Destinations
Destinations - archive
In the Bossom of Europe
Author: Domagoj Knez
Photo by: TZ Mali Losinj
Source: LivingStone
Legend says that the famous seamen the Argonauts, as they were running away with the Golden Fleece from their pursuers, came all the way to Losinj, the island at the center of the Kvarner Bay. This is where the final decisive battle took place, after which the Argonauts continued to live in peace, and their pursuers turned into the wonderful islets and rocks in the Losinj archipelago.
Since that ancient past, which might be truth fancifully converted into legend, we can enjoy in peace, harmony and beauty, surrounded by sweet fragrances, tastes, juices and colors, bathed in the cleanest sea and air in the Mediterranean climate.
Living with the Nature and the Sun
The people of Losinj are extremely proud of their sea; they say that it is the cleanest and the clearest, with a seabed rich with flora and fauna.
The exciting tales about the seamanship of the people of Losinj, which seems as if it continues from the days of the Argonauts, the most daring seamen, till today, is retold in the museum-gallery area of Kula (Fort), located in Veli Losinj. Art treasures are kept, like jewels in the shell of Veli Losinj, in the magnificent Baroque edifice of the Church of Sveti Antun Opat (St Anthony the Abbot).
In Mali Losinj, the bell tower of the parish church of Rodjenja Marijina (Church of Nativity of Virgin Mary) rises from the sea, while the Fritzy Palace, hidden in an alley, holds rich Losinj art. Next to the park-forest, the arboretum of Pod Javori, in the park-forest of Cikat, planted at the initiative of Professor Ambroz Haracic, are traces of numerous sailors and captains who brought exotic herbs of various colors, smells and forms to the island.
Friendly Dolphins and Figs
The beauty of Losinj is complemented with the friendly dolphins, who can be observed, photographed and even adopted here. It is quite usual and often, and always unforgettable, to encounter them in Losinj sea. Those dolphins are today one of the best-studied groups in the entire Mediterranean, with about 120 registered individuals. Exactly how much the dolphins are important to the people of Losinj is best illustrated by the fact that every year since 1993 they have been celebrating the Day of Dolphins.
The interesting thing is that in the last few years there has been another guest in the Losinj archipelago – the mysterious Mediterranean monk seal. Besides the curiosities in the sea, without the need for special zoo aquariums with animals in captivity, Losinj offers equally interesting excitement on land. The fascinating pine forests represent an excellent background to the natural aroma, provided by the other scented plants on the island. It is no wonder that the people of Losinj thought of organizing fragrant events for their guests throughout the year, by naming the months according to the wild autochthonous plants, offering the richness of healthy and unique smells and tastes.
September is marked with figs and grapes. And while we know almost everything about the grape, the fig, although famous, is a true mystery. It is an excellent indicator of pollution – it grows on small amount of ground and can endure drought, but it is very sensitive to environmental pollution: it is the first to react to it by simply fading away. Its nutritive and medicinal characteristics are excellent, and it is therefore a favorite around the Mediterranean. Is there anything better than to enjoy in the magic of figs on Losinj in September at the end of the summer?
Active Holiday
August and September are perfect for an active holiday, and Losinj, in fact, offers an abundance of activities throughout the year. Hiking and tourist paths and promenades stretch along the five islands of the archipelago, and they lead through a versatile and scented nature area. They can lead you to secret villages and charming places: Belej, Ustrine, Punta Kriza, Nerezine, Sveti Jakov, Cunski or Artatore.
The climb to Osorscica is especially exciting, offering a unique and unforgettable view of the entire archipelago, or in the words of one historian – a view of the creation of the world. When you are on Osorscica, you should certainly see the cave of St. Gaudentious, and those more ambitious among you may like to climb down to Velika Pecina (the Great Cave), where the remains of a caveman were found.
Numerous cycling routes are a fantastic addition to the hiking paths, but at this time of the year the sea and sea activities are still very interesting. The curious amongst you will love diving into the Losinj undersea world full of caves and reefs, and those who prefer the surface of the sea, will find pleasure in sailing, surfing, skiing and recreational fishing.
Outsmarting the Fish
The town of Mali Losinj is the proud host of the 27th Spearfishing World Championship, held from 14th till 19th September. The organizers of this high ranking sporting event in Croatia this year, point out that the World Championship is an excellent opportunity to invest into the preservation of the Croatian undersea world, its flora and fauna, as well as to raise the ecological awareness of Croatian citizens and tourists.
Mali Losinj has a long tradition of spearfishing. The first competitions were held in 1956, and by 1957, Mali Losinj attracted attention by organizing the first Spearfishing World Championship. So, by then, owing to the wonderful undersea world, ideal conditions and capable hosts, including, of course, the true atmosphere of the Garden of Eden of the Mediterranean, Mali Losinj positioned itself as the world center of spearfishing. A monument to spearfisherman in the center of Losinj shows the deep and strong bond between the people of Losinj and spearfishing.
Losinj is a Mediterranean garden in the heart of Europe, a pearl that should be enjoyed, slowly and completely surrendering to the sun, the sea, the scents and magic that surround us. Make use of the Spearfishing World Championship in the middle of September as an additional attraction for your stay on this promised archipelago.
Photo by: TZ Mali Losinj
Source: LivingStone
Legend says that the famous seamen the Argonauts, as they were running away with the Golden Fleece from their pursuers, came all the way to Losinj, the island at the center of the Kvarner Bay. This is where the final decisive battle took place, after which the Argonauts continued to live in peace, and their pursuers turned into the wonderful islets and rocks in the Losinj archipelago.
Since that ancient past, which might be truth fancifully converted into legend, we can enjoy in peace, harmony and beauty, surrounded by sweet fragrances, tastes, juices and colors, bathed in the cleanest sea and air in the Mediterranean climate.
Living with the Nature and the Sun
The people of Losinj are extremely proud of their sea; they say that it is the cleanest and the clearest, with a seabed rich with flora and fauna.
The exciting tales about the seamanship of the people of Losinj, which seems as if it continues from the days of the Argonauts, the most daring seamen, till today, is retold in the museum-gallery area of Kula (Fort), located in Veli Losinj. Art treasures are kept, like jewels in the shell of Veli Losinj, in the magnificent Baroque edifice of the Church of Sveti Antun Opat (St Anthony the Abbot).
In Mali Losinj, the bell tower of the parish church of Rodjenja Marijina (Church of Nativity of Virgin Mary) rises from the sea, while the Fritzy Palace, hidden in an alley, holds rich Losinj art. Next to the park-forest, the arboretum of Pod Javori, in the park-forest of Cikat, planted at the initiative of Professor Ambroz Haracic, are traces of numerous sailors and captains who brought exotic herbs of various colors, smells and forms to the island.
Friendly Dolphins and Figs
The beauty of Losinj is complemented with the friendly dolphins, who can be observed, photographed and even adopted here. It is quite usual and often, and always unforgettable, to encounter them in Losinj sea. Those dolphins are today one of the best-studied groups in the entire Mediterranean, with about 120 registered individuals. Exactly how much the dolphins are important to the people of Losinj is best illustrated by the fact that every year since 1993 they have been celebrating the Day of Dolphins.
The interesting thing is that in the last few years there has been another guest in the Losinj archipelago – the mysterious Mediterranean monk seal. Besides the curiosities in the sea, without the need for special zoo aquariums with animals in captivity, Losinj offers equally interesting excitement on land. The fascinating pine forests represent an excellent background to the natural aroma, provided by the other scented plants on the island. It is no wonder that the people of Losinj thought of organizing fragrant events for their guests throughout the year, by naming the months according to the wild autochthonous plants, offering the richness of healthy and unique smells and tastes.
September is marked with figs and grapes. And while we know almost everything about the grape, the fig, although famous, is a true mystery. It is an excellent indicator of pollution – it grows on small amount of ground and can endure drought, but it is very sensitive to environmental pollution: it is the first to react to it by simply fading away. Its nutritive and medicinal characteristics are excellent, and it is therefore a favorite around the Mediterranean. Is there anything better than to enjoy in the magic of figs on Losinj in September at the end of the summer?
Active Holiday
August and September are perfect for an active holiday, and Losinj, in fact, offers an abundance of activities throughout the year. Hiking and tourist paths and promenades stretch along the five islands of the archipelago, and they lead through a versatile and scented nature area. They can lead you to secret villages and charming places: Belej, Ustrine, Punta Kriza, Nerezine, Sveti Jakov, Cunski or Artatore.
The climb to Osorscica is especially exciting, offering a unique and unforgettable view of the entire archipelago, or in the words of one historian – a view of the creation of the world. When you are on Osorscica, you should certainly see the cave of St. Gaudentious, and those more ambitious among you may like to climb down to Velika Pecina (the Great Cave), where the remains of a caveman were found.
Numerous cycling routes are a fantastic addition to the hiking paths, but at this time of the year the sea and sea activities are still very interesting. The curious amongst you will love diving into the Losinj undersea world full of caves and reefs, and those who prefer the surface of the sea, will find pleasure in sailing, surfing, skiing and recreational fishing.
Outsmarting the Fish
The town of Mali Losinj is the proud host of the 27th Spearfishing World Championship, held from 14th till 19th September. The organizers of this high ranking sporting event in Croatia this year, point out that the World Championship is an excellent opportunity to invest into the preservation of the Croatian undersea world, its flora and fauna, as well as to raise the ecological awareness of Croatian citizens and tourists.
Mali Losinj has a long tradition of spearfishing. The first competitions were held in 1956, and by 1957, Mali Losinj attracted attention by organizing the first Spearfishing World Championship. So, by then, owing to the wonderful undersea world, ideal conditions and capable hosts, including, of course, the true atmosphere of the Garden of Eden of the Mediterranean, Mali Losinj positioned itself as the world center of spearfishing. A monument to spearfisherman in the center of Losinj shows the deep and strong bond between the people of Losinj and spearfishing.
Losinj is a Mediterranean garden in the heart of Europe, a pearl that should be enjoyed, slowly and completely surrendering to the sun, the sea, the scents and magic that surround us. Make use of the Spearfishing World Championship in the middle of September as an additional attraction for your stay on this promised archipelago.
