Croatia | Kvarner Bay
Mali Losinj
Luxury Villas on Lošinj – Kvarner Bay's Island of Pine Forests, Clear Water and Quiet
The Kvarner Bay is the northern edge of the Croatian Adriatic: a wide gulf between Istria and Dalmatia, sheltered by the mountains of Velebit and Učka and scattered with islands – Krk, Cres, Rab and, furthest south, Lošinj. It is the closest island coast to central Europe, and has been a place of rest since the Habsburg era, when Opatija and Lošinj became the favoured health resorts of Vienna.
In the Kvarner, our collection is on one island only, and deliberately so. Lošinj is the most private and the most cultivated of them: a long, slender island of pine forests, stone harbour towns and clear water, known in Croatia as the island of vitality. Our villas stand around Mali Lošinj, including two of the most exceptional houses anywhere in our portfolio.
Each has a private pool, most have direct or easy access to the sea, and all are set among the pines and aromatic herbs that make the island's air famous. With luck, you will see dolphins from the terrace.
Handpicked Luxury Villas and Hotels in the Kvarner Bay
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Croatia | Kvarner Bay
Mali Losinj
Croatia | Kvarner Bay
Mali Losinj
Croatia | Kvarner Bay
Mali Losinj
Exploring Lošinj and the Kvarner
Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj
Mali Lošinj, the island's main town, curves around a long, deep harbour lined with the pastel houses of the sea captains who made it rich in the nineteenth century. It is lively in summer without ever becoming loud, with good restaurants along the waterfront and the Museum of Apoxyomenos, built around a two-thousand-year-old Greek bronze athlete found in the sea nearby. A short drive away, Veli Lošinj is smaller and older, a steep little harbour of fishing boats and captains' villas.
Our houses stand around Mali Lošinj. Villa Liliana, with ten bedrooms and space for twenty, and Villa Royal, with seven, are among the finest private houses on the Croatian coast – homes for a large family, several generations or a gathering of friends. Villa Splendor sleeps twelve.
Čikat, the pine forests and the coves
In 1892 Mali and Veli Lošinj were declared climatic health resorts, and the aristocrats and convalescents of the Austro-Hungarian empire came for the air. The pine forests of Čikat bay, planted from the 1880s onwards, still shade the coast today, and more than two hundred aromatic and medicinal herbs grow wild on the island. Paths run along the shore through the pines, from one small bay to the next, and the water is so clear that the rocks on the seabed seem close enough to touch.
Cres, Susak and the islands around
Lošinj is joined to its larger neighbour, Cres, by a swing bridge at the ancient town of Osor. Cres is wilder: griffon vultures nest on its cliffs, and the village of Lubenice perches high above one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Around Lošinj lie the smaller islands of Susak, made almost entirely of sand, Ilovik, the island of flowers, and Unije – all best reached by boat. The waters around the island are home to one of the Adriatic's few resident populations of bottlenose dolphins.
The firstclass holidays Experience: More Than a Stay
In the Kvarner we chose to be on one island rather than many. Lošinj offers what our guests value most – privacy, nature and a quiet sophistication – and knowing one island well is worth more than listing houses on ten.
Why Lošinj, and Only Lošinj
The mainland coast of the Kvarner is busy in summer, and the larger islands are easy to reach and crowded accordingly. Lošinj, at the far end of the gulf, is different: less loud than the famous Dalmatian islands, more cultivated, and entirely without a party scene. We look for houses here that make the most of it – set among the pines, with the sea close, private pools, and the space to spend whole days without leaving.
Days Shaped by the Sea
A boat with a skipper is the finest way to spend a day on Lošinj: to the sands of Susak, the flowers of Ilovik, the empty coves of Cres, or out with the researchers who study the island's dolphins. We also arrange a private chef to cook Kvarner scampi and the day's catch at the villa, diving and sailing, walks through the herb gardens, and the whole of your journey – ferries, transfers, or a private flight to the island's own small airport.
People Rather Than a Platform
From the first enquiry to the morning you leave, you deal with the same people, in your own language. We will tell you honestly how the journey works, how the house reaches the sea, and whether Lošinj suits the week you are describing.
Discover the True Essence of Kvarner Bay
Kvarner Bay Must-See
The Museum of Apoxyomenos
In 1999, a diver found a bronze statue of a Greek athlete on the seabed near Lošinj, after two thousand years underwater. The museum built around it in Mali Lošinj is small, quiet and beautifully designed.
Veli Lošinj and the dolphins
The picturesque harbour of Veli Lošinj is also home to a marine education centre devoted to the dolphins and sea turtles of the Adriatic. A responsible boat trip with local experts is the best way to see them.
Susak and Ilovik
Susak, a short boat ride away, is an island of sand dunes and vineyards, with its own dialect and traditional costume. Ilovik, the island of flowers, has oleanders, roses and one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Kvarner.
Cres: Osor, Lubenice and the vultures
The ancient town of Osor, where the swing bridge joins the two islands; Lubenice, a village on a cliff above an extraordinary beach; and the griffon vultures of the northern cliffs.
Opatija and the Lungomare
On the mainland, Opatija's Habsburg villas and the seaside promenade of the Lungomare make an elegant day out, combined with the hill town of Kastav or the Učka mountain above.
Evenings in Kvarner Bay
The harbour of Mali Lošinj
Summer evenings centre on the harbour: an aperitif on the waterfront, fish at one of the island's best restaurants, and a walk along the quay.
Veli Lošinj
Smaller and quieter, with a handful of tables along the water – the island's most romantic evening.
At the villa
With a chef, a terrace among the pines and the lights of the harbour below, many of our guests' best evenings are the ones they spend at home.
The Table in Kvarner Bay
Scampi, lamb and olive oil
The Kvarner is famous for its scampi, delicate and sweet, cooked simply "buzara" style with wine, garlic and parsley. Lamb from Cres, fish from the morning's boats, and olive oil from the island's old groves complete the table.
Herbs and wine
Lošinj's herbs flavour everything from grilled fish to travarica, the herbal brandy offered at the end of a meal. The white Žlahtina of Vrbnik, on the island of Krk, is the Kvarner's own wine.
A chef at the villa
A private chef cooking the day's catch and island produce on your terrace is often the finest meal of the week, and ideal for large groups.
Shopping in Kvarner Bay
Herbs and essential oils
The island's aromatic gardens and small producers make oils, soaps and herbal products from Lošinj's wild plants – the most characteristic thing to take home.
Local produce
Olive oil from Cres, honey, lavender and Kvarner wine. The harbour shops of Mali Lošinj carry the best of them.
The Climate of Kvarner Bay and Best Time to Visit
Kvarner Bay has a mild Mediterranean climate, sheltered by the mountains behind the coast – one reason Opatija and Lošinj became health resorts in the 19th century.
June and September are the months we recommend first: warm sea, long days and a quiet island. July and August are the warmest and busiest, with the sea at its best for swimming. May and October are ideal for walking, cycling and sailing, when the herbs are in flower or the light turns golden. Many of our guests return outside high season.
Arriving at Your Villa in Kvarner Bay
By air
The nearest international airports are Rijeka (RJK), on the island of Krk, and Pula (PUY) in Istria, both with seasonal flights from the UK, Germany and elsewhere in Europe; Zagreb and Venice are further but better connected. From Rijeka or Pula, the journey continues by car and a short ferry to Cres, then south across Cres to Lošinj. Lošinj also has its own small airport, which receives private aircraft; we arrange private arrivals through Firstclass Jets.
By car
Many of our guests from Germany, Austria and Switzerland arrive by car: Munich is around seven to eight hours away, including the ferry crossing to Cres. In summer, ferries should be booked in advance, especially at weekends.
By sea
A seasonal catamaran connects Rijeka with Cres and Mali Lošinj, and a private boat transfer is the most elegant way to arrive. We arrange transfers, a car through Firstclass Cars, and boats through Firstclass Yachts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kvarner Bay
Why are most your Kvarner villas on Lošinj?
Because Lošinj is the most private and the most cultivated island in the Kvarner, and we prefer to know one island well. The mainland and the larger islands are busier in summer; Lošinj keeps a quiet, natural atmosphere that suits our guests.
How do we get to Lošinj?
By car and ferry via the island of Cres, from Rijeka or Pula airports or directly from central Europe; by seasonal catamaran from Rijeka; or by private aircraft to Lošinj's own small airport. We plan the journey with you, including ferry bookings, which are essential on summer weekends.
Which airport should we fly into?
Rijeka or Pula are the closest, around two to three hours from Mali Lošinj including the ferry. Zagreb and Venice have more connections but are further. For private flights, Lošinj airport itself.
Are the beaches sand or rock?
Mostly rock and pebble, with smooth stone platforms and clear, deep water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. For sand, the island of Susak is a short boat ride away.
Can we see the dolphins?
Often, yes. The waters around Lošinj are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, studied by local marine researchers. We recommend a responsible trip with local experts rather than chasing them by boat.
How does Lošinj compare to Hvar or Brač?
Lošinj is quieter and more discreet, with no party scene, more forest and a strong tradition of wellbeing. Hvar and Brač are livelier and more fashionable. For privacy, nature and calm, Lošinj is one of the finest islands in Croatia.
Do we need a car?
A car is useful for exploring Lošinj and Cres, and many guests arrive in their own. On the island, a boat is the best way to reach the coves.
Can a villa host a large group?
Yes. Villa Liliana sleeps twenty across ten bedrooms, Villa Royal fourteen and Villa Splendor twelve – ideal for large families and gatherings. We coordinate chefs and boats for groups.
Is Lošinj suitable for families?
Very much so: calm water, safe swimming, forest paths and short distances.
When is the best time to come?
June and September for swimming and quiet; July and August for the warmest sea; May and October for walking, cycling and sailing.
Is there a minimum stay?
In high season most villas are rented by the week; outside July and August, shorter stays are often possible.
How far in advance should we book?
For July and August, and for our largest houses at any time, six to nine months. For the shoulder seasons, three to four months.