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We have already mentioned that Lopar is rich with various fragrances, plants, pleasant even to an eye. Diverse fragrances of sage, sweet basil, and myrte above all, will take you into the state of nirvana.
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The Rab coast is a habitat of starfish, sea-urchin and trp, sponge, corals, crabs, white and blue fish, pen shells, scallops and other shells.
Among reptiles, the most numerous is female lizard and today, unfortunately very rare green lizard. 10 years ago, you could find it, hidden under every single stone. They were inoffensive so children loved to play tag with it. Although, in most cases, he won. Miraculously, there are no poisonous snakes on the island!
A lot of different bugs live on the island of Rab. However, the most numerous are diverse and colourful butterflies, and in the summer months, there is a play of cicadas.
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There are two churches in the town. The first one is the parish Church of St. John the Baptist, the protector of the Lopar parish, located in the centre of the town, always open for its parishioners and their guests.
In the summer months, masses are kept in foreign languages; there are concerts of the island vocal ensembles (klape) as well as classical music concerts.
The second church is the Votive Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 14th century, inhabitants are very proud of. Located on a hill, in the pinewoods, close to the ferry quay, it is a target of numerous tourists and pilgrims.
The church celebrates its day on the 8th of September, when believers from the whole island, followed by numerous tourists, are on a pilgrimage and celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This holiday is known as "Nativity of the Virgin Mary", and it is a day when Lopar inhabitants prepare for their guests the biggest festivity on the island.
Then, you will have an opportunity to meet Rab cross-bowers and to see their skilfulness when handling with traditional crossbows.
That day, there is also held a traditional five-a-side-soccer tournament. Also, to be followed are the tournaments in playing bowls and tugging of war.
And, for all of you here, lamb and bullock are grilled. If you haven’t ever tried bullock, then, now it is the time to do so. If you prefer something "maritime", then, don’t worry, there is always an abundant choice of fish and meat delicacies.
This festivity is accompanied by sounds of live music till early morning hours, and it is a pity to miss this. Therefore, have a good rest that day.
Loparans, local people, are unique in many ways...
Unlike the rest of island inhabitants, here people speak with a specific language, with a special accent on the letter "r" in pronunciation. They joke at their expense, saying that the reason lies in their American heritage.
In Lopar, you dance "Tanac" and "Pojka", followed by music of "Mih" (a traditional instrument made from goatskin).
On the Carnival Fast Tuesday, men in a family wear their special carnival costumes, and in groups, they pay a visit to all houses in the town, bringing happiness and joy to household members. (www.ri-karneval.com.hr)
It is well known that the Lopar maritime zone was a habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal (or the human seal as some locals used to call it). Its shelter used to be subterranean labyrinths and caves of the coastal Karst.(www.dalmacija.net/komiza/smedvjedica.htm)
There is one cave "Medova Buža" in Lopar that was named after the monk seal. You can enter the cave only from the sea side. Today, "Medova Buža" has become a wedding place of couples who are in love with diving in Lopar.
A few nautical miles from Lopar, you can find Goli otok (www.goli-otok.com).It used to be a place of execution for political prisoners (and later on even criminals and common thieves). Today it is open for public. Many remains of buildings, works, dungeons and similar attract more and more guests who gladly visit one of the most known prisons of the Ex-Yugoslavia.
Don't forget...it will be a pleasure to be your host!
