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Dubrovnik has the timeless walls. Split has Diocletian’s Palace. Hvar has the mega yachts.
But Hidden in the Adriatic Sea lies a tight-lipped island that locals and long-time vacationers have kept completely to themselves.
Travel + Leisure has just unveiled perhaps Croatia’s most secretive destination that locals and long-time holidaymakers have kept to themselves while others gaze at the timeless walls of Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
Also called the “Maldives” of Croatia, little known Lošinj (pronounced LOH-sheen) is ready to steal some tourists from other holiday magnets.
Let me guess: When you see the word “Maldives,” you immediately get a snapshot of what to expect, except you don’t have to fly on multiple long-haul flights into what feels like uncharted territory just for bragging rights.
Instead, you can enjoy your own slice of paradise in the heart of Europe, saving you hours of jet lag without sacrificing the postcard image you’ve already conjured up in your head.
No bungalows, but no 20 hour flight either
Overwater bungalows might justify such a far-flung escape in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but they’re simply not necessary unless you’re counting countries and collecting passport stamps.
Since Croatia now has seasonal non-stop routes from the US to both Split and Dubrovnik, you can spend a few days in either city before heading to less crowded coasts with some of the “clearest, cleanest and most beautiful waters in Europe,” as quoted by Travel + Leisure.
You will be welcomed with water that reaches the seabed, lively marinas and immaculate beaches. No, you can’t walk out of your bedroom for a morning swim like you would in one of the atolls of the Maldives.
But you can enjoy a more authentic stay at a cozy boutique hotel for a fraction of the nightly rate — unless you choose Hilton’s Boutique Hotel Alhambra, an SLH hotel.
The best way to save some money is to book inland places like this this summer, but looking at the photo above, it’s hard not to splurge on prime coastal real estate.
Experience some of Croatia’s most beautiful villages
- Mali Losinjthe island’s colorful port town, may be the island’s headliner, but the real treat is seeing how many ridiculously charming villages you can cram into one trip, as most stick to the script of Croatia’s household names, if we’re honest…
- Veli Losinj boasts a colorful harbour, a bygone seafaring soul and the kind of waterside cafes that make ‘just one drink’ feel like a lie you can perfectly tell yourself.
- Nerezine keeps it quieter with scenic trails and a more local atmosphere, yet is more striking Osor offers visitors the sights of ancient stone churches, ruins and centuries of tangible history, packed into a small town that you can stroll through without the need for a guide.
To a yacht, or not to a yacht
Maybe it’s just me, but when I see the name ‘Croatia’ I get ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, which we all know is the best yacht rock song of all time…
Whether it’s your regular yacht for normies like me or superyachts for the rich and famous – certainly not like me – Croatia has long been the place to be in Europe.
But is it part of Lošinj’s culture?
Absolutely, it is!
This isn’t some random island pretending to be nautical as there are a few shiny boats on display during the summer.
Mali Lošinj was once a renowned shipbuilding hub. Today you’ll still find that seafaring identity ingrained in the island, from the gleaming marina to the restored Nerezinac lugger, a legendary sailboat now used to showcase Lošinj’s long maritime history.
So yes, sailing fits in well here – just don’t expect every visitor to drink champagne on a deck three times the size of my apartment.
Hey, I live in California…
How safe is Croatia?
Don’t expect any worrying travel advisories for Croatia in the near future.
It has long been considered a safe haven, regardless of whether you base yourself in the city or on a hidden island like this.
According to our real-time safety index, travelers feel the same way. The current safety score is an impressive 81/100, with tourist scams being the biggest concern:
