Marunada: chestnut autumn in Lovran
If you visit the riviera in October, do not miss Marunada. The festival celebrates the Lovran marun, a special sweet chestnut that is larger and sweeter than ordinary chestnuts and peels easily. According to the tourist board, The Guardian named it one of Europe’s ten best autumn food festivals.
How it works:
• It runs over three weekends in three places: first Lovran, then the villages of Dobreć and Liganj above the coast.
• In 2026 the dates are 9 to 11 October (Lovran), 17 and 18 October (Dobreć) and 24 and 25 October (Liganj).
• Expect roasted chestnuts, chestnut cakes, sorbet, chestnut beer, medica brandy with chestnut honey and young wine.
• Plus music, folklore, sport and workshops for children.
Practical: the tourist board lists free parking at Kamenjar. Coach groups must register at least seven days ahead.
Insider tip: the smaller village weekends in Dobreć and Liganj are cosier than the opening in Lovran.