Lungo Mare

The Lungo Mare in Mošćenička Draga is the seaside promenade of a small, old-fashioned resort on the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula, in the Kvarner region, at the foot of the Učka mountain and between Opatija and the town of Mošćenice. It runs along the shore from the centre of the village, past the harbour and the main beach, to the quieter beach of Sveti Ivan, and it offers an easy walk with the sea always beside you. Compared with the larger and busier resorts of the Opatija Riviera, Mošćenička Draga is quiet and relaxed, and the promenade reflects that character.

The village began as a fishing settlement in a narrow bay, with the old part of the town, Mošćenice, perched on a hilltop above. Over time, a second settlement formed along the shore, and in the late nineteenth century, when the Austro-Hungarian monarchy turned the Kvarner coast into a fashionable health resort, villas and small hotels were built along the seafront. Some of these buildings still line the promenade and give it a touch of period charm. The tourism tradition has continued ever since, and the village still has a few historic hotels alongside newer guest houses and apartments.

The walk itself is simple and flat. The path is paved and shaded in places by trees, with benches, small bars and restaurants where you can sit and have a drink or a meal of fresh fish. The beach in the centre is a long strip of pebbles, and in summer it is dotted with umbrellas, while Sveti Ivan is smaller and quieter, set below a hillside of greenery. The sea is clear and often calm, and the view across the bay takes in the islands of Cres and Krk. Boat trips along the coast and to nearby bays leave from the harbour in season, and the Lungomare is the starting point.

Nearby points of interest make the walk more varied. A restored watermill known as Trebišća mill and a spot with an old well and ruins in the forest, both listed in this guide, lie a short distance inland and can be reached on foot, and the old hilltop town is reached by a steep path or a short drive. Hiking trails lead up toward Učka, with its viewpoints and nature park, and the nearby village of Brseč, on a cliff above the sea, is a rewarding excursion.

The promenade is free and open at any hour. Evening is the most pleasant time, when the lights come on and the heat has faded, and the sound of waves is the main background. Bring sun protection in summer, and comfortable shoes. Allow about an hour for a leisurely walk, with stops. It suits couples, families and anyone who enjoys quiet seaside walks.