Lopar

Lopar, a verdant peninsula with a rugged coastline and a total of 22 beaches is situated to the north on the island of Rab in the Kvarner Bay. Lopar is, for this reason, a crowded resort on the island of Rab. Numerous vacationers spend their time in Lopar in the well-developed campsite in the small holiday resort of San Marino, which is located to the southeast of the peninsula. The settlement's name originates from the famous founder of the oldest existing republic in the world, San Marino in Rimini Italy. It has been told that the former stonemason, Marinus went to Remini around the year 300 and as a result of political persecution, established the enclave of San Marino. According to tradition, Marinus was born in Lopar and the residents are very proud of this. For example, the Culture Society in Lopar is named "San Marino". The goals of this society are making the preservation of local customs and traditions a priority.

Some of these practices can be seen in folklore performances or during dancing and singing evenings, especially during carnival, which the residents have celebrated with full zeal for many decades. The participants of carnival meet every Fat Tuesday at the Mel Beach and start their rounds through the city from here. As they make their way through the city, they must sing a song at every house and get a glass of homemade brandy or wine in return.

In general, there is a colorful cultural program in Lopar and San Marino that is especially fun for tourists in the summer months. The town is famous for the "Rapska fjera", an event where arts and crafts from the 13^th century are presented. Classical concerts are held, for example, in the church of St. John the Baptist, which is located in the town center. Another church, the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is located in the middle of the green hinterlands close to the ferry terminal.  The church is first mentioned in the records of the municipality from the 14th century. Due to its idyllic location, a visit to this church entices you to linger.

The ferry terminal here forms the northern gateway to the island of Rab, which is also connected in the south by a ferry from Misnjaka to the mainland. However, the well-developed port is not an achievement from the recent history of the 1,200 inhabitants of this resort, but the result of a long-standing fishing tradition. A major industry of the inhabitants of the peninsula before tourism became popular in the 19^th century on the island of Rab, was agriculture. Due to its very long Paradise Beach and the many other sandy beaches and beautiful forests, Lopar has quickly become one of the most popular resorts on the island. Accordingly, the variety of gastronomy and leisure activities has been well established alongside the resorts growing popularity.

As before, the former fishing village has retained an original character that can be seen in the rustic dwellings of the inhabitants and the sacral and secular buildings, which have been built on the slopes of the green hills. In the northeast, Lopar faces the islands of Goli otok and Sveti Grgur- two island that are popular destinations for day trips. After World War II the two islands were used as prisons. The well-preserved remains are still a popular attraction today.