Croatia holidays: Chestnut Festival underway in Lovran

Lovran in the Istria region will offer some memorable experiences for people taking Croatia holidays this autumn as it hosts a festival celebrating a local specialty.

The 2010 Chestnut Festival began in the coastal town on October 15th and will run until October 31st.

At the heart of the event is a variety of chestnut that is unique to the Kvarner region - a hybrid of nuts brought home from the Far East by Lovran seafarers and local varieties.

Travellers visiting the area during a Croatia holiday this month can join in with various festivities as local people pay tribute to their treasured chestnuts with a range of special events.

All sorts of culinary treats are served up during the festival, including gateaux, pastries and other dishes that can be combined with honey-based brandies, meads and wine.

Lovran is located south of Opatija, which serves as the starting point of a Croatia sailing route that includes a stop in Zadar and a number of different islands.