Island of Lošinj
Lošinj is the “Island of Vitality” — as the Croatians call it, and not without reason. The extraordinary microclimate (protected by the Učka mountains and the Velebit) gives the island over 2,600 hours of sunshine a year, mild winters (average January: 7°C), and vegetation that is more reminiscent of the Canary Islands than the northern Adriatic. Already in the 19th century, Lošinj was officially declared a climatic health resort — the combination of salty sea air, pine aerosols, and aromatic herbs is considered healing for respiratory diseases.
The island (75 km², 8,000 inhabitants) is connected to Cres by the Osor channel. Unlike the wild sister island, Lošinj is more cultivated, better developed for tourism, and exudes an almost southern French nonchalance. Lush gardens, well-kept promenades, a lively restaurant scene, and — as an absolute highlight — a resident dolphin population right off the coast.
Sights
★★ Dolphin Watching
Around Lošinj lives a resident population of about 180 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) — the best-researched dolphin group in the Adriatic. The Blue World Institute in Veli Lošinj has been studying the animals since 1987 and offers guided observation tours by boat in summer. The sighting rate is over 80% — better chances than almost anywhere in the Mediterranean.
You can also see the dolphins from the coast: They are particularly often seen in the Bay of Čikat and off Veli Lošinj, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Blue World Institute, Kaštel 24, Veli Lošinj. Exhibition: 8€. Boat tour (2–3 hrs.): from 45€/person, June–September. Registration on-site or online: blue-world.org. Minimum age: 6 years.
★★ Mali Lošinj
With 8,000 inhabitants, the largest island town in Croatia — and one of the prettiest. The harbor stretches in a wide arc around a sheltered bay, lined with pastel-colored houses, palm trees, and oleanders. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Saint-Tropez in miniature — yachts, boutiques, ice cream parlors, plus a down-to-earth Croatian core.
Worth seeing: the promenade along the bay (evening stroll mandatory!), the church Sv. Marija with a baroque altar, the city park with exotic plants, and the small galleries in the center. In summer: open-air cinema, concerts, and regattas.
★ Apoxyomenos Museum
Lošinj's cultural highlight: its own bronze statue from the 1st century BC, discovered by a diver in 1999 at a depth of 45m off the coast. The Apoxyomenos (athlete scraping off sweat) is 1.92m tall, exquisitely preserved, and an absolute masterpiece of Hellenistic bronze art. The statue has its own museum in the Kvarner Palace in Mali Lošinj — the presentation is dramatically staged and alone worth the visit to Lošinj.
8€. Riva lošinjskih kapetana 13, Mali Lošinj. Tue–Sun 10–13 and 18–21 (summer), 10–18 (winter). Closed on Mondays. Audioguide available in German.
★ Veli Lošinj
The small sister village (1,000 inhabitants) lies 4 km southeast of Mali Lošinj in a hidden bay and is in many ways the more charming place. Colorful fishermen's houses, a tiny harbor, the baroque church Sv. Antun Opat with a collection of paintings (including Bartolomeo Vivarini, 15th century), the Tower (15th century), and a relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle. From here, the dolphin tours start.
Church Sv. Antun: 3€. Mon–Sat 10–12 (summer). Village freely accessible.
★ Fragrance Garden (Miomirisni vrt)
On the edge of Mali Lošinj lies this aromatic garden with over 250 medicinal and fragrant plants — rosemary, lavender, sage, immortelle, thyme. The garden is part of the health tourism concept and smells intoxicating. Guided tours explain the use of the plants in traditional medicine. Afterwards: herbal tea on the terrace.
4€. May–October: 9–19. On the forest path Čikat, signposted from the city center (20 min. on foot).
Čikat Bay
The most popular bathing bay of Lošinj: pebble beach under pines, turquoise water, several beach bars. The adjacent Čikat Forest (planted since 1886) is crisscrossed with walking paths — pine scent, sea view, cicadas. Perfect for families.
💡 Tipp
The best time for dolphin sightings is early morning (6–8 am) or late afternoon. Bring binoculars! Blue World also sells “Adopt a Dolphin” packages — a meaningful souvenir that funds research.
Health Tourism & Microclimate
Lošinj is not just a holiday destination — it is a recognized health location. The island's unique microclimate was scientifically documented by Viennese court counselor Dr. Ambroz Haračić in 1892, and the island was officially declared a climatic health resort.
What makes the climate special?
- Aerosols: The combination of sea salt, pine terpenes, and essential oils from over 1,000 aromatic plant species creates air that has been proven to help with respiratory diseases.
- Sunshine hours: Over 2,600 per year — more than Split or Dubrovnik.
- Mild winters: Average temperature in January 7.2°C. Snow is a once-in-a-century event.
- UV radiation: Moderate, filtered by the sea air — less aggressive than on the mainland.
Several hotels offer specialized health programs: thalassotherapy, respiratory treatment, allergy programs. The Hotel Bellevue (5 stars, Čikat) and the Vitality Hotel Punta in Veli Lošinj are the best addresses.
Even without a medical background, you will notice the difference: After a few days on Lošinj, you sleep better, breathe deeper, feel more relaxed. The locals say: "Lošinj heals." That may be a bit exaggerated — but it's not entirely wrong.
Food & Drink on Lošinj
€€€ Restaurant Bora Bar
The best restaurant on the island, right at the harbor of Mali Lošinj. Creative Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese influences: tuna tataki, sea bass with wasabi pesto, homemade truffle gnocchi. The wine list is excellent, the service attentive. Reservation at least 1 day in advance!
25–50€ per person · Priko 31, Mali Lošinj · Daily 18–23 (season) · Tel: +385 51 233 844
€€ Konoba Cigale
On the way to the Čikat Bay: hidden konoba in a pine forest. Grilled fish, scampi, black risotto, with local wine. The terrace under pines with views through the trees to the sea is pure Lošinj magic.
15–25€ · Uvala Čikat 12, Mali Lošinj · Daily 12–23 (season)
€€ Konoba Baracuda
At the harbor of Veli Lošinj: uncomplicated fish restaurant with the best daily catch. What the fisherman brings goes on the grill. Plus: chard with potatoes, salad, and a glass of Malvazija. So simple, so good.
12–22€ · Obala Maršala Tita 1, Veli Lošinj · Daily 11–23
€ Sandwich Bar Pomalo
Perfect for on the go: creative sandwiches and wraps with local ingredients, plus fresh smoothies and coffee. Small, fresh, affordable.
4–8€ · Trg Republike Hrvatske 6, Mali Lošinj · Daily 8–16
Practical Info for Lošinj
Arrival: Over the swing bridge at Osor from Cres. Most visitors come by car via Krk → Cres → Lošinj. In summer: catamaran from Rijeka directly to Mali Lošinj (Jadrolinija, approx. 3 hrs., from 15€). Also catamaran connections to Zadar and Pula.
Accommodation: Wide range: from the 5-star Hotel Bellevue (from 250€/night) to charming family apartments (40–80€) to Camping Čikat (right by the sea, excellent). Veli Lošinj is quieter, Mali Lošinj has more infrastructure.
Beaches: Čikat Bay (pebbles under pines, family-friendly), Sunny Bay (sandy beach, rare!), Baldarin (near Veli Lošinj, secluded and natural), Punta (near Veli Lošinj, rocky bay).
Bicycles: Lošinj is small enough for cycling: Mali Lošinj → Veli Lošinj 4 km, mostly flat. Rentals at the harbor, approx. 15€/day.
Itinerary: At least 2 nights, ideally 3–4. The combination of Cres + Lošinj is worth a week.