Aerial view of Veli Lošinj harbour, with boats, pastel waterfront buildings and wooded hills.

Croatian Islands

Veli Lošinj

Small harbour town on Lošinj with colourful houses, sea-captains’ villas and the dolphin education centre.

Best time to visit

May–June, September

Ideal trip length

1 day

Main highlights

Harbour, Church of St Anthony, Lošinj Marine Education Centre

Veli Lošinj is the smaller, quieter neighbour of Mali Lošinj, about 4 km to the south-east. Colourful houses wrap around a narrow harbour, and the town grew rich from sea captains whose villas and gardens still line the streets.

Why visit

Walk around the harbour to the baroque Church of St Anthony, climb up to the old tower, and visit the Lošinj Marine Education Centre to learn about the dolphins that live around the island.

Rovenska bay, a short walk away, has a small harbour and places to swim. A seaside path links Veli Lošinj with Mali Lošinj.

Where to stay

Veli Lošinj has apartments and a few small hotels; many visitors stay in Mali Lošinj and come for the day.

Getting there and around

Buses and taxis link Veli Lošinj with Mali Lošinj. Parking near the harbour is limited, so leave the car at the edge of town.

Frequently asked questions

Is Veli Lošinj bigger than Mali Lošinj?

No – despite its name (“veli” means big), Veli Lošinj is the smaller of the two towns.

Can I walk from Mali Lošinj to Veli Lošinj?

Yes, a seaside path connects the two towns in about an hour.

Your practical guide

Planning your trip to Croatia?

Explore practical guides, destinations and travel tips before you go.