Filmed in August 2018.
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Lungomare simply means a coastal path and as such can be found in lots of places. However, Opatija's Lungomare is rather unique and has become a true landmark of Istria. Built in two phases (Volosko - Opatija and Opatija - Lovran) and completed in 1889 and 1911, it's about 10 km long and very coastal, unlike many other similar paths. It connect the entire Opatija area (Volosko, Opatija, Ičići, Ika and Lovran), all the beaches (vast majority are public) and many, many hotels, restaurants and cafes but also takes you through the history of the area and its various events and people.
The first part is my personal favourite, very charming and romantic, especially in the evening, with its yellow lights. Here, Lungomare is quite literally a sea path as parts are very wet during high tides and waves. I also find it architecturally most pleasing, with old pavement, stone walls and even boulders. There are also drinking fountains for refreshment and benches, even secluded ones, to either rest, enjoy the view or read a book. Lipovica beach is the most popular and possibly the largest in this section but there are many other, especially in Volosko itself. And even without a beach you can easily access the sea anywhere you like and just use Lungomare as the beach, like many locals do.
Opatija is where you'll find most cafes and hotels but also many landmarks such as its magnificent parks of Angiolina and St. James, but also St. James' church, Villa Angiolina (considered to be the birthplace of tourism in Croatia, along with the nearby hotel Kvarner) and statues, along with many other. The central part, where Lungomare merges with the main promenade, is the Slatina area and beach, possibly the largest on the east coast, right in what is considered to be the true centre of the city.
Proceeding to Ičići, Lungomare disconnects from the sea a bit, bringing a different feel and views to enjoy but also more greenery. This is where you'll find some beautiful villas, beautiful views, Devil's Cave, the largest marina and arguably the most popular beach. It has a pebble and concrete part and doesn't look like much but the key to its popularity is actually behind it - a huge, sanded playground! Drinking fountains will also make you feel welcome.
Another nice little beach is found in the nearby Ika, along with a very puzzling system of underwater springs.
Finally, there's probably the most beautiful part - between Ika and Lovran's City beach. It's well above the sea but still has beautiful pebble beaches, brilliant scenery and the most stunning old villas.
Lungomare technically ends at Lovran's marina but I would advise exploring Lovran's old town, which is just across the street, and also stretching a bit, to reach it's nicest beach. Right where the city bus terminal is.
However, if you want what I considered to be the most beautiful beach, you need to proceed a bit further, to Medveja. It's not perfect but the movie(s) might explain why I like it.
