This Croatian island has a mild Mediterranean climate with 2,600 hours of annual sunshine. Pine forests line its rocky coast, and bottlenose dolphins swim in its clear waters.
Lošinj, a Croatian island in the Kvarner Gulf, welcomes visitors with warm winters, dense pine forests, and clear sea waters. See the 2nd-century BC bronze statue of Apoxyomenos at its museum, paddle near groups of dolphins in protected areas, or spend time on Veli Žal Beach, known for its clean, well-maintained shores. The island focuses on wellness tourism and fresh Mediterranean dishes, with towns like Mali Lošinj highlighting 19th-century buildings along its busy harbor. These elements create a place where you can unwind or stay active, depending on your interests.
Exploring Nature and Outdoor Spaces
Lošinj’s warm weather allows forests of myrtle, holm oak, and laurel to thrive year-round, with pine trees lining Čikat Bay. Summer brings over 2,600 hours of sunlight, perfect for swimming in the calm, shallow waters of Veli Žal. Over 100 bottlenose dolphins live in the waters around the island, and you can spot them from boats or join guided kayak trips to observe them. Walking paths wind through rocky hills in the north, and bike routes connect seaside villages like Nerezine and Sveti Jakov. The Kvarner Islands Important Bird Area attracts those looking to see Eleonora’s falcons and other migratory species.
History and Culture to Discover
In Mali Lošinj, the Museum of Apoxyomenos centers on a life-sized bronze athlete statue found in the Adriatic in 1999. Veli Lošinj’s 18th-century Church of St. Anthony displays Italian Renaissance paintings, and the Gothic-style Church of St. Nicholas includes exhibits on shipbuilding and navigation. The Marine Educational Center teaches about local marine life through interactive displays and organizes beach cleanups. Stroll through Mali Lošinj’s harbor to admire colorful 19th-century houses once owned by ship captains. Fritzi Palace, a renovated Austro-Hungarian mansion, hosts art shows and lectures on local traditions.
Food and Restaurants to Try
Local dishes focus on seafood, including grilled squid, octopus salad, and fish stews slow-cooked with tomatoes and herbs. Alfred Keller restaurant uses ingredients like Istrian cattle meat and rosemary from nearby hills, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Matsunoki serves dishes like Adriatic scallops with miso glaze, blending Japanese methods with Croatian ingredients. At Mali Lošinj’s morning market, vendors sell fresh anchovies, sheep’s milk cheese, and olive oil flavored with sage or thyme. End meals with fritule, small fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
In February, the island’s Carnival includes parades with handmade masks and a nighttime bonfire where a straw effigy is burned. Summer evenings feature live music performances in Mali Lošinj’s harbor square, along with sailing races for traditional wooden boats. During May’s Health and Wellness Week, yoga sessions and aromatherapy workshops take place in parks and historic buildings. September marks Apoxyomenos Days, with free museum entry, guided dives to shipwreck sites, and theater performances about the statue’s history.
Planning Your Trip
Ferries to Lošinj run daily from Rijeka and Pula, with a stop at Cres island’s bridge near Osor. Lošinj Airport has direct flights from Zagreb and Pula during summer, with a short drive to Mali Lošinj. July and August see average temperatures of 24°C, ideal for swimming, but April and October are better for hiking without crowds. Buses connect Mali Lošinj to smaller villages every two hours. Grocery stores and pharmacies stay open until 8 PM in towns, and medical centers provide emergency care year-round.
