Lopar

Lopar occupies the northern part of Rab Island and differs from most Kvarner destinations through its unusually large number of natural sandy beaches. The local tourist board lists 22 sandy beaches around the peninsula, with the best-known, Rajska plaža, stretching for about 1.5 kilometres beside the San Marino resort area. Its shallow sandy seabed is particularly associated with family swimming, while Sahara, Ciganka and Stolac are more remote coves reached on foot or by boat; all three have a long naturist association. The sand is not only visually distinctive: geological research links Lopar’s beaches to the weathering of local Eocene sandstones and sandy marls. Lopar also has a ferry port with a connection to Valbiska on Krk, while Rab Town is reached by road across the island. Local identity is strongly tied to Saint Marinus, the stonemason whom Lopar tradition identifies as a native of the village and the founder of the Republic of San Marino.

Lopar occupies the northern end of Rab, spreading between its ferry port, the older village around St John the Baptist’s Church and the San Marino holiday area. The Lopar and Fruga peninsulas set it apart from the rest of the island: erosion has carved gullies, pyramids and coves into soft sandy rock, while the marked Premužić trails cross Rab’s geopark. Although Rab Town lies only about 12 kilometres away, Lopar’s ferry connection with Valbiska gives the village its own gateway to the island. Its character is therefore shaped as much by sandstone terrain, small fishing harbours and the local celebration of St John on 24 June as by the resort beside Paradise Beach.