Lošinj is Kvarner's greenest island: pine forests planted on the advice of Austrian spa doctors in the 19th century, over a thousand plant species including many medicinal herbs, and a particularly mild, sunny climate. Mali Lošinj is the largest island town in the northern Adriatic, Veli Lošinj a picturesque harbour village, and the surrounding waters are home to a population of bottlenose dolphins.
At a glance
Region
Kvarner
Access
ferry to Cres, then over the bridge at Osor; catamaran from Rijeka
From Merag ferry
approx. 1.5 hours' drive to Mali Lošinj
Best time to visit
May to October; mild all year
Ideal for
couples, families, nature lovers, hikers
Special feature
dolphins, herbs, sandy island of Susak
Mali Lošinj and Čikat bay
Mali Lošinj lies at the end of a long, sheltered harbour inlet lined with colourful captains' houses – in the 19th century the town was a major seafaring centre. West of town begins Čikat bay with pine forest, promenades, pebble and rock beaches and old spa villas. The Kvarner Palace on the harbour houses the Museum of Apoxyomenos: a Greek bronze statue of an athlete raised from the sea off Lošinj in 1999.
Veli Lošinj and the dolphins
Veli Lošinj, four kilometres further on, is smaller and quieter: a narrow harbour in Rovenska bay, St Anthony's Church and a Venetian tower. It is home to the Blue World Institute, which has studied the bottlenose dolphins of the Lošinj archipelago for decades and runs a small visitor centre. Boat trips should not harass the animals – reputable operators keep their distance.
Islands and trails
Susak small island made of sand, with loess cliffs, sandy beaches and its own folk costume; by boat from Mali Lošinj
Ilovik "island of flowers" south of Lošinj, oleanders and roses in the gardens
Osoršćica ridge in the north with Televrin peak (588 m), hike from Nerezine or Osor with views over Kvarner
Aromatic gardens the Fragrant Garden (Miomirisni vrt) with herbs and lavender
Honest verdict
The journey is long: after the ferry it's about another 1.5 hours' drive across Cres. In return Lošinj is less hectic than Krk in summer, and the mild climate means a long season. Beaches are pebble and rock; for sand go to Susak. In July and August keep an eye on ferry tickets early.
