Forget stress on the island of vitality

Situated in the northern Adriatic, in the Kvarner Gulf, Lošinj is one of Croatia’s most distinctive islands — not only because of its natural beauty, but also because of the feeling it gives you the moment you set foot on it. The scenery here is breathtaking, nature is always within reach, and the rhythm of life is slower, calmer, almost meditative. It is precisely for this reason that Lošinj, an island with more than 140 years of tourism tradition, rightfully carries the title of the “Island of Vitality”.

This reputation stems from its unique microclimate, rich in sea aerosols and the essential oils of more than a thousand plant species. Everyone who visits Lošinj agrees that staying here has an almost therapeutic effect — something spoken of since the 19th century, when visitors first began referring to it as a climatic health resort. Today, Lošinj is the perfect destination for anyone wishing to escape everyday life and restore balance, especially in spring — without the summer crowds, with pleasant temperatures and nature at its most vibrant.

One of the first curiosities visitors encounter is the question: which is actually larger — Mali Lošinj or Veli Lošinj? Although their names suggest the opposite, Mali Lošinj is the larger of the two and serves as the island’s administrative, tourist and transport centre. Its large harbour, lively promenade and rich maritime history give it an urban character, yet without losing its Mediterranean charm.

Veli Lošinj, by contrast, is smaller but exceptionally picturesque. Its pastel-coloured houses, narrow stone streets and slower pace of life create an atmosphere reminiscent of another era. It is precisely this contrast between the “small” and the “large” that makes Lošinj so unique — allowing visitors to experience two completely different places and two entirely different stories in a single day.

Spring on Lošinj arrives quietly, almost discreetly, yet that is exactly what makes it so enchanting. Pine forests fill the air with freshness, while the sea takes on crystal-clear shades that shift with the light. Temperatures are ideal for spending time outdoors without the intense summer heat, making this season perfect for exploration. The island offers more than 250 kilometres of walking and cycling trails leading through untouched nature, along the coast, across hills and through dense forests. One of the most beautiful routes is the walk between Mali and Veli Lošinj — an easy yet exceptionally scenic path following the coastline and revealing hidden coves along the way. On this route lies Rovenska, a small fishing area that looks as though it belongs on a postcard.

Spring on Lošinj also brings one of the island’s most important gastronomic events — the Lošinj Cuisine Festival. This year, the event was held for the 18th time during the first weekend of May, announcing the island’s culinary theme for the year: the “Year of Vitality”, which perfectly reflects Lošinj’s identity. As every year, restaurants across the island throughout May will offer specially created menus inspired by local ingredients — fresh fish, olive oil, seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. The dishes are simple yet full of flavour, creating the perfect balance between indulgence and healthy living.

The Veli Žal restaurant, overlooking the open sea and a beautiful beach, offers a specially designed Vitality Menu dominated by local fish, vegetables and the island’s herbs. One place that perfectly embodies the philosophy of Lošinj cuisine is Restaurant Pinija at the Lošinj Health Resort, the very place where tourism on the island first began. Today, it remains a special destination for rehabilitation, but also a place to enjoy an à la carte lunch or a vitality-inspired dinner.

All the creative dishes at Restaurant Pinija are signed by Chef Ivan Kapitanić, whose contemporary interpretation of traditional cuisine highlights local and seasonal ingredients. If you would like to take the taste of Lošinj home with you, visit the Fragrant Garden of Mrs Sandra, located at the entrance to Mali Lošinj. Nearly 250 species of wild herbs grow there, animals live in harmony with nature, and Sandra hosts numerous workshops while offering some of the island’s most charming souvenirs — spice blends (many of which you will have already tasted in dishes across the island), honey-based products, jams and more.

While staying on Lošinj today, you will of course pay in euros, but you will also hear stories of how “kuna” was used on the island long before it became Croatia’s official currency. For this experience, head towards Osor — a beautiful and picturesque little town that today has only around 25 permanent residents, yet welcomes thousands of visitors each year who stay in apartments, campsites, or simply come to explore its history.

To truly discover Osor, visit the archaeological museum, put on a pair of VR glasses, and hear the full story of the town. There you will also meet the “kuna”, which reveals how the inhabitants of Osor once paid Venetians with marten pelts. For good luck, seek out its statue hidden in the town streets and stroke its tail to ensure you always have enough kuna — or rather euros.

You will also pay for your ticket in euros to enter the unique in situ Museum of Apoxyomenos, located in the heart of Mali Lošinj. Housed in the beautifully restored historic Kvarner Palace directly on the waterfront, the museum is entered via one of the island’s few escalators — a remnant of the island’s former department store.

Within its modern museum display, visitors hear the story of the discovery, restoration and significance of the ancient bronze statue of an athlete found in the waters around Lošinj. A visit to the museum lasts nearly two hours, and the exhibition offers a different kind of museum experience — minimalist, quiet and almost meditative.

And just when you think you have seen everything Lošinj has to offer during a wonderful weekend or a longer holiday, ask for directions to Providenca. This themed viewpoint is renowned for one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Adriatic, admired by visitors from around the world. The viewpoint is designed in cascading terraces built with dry stone walls and wooden pathways leading to several seating areas with tables and benches.

Each table bears the name of a ship, telling its own maritime story connected to this region. Visits to Providenca must always be booked in advance, and when making your reservation you can choose where you would like to sit, whether you would like to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset, sample local products from a picnic basket, or simply sit back, relax and watch another perfect day on Lošinj slowly disappear into the horizon.

Photos: Nikola Zoko