Mali Lošinj is the largest town on the Croatian island of Lošinj. Just south of Cress and west of Krk, this island in northern Croatia is so beautiful. Mali Lošinj is a charming town built alongside of cliffs on both sides that center around a harbor and city center of lovely walkways covered in the tables and chairs of restaurants and cafes. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage, this Croatian island offers something for everyone. In this blog post, we will guide you through Mali Lošinj’s must-visit spots, activities, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Our apartment host greeted us while we gathered our suitcases from the car; she helped us carry our luggage down the steps while alerting us that Mali Lošinj is the city of steps, she wasn’t joking, to the Riva where our apartment was located from where we parked was 145 steps. There is a way to drive down and drop off at the Riva, but we didn’t know that until after we carried everything down all those steps. The two hotels on the Riva are not dog-friendly, but several charming apartment rentals in the city center are. Ours came with a parking spot at the top of the hill.
Where to go:
Apoxyomenos Museum: A world-class museum featuring the ancient bronze statue of Apoxyomenos, a Greek athlete, and other historical artifacts.
Čikat Bay: A scenic bay with pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There is a fantastic dog beach in this area. Our pups loved it! So many dogs and everyone lets them enjoy themselves freely without issue. Onawa enjoyed relaxing on her tube while Aloisia ran around the pine forest and back into the sea repeatedly. The famous steps into the sea are also in this area. Beautiful villas and hotels line the sea on one side and pine forests on the other side.
Veli Lošinj: A picturesque village on the island’s southern end with charming streets and colorful houses. A quick ten- fifteen-minute drive or hour walk along the Lungomare will bring you to Veli Lošinj, though called big Lošinj; it’s a small quaint fishing village with colorful houses, restaurants, and cafes and steps into the sea for swimming make this a nice day trip.
Special sightseeing:
For panoramic viewpoints, visit the restaurant Tematski vidikovac Providenca for breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea. The agrotourism restaurant Miomirisni otočki vrt has fantastic views too.
What to do:
Explore the old town: Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Mali Lošinj’s historic center, discovering charming cafes, art galleries, and local shops.
Visit the fragrant island of Lošinj: Join a guided tour of its aromatic gardens, where you can learn about the local flora and its therapeutic properties.
Booking.comActivities:
Watersports: Indulge in various water activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, or kayaking. Cycling, rent a bike, and explore the extensive network of cycling trails that crisscross the island. Walk the Lungomare, or hike into the hills. We rented a boat and visited a few other islands, including Ilovik.
Shopping:
Local markets: Visit the town’s markets for fresh produce, local cheese, and handmade souvenirs. Artisan shops: Browse the island’s artisan shops for unique gifts, such as locally made jewelry or lavender products.
Where to stay:
Stay in charming boutique hotels in the center, such as Hotel Apoksiomen or Hotel Mare Mare, or rent an apartment or private villa. Alhambra is a beautiful hotel on Čikat Bay. We chose an apartment in the center to enjoy the town’s nightlife easily.
Where to eat:
We ate at many restaurants during our stay. Breakfast was best at Torte I to Manfrina, they have lovely cakes and these delicious rolled French toast filled with cream cheese or cheese and ham. Lunch was great at Kefi Pub and Konoba Lanterna. Lanterna Grill is near Čikat Bay. We came for lunch and some drinks by the sea, it’s beautiful but pricy. There are many romantic lovely restaurants for dinner, including:
Barracuda has fantastic seafood and a lovely atmosphere.
Bocca Vera: Sample delicious pizzas and homemade pasta at this popular Italian eatery.
Grill Delfin: fantastic seafood, also open for lunch.
Deveron has good casual food including good pizza.
Dessert at Moby Dick
Tips:
The ideal time to visit Mali Lošinj is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. Cary cash- always have plenty of cash on Croatian islands. The ATMs will charge extra fees, and many places are cash only.
Mali Lošinj is a fascinating destination that promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. With its beautiful swimming spots, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone on this stunning Croatian island. We stayed for a week which was the perfect amount of time to do a little of everything and a boat trip to the neighboring islands. Subscribe for more Croatian travels. Have a lovely day.
