LOŠINJ

The Cres and Lošinj archipelago in Kvarner Bay is the largest group of islands in the Adriatic, made up of 36 islands, islets and reefs. The Town of Mali Lošinj includes the southern part of the island of Cres, the island of Lošinj and a group of smaller islands and islets.

Mali Lošinj is the biggest town on the Adriatic islands with a population of almost 7,000. At the end of the 19th century, when Mali Lošinj developed into a seafaring town, it became the centre of the archipelago. The traces of the maritime past and the influence of sea captains are still felt in the town of Mali Lošinj and its surroundings.

The discovery of the therapeutic properties of the island climate and the development of tourism as a new economic branch, marked the beginning of a new era in Mali Lošinj’s history.

 

 

Flora
Due to the foresight and initiative men, as Professor Ambroz Haračić, large areas of the island rockery were reforested at the end of the 19th century on Mali and Veli Lošinj.
The gentle climate of the island of Lošinj is seen in its richness of plant types. According to research, about 1100 plant types were identified, of which 939 belong to the autochthonous flora. 230 of these plans fall under medical herbs. About 80 types of plants, mainly exotic plants, were brought from other parts of the world by masters and sailors from Lošinj, who planted them in and around their home gardens. Because of the typical climate plants from south Dalmatia and Sicily can be grown. Here grow agaves, Mexican cactus (opuntia), palm trees, magnolias, mirth, pistachios, mimosa, fig tree from India (karmus-nassarah), lemon, orange and mandarin trees (brought from Vietnam to Palermo, and then to Mali Lošinj).
Thick pinewoods around Mali Lošinj became the green belt that protects the town and the harbour from the north wind. On the side of Èikat the woods slowly changed into a park. Today the thick pinewoods of Lošinj are the symbol of the island and a valuable asset in its tourist development. The Èikat has been nominated a forest park.
In Veli Lošinj’s park, established by the Hapsburg Archduke Charles Stephen, there are some 200 different species of trees from all parts of the world.
The vegetation on the island is growing luxuriant during all seasons. Based on professor A. Haraèiæ’s research the state of vegetation makes the climate better. The culmination of vegetation is in May when most plants flourish. The most beautiful months on Lošinj are from March until May, because of the mild temperatures, richness of flourishing vegetation and the aromatic scents in the air.

Fauna
It is significant that there are no poisonous snakes on the Lošinj archipelago. There are just lizards and non-poisonous snakes. The island of Lošinj is the habitat of geckos, small lizards of the gekkonidae family. Geckos are protected species. Killing geckos is forbidden and punished by law. Jakov Matunci, an eleven-year-old from Mali Lošinj, was placed third in the World Competition in Environmental Protection Volvo Adventure in Goeteborg, Sweden, for his project of protection of geckos, small Mediterranean lizards found on most Adriatic islands, in May 2004.
There is small game, as well as big game on the island – fallow deer and moufflons, which have been colonized in this area. There is a lot of feathered game. The birds of prey found in this area include hawks, sparrow-hawks, falcons and giant griffon vultures. Because of the small number of preserved individuals griffon vultures have been protected by law as an endangered species.
The most common domestic animals found in this area are sheep. The sheep on the rocky pastures in the northern part of the island of Lošinj present an idyllic picture.
Because of the indentedness the sea that waters the coastline of the island is extremely rich with plant and animal life. Endless currents between the bays give the sea special clearness and limpidness, cleanliness and sheerness. In our seas live 95 types of fish, 71 types of crabs, mussels, snails, and different types of marine flora.
Dolphins are regular visitors, playful and ready to establish contact with humans, not unlike in adjacent local waters where they are completely extinct. They are excellent biological witnesses of the state of nature in which they live.

Gastronomy

The natural wealth of the Cres and Lošinj archipelago provides the basis for the rich and healthy Mediterranean cuisine.
The main characteristics of this cuisine are fish and seafood specialities, dishes based on traditional island recipes, use of local aromatic herbs, pot herbs and olive oil.

Smoked ham, sheep’s cheese, salted anchovies, seafood salad are some of the cold starters that you should try. For a hot side dish you can have seafood risotto or pasta, minestra or brodetto Dalmatian style. Fresh sea fish, scampi and squid, prepared in various ways, shellfish, roast lamb under peka (earthen baking lid) are the island specialities. Typical local salad is arugula and radicchio. Dishes are seasoned with fresh oregano, basil, sage, balm, thyme, rosemary and laurel.

Do not leave out wine and home-made brandy with aromatic herbs. We recommend the local wines from the island of Susak.

All over the island there are restaurants, taverns and other catering establishments, where you can enjoy international dishes and national specialities, as well as local island specialities.

You can read more about the island cuisine in the following books:
Cooking Challenges from My Island by Adrijano Nikolić
Granny’s Island Cook-Book by Marta Fazlić

ADRIATIC DOLPHIN PROJECT
The Adriatic Dolphin Project (ADP) is the longest ongoing study of one resident bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean sea. It is carried out since 1987. The aim of the project is to undertake research of the dolphins that frequent the archipelago of Lošinj and Cres islands, as well as to provide a link between science and the public. Gaining an international profile, the ADP has increasingly functioned as a meeting point for the exchange of knowledge by international researchers interested in the ecology of marine mammals and other marine organisms.
Over the past years the investigation of the Lošinj dolphin population, which is currently estimated at being around 100 individuals, has provided insights into many aspects of their ecology. These findings now serve as scientific justification for the establishment of the proposed Lošinj Dolphin Reserve.

ADOPT A DOLPHIN
The «Adopt a dolphin» is also a public awareness campaign, where the public is invited to make a donation to the project. In return «adopters» receive an adoption pack and Akvamarin – our yearly bulletin. If you wish to adopt a dolphin you can do it either in Veli Lošinj or on-line at www.blue-world.org/adopt
When you adopt a dolphin you will receive Adoption pack that includes:
• Personalised Adoption Certificate
• Attractive bookmarks and stickers
• A yearly issue of «Aquamarin»
• A leaflet on Adriatic Dolphin Project
• Photo of the dolphin with informative text
Yearly adoption fee is from 150 Kn (20 €) till 500 Kn (70 €).

DOLPHIN DAY
"Dolphin day", thematic lectures in schools and kindergartens and the promotion of the protection of these islands. DOLPHIN DAY as a public event has been held since 1993 in Veli Lošinj, on the first Saturday in August.
DOLPHIN DAY includes a children art exhibition in the centre of Veli Lošinj, games for kids "IN SEARCH OF…", photography exhibit, movie projections and open air concerts. Brochures, posters, children books, puzzles and stamps have been published. Every year the event is symbolised by a different dolphin design on shirts and has a different educational slogan. Many locals, as well as numerous tourists contribute to the success of the event.

Climate

All climate research of Mali Lošinj undoubtedly starts with the work of Ambroz Haraèiæ, professor at the Nautical school in Mali Lošinj at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, when Mali Lošinj was an important research centre on the Adriatic. Professor Haraèiæ defined all the characteristics of Lošinj, especially in relation to various localities on the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Climate research of the island of Lošinj was, at that time, of crucial importance, in that in 1892 Veli and Mali Lošinj became climatic spas, which opened a new economic realm – tourism.
The main characteristic of the Mediterranean climate are light winters and not too hot summers. The island of Lošinj is far enough from the coast, so that the sea has a dominant influence. The sea does not warm up as fast as the coast, but looses warmth much slower, so that during winter times the sea is the reservoir of warmth that heats the air. Consequently, winters are lighter and warmer then on the coastal part of Primorje region.
This specific maritime climate is seen also in its lessening of the summer heat, so that Mali Lošinj has noticeably less days with the maximum temperature higher then 25 °C. Based on the temperature characteristics and the micro-climate Mali Lošinj is similar to the places on the Cote d’Azur (Cannes, Nice), while from San Remo, Krf and Palermo it has 1 to 2 °C higher average temperatures.
Sea temperatures throughout fall, winter and first days of spring higher then air temperatures. The cooling effect of the sea is appreciated during the hottest days of the year. If we take that the sea temperature of 20 °C is pleasant for bathing, then the bathing season in Mali Lošinj could last up to 126 days, from the first week in June to the second week in October.
Sunny days are also one of the most important characteristics of the climate of Lošinj. Average number of yearly sunny hours is 2580. Based on the number of sunny days Mali Lošinj is comparable to North African cities and parts of the southern Adriatic, element of sun exposure is of greatest importance for the tourists, which makes it a determinant element for choosing a vacation destination.
September, November and December have most rainfalls, while there is least in April and August. Mali Lošinj has relatively high average of rainfalls in a year, which is good for the air purification, diminishing of carbohydrate acid and stabilization of air. This is most important for places that function as spas.
Snow is extremely rare in Lošinj, because air temperature rarely falls under 0 °C.
The northeastern wind is the strongest and it hits mostly the east coast of the island. The south wind or the refreshing landward breeze usually hit the west coast of the island. The northeastern wind, the south wind and the landward breeze are typical of the Primorje. The frequency of the northeastern wind is highest during fall, winter and spring. The north wind is strongest in January, while the south wind dominates during the fall. Because of the afore mentioned position of Mali Lošinj in a closed harbour with south-western orientation, with the background of high vegetation that protects the island from the Velebit range, the influence of the north wind is not felt in the town. The entrance to the harbour, next to the bays of Èikat and Krivica, is completely protected, so that even during the strongest north winds, walking is possible in that part of the island. On average Mali Lošinj has 118 days of total calmness without winds.

HOW TO GET LOSINJ?

Road traffic connections between central Europe and destinations on the Croatian seaside are improving and being invested in.
In the summer months traffic at the border crossings is more intense, which might cause shorter standstills. For entering and driving through Croatia, it is required to posses green insurance card and a valid driving license. Pay toll is paid at highways and three lane two-way roads, as well as at some bridges and tunnels.

From Trieste (Italy)
Pasjak border crossing - Opatija - Brestova ferry harbour - Porozina (mainland - island of Cres)

From Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Rupa border crossing - Rijeka - island of Krk (bridge) - Valbiska ferry harbour - Merag (island of Krk - island of Cres)
Rupa border crossing - Rijeka - Opatija - Brestova ferry harbour - Porozina (mainland - island of Cres)

From Zagreb (Croatia)
Rijeka - island of Krk (bridge) - Valbiska ferry harbour - Merag (island of Krk - island of Cres)

Drawbridges
There are two drawbridges on the island, which are lifted twice a day for passage of vessels:
OSOR: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
PRIVLAKA: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Distances
Mali Lošinj - Zagreb: 295 km
Mali Lošinj - Ljubljana: 255 km
Mali Lošinj - Trieste: 225 km
Mali Lošinj - Wien: 630 km
Mali Lošinj - München: 790 km
Route planner: www.viamichelin.com Ferry timetable

source: TZ Lošinj