Losinj Island Travel Guide
Island of Losinj, with Mali Losinj and Veli Losinj as its major towns, is a real jewel of Croatia. Losinj travel will satisfy the demands of anyone due to its bountiful cultural life, rich sport offer and miraculous beaches.
Losinj Island has its own airport, but planes with a capacity of over 40 seats are not allowed to land there. Losinj is connected to the Cres island with a pivoting Canal bridge in Osor. The main harbor is Mali Losinj, which can be reached by ferry from Pula, Zadar and Venice.
Island has been populated since the prehistoric times. During ancient times Losinj and Cres were known as Apsirtides. The name Losinj appeared for the first time in the official documentation in 1384. After the downfall of the Venetian Republic Losinj was ruled by Austrians till 1918, then it was a part of Italy up to 1943. It was only in 1945 when the island of Losinj was annexed to Croatia.
Tourist attractions. History fans will be happy to take in the hill-forts near Osorscica, the ruins of Roman villas, and a museum-gallery located in a Venetian round tower (15th c.). Chapel of St. Cross (19th c.), Church of St. Mary (1510) with a valuable Venetian art collection, Chapel of St. Peter (1666), Church of St. John the Baptist (1755) in Kalvarija, Church of St. Joseph (19th c.), the Church of St. Nicholas (11th c.) can be toured by sacred architecture enthusiasts during their Losinj holidays. If you are an art lover, your Losinj travel will not be full without visiting the Church of St. Anthony Abbot the Anchoret (1450) with its great collection gallery of the paintings (the works of Vivarini, Polenzo, Strozzi, Quaren, Hayez). Those who’d like to know more about sea eco-system and life of dolphins should visit the Losinj Sea Educational Centre.
Beaches. The beaches on island of Losinj are fantastic. Veli Zala in Suncana uvala, a family beach in the Rovenska bay, Timy beach near the graveyard, Hotel Punta Blue Flag beach are the most popular pebble beach of Veli Losinj. Javorna, Kriska, Krivica, and Balvanida are the beautiful lagoons of the island.
Restaurants. The best restaurants of Losinj Island can be found along the harbour bay of Mali Losinj. Tight budget travelers should go to the konoba Ara and trattoria Miramare, which offer delicious seafood. People who prefer Italian food should visit konoba Bukaleta and trattoria Bora Bora. Those who like luxury and can afford it are recommended to have dinner at the restaurant Baracuda. Those who are looking for a place to eat in Veli Losinj can consider a luxurious restaurant Marina and the tavern Ribarska Koliba.
Festivals and cultural events. Those who seek cultural and entertainment events during their Losinj holidays will be more than content. Koleda, with bonfires and the bowling competition, is celebrated near the Church of St. Ana in the end of July. Those who are truly fit and like funny sport competitions like rope pulling and sinking canoes should take part in Veloselske Ljetne Uzance (July 25). The first day of August is Dolphin day, an event dedicated to preservation of dolphins.
Active vacations. Losinj travel will be especially memorable for divers due to a great number of ancient shipwrecks. Krivica Bay, Male Srakane, Zabodaski Island, Susak (reef Margarita), Unije (reef Skoljic), Veli and Mali Osir are the most popular diving locations on the island of Losinj. The island is also one of the best places of Croatia for active mountaineers, two-wheeled enthusiasts, trekkers and hikers. In addition, painball fans and tennis players will also be satisfied during their holidays on island of Losinj.