PlizioGo
Look for seafood restaurants near the small harbor serving locally caught sweet scampi.
A traditional Rab almond and Maraschino liqueur cake. You can find it in local bakeries.
Slow-cooked under a bell in traditional taverns; usually needs to be ordered a day in advance.
Sold by small local producers on stalls around the town center.
Look for dried lavender bags and essential oils at the small souvenir shops.
A secluded FKK (nudist) friendly beach that requires a hike through the pine forest to reach, far quieter than Paradise Beach.
Another beautiful sandy bay on the northern peninsula, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Water temperature…
Croatia's oldest and largest medieval summer festival takes place every year from 25 to 27 July on the island of Rab, of which Lopar is part. The old town is decorated in medieval style with artisans, period costumes and the crossbowmen's games.
Every summer large artistic sand sculptures are created on Lopar's sandy beach around an annual theme. A family highlight of this sandy resort on Rab island.
Lopar's carnival, over 150 years old, sees masked groups in traditional hats (klobuk) move through the village singing old songs and sharing homemade dishes.
Lopar, located on the northern tip of Rab island, is widely known as Croatia's "sandy paradise." The area is famous for its 22 sandy beaches, a true rarity along the predominantly rocky Adriatic coast. The most renowned and largest of these is the 1.5-kilometer-long "Paradise Beach" (Rajska Plaža). With its shallow, warm waters, it is the great destination for families with young children, who can safely play in the sand and splash in the calm sea. But Lopar provides more than just sun and sand. The peninsula is characterized by a fascinating geological landscape, designated as a Geopark, which invites exploration. A local legend claims that Saint Marinus, the founder of the Republic of San Marino, was born in Lopar, and a statue honors the famous stonemason. Away from the bustle of Paradise Beach, visitors can find many smaller, more intimate coves, some of which are designated for naturists. Lopar perfectly combines a relaxing family holiday with the opportunity to discover the pristine nature and intriguing history of Rab island.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 93 | 77 | 72 | 88 | 66 | 52 | 72 | 122 | 114 | 140 | 108 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
In the morning, visit the charming chapels of Lopar before spending the rest of the morning at the famous Paradise Beach. The shallow water is perfect for relaxing. After lunch, walk to the neighboring Livačina beach for a quieter swimming experience. End the day with a short hike through the bizarre rock formations of the Geopark.
The morning starts under the shelter of Lopar's historic churches as the rain patters on the stone. At midday, Paradise Beach reveals a moody, mystical side with misty horizons and the sound of waves on the sand. During the afternoon, a walk to Livačina offers refreshing sea air and solitude away from the crowds. We end the day at the Geopark, where the rain intensifies the natural colors of the unique sandstone erosion patterns and rock formations.
On a crisp winter morning, Lopar’s churches feel incredibly peaceful and timeless. At midday, we walk along the deserted Paradise Beach, where the low winter sun glitters on the calm water and the Bura wind clears the mind. The afternoon at Livačina is a time for complete silence and nature appreciation. Since the sun sets early, we reach the Geopark during the golden hour, when the strange rock formations are bathed in a warm, orange glow.
Explore the Lopar peninsula actively by bike. After visiting the main church, cycle through the fascinating Geopark. At lunchtime, reach Livačina beach for a well-deserved cooling off. Spend the afternoon at Paradise Beach before ending the tour at the harbor by St. Nicholas chapel.
Despite the rain, we start our bike tour at the central churches, where the paved roads remain manageable. At midday, the sandy trails of the Geopark offer a challenge as the moisture makes the ground heavier. In the afternoon, we cycle along the coastal paths between Livačina and Paradise Beach, feeling the sea spray and rain on our faces. We finish at St. Nicholas Chapel, where we park our bikes and take a brief, dry breath of air.
A crisp winter morning calls for a brisk ride between Lopar’s churches to warm up. At midday, we explore the Geopark, where the trails are now firm and easy to navigate, offering crystal-clear sea views. In the afternoon, we follow the coastline from Livačina to Paradise Beach with the cold wind at our backs. We finish the tour at St. Nicholas Chapel just in time for sunset, before the nighttime chill sets in.
By car, you can easily reach the starting points for boat trips. First visit St. Mary's church, then cross from the harbor to the historic island of Goli Otok. After returning, relax at Paradise Beach. Another short boat trip leads to Sveti Grgur island. Close the day at the quieter Livačina beach.
A rainy day in Lopar is best explored by car, starting with the sheltered churches in town. At midday, we drive to the harbor to check for boat trips to Goli Otok, even though the sea is quite rough today. The afternoon is spent near Paradise Beach, watching the rain lash over the sea from the warmth of the car. A short drive along the coast towards Sveti Grgur and a visit to Livačina concludes the day before heading back.
On a clear winter morning, driving through peaceful Lopar to the churches is a delight. At midday, we hope for a trip to Goli Otok, where the barren prison island feels even more powerful in the winter light. In the afternoon, we park by Paradise Beach and enjoy the sun on the empty shore. We finish the day with a drive to the coast overlooking Sveti Grgur and a stop at Livačina as twilight turns the landscape blue.
Spanning an impressive 1.5 kilometers, this sandy beach defines the coastline of Lopar on Rab. The shallow, gently sloping water makes the location a preferred destination for families with small children. On summer afternoons, the expansive bay quickly fills with cheerful bathers.
