Island of Lošinj (Lussino) travel guide

Background

In ancient times, known together with Cres as Apsyrtides, Lošinj seems to have remained unpopulated until the Middle Ages. The first settlers from the mainland were mentioned in 1280, and in 1389 they made an agreement for self-rule with the people of Osor on Cres, who owned Lošinj. The name Lošinj, probably derived from the Croatian loš meaning poor or weak, appeared around the same time. Under Venice (1409-1797), Lošinj was neglected in favour of neighbouring Cres, the island’s golden age finally dawning under the Hapsburgs when it developed into an important seafaring and shipbuilding centre. Shipping declined in the late 19th century, only to be superseded by tourism. With their mild Mediterranean climates, lush vegetation and crystal clean sea, both Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj were proclaimed health resorts in 1892. The demise of Austro-Hungary in 1918 saw the island awarded to Italy. During and after the Second World War, when the political future looked uncertain, many Italians left: the population declined dramatically, plummeting from 9738 in 1910 to 5449 just after the war. Lošinj was reunited with Yugoslavia in 1947.

Getting around

Buses arriving in Mali Lošinj from the north then continue the 4-km stretch to Veli Lošinj, linking the towns eight times daily.

Ins and outs

Getting there

There are three buses daily from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj which stop at Cres Town and Osor on the island of Cres on the way. A local service covers the same route from Cres Town to Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj five times daily. A twice-daily catamarn runs from Rijeka to Mali Lošinj, stopping at the islands of Cres, Unije and Susak en route. Through summer, an additional ferry service from Zadar to Pula stops at Unije, Mali Lošinj and Silba en route.