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ITČikat Bay, Mali Lošinj: apartments and places to stay
The pine-shaded bay next to Mali Lošinj, with clear turquoise water, a seaside promenade and the historic villas that made Lošinj a health resort in the Austro-Hungarian era.
Search stays in ČikatČikat is the wide bay on the western side of Mali Lošinj, framed by a pine forest and lined with a promenade that runs along the shore. It is the island's best-known swimming spot and one of the most photographed corners of the Adriatic. Tell our AI what you need, such as sea view, parking or a dog-friendly stay, and it searches live offers in and around Čikat for you.
Čikat owes its look to the late 19th century. Research into Lošinj's mild climate by Dr Conrad Clar and Professor Ambroz Haračić led the Austrian government to declare Mali and Veli Lošinj climatic health resorts in 1892. Haračić also began planting the pines on what was then bare land, and that forest is now a protected park-forest. Wealthy families from Vienna and Budapest followed with villas: Villa Adelma and Villa Rouge (both 1895), Villa Karolina (1898), Villa Mirasol (1902) and Villa Hortensia, which opened in 1912 as Pension Bellevue.
The best known is Villa Karolina, built in 1898 to plans by a Viennese architect, officially for a Budapest businessman. In front of it, stone stairs with a balustrade lead straight into the sea, known locally as the “paradise stairs”. Local legend says the villa was really a discreet retreat for Emperor Franz Joseph I and the actress Katharina Schratt, though no record confirms it. The villa is private property; the stairs are best admired from the promenade or from the water.
For where to stay: the first row along the promenade has the historic villas and the larger hotels, with the beach on the doorstep. The streets between Mali Lošinj harbour and Čikat, a pleasant walk through the pine forest, combine easy beach access by day with the harbour's restaurants in the evening. The neighbouring Sunčana uvala has pebble beaches and family-oriented resorts.
Beaches
Čikat Bay
Pebble and rock beaches along the promenade, shaded by pines, with clear water that is shallow in places. There are cafés and beach bars along the shore, and it gets busy on summer afternoons, so come early for a spot in the shade.
Dog beach in Čikat
Čikat has a designated dog beach, past the railway workers' rest house towards the church of the Annunciation (Annunziata). Lošinj has several other dog beaches too, so pet owners have a choice.
Sunčana uvala (Veli žal)
The next bay south of Čikat, with pebble beaches, pine shade and calm water, backed by family resorts. Good for families who want a little more space.
Our photos: Čikat Bay
Taken by our team on the coast. Tap a photo to open it larger.
Getting there and around
Lošinj is reached through Cres. Car ferries run from Brestova in Istria to Porozina, and from Valbiska on Krk to Merag, each about 20 to 25 minutes. From there you drive the length of Cres and cross the bridge at Osor onto Lošinj. Čikat is on the edge of Mali Lošinj, a short drive or a walk through the pine forest from the harbour. There is also a daily Jadrolinija catamaran from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj.
Stays in Čikat Bay right now
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Tips before you book
- Parking close to the shore is limited in summer; ask your host whether the stay has its own parking.
- Villa Karolina is private: enjoy the stairs from the promenade or from the sea, and respect the property.
- The pine forest gives natural shade, and the promenade is pleasant for walks at any time of day.
- Much of the shore is pebble and rock: water shoes make getting in easier.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Villa Karolina?
No, the villa is private property and not open to visitors. Its stone stairs into the sea can be seen from the Čikat promenade and from boats in the bay, which is how most people photograph them.
How far is Čikat from Mali Lošinj town?
Čikat is on the edge of town. You can walk from the harbour through the pine forest or drive in a few minutes, so staying in either place gives you both the beach and the harbour restaurants.
Is Čikat good for families?
Yes. The pines give shade, the bay is sheltered and the promenade is easy to walk with children. The beaches are pebble and rock rather than sand, so bring water shoes.
Is there a dog beach in Čikat?
Yes, a designated dog beach in Čikat bay, towards the Annunziata church. Lošinj has several more, and our AI can look for stays that accept pets.