the city is so beautiful that it would be a shame to miss it !
In the nineteenth century, it was already a popular holiday resort by the Austrian aristocracy. I love especially the waterfront where are the finest hotels and Victorian façade houses. You will stop at Milenji restaurant on the edge of the sea, facing the statue of the girl and gull (widely known Opatija) to eat a tiramisu !
Another very nice restaurant: the CASA-TUA -heminguay: very friendly staff, nice decor, very good food and cheap.
Then take the road to Lovran, a promenade along the coast, with small coves and beautiful old villas: the road is illuminated at night, very romantic!
Then take the road to Lovran, a promenade along the coast, with small coves and beautiful old villas: the road is illuminated at night, very romantic!
Lovran is a haven of peace with narrow streets, gates with Glagolitic inscriptions (the 1 st language in Croatia), baroque houses, a medieval tower and a Romanesque church. Dated XIV century, the church of St. George features a Gothic vault and pretty painted walls. From Lovran, you could make walks in the natural park of Mount Ucka: it is the highest mountain of Istria with beautiful panomarama on the Gulf of Kvarner.