Apartments and holiday homes on Lošinj
A green, pine-covered island at the far end of Kvarner, with two harbour towns, shaded swimming bays and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in the surrounding sea.
Search stays on LošinjLošinj became a health resort at the end of the 19th century, when Viennese visitors came for its mild climate and built villas among the pines around Čikat. Those pines were planted on bare land by local enthusiasts, and today the forest park is the island's great asset: shaded paths, clear bays and a promenade that runs along the shore. The island still promotes itself for its clean air and aromatic plants, and the mild climate makes spring and autumn pleasant for walking.
Mali Lošinj is the main town, set around a long, sheltered harbour lined with cafés and pastel houses. It has the widest choice of shops, restaurants and boat trips, plus the Museum of Apoxyomenos, built around a Greek-style bronze athlete found on the sea bed nearby. Veli Lošinj, a few kilometres away, is smaller and quieter, with a tight harbour and the Blue World dolphin education centre. Its small harbour is lined with cafés and fishing boats.
Stay in Mali Lošinj or on the Čikat side for walkable beaches and a choice of places to eat, or in Veli Lošinj for a village feel. Lošinj suits couples, walkers and families happy with a slower pace, and it is best for a week or more given the journey. Many of our stays are within walking distance of the sea, and a fair number have a sea view or allow pets.
Beaches
Sunčana uvala, Mali Lošinj
A sheltered bay south of Čikat with pebble beaches, pine shade and calm water. A pleasant walk along the coast links it to Čikat, so you can swim in one bay and have lunch in the next. Good for families wanting space.
Rovenska, Veli Lošinj
A pebble beach in a small fishing cove protected by a breakwater, about 15 to 20 minutes' walk from Veli Lošinj. Dense pines give shade on hot afternoons, the water is calm, and on lucky days dolphins have been spotted offshore.
Čikat bay
The busiest of the island's beaches, with a mix of pebble and rocky spots along a shaded seafront path. Cafés, water sports and diving centres are close by, and it is an easy walk or cycle from Mali Lošinj town.
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 small bridge at Osor onto Lošinj, so allow a couple of hours on the road. There is also a daily Jadrolinija catamaran from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj via Cres and the smaller islands, taking about four and a half hours in total.
Stays in Lošinj right now
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Tips before you book
- The Blue World centre in Veli Lošinj runs a code of conduct for dolphin watching; choose boat trips that follow it.
- Lošinj has several designated dog beaches equipped with waste bins, in both Mali and Veli Lošinj; ask your host for the nearest.
- The island is a long drive from the ferries, so time your arrival to avoid the summer weekend queues.
- Much of the coast is rock and pebble: water shoes make the smaller coves more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Mali and Veli Lošinj?
Despite the names, Mali (small) Lošinj is the larger town, with the main harbour, most restaurants and shops, and the Apoxyomenos museum. Veli (big) Lošinj is a smaller, quieter village a few kilometres away, with a pretty harbour and the dolphin education centre. They are close enough to visit both from either base.
Can you see dolphins on Lošinj?
Around 200 bottlenose dolphins live in the waters of the Cres and Lošinj archipelago, studied for decades by the Blue World Institute in Veli Lošinj. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they are possible from boats and occasionally from the shore. Visit the centre to learn more before a trip.
How long does it take to get to Lošinj?
It takes a while. After a 20 to 25 minute ferry to Cres, from Istria or Krk, you drive the length of Cres to the bridge at Osor and on to Mali Lošinj. Plan for a couple of hours after the ferry in summer. The catamaran from Rijeka takes about four and a half hours.
Is Lošinj good for families?
Yes, if you like a calm pace. The pine forest around Čikat gives natural shade, the bays are sheltered, and the seafront paths are pleasant to walk with children. It lacks big sandy beaches, so expect pebble and rock, and bring water shoes.