BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION

Veli Lošinj is a small town, port and summer resort on the eastern coast of the island of Lošinj. It is 4 kilometers from Mali Lošinj and has about 900 inhabitants. Veli Lošinj can be reached by car from two directions. The first direction is to cross the Krk Bridge by car and arrive at the Krk port of Valbiska. From Valbiska, you can then take a ferry to the Merag port on the island of Cres and continue by car to the settlement of Osor, which is 47 kilometers away. There is a drawbridge next to Osor that takes you directly to Mali Lošinj and then continues to Veli Lošinj. The second direction is to arrive at the port of Brestova in eastern Istria and travel by ferry to the port of Porozina on the island of Cres. From Porozina, you can continue by car to Osor, which is 58 kilometers away, cross the drawbridge and continue to Veli Lošinj. There is also a ferry line that goes from Zadar directly to Mali Lošinj, which runs once a day. Nearby Mali Lošinj has a smaller airport that is mainly used by smaller private planes, with some international flights. Another option is to arrive at Rijeka Airport near Omišalj on the island of Krk. The nearest train station is in Rijeka (about 134 kilometers away), after which you can take a bus from Žabica station or a catamaran from the port of Rijeka directly to Mali Lošinj. A catamaran also departs from Pula to Mali Lošinj. After arriving in Mali Lošinj, you can take a local bus or walk to Veli Lošinj.

CULTURE, HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS

During antiquity, Veli Lošinj was linked to the settlement of Osor, and was first mentioned as a settlement in 1398 under the name Velo Selo. The Romanesque church of St. Nicholas from the 14th century has been preserved from the Middle Ages. Other landmarks of sacral architecture are the parish church of St. Anthony the Hermit from 1774 and the church of Our Lady of the Angels from 1566. A very interesting building that speaks volumes about the long tourist tradition is the former building of the Hotel-Restaurant Szalay from the beginning of the 20th century, and Veli Lošinj itself has several Baroque and Classicist buildings that were used as villas, i.e. summer houses. Veli Lošinj also has a glorious past as a port and one of the centers of maritime activity on the Adriatic. The Port of Rovenska is one of the fishing ports where the spirit of old times can still be felt. The place where you can learn a lot about the history of Veli Lošinj is the Kula-Lošinj Museum. This local museum is located in a free-standing circular tower that was built in the 15th century in the early years of Venetian rule.

BEACHES

Although Mali Lošinj and Nerezine are in the immediate vicinity and have beautiful beaches, Veli Lošinj also has some of the beaches that tourists like to visit. Punta Beach is a rocky beach located in front of the Vitality Hotel Punta, and Rovenska Beach is located in the fishing bay of the same name. Other places to mention are the city beach Timi Beach and the coves of Vale Scura, Javorna, Kriška, Krivica and Balvanida.

OTHER CONTENT

Interesting taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy island delicacies or refreshing drinks on the terraces are Bora bar, Levante, Marina, Punta, Riva, Balvanida and Mol. Interesting events in Veli Lošinj include the Lošinj Book Festival, St. Anne's Carol, various concerts and many gastronomic events. A special place is occupied by Summer in the Betania House. This is a series of concerts that are held every summer in the beautiful surroundings of the Betania House, which is a spiritual center and catering facility where various events are organized for tourists and visitors. Veli Lošinj fosters the same form of health tourism as Mali Lošinj, as it is located in a climatic area suitable for treatment and is surrounded by diverse Mediterranean plants with air rich in aerosols. Therefore, in the center of Veli Lošinj you can find various centers and crafts that offer high-quality health and care services. Other entertainment, music and gastronomic events can be found in Mali Lošinj.

SPORT

Water sports are very popular in Veli Lošinj and diving is offered as a very common activity, and the place where you can rent equipment or take a course is Benthos divers diving center. There is an excellent offer related to cycling. Bicycles can be rented in several places in Veli Lošinj and its surroundings have many cycling paths in the nature. The half-day cycling trips Veli Lošinj-AC Poljana-Liski (26 kilometers) and Veli Lošinj-AC Poljana-Zabodarski (28 kilometers) are very popular. There are organized "fishing" trips from Veli Lošinj where visitors are taken on a fishing adventure, while a real active trip can be experienced by choosing the so-called "adventure package" which includes a cycling tour, kayaking and a boat trip. One of the attractions that is becoming more popular year after year is the e-motion project which actively involves tourists in riding electric scooters.

WHAT TO DO – EXCURSION OPPORTUNITIES

Boat trips are very popular in Veli Lošinj. During their routes, you can visit the nearby islands of Krk, Cres and Rab. In addition to the above, you can take a trip to the islands of Susak, Silba or Pag. A great destination for a trip in Veli Lošinj is the Blue World Institute with its very educational content, and other destinations are located in Mali Lošinj. Čikat Forest Park is a beautiful location for a nature trip, and there are also many hiking trails throughout the island.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Vila Conte is the only hotel in Veli Lošinj. Facilities that still offer larger accommodation capacities are boarding houses Veli Lošinj and Saturn. The rest of the offer for accommodation are private apartments. The nearest campsites are Čikat and Poljana Camping Village Resort near Mali Lošinj, as well as the marinas YC Marina and Marina Lošinj.