Guide of Losinj

Lošinj is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea, in the Kvarner Gulf. Twinned with the neighbouring island of Cres; Lošinj is the busier and more developed of the two. The island is 31km-long and characterised by beautiful bays and dense vegetation in the interior, in fact, there are around 1100 plant species, 230 medicinal herbs, including exotic varieties brought to Lošinj by seafarers such as banana, cedar and eucalyptus.

A brief history of Lošinj

Archaeological evidence of hill-forts at the foot of Mt. Osoršćica and around the port of Mali Lošinj suggest that Lošinj has probably been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans called the island Apsorrus and referred to Lošinj and Cres collectively as Apsirtides and ruins of Roman villas have been found in several parts of the island. The name Lošinj was first recorded in 1384, then from the 15th century onwards, Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj began to develop and play an increasingly important role on the island. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, trade, shipbuilding and seafaring became the primary sources of income on the island. After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Lošinj became part of the Austrian province of Istria, and by 1912 the population stood at around 15,000. In 1919, Lošinj, became part of Italy under the terms of the Treaty of Saint-Germain, as there was already a significant Italian presence on the island, until WWII when German and Croatian troops occupied the island in 1943. After the second world war, many Italians left the island; however, Italian is still a popular second language on the island today. 

Things to do on the island

Dolphin spotting is a must on the island, which is famous for the presence of these lovely creatures. Some of the water around the island has become the first protected dolphin territory in the Med. The Blue World, an NGO, based in the town of Mali Lošinj are big advocates for the project to preserve the dolphin population. The Čikat Aquapark is a great place to take the family, there are plenty of slides for all ages, along with showers, changing rooms and restaurants. Lošinj Museum beautiful little museum housed in a former palace in Mali Lošinj, it is well worth a look. Hiking is an excellent activity on the island, and Mt Osoršćica is the highest point, standing at 589 meters high. The geology follows a typical karst mountain typology, formed of limestone and with all the usual features of a coastal, island mountain. Named after Osor; the town located right underneath it. However, Osor is on the neighbouring island of Cres; and the name is from a time when Cres and Lošinj were connected. When the strait of Kavada was constructed to allow ships through, they became separate islands. 

Beaches around Lošinj

Uvala Engleza, or the English bay, is located on the north side of the island, at the entrance to the inlet of Mali Lošinj. It has beautiful turquoise waters, but no services or amenities, so bring a picnic. Veli Žal was the first beach on Lošinj to be awarded a Blue Flag; it is a pebble beach with an accessible entrance into the sea, which makes it especially suitable for families with children or those with reduced mobility. There are showers, changing rooms, sunbeds and umbrellas, toilets, boat rentals, and even lifeguards. Plieski Bay, located in the southern part of Lošinj island, can be reached by boat, or overland by walking through Put Dupina or by descent from Lošinjske transverzale to Krivica Bay and on to Plieski Bay.