Lošinj Island

The approximately 75 square kilometer island of Losinj is connected by a swing bridge with the second largest island of Croatia, "Cres". Losinj is located south of Cres bordering on the edge of the Kvarner bay to the open sea. Compared to its neighboring mountainous island, it is much warmer here. Especially in the spring, Losinj becomes a sea of flowers, which is why the island is often referred to as the home of flavors and fragrances. Here, numerous rare plant species flourish, including many medicinal herbs. Each month is devoted to a specific medicinal herb and especially popular with the visitors are the island's guided herb walks. Losinj is one of the sunniest places in Europe and therefore also one of the most popular. Its numerous gravel, rock and some sand beaches in the Cikat Bay near Mali Losinj and around Nerezine provide the best conditions for a relaxing beach holiday.

Cities and Villages on Losinj

The capital of the island is Mali Losinj, a small town to the southeast of the protected bay of Losinj. Mali Losinj is very popular with the yachting crowd due to its favorable climatic conditions. Picturesquely situated amongst pine forests, the campers at the Cikat Campsite feel especially comfortable. The Cikat campsite is located in the bay sharing its name next to Mali Losinj. In a southeasterly direction there is a road leading to Veli Losinj, a popular health resort at the foot of Mount St. Ivan. The place is characterized by numerous villas and parks, as well as through dense pine forests. In Veli Losinj there is the marine conservation center "Blue World", which is dedicated to the exploration of dolphins. About 150 dolphins live here and can be spotted throughout the center. The two places are only four kilometers away from each other. North of Mali Losinj is the charming small town Nerezine, which has in its immediate vicinity three idyllic fine gravel beaches for swimming. Nerezine is a wonderful starting point for taking a walk through the nature, for example, in the nearby Podjavori Nature Park. Located near the idyllic village of Artatore is a small sport airport. Here there are mainly only panoramic flights that take off.

Tourist Attractions on Losinj

Besides the beautiful nature, the island also has other attractions to offer. Among other things, one of the most famous attractions is the the Croatian Apoxiomen. This antique bronze statue of an athlete was found in the Adriatic near Losinj in 1996. The statue was displayed in the Louvre in Paris and other museums and when its travels are finished, it should find its final resting place in the restored Palace of Kvarner from Mali Losinj. Until then a copy can be visited in the Museum Kula in Veli Losinj. The museum exhibits a comprehensive, local history permanent collection and has temporary art and archaeological exhibitions. In addition, Losinj has many religious buildings from differing eras, such as the Parish Church of the Nativity of Mary, the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Nicholas, as well as further museums and art galleries. Losinj is very popular with artists due to its natural beauty. The herb walks are performed in the aromatic garden of Losinj and knowledgeable guides educate the guests on typical Losinj medicinal herbs. In the vicinity of the campsite Cikat is the Cikat Forest Park which was designed in 19th century. This park is criss-crossed by numerous beautiful walking and hiking trails, and at 236 acres is quite large. For a walking, there is the beautifully situated small votive church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

How to get there

There are two peculiarities, in relation to the ferry services, that must be watched out for on Cres and the neighboring island of Losinj. Firstly, the two islands of Losinj and Cres are connected by a swing bridge, so when you travel by ferry and reach one island you automatically reach the other island. Secondly, it should be noted that various ferry routes start from various ports on Cres.

Cres has two major ferry routes with Jadrolinija ships: the car ferry between Merag (Cres) and Valbiska (Krk) and the car ferry between Porozina (Cres) and Brestova (Istria). The 25 minute fast connection to Krk is worthwhile, especially for those wanting to reach the Rijeka International Airport or wanting to go over the Krk bridge as quickly as possible to the mainland in the direction of Rijeka (city). The modern ferry service runs 12 times daily in the off-season and 13 times a day during high season. Those wishing to drive from Cres to Istria (or vice versa), can save themselves the bother of passing through Rijeka, and make the trip in 20 minutes directly by car ferry. In the off season, the boat runs 11 times a day, and in the high season 13 times a day. In addition, there is a passenger ferry from the Reederei Krilo ship company, which connects Cres and Mali Losinj with other islands such as Susak, as well as with the mainland once daily. The route leads from Mali Losinj on Ilovik, goes to Susak, Unije, Martinscici and Cres and then back to Rijeka. Directly to Zadar via Premuda, Silba, Olib and Ist, the car ferry service operated by Jadrolinija runs a route from Mali Losinj. This route number 401 runs Mondays and Fridays once a day. The trip takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes, and despite being quite a long journey-which goes by quickly- it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mini-cruise along the mainland coast and to marvel at the unique beauty of the Croatian islands. By the way: Losinj is connected via the catamaran ship company of Venezia Lines in July and August with the Italian port city of Venice. Every Saturday a ship sets sail and reaches either Venice or Losinj after a 4 hour 45 minute crossing.