A Promenade with a Story
The Lungomare — officially named the Franz Joseph I Promenade — was first opened in 1889, during the golden age of the Austrian Riviera. Opatija was the Habsburg Empire's favorite seaside escape, and they wanted a proper promenade to connect the resort towns along the coast. What they built turned out to be one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Europe.
Today, the Lungomare stretches approximately 12 kilometres from Volosko in the north to Lovran in the south, tracing every curve and cove of the Kvarner coastline. It's flat, paved, and accessible to almost everyone — no mountain gear needed, just comfortable shoes and a willingness to stop every few minutes because the views demand it.
The Route: Section by Section
Volosko to Opatija Centre (2.5 km, ~35 minutes)
Start in Volosko — this tiny fishing village is the most charming place on the entire coast. Grab a coffee at one of the harbour cafes, then find the signed Lungomare path heading south. The trail hugs the rocky coastline, passing small swimming platforms, stone benches placed at every good viewpoint, and century-old maritime pines that arch over the path creating natural canopies.
This section is the most photographed part of the whole walk. On clear mornings, the light hits the water and the islands of Cres and Krk glow on the horizon. The Maiden with the Seagull statue (Opatija's icon) marks where you've entered the town centre.
Photo spots: Looking back at Volosko from 500m south, the Maiden statue, the view of Hotel Kvarner from the coastal rocks.
Opatija Centre (1 km, ~15 minutes)
Through Angiolina Park and past Slatina Beach. This is the busiest section — tourists, locals, joggers, and families all share the wide promenade. Stop at Angiolina Park to see the botanical garden with plants from five continents (the Japanese camellia is Opatija's symbol and blooms beautifully in winter). Villa Angiolina itself, built in 1844, is where Croatian tourism literally began.
Opatija to Ičići (3 km, ~45 minutes)
South of the centre, the crowds thin dramatically. The path passes Habsburg-era villas half-hidden behind garden walls, dips down to secluded rocky platforms where locals sunbathe in peace, and runs through sections shaded by enormous stone pines. This is the section that feels most like discovering a secret — fewer tourists, more atmosphere.
Lipovica Bay, roughly halfway, is a quiet rocky swimming spot that most visitors walk right past. In September, you might genuinely be the only person there.
Ičići to Ika (2 km, ~30 minutes)
Ičići has the area's best pebble beach — a good spot for a swim break if the weather's warm. The path continues south past Hotel Navis (its infinity pool is visible from the Lungomare, cruelly tempting) and through increasingly quiet, residential coastline. Ika is a tiny settlement with a couple of waterfront konobas — perfect for a cold beer and a plate of grilled squid.
Ika to Lovran (3.5 km, ~50 minutes)
The final stretch into Lovran is the quietest and most rewarding. The path narrows in places, hugging cliffs and passing through stretches of forest. When you reach Lovran — a medieval town built around a 12th-century tower — you'll find narrow stone streets, excellent restaurants, and in autumn, the famous chestnut festival (Marunada).
Practical Information
Accessibility
The Volosko–Opatija–Ičići sections are fully paved and mostly flat, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. South of Ičići, the path becomes narrower with some steps in places — manageable but less accessible. The entire northern half is family-friendly with no issues.
Best Times to Walk
Early morning (before 9am) gives you the best light and fewest people. Late afternoon (after 5pm in summer) is magical for the golden hour light on the water. Avoid midday in July-August — there's limited shade and the heat is intense.
Spring (April-May) is arguably the best season: wildflowers along the path, warm but not hot, and the cafes are open but not overrun. Autumn (September-October) is equally beautiful with softer light and swimming-warm sea.
What to Bring
- Shoes: Any comfortable walking shoes. The path is paved — sandals work for the flat sections.
- Swimsuit: There are swimming spots throughout — you'll regret not having one.
- Water: Especially in summer. Cafes are frequent but not every 100 metres.
- Camera: Obviously. The light on this coast is exceptional.
- Cash: Some smaller konobas and beach bars are cash-only.
Getting Back
Bus 32 runs regularly between Lovran and Opatija (15 minutes, about €2). Or do what the Habsburgs did — walk one direction and hire a ride back. Local taxis from Lovran to Opatija run about €15-20.
Why It Matters
The Lungomare isn't just a walk — it's the reason Opatija exists as a destination. For 135 years, people have been strolling this coastline, stopping at the same viewpoints, swimming off the same rocks, and watching the same sunsets. It connects fishing villages, grand hotels, hidden coves, and centuries of history in one unbroken coastal thread. Walk it at least once. You'll want to walk it again.