There are many reasons for spending a vacation on the island of Lošinj. The main reasons why you should pay a visit is because here you can find a calm, harmony. Come and fall in love with Lošinj!

Lošinj – The Island of Vitality

Lošinj is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea, and it is placed in the magnificent Kvarner Gulf. The islands Cres and Lošinj are connected by a small bridge at the town of Osor.

Lošinj is a lovely tiny island, with around 2600 hours of sunshine a year. It is surrounded byes crystal-clear sea, but it also has charming fishing villages, great food, gorgeous climate, and best of all, uncrowded beaches. The island of Lošinj is known as the Island of Vitality. Locals said it was because of the fresh air mixed with sea salt and pine trees. We don’t know if it’s true, but we are sure that it is an exceptional place for a vacation, but due to its mild climate, Mali and Veli Lošinj are 1892 proclaim as climatic health resorts.

The island of Lošinj is a part of the Cres-Lošinj island group. The Lošinj group of islands includes, besides Lošinj, the islands of Unije, Ilovik, Susak and Vele Srakane as well as many smaller, uninhabited islands. Each of these islands has its own hidden beauty, so come and explore them!

The islands are great connected daily with tourist boats and regular connections from Lošinj, and Lošinj is well-connected to the mainland, by a ferry, hydrofoils and sports airplanes.

Find your escape from everyday life on Lošinj

Mali Lošinj is the largest place and fabulous harbor on the island. It is placed at the bottom of the large and well-protected bay. The beginnings of Mali Lošinj date back to the 12th century until its “Golden age” of Lošinj experienced in the 19th century when it became a true maritime city. Go for a walk in Mali Lošinj, pay a visit in the Lošinj Aromatic Garden, try out sipping chilled wine and swimming while the sun sets, there are plenty options what to do and see in Mali Lošinj.

In Mali Lošinj you will find various beaches, and we recommend you to go on beaches in the bay of Čikat. We are especially impressed by the well-decorated beach of Veli žal.

Veli Lošinj is settled in the southern part of the island of Lošinj, and it lies in the foothill of Saint Ivan. Today it is known as a remarkable tourist and aromatherapy center in Croatia. Despite the name (well in Croatian, veli means big and mali means small), Veli Lošinj is much smaller than Mali Lošinj. In the vicinity of Veli Lošinj, there is also a small but cute fishing port called Rovenska, which for years has got the attention with its precious beach, fishing atmosphere and the history of people who have devoted their whole life to the sea.

The art of delicacy on a plate

The fabulous Lošinj cuisine is full of flavors and fragrances of the Mediterranean features. As the main delight, there is the Kvarner scampi, which, according to many gastronomic critics, is the best in the world. Inexhaustible delicacies include fish, lamb, homemade pasta and olive oil and aromatic herbs that will be a real treat for the palate. Do not forget to make a toast for a holiday of the dream with a liqueur made from the local grass.

5 things to do on the island of Lošinj

• Go for a walk in the Lošinj Aromatic Garden! It is a small but very beautiful garden with lots of island herbs. Garden is beautifully planted and very decorated, full of butterflies and bees. It is a fascinating place and you can enter for free.
• Visit the Museum of Apoxymenos; it is a must see in Lošinj. It’s focused on a single exhibit, an ancient Greek statue discovered in Croatian sea about 20 years ago. The statue was under restoration in Zagreb for several years and looks nothing like what had been in the sea. The story of Apoxymenon is presented in a very innovative and approachable way that it can be interesting for everyone.
• All adventurers who love their vacation will be actively going on their own because the island of Lošinj extends the possibility of using the planned trails throughout the year. The trails are designed for cycling and hiking, are about 220 km long and stretch to as many as five islands.
• If you are a dolphins’ lover, try out a fantastic adventure and find out more about them. Dolphins are one of the attractions of the Lošinj island. Blue World Institute is involved in educating people about those intelligent animals and their ecosystem. The exhibition gives an insight into animals habit and explains how we should behave in order to preserve dolphins. The friendship between the dolphins and the island of Lošinj lasts for more than thirty years.
• Try hiking on Osorsčica – mountaineering trail. The mountaineering trail is ideal holiday for couples, families, group of friends or even if you are planning to go solo. This trail is one of the oldest in Croatia, opened for tourists around 1886 already. On the top, there are a small church and magnificent view. The view is amazing and breathtaking, especially after the wind Bura blown – when you can see the town of Zadar and all nearby islands!

Spend your holiday in Rijeka and learn its history, legends and tradition, meet its people and become a part of it. Rijeka is waiting for you!

Rijeka – a town that flows

Rijeka is commonly known as the town that flows and that contains rich history, industrial and cultural heritage. The oldest traces of first settlers on today’s Rijeka area date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Even the remains of the prehistoric forts and villages of this area stand proud as a reminder on the Bronze and Iron Ages. Visit Rijeka, take a walk, take a look, explore, peak into its every corner, feel the flow – the flow of the Rijeka town.

Feel the multicultural and industrial flow

Rijeka holds the status of the multicultural, maritime and industrial town because of its ideal geographical position. Rijeka once was one of Europe’s largest ports and one of the largest industrial centers with railway and maritime routes that opened an opportunity for tourism development. Now, Rijeka has a lot to offer to the modern tourist besides the sun, sea and excellent food. Peek into the Governor’s Palace that was the residence of the governor Ljudevit Batthyany, i.e. the vice-regent of the Hungarian crown St. Stephen. His architect decided to make the palace in High Renaissance because of the stately simplicity of the classics and so designed the most beautiful public building in Rijeka. Visit the Church of St. Vito, a Jesuit rotunda (today cathedral) that was built on a site of a small demolished church dedicated to this honorable guardian of Rijeka.

Step into the Church of St. Mary’s Assumption which was built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of the Roman thermal baths. Walk along the Korzo, drink your coffee on one of the terraces and figure it out why is Korzo called a lifeline of Rijeka. Climb up the Trsat Fortress, once a strategic lookout on a 138 meters high hill and today a favorite place of locals that is abundant with events such as open-air concerts, theater performances, literature events and art gallery exhibitions. While you’re on Trsat you should visit the Santcuary of Our Lady of Trsat that is the biggest pilgrimage center of the Western Croatia. And after all, just relax, breath in the fresh air and walk along the Rijeka’s pier also known as Molo longo because of its length over 1707 meters from which you can clearly see the transformations and progress of Rijeka – from the antic Tarsatica located on the left side of Rječina river to the strong maritime and industrial center.

Hear the Rijeka Story

Rijeka is a town full of legends that you’ll like to hear and retell. Find out what is Riječka krpica, the story behind Trsatske stube (The Stairs of Trsat), Gradska Ura (The Town Clock) or the Morčić – the symbol of Rijeka and Rijeka’s lucky-charm. Learn about diligent women called Mlikarice, which once have supplied Rijeka with milk, going everyday afoot for miles carrying the heavy milk containers on their backs. Get familiar with the story about Rijeka’s poetry knight, Janko Polić Kamov, whose words cut his contemporaries deeper than sword. Learn how two enthusiasts back in the 19th century came up on the idea to create something that will change worlds industry – the Torpedo. All in all, the most memorable thing that you should see and feel is definitely Rijeka’s Carnival, that kept the stubborn, cheerful and critical Carnival spirit despite its long history. This spirit still goes on, never gets tired and thrives year to year, always growing and showing to the new generations and visitors what does it really mean “Krepat, ma ne molat!” (“To die but never give up!”).

So, don’t give up, feel the Rijeka spirit. Take a walk, take a rest, taste the best in and of Rijeka. Cause Rijeka has the flow that you’ll like to go with!

Things to do in Rijeka

• Experience the festivities of Kvarner, starting from Rijeka’s Summer on Gradina (all summer), Rijeka’s Summer Nights (cultural festival with theater plays, live concerts, conceptual and themed events, in the late June) or Hartera music festival in September
• Hangout place for beer lovers definitely is Celtic café Bard, so take a walk to the center of Rijeka and relax yourself on their little cozy terrace under the stars or climb up to the Trsat and visit Badi Pub – a pub that has always been the home of good music and vibrations
• In small café bar Cukarikafe you’ll find the most tasteful coffee in Rijeka’s’ Old Town and the very best vision of Rijeka’s summer nights you’ll definitely find in the Tunel – a bar under the railway in the area called Školjić
• Rijeka is known as a rock city so visit cult places such as bar Palach, the oldest Rijeka rock club, or sit on the benches on the square in front of the hotel Continental and rest yourself from hustle and bustle by the Rječina river, just like many generations of locals used to do it and still are doing it every day
• If you’re visiting Rijeka for a few of days we recommend you to definitely visit and stay in the first botel in Croatia, called Marina that is located in front of the Adamić pier
• Take a walk through galleries of Rijeka and check out what’s happening on the art scene, we assure you that there is always something provocative going on
• Visit Peek&Poke, a twin museum – one for computers and one for toys – that will bring you back to you childhood. Imagine you and/or your child playing together Asteroids on a vintage Atari
• Check out the breathtaking architecture of the fish market – its architect Carlo Pergoli was under the influence of the Vienna Secession and elements of the Romanic style so he shared his vision with the famous Venice sculptor Urbano Bottasso with whose little help Rijeka can “boast” today with an architectural grandeur of the cultural monument
• If you really want to take with you the spirit of Rijeka, you should visit Souvenirs & gift shop Šta da?. “Šta da” is an idiom peculiar to Rijeka that literally means“what yes?” but it is used as an expression of surprise that you can translate as “really, you don’t say?” or “you whaaaat?”
• Visit Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić Library and Collection that some people named as a “important sea-fronted historical gem” of Croatian cultural heritage

First two photos by Mario Fajt / CC BY

Tradition and modernity, natural beauties, hardworking and hospitable people – qualities that you need for a perfect holiday on the island of Krk.

Looking for the treasure of the island of Krk

The island of Krk is known as the golden island since the ancient times thanks to its natural characteristics. It is a natural treasure of the Kvarner bay and the most northern island on the Mediterranean. So, if you dream about a sunny and peaceful family vacation resort, dog-friendly beaches or entertaining location for you and your friends – Krk is definitely a place to be!

Tradition and legacy of the island

People of Krk have learned to live in harmony with the rules of this unpredictable island and its climate. They learned how to live according to the nature and flora & fauna of this golden island. Bura, jugo and maestral winds are making troubles or giving a bit of the refreshment on a sunny day. The sun on your skin, tiny pebbles under your toes, fresh breeze in your hair, dear friends, a homemade wine known as Vrbnička Žlahtina and local delicacies such as šurlice with lamb goulash – everything is in front of you thanks to the Croatian coast and its hardworking people. So, relax, take a deep breath and let yourself go to the Krk state of mind and its legacy.

Locals are living the traditional way of life connected to the sea, agriculture and livestock farming in combination with the modern activities. So, on this island, you’ll find a fisherman whose daily job is to manage a restaurant or a teacher whose avocation is to build ships and breed sheep.

A touch of history on the streets of Krk

Krk is abundant with natural beauties. From the Biserujka cave located in the northeast part of the island to the picturesque islet Košljun or the city of Krk with its two thousand years old city walls, Frankopan castle from 13th century and old City Hall from 16th century. Every step you take is a step into the history. So, if you decide to visit the city of Omišalj that is perched on the cliff above the sea, you’ll find out that its cultural heritage is dating from the 3rd century.

We recommend you to visit the remains of the early catholic basilica and the remains of the Roman municipality Fulfinum in the Sepen bay, 2 km from Omišalj, in the Mirina area. On this island, you’ll find the early Roman Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor with the Baška tablet found in its chambers. It is written in the Glagolitic alphabet created by the stylization of Greek cursive in the middle of the 9th century and it was once the proof of the donation of land from the king Zvonimir to the Benedictine monastery of St. Lucy.

Sports and entertainment

Krk offers you all types of summer recreations but the most interesting ones are water sports – paragliding, scuba diving, waterskiing or sailing. If you’re fond of walking, you’ll definitely like the walking trails that are located all over the island – that is where you’ll truly find out in what lays the secret of the island’s beauty. Adrenaline junkies can get their satisfaction at the 650m-long cableway for wakeboarding and waterskiing in the wake park of the town of Krk.

Make a wish and fall in love

You could easily fall in love with this island if you just visit one of the local festivities, such as Lovrečeva or fisherman nights in local villages. For the outgoing people and the ones who seek an adventure on the dance floor, we will recommend Boa club in Malinska, club Casa Del Padrone and Volsonis in Krk city.

This is an island of culture and entertainment that offers you its tradition of dedication and hard work, combined and justified with a long history and modernity. Trust it and the pleasure is always yours.

Things to do on the island of Krk

• If you decide to visit Krk in summer, be sure to visit a beach with healing mud that can be found on the west side of the Klimno bay. Have fun on the beach, energise your body, play picigin (sports game played by several players in a circle whose goal is to keep the ball circling in air and out of the sea for long as possible) and find out why is this mud known as the one that cures the arthritis
• The island of Krk, more precisely the Baška bay, is a home to the unique plant “Barbašova lazarkinja” (Aspreula Borbasiana) that is also an endemic species
• Visit the Vitezić family library or go on a fine dines in taverns in Vrbnik where you’ll find the most famous wine from Krk – Vrbnička žlahtina. And most of all go for a meal, walk up the stairs, relax in the garden and take a bottle of wine (or two) from the Ivan Katunar House of Wine
• Peek into the Church of St. Trinity that is located in the historic centre and pedestrian area of Baška and hear a festival of bells
• Visit Franciscan monasteries – the one on the island of Košljun, located 90m from Punat and the one in Glavotok – they are well-known monasteries due to the significant archaeological findings from which some date from around 8th century
• You should also try to drive an off-road quad from Off-road Quad Safari Krk Malinska. While having an active vacation you’ll have an opportunity to see the Krk roads and nature from a different perspective
• Visit the House of Krk’s prosciutto, where you’ll learn every detail about this amazing delicacy while tasting a variety of dishes, based on the recipes that were used even in Roman times
• And finally, we recommend you to visit the International Festival “Sand & Time Krk Summer” – the exhibit of sand sculptures with laser and light show in the town of Krk

Featured photo by sanfamedia.com / CC BY-ND