Lošinj & its underwater archaeological museum

Lošinj is the door to the Kvarner Bay. This is an island of rich history, a very special underwater museum, and a place to relax. Lošinj is one of the most attractive sites on the Adriatic, perhaps less famous than its big neighbors (Cres, Krk, and Pag), but also interesting to visit. Anyone who loves a peaceful vacation, here will find the calm. Likewise, anyone who loves an active vacation with a high dose of adrenaline will also find its favorite place here - so, Lošinj is a bit of everything. Welcome to the island of Lošinj, the home of a unique underwater archaeological museum.

Let's begin with the video, for all those impatient, to show how it looks like an underwater museum:

Lošinj and its history

Lošinj is an island at the entrance to the Kvarner Bay, a place that has been mentioned for hundreds of years in historical and naval records. Many islands of the Adriatic Sea have evidence of life on them for thousands of years back, but rarely any island can be proud of a museum under the sea. Lošinj is especially known for the Apoxyomenos sculpture, which was found accidentally in 1996. Today, this extremely valuable sculpture is located in the museum of Apoxyomenis, in the town of Mali Lošinj. Also, you can see the replica of this statue under water every day from the beginning of May to the end of October. A unique underwater museum is located on the west coast of the island, and since it is not in such deep water, everyone can visit it, of course, accompanied by a diving instructor. During a dive or a tour of the underwater museum, you will also be able to see old amphorae, cannons, and weapons from World War II.

Muzej Apoksiomena

Riva lošinjskih kapetana 13, 51550 Mali Losinj

Lošinj historical underwater park

Čikat, 51550, Mali Lošinj, Croacia

The island of many different things

A bridge connects Lošinj to the island of Cres. Together with many more islands, it makes the Kvarner Bay rich of islands. Lošinj, along with Cres, is an archipelago consisting of Cres and Lošinj as well as many smaller and uninhabited islands. Lošinj belongs to the group of the North Adriatic islands and to Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. With its elongated shape, it dominates the map, when you zoom the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, and by its size, it's the 11th biggest island on the Adriatic, and it has about 10,000 inhabitants. Mali Lošinj is the largest settlement. It sounds a bit absurd because there is Veli Losinj (Big Lošinj), which is smaller than Mali Lošinj (Little Lošinj). Many call it a spa island because there are natural winds from many directions that spread the scent of the pine forests, along with the strong smell of the salty Adriatic Sea. Lošinj is also a place where you will find many hidden beaches and with very few people.

Mali Lošinj

Mali Lošinj, Croacia

The best is to visit the island on a bicycle. If you did not bring your own, do not worry because you can rent one in many places. On the island of Lošinj, it is possible to camp too. In addition, you can dive, climb the rocks, ride a paraglider, watch dolphins and much more. Do not bypass this marvelous place and its underwater archaeological museum, but also a place to have a very good rest.