Lošinj is an island in Croatia located in the northern Adriatic Sea (Kvarner region) and is home to the largest island town, Mali Lošinj. I was fortunate enough to live there for the first 18 years of my life before moving to Rijeka for university. My family still resides there, so I’m lucky to spend my summer vacations on the island every year and often visit during the off-season. This text is not just a tourist guide but also offers insider tips and perspectives 🙂
Tourism on Lošinj, especially health tourism, began as early as the 19th century, thanks to its Mediterranean climate with more than 260 sunny days each year and the incredible biodiversity. Today, Lošinj is known as the “Island of Vitality” where pine trees and the cleanest sea create an open-air wellness experience.
How to Get There
The nearest airports are Zagreb (all year around) and Rijeka (on Krk Island), Pula or Zadar (seasonal flights). From there, you can continue by bus or rent a car.
Lošinj is connected to the mainland via two ferry routes: Porozina (in Istria region) – Brestova and Valbiska (on Krk Island) – Merag. These ferries take you to Cres Island, followed by a 70-kilometer drive to Lošinj. Alternatively, there’s a catamaran service connecting Mali Lošinj to Rijeka, Zadar and Pula.
First Stop: Cres
If you’re traveling by car, don’t miss the chance to stop on Cres Island and try its famous lamb. There’s an ongoing debate in Croatia about whether the best lamb comes from Cres, Rab, or Pag. (Spoiler: they’re all amazing! The secret lies in the free-roaming sheep that graze on wild, aromatic herbs.)
I recommend Konoba Bukaleta in Loznati, a family-run tavern where you can enjoy dishes like gnocchi with lamb goulash, lamb cooked under a traditional peka (iron bell), or even breaded lamb as a specialty.
Cres and Lošinj are connected by a bridge at the town of Osor. From there, you’ll pass charming villages such as Nerezine, Sveti Jakov, Ćunski, and Artatore and Poljana before arriving at Mali Lošinj. From there, Veli Lošinj awaits at the southern tip of the island.
Things to Do in Mali Lošinj
Start your day with coffee at one of the many cafés in the town center. This is a favorite daily ritual for locals, especially during vacation time. For ice cream, head to the Moby Dick pastry shop, and for lunch or dinner, visit Za Kantuni restaurant where you can try local specialties, including fresh wild-caught fish, boskarin beef or lamb.
Beach Time
Spend your day(s) at the beach. The most famous bays are Čikat and Sunčana Uvala (Sunny bay), both of which are connected by scenic walking paths. These areas host numerous hotels, villas, and the island’s most popular beaches.
For the most beautiful sunset (and my personal happy place), head to Borik Beach and its namesake bar/restaurant. Another excellent spot for sunsets is Providenca viewpoint where you can enjoy a glass of wine with the unforgettable view of the Lošinj archipelago.
Accommodation Options
Lošinj offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious boutique hotels and five-star hotels to family-friendly four-star hotels, campgrounds, and popular private apartments.
Explore the Surroundings
Take a day for a boat trip to one of the nearby small sparsely populated islands such as Susak, Ilovik, or Unije. These islands offer a sense of wilderness and complete tranquility, as they are free of cars and roads.
Boat trip & fresh tuna on board
Veli Lošinj
If you’re staying in Mali Lošinj, don’t miss a visit to the charming town of Veli Lošinj. The Lošinj archipelago is a natural habitat for the bottlenose dolphin, and Veli Lošinj is home to Blue World Institute dedicated to research and conservation of the marine environment. You can even symbolically adopt a dolphin there to support their work, or join one of the boat excursions to try your luck at spotting one in the wild.
In summer, Veli Lošinj hosts traditional fishermen’s nights and other lively local events, where you can experience authentic island festivities. For delicious pizza with the best terrace views, try Pizzeria Fortuna, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants in Rovenska Bay.
Off-Season Charm
Lošinj is equally enchanting in spring. You can join locals in picking wild asparagus or enjoy traditional asparagus dishes at local restaurants. A must-do activity is hiking up Mount Osoršćica, where you can enjoy panoramic views in a snake-free environment (legend has it that Saint Gaudentius banished all venomous snakes from the island). His remains are preserved in the church in Osor.
Another highlight is the Apoxyomenos Museum, home to a statue dating back to the 1st or 2nd century BCE, discovered in the Lošinj archipelago.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a true escape from the crowds, fresh air, and stunning natural beauty, visit Lošinj at any time of year. You won’t regret it!
