Losinj
The Croatian island of joie de vivre in the Adriatic
Categories: Losinj Kvarner Golf Croatia Adria
The island of Losinj is located in the north of Croatia, in the Kvarner Bay. It is one of the islands of the Cres-Losinj archipelago. The two islands Cres and Losinj are connected by an artificial channel with a swing bridge, which runs on Cres near Osor. Losinj is the largest island of the archipelago with about 75 square kilometers. 
corradobarattaphotos / Fotolia
The most important city on the island is Mali Losinj, other places are Veli Losinj, Nerezine, Sveti Jakov and Cunski. Excursions to the smaller islands in the surroundings are worthwhile: to the fertile island of Unije, to the island of Susak with dream beaches, to the lonely islands of Vele and Male Srakane as well as to the flower island Ilovik. From Losinj you can also reach the mainland by ferry, boat or sports plane.
Natural features and climatic conditions of Losinj
Surrounded by the beautiful blue Adriatic Sea and its sound of waves, the island conveys a moment of eternity. Sun, sky and sea - that's how unchanged it has been here for thousands of years. The water is crystal clear and rich in flora and fauna, especially the sensible dolphins. The people here were shaped by the sea and the mild climate. They themselves are as enchanting as their picturesque island.
The love for the sea and the respect for it can be seen in the fishermen and sailors in the small harbours. As a vacationer you are welcome to go fishing and sport fishing. On Losinj you can swim, dive and snorkel fabulously in the sea, but water skiing, sailing and surfing are also possible. The island is green and forested, its highest point is Televrin (588 m high) with the peak Osorscica. There is a 10 km long hiking trail that runs along the northern part of the island.
The summit can be reached from Osor and Nerezine. From the top there is a magnificent panoramic view of the whole archipelago and the coast of Istria. Below the peak there is the chapel of St. Nicholas (patron saint of sailors) and the cave of St. Gaudentius (bishop who banished poisonous snakes). Centennial stone walls with old wooden gates still bear witness to the archaic way of life of Losinj cattle breeders and farmers.
Welcome to the island of diverse pleasures
The biggest place is Mali Losinj, located on the southern side of the island, in the Augustus Bay. Thanks to its protected position, it has become a center of trade, seafaring and health tourism. With about 7,000 inhabitants, it is the largest island town on the Adriatic. The seafaring town with its maritime flair, the idyllic port and beaches and the green promenade, is worth the trip alone!
What would all this be without the tasty offers of the healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Fish ( salted anchovies ) and seafood ( Kvarner scampi ) are prepared according to traditional recipes with fresh local herbs (oregano, basil, sage, lemon balm, thyme, rosemary and laurel) and olive oil. Pecorino cheese, smoked ham and roast lamb are not to be missed, accompanied by local wine and high-proof wines. 
© Pablo Debat / Fotolia
Veli Losinj in the south of the island attracts with its colorful houses in the fishing port Rovenska. Here you can walk or cycle along the sea in the shade of the pine trees. The spa is famous for its exotic vegetation, which has been settled in more than two hundred botanical species in the park of the former residence of Archduke Karl Stephan. Losinj has long been known as a health resort for all senses.
