Croatia’s northern Adriatic islands of Lošinj and Cres offer a perfect late-summer escape, combining warm seas, fresh seafood, and scenic landscapes. The turquoise waters of Čikat Bay on Lošinj remain inviting, even as summer winds down, while pine-scented trails and quieter beaches create a relaxing atmosphere.
Lošinj is hosting the annual Taste the Mediterranean food festival, where guest chefs collaborate with local cooks, offering workshops and creative dinners. The region of Kvarner, including Opatija, Rijeka, and islands like Lošinj, Cres, Krk, and Rab, has been named European Region of Gastronomy 2026. Its cuisine blends Austrian, Italian, and Balkan influences, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.
At Diana Steakhouse in Čikat Bay, I enjoyed Istrian truffles in creamy ravioli, along with grilled squid paired with garlicky blitva mashed with potatoes. Konoba Cigale highlights fresh daily seafood, including invasive blue crab dishes. The Adriatic langoustine, or škampi, is the island’s prized delicacy, known for its sweet, delicate flavor thanks to nutrients from the karst mountains feeding the Gulf.
Mali Lošinj’s vibrant port features colorful baroque houses, bustling cafes, and a lively fish market. Restaurants such as Bocca Vera and Gostionica Marina serve grilled langoustine, carpaccio of sea bass, tuna, and octopus, and grilled dentex. Lanterna Grill offers romantic waterside dining with turbot, surrounded by Aleppo pines and sunset views.
Lošinj’s natural attractions include the Fragrant Garden (Miomirisni Otočki Vrt) and Valdarke Beach, both ideal for relaxation and scenic walks. Artatore Bay’s Venerica Beach is perfect for a post-lunch swim after tasting crab soup and fried sardines with blitva. Providenca lookout offers panoramic island views, Kvarner and Istrian wines, and picnic baskets of local cheeses, meats, and seafood.
Cres, connected to Lošinj by a bridge, is Croatia’s largest island alongside Krk. Populated more by sheep than people, Cres offers olive groves, forests, and a tranquil atmosphere. Beli village is home to Croatia’s largest griffon vulture colony, a result of successful conservation efforts. Cres town charms with Venetian architecture, pebble beaches, and the adults-only Isolano hotel, ideal for a quiet escape.
Whether exploring Lošinj or Cres, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, scenic sunsets, and the slower pace of late summer in the Kvarner region. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking culinary delights and natural beauty.
