In May 2019, together with a group of German and Swiss influencers, I was invited by Lošinj Hotels & Villas, to visit Lošinj Islands. Those who follow me on Instagram have seen the IG Stories, and numerous posts on my feed from the dreamy islands of Lošinj.
Since 2019 was a year of a lot of non-stop travels and events, now I am realizing— how many beautiful places I have visited, but didn’t have time to share my experience here with you.
Today, I want to share everything you need to know about Lošinj Islands, before you start to plan your post-pandemic travel to the most beautiful Croatian islands.
How to get there?
Lošinj airport is served by seasonal flights from Zagreb, Venice and Lugano, Switzerland. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Austria, but you can fly from Munich to Rjeka, or take a road trip from Vienna to Lošinj for an 8hr 35mins drive.
In summer, a daily catamaran runs from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj (2hr 50mins). Several buses a day link Cres town and Mali Lošinj; two link with Zagreb. From mid June to September, a car ferry runs twice weekly to Mali Lošinj from Zadar and Pula.
About Lošinj Islands
Lošinj, is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea, in the Kvarner Gulf. Around 2600 sunshine hours a year make the island a favorite tourist destination in summer months, especially for the nearby counties.
In 1892, Lošinj became an official designation as a health resort, visited by Habsburg royalty, as well as many prominent people— and today a favorite destination for international guests.
The old town of Veli Lošinj
Mali Lošinj ‘Small Lošinj’, is the bigger island, than the Veli Lošinj, ‘Great Lošinj’. Mali Lošinj, the largest island town in the Adriatic, with a population of 7.000, is set around a long, wide harbour, lined with Habsburg-era facades. Strolling from one end of the harbour to the other takes 20 minutes– it’s a nice waterside lined with great restaurants and bars.
The seabed around Lošinj is rocky, therefore the water looks crystal clear. Not only because of the rocky seabed, but the water around the island is the cleanest in the Adriatic Sea, which is why this area is the favorite place for dolphins.
What to do in Lošinj?
The attractions of Lošinj include beautiful nature as well as luxury resort settlements full of wonderful local bars and restaurants. Strolling from one end of the harbour to the other takes 20 minutes. The promenade is full of art and beautiful souvenirs. The Museum of Apoxymenos is one of Croatia’s cultural highlights, and a must visit place.
There are good beaches near Mali Lošinj, including the popular area of Čikat bay. The Čikat bay features luxury hotels Bellevue and the smaller, boutique Alhambra with destination Japanese restaurant Matsunoki and their flagship Alfred Keller.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Hotel Bellevue
To fully experience Lošinj, you must take a boat trip around Mali and Veli Lošinj. If you are lucky, you can catch glimpse of happy dolphins across pristine bays of Lošinj.
Visit the unique Museum of Apoxyomenos
The Museum of Apoxyomenos is famously dedicated to: Apoxymenos. This bronze statue of an athlete dates back to the 2nd or 1st century BC but wasn’t discovered until 1997. It was finally taken out of the sea, where it waited nearly 2000 years, in 1999. The bust is in a great condition, except for a few missing parts.
Where to stay in Lošinj?
The moment I arrived in Lošinj Islands, I fell in love with the tranquil nature and endless crystal clear sea. The best places to stay in Losinj are geared towards de-stressing, rejuvenation and relaxation. There are spas and therapy centres galore, and for more active types the island is good for walking, cycling, diving and watersports.
Hotell Bellevue
A superb seaside location on Čikat Bay, the Spa Clinic of Hotel Bellevue 5* on the island of Lošinj has been named “Croatia’s Best Hotel Spa” 2020 by the prestigious World Spa Awards™, an established global organization that serves to celebrate and honour excellence in the spa and wellness industry. A bespoke world-class haven at Hotel Bellevue 5* situated at picturesque Čikat Bay on the island of Vitality Losinj, the 2500-sqm Bellevue Spa Clinic is an extraordinary wellness sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in integrative wellness programs and beauty treatments from world-renowned specialists and brands such as celebrity French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez, Forlle’d Japan, Pharmos Natur and Valmont, as well as cutting-edge non-invasive medical aesthetic therapies including Ultherapy, Exima, CryoSauna, Oxygen and anti-ageing treatments delivered by a team of resident aestheticians, doctors and dermatologists. Source: Hotel Bellevue
The Bellevue hotel has a minimalistic architecture, that provides comfort and calmness inside. With a tranquil crystal blue waterfront, the soft daylight blends perfectly with the natural tones of the hotel. This is an excellent choice for relaxation and regenerating the energy of life. The suites have a terrace with hot tub, Bellevue Spa Clinic personalized treatments and programs, the SPA Garden has an open air garden massage, indoor and outdoor seawater pool, private beach, fine dining menus, signature cocktails, and a modern congress hall.
This hotel has exceeded my luxury spa hotel expectations. The personnel was very friendly and extremely attentive. A large selection of delicious fresh and organic food with the best local ingredients— literally, nothing was missing in the restaurant. The Japanese restaurant Matsunoki, was the culinary highlight of my stay.
The Japanese restaurant Matsunoki
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Surrounded by tall pines, algaves and palm trees, Boutique Hotel Alhambra has a private beach area in Čikat Bay. The 5-star hotel is located in two historic Austro-Hungarian villas, offers an indoor pool, a wellness area and a fitness room. Built in 1908, Villa Augusta was designed in Art Nouveau style and interiors are done up in a refined, minimalist manner. Next door, Villa Alhambra – which dates back to 1912 – and has been decorated in an elegant retro-classical style. Chic rooms feature marble bathrooms, Murano chandeliers, custom artwork and luxurious amenities. In the hotel’s restaurant with terrace, you can enjoy various fine cuisine dishes and signature drinks. More dining options can be found in the center of Mali Lošinj, which is about 1 km away.
Special excursions and sightseeing tours can be arranged on site. The Boutique Hotel Alhambra offers a transfer service at an additional cost. Additional SPA services are offered at the nearby Hotel Bellevue. This hotel is a perfect place for couples. The island’s airport is a 20-minute drive from here.
The Alfred Keller restaurant – named after Villa Alhambra’s Austrian architect – is a gastronomic highlight and a must when you visit Lošinj Islands.This restaurant has been commended in the Gault et Millau guide.
Villa Augusta & Villa Alhambra
Fine dining at Alfred Keller restaurant
All photos (c) Disi Couture
Disclaimer: This content was brought to you in friendly collaboration with Lošinj Hotels & Villas, as a press visit and a complimentary stay.
