Lošinj

Lošinj, the southern half of the twin-islands of Cres and Lošinj, manages to be both busy and delightful at once. Popular with well-heeled Italians and the smarter sailing community, nowhere's more than a couple of miles from the limpid waters of the Adriatic, where you'll find sheltered coves perfect for swimming. The big draw is Mali Lošinj, with its perfect v-shaped harbor and endless row of sun-drenched café-terraces along the pale marble palm-dotted quayside. Just 45 minutes' walk south along the coast path brings you to the tiny, picture-postcard village of Veli Lošinj, with the miniature harbor dominated by the barn-like bulk of the ...

Lošinj, the southern half of the twin-islands of Cres and Lošinj, manages to be both busy and delightful at once. Popular with well-heeled Italians and the smarter sailing community, nowhere's more than a couple of miles from the limpid waters of the Adriatic, where you'll find sheltered coves perfect for swimming. The big draw is Mali Lošinj, with its perfect v-shaped harbor and endless row of sun-drenched café-terraces along the pale marble palm-dotted quayside. Just 45 minutes' walk south along the coast path brings you to the tiny, picture-postcard village of Veli Lošinj, with the miniature harbor dominated by the barn-like bulk of the Church of St. Anthony, and just beyond the even smaller fishing village of Rovenska. At the north end of the island visit medieval Osor, on the isthmus across to Cres. It was once the capital of the two islands and still boasts a town hall and loggia, a cathedral and a bishop's palace even though it's down to just 80 souls today. Or take an excursion offshore to see dolphins frolicking or sample the fine wines on the pretty island of Susak or, for real peace and quiet, head across to the island of Unije, the westernmost isle of the Kvarner Bay.

About the Expert

Piers Letcher is the author of Croatia: the Bradt Travel Guide, Dubrovnik: the Bradt City Guide, and coauthor of Zagreb: the Bradt City Guide.