How to Get to Lošinj Island, Croatia

Where is Lošinj Island?

The island of Lošinj, part of the Cres and Lošinj Archipelago, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and maritime history. With 36 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs, this labyrinth of inlets and anchorages tells stories of seafarers and ancient civilizations. Lošinj and Cres, once a single island, were divided by a Roman-era canal, a testament to the ingenuity of the past.

In the heart of Croatia’s Kvarner Bay, Lošinj gleams like a precious gem. It is celebrated for its healing air, centennial pine forests, secluded beaches, and layered history. Renowned in the 19th century as a health resort, Lošinj retains its allure as a wellness haven.

Over 1,100 plant species and aromatic herbs, some indigenous and others brought by sailors from distant lands, paint its landscapes. The island exudes a symphony of scents and hues, inviting you to breathe deeply and simply be.

How Do You Get to Lošinj Island?

The journey to Lošinj is as magical as the destination, offering routes that span air, sea, and road. However you choose to travel, each step brings you closer to this Adriatic haven. Below, explore the pathways leading to Lošinj from across Europe and beyond.

Getting to Lošinj from Europe

• By Plane: For European travelers, the skies bring you closer to Lošinj’s shores. Flights land at Rijeka Airport on Krk Island, as well as Pula and Zadar, with onward journeys by ferry or car. During summer, direct flights from cities like London, Frankfurt, and Vienna make the voyage even simpler.
• By Car & Ferry: A drive combined with a ferry crossing unveils breathtaking Adriatic panoramas, making the journey to Lošinj as enchanting as the destination itself. Travelers from European countries or Croatian cities can reach ferry ports like Rijeka, Brestova, or Valbiska for a seamless transition to the island.
  • From Trieste (Italy), follow the Pasjak border crossing through Opatija to Brestova ferry harbor on the mainland, crossing to Porozina on Cres.
  • From Ljubljana (Slovenia), choose the Rupa border crossing via Rijeka and either take the bridge to Krk Island and Valbiska ferry harbor to Merag on Cres or travel through Opatija to Brestova for the Porozina route.
  • From Zagreb (Croatia), the path leads through Rijeka to the Krk bridge, then from Valbiska to Merag, revealing Lošinj’s welcoming shores with every mile.

These short 20-minute ferry crossings are a seamless gateway to Lošinj Island. Tickets can be purchased on the spot, and schedules are available on the Jadrolinija website.

Travelling to Lošinj from the UK and the US

• From the UK: Seasonal flights whisk you from the UK to Rijeka, Pula, and Zadar airports. Upon arrival, ferries or scenic drives guide you to Lošinj, unveiling its beauty one curve at a time.
• From the US: Though no direct flights connect the US to Lošinj, you can fly into European hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Rome, then catch a regional flight to Rijeka, Pula or Zadar airports. The final stretch, a blend of drive and ferry, becomes a delightful prelude to your arrival.

Reaching Lošinj from Croatia’s Major Cities

Reaching Lošinj from Croatia’s major cities is both convenient and picturesque.

• From Rijeka: Take the Rijeka–Mali Lošinj Jadrolinija catamaran line which connects the mainland to Lošinj and nearby islands once daily throughout the year.
• From Zadar and Pula: Use the ferry terminals via Cres and Krk islands, or opt for the Jadrolinija catamaran route Rijeka–Rab–Veli Lošinj–Novalja–Zadar or the Kapetan Luka-Krilo route from Pula–Mali Lošinj–Zadar for a scenic maritime journey.
• From Zagreb: A three-hour drive, including a ferry crossing, reveals Lošinj's beauty at a relaxed pace, though direct flights to Rijeka offer a faster alternative.

Why Visit Mali Lošinj?

Mali Lošinj, the largest town on the Adriatic islands with around 7,500 inhabitants, owes its prominence to its grand, well-protected harbor — an ideal haven for seafaring and trade. Interestingly, its growth surpassed that of neighboring Veli Lošinj, despite their names suggesting the opposite, with “Mali” meaning “small” and “Veli” meaning “large.”

Mali Lošinj is framed by the Adriatic’s shimmering waters and is lined with Habsburg-era facades. In the heart of the town, the Museum of Apoxyomenos is a must-visit cultural landmark. Dedicated to the magnificent antique bronze statue of Apoxyomenos, this museum offers an immersive journey into history and art.

The statue, depicting a young athlete cleaning his body with a strigil, was discovered in the depths of the Adriatic near Lošinj and is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek sculpture ever found. Housed in a modern museum space that beautifully contrasts with the statue’s antiquity, the exhibition invites visitors to marvel at its craftsmanship, learn about its fascinating underwater recovery, and delve into the rich stories it carries from centuries past.

Beyond its artistic value, the Museum of Apoxyomenos symbolizes the island’s connection to the sea and its enduring legacy, making it a treasure not just for Lošinj, but for the entire Adriatic.

Best Time to Visit Lošinj

Despite its position near the 45th parallel, Lošinj enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. The surrounding sea tempers the seasons, bringing warmth in winter and cool breezes in summer. With long, sunny days, gentle winds, and minimal temperature shifts between day and night, the island’s climate is as inviting as its shores. Each season on Lošinj carries its own charm, inviting visitors to discover its shifting hues and moods:

• Spring (April-May): With gentle warmth and blossoming landscapes, spring offers tranquility and a canvas of vibrant greens and pastels.
• Summer (June-August): Summer’s golden touch beckons beach lovers and adventurers. The island hums with life under sunny skies, as turquoise waters glisten in welcome.
• Autumn (September-October): In early autumn, the crowds fade, but the island’s warmth lingers. Festivals and harvests lend a celebratory air to this serene season.
• Winter (November-March): Winter whispers of solitude and soft light. Though quieter, Lošinj offers a peaceful retreat, with Lošinj Hotels & Villas providing cozy havens amid nature’s embrace.

Where to Stay on Lošinj Island

Lošinj Hotels & Villas embody the island’s spirit, blending luxury with nature’s bounty. Whether you choose Hotel Bellevue’s modern elegance, Boutique Hotel Alhambra’s Old World charm, or Punta Vitality Hotel’s wellness focus, each promises an experience steeped in comfort, wholly surrounded by Lošinj’s heavenly healing beauty.

For a seamless and luxurious arrival, Lošinj Hotels & Villas offers exclusive private transfer services:

• Ground transfer: Travel in comfort with premium vehicles and expert chauffeurs, ensuring a smooth journey from nearby airports or cities.
• Private airplane transfer: Reach Lošinj effortlessly with private flights to Lošinj Airport, providing the quickest and most exclusive option.
• Sea transfer: Relish the beauty of the Adriatic with a private boat transfer, a scenic way to arrive at the island in style.

These tailored services promise stress-free travel, allowing you to relax and anticipate your stay.

Why Lošinj Is Worth the Journey

The path to Lošinj may wind through flights, ferries, and scenic drives, but every mile is a step closer to paradise. With its pure air, sunlit shores, and storied past, Lošinj transcends the ordinary, whispering a timelessness that stirs the soul.

Lošinj reveals its magic in every season, whether you dive beneath its waves or watch a sunset on its cliffs. This Adriatic treasure weaves together natural splendor, cultural richness, and heartfelt hospitality. Hosted by Lošinj Hotels & Villas, your journey becomes one of discovery and delight. Book your getaway with us today.