Mali Lošinj

Mali Lošinj, the largest town on the Lošinj Island

Mali Lošinj is located on the southern side of the Bay of Lošinj and because of this position has become a very important commercial centre and maritime. Today is also an important tourist destination. The town dates back to the 12th century when twelve Croatian families settled in the eastern by of Saint Martin. Mali Lošinj is with 7000 inhabitants the largest town in the Adriatic.

The golden age of Mali Lošinj

The golden age for the town was the end of the 19th century when because of seafaring the small village turned into a maritime town. Due to the big chances and the maritime crisis in the area, because of passing from sail boats to stream boats, is seemed that the destiny of this city was ended. Upon discovering the health benefits of the climate, and growing of the tourism, a new beginning in the island's history was open.

Republic of Croatia Square

The main town square Republic of Croatia Square is triangular in shape and the construction of its seafront has been completed in 1926. Recently, it has been covered with stone tiles. The square served as the central stage for many events. The beautiful fountain on the square depicts two dolphins that spew fresh water coming from the Vranjsko lake. The fountain, as well as the nearby sculpture of a fisherman, where both made by master sculptor Vinko Matković from Rijeka.

The Church of the Birth of Our Lady

The Church of the Birth of Our Lady was built from 1696 to 1757 on the hill of Bardina and the field of Ravnica and its facade exemplifies the Baroque style. The church boasts an interesting and a valuable collection. It has an organ made by Venetian master Gaetano Callidi, stations of the cross are a copy of the 1747 work by Gianbattista Tiepolo and its marble altar crucifix of the Holy Cross was made by sculptor Bartolomeo Ferrari.

Veli Lošinj, the city of captains houses

Veli Lošinj, the oldest town on the island

Veli Lošinj spreads from the bay of Javorna to the bay of Jakovlje. It was once the largest town on the island of Lošinj. This town was once filled with carob trees, olive groves, vineyards and almond trees. Today is surrounded by an evergreen forest of Alpine pines and because of the Mediterranean climate, the most beautiful groves of lemon, tangerine and orange trees.

The Church of Saint Antun Pustinjak

The old port of Veli Lošinj is dominated by a great steeple and the church of Saint Antun Pustinjak (Anthony the Hermit), the town's patron saint. The church is a real treasury of art, mostly coming from the times of the Venetian Republic. Its present day structure was completed in 1774, during the reign of the Prejasna Republic. The person who was most responsible for furnishing the church was Gasparo Craglietto.

Museum and Gallery of Veli Lošinj

The town fortress was turned into the Museum and Gallery of Veli Lošinj. The ground level houses a model of the Apoksiomenos, represented in the position that it held for centuries after falling from the damaged Antiguity ship. The first floor of the Museum contains exhibits of the prehistoric and antiquity periods of this area, as well as the first permanent settlement of the Croatian tribes that arrived in the thirteenth century. The exhibit also includes artifacts of the development of the Veli Lošinj that date up to the twentieth century and the beginning of tourist boom.

Church of Our Lady of Angels

The church of Majka Božja od Anđela is a little bit smaller than the parish church and was constructed in the year 1510. It also boasts an extensive collection of artwork from the Venetian school. It is also worthwile to mention the church of John the Baptist. It was constructed on top of Kalvarija in 1755, at the height of 235 meters above Veli Lošinj. The mass is given there only once a year, on June 24 th.

Cape Leva

At the bay's entrance near Cape Leva, stands a light post that guides the vessels at night so that may safely enter the bay. A few old cannons surround the light-post and resemble those that the town's ancestors used to defend themselves from unwanted guests. In 1455, a defense fort was constructed for this purpose at the tip of the bay. It used to stand on the seacost rock, but is now obstructed with a row of houses that were built on the coast and the small port called Mandrača.

The most beautiful towns in Croatian Istria

Istria Country

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. It is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Bay of Kvarner and Gulf of Trieste. It is shared by three countries: Slovenia, Italy and Croatia. The most beautiful towns in Croatian Istria are Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Novigrad and Motovun.

Many attractions

Pazin is the administrative seat of Istria. The Lim bay and valley is a picturesque feature found near Vrsar and Rovinj. The Istria area offers many natural and cultural attractions, clean and pristine beaches with crystal water, culinary delights and many opportunities for active leisure.

Poreč

Town Poreč has a picturesque city centre, located on a small peninsula submerged in the sea. The historical centre, once encircled by towers and walls is today conserved in valuable remains. Its major landmark is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Pula

Pula is the largest town in Istria Country. As the rest of the region, it is known for its unspoiled nature, smooth sea and mild climate. It has a long tradition of fishing, winemaking, shipbuilding and tourism. It has been Istria's administrative centre since Roman times. The most famous building is the Arena.

Rovinj

Is a popular tourist resort and a fishing port. The old town had seven gates, three of which have been preserved to this day: The Gate of the Holy Cross, The Portica and The Gate of St. Benedict. The largest monument in Rovinj is the Church of St. Euphemia.

Novigrad

It was once a peaceful fishing town, but over the years has become a popular tourist destination. Novigrad has rich cultural heritage, preserved natural beauty and astounding historical sights. It is also one of the top Istrian gourmet places. The city walls have for centuries protected Novigrad's rich history.

Motovun

It is a small medieval town in central Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley. Motovun is a popular and an attractive tourist destination. The bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core.

Opatija

Opatija is an elegant tourist destination situated in the Gulf of Kvarner under the Učka mountain in Primorje-Gorski Kotar country. It is an ideal choice for a vacation in summer and winter season. The beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, tended parks, hotels and old Austrian villas, seaside promenade and beaches attract tourists from Europe and around the world for more than 160 years.

In Roman times, the area was home to several patrician villas. The person who first discovered the beautiful Opatija was Iginio Scarpa, a merchant from Rijeka who built his holiday home here in 1844 and named it the Villa Angiolina. This event marked the beginning of tourism in Opatija. The place started intensely developing under the supervision of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Several important facilities were built alongside the first Hotel Quarnero - a pavilion with indoor pool for warm sea baths, a bathing place with separate areas for men and women, and the 12 kilometre long coastal promenade from Volosko to Opatija and further to Lovran. After World War Two, Opatija's tourism became more orientated to the hosting of conventions and the summer season.

The most important attractions are Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, Maiden with Seagull, Hotel Kvarner, Opatija's Sculptures, Swiss House, Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion, Lungomare, Park Angiolina, Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Saint James Park, Open Air Theatre of Opatija, Croatian Walk of Fame, Opatija's Market Hall, Opatija's small harbour and other.

What to see on the Island of Krk?

Island of Krk is a picturesque island that lies in the northern part of Adriatic Sea. It is situated in the Kvarner bay near the town Reka. It is the largest and most populous Adriatic Island. The island is connected to the mainland  with the Krk bridge from the year 1980. The largest city is town Krk, which is also the administrative center of the island.

Krk is by ferry connected to the islands of Rab and Cres. The island has many natural and cultural attractions, beaufitul beaches and excellent culinary offer. The larges attractions of the island are Baška, Cave Biserujka, Krk town, village Vrbnik and the islet Košljun.

Baška is known by one of the largest and most beautiful pebble beaches in the Adriatic. Vela Beach has a form of a semicircle and is 1800 meters long. It is surrounded by many cafes, restaurants, hotels and private accommodations. The city is also famous by Baška slab, which is a national monument of culture of the Croatian people. Baška besides swimming also provides opportunities for many other activities such as climbing, cycling, walking, hiking and scuba diving.

Cave Biserujka is located near the village Rudina and is the underground pearl of the Island of Krk. It is open for sightseeing from April to October. The guided tour lasts approximately 15 minutes. The underground galleries are full of picturesque stalagmites, stalactites and calcite pillars. Cave Biserujka was discovered about 100 years ago.

The port town Krk is the main settlement on the Island of Krk. The most popular attractions are the early Cristian basilica from the 5th century, the city walls, the Frankopan castle, the Franciscan church and monastery, upper town gate, Chapel of Saint Anne and many others. The city was the seat of the bishop's diocese from the 4th century. Near the town is located a sandy beach named Dražica, where is a hotel complex and a campsite.

Vrbnik village is situated on a streep cliff that rises about 50 meters above the crystal clear sea. The place has a rich historical past, as it has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In Vrbnik have had preserved remains of the medieval defensive walls with towers. The most special part of the old town centre is the street named Klančić, which is the narrowest street in the world, as it has a diameter of only 50 centimeters. Vrbnik offers wonderful views of the sea and charms with its simplicity.

Košljun is a small island located near Punat in the bay of Puntarska Draga. From the city centre is distant about 15 minutes driving with a taxi boat. The islet with lush Mediterranean vegetation has been inhabited since Roman times. Today is on the islet a museum with an ethnographic collection where you can see a rich collection of paintings, books, icons, folk costumes and rare copies of manuscripts. The visit of the entire isled takes about two hours.

Krk Island

Krk Island is known as one of the largest islands in the Adriatic Sea and the most northern. It is located in the Kvarner Bay, east of Istrian peninsula. Since 1980 the island has been connected with the mainland by the Krk Bridge.



Island of Krk has very diverse accommodation possibilities, such as hotels, family hotels and boards, camps, private rooms and apartments. The island offers variety of experiences and attractions: small rural villages, lively clubs and bars, quiet and small restaurants, a thousand years old towns, secluded swimming bays and well equipped city beaches.

When being on Krk is recommended that you visit the city of Krk with Krk Cathedral, Frankopan castle and old City Hall, the Biserujka Cave, islet of Košljun, town of Omisalj, town of Vrbnik, harbour Voz, monastery and church in Glavolok and many other. There are numerous amazing beaches on the Island of Krk: in the town of Krk, Punat Marina, Omišalj, Malinska, Nivicie, Baška. 

Pula

Pula is a three thousand year old town, which is located in the south of the Istrian peninsula. It's origin is linked to the Argonauts, the ancient Greek mythological heroes. Pula rests on seven hills whose peaks are crowned with defensive forts and evolved along a sea bay. It is a city of floral squares, parks, pine groves, gracious coves and of intense history.

The Hercules' Gate is the oldest monumental building in Pula. The Amphitheatre (Arena) is an absolutely attractive cultural monument that has lasted over 1900 years. It was finished during the reign of the Roman emperor Vespasian. Among the cultural heritage is also the Dual Gate, Augustus's Temple, the ancient mosaic, the cathedral, the Historical Museum of Istria and many other.