Ilovik: Paths to Bays and History

Plan your arrival and stay

Ilovik can be explored through its arrival connections, island paths and local history. If you are looking for accommodation on the island, you can first consider the connection and your planned activities together. A daily passenger speedboat service connects Rijeka with Cres and Martinšćica, Unije, Susak, Ilovik and Mali Lošinj. Organised transfers from Mrtvaška Bay to Ilovik take 10 to 15 minutes. Check timetables and transfer details before travelling so that your plans reflect the latest information.

Paths between bays and viewpoints

The paths start in the village of Ilovik and connect bays on the opposite side of the island with the coast of Sućadrija Bay. The network is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The route from Ilovik to Paržine Bay can be cycled; there is a sandy beach there. The network also includes the Did viewpoint. A route from the village centre passes a 12-metre-deep well with a freshwater spring. Path conditions can change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Historical traces on Ilovik and Sveti Petar

The remains of the 5th-century Church of St Andrew are located at Sućadrija Bay on Ilovik. On Sveti Petar, opposite Ilovik, are the remains of a Roman villa, the ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery and a 16th-century Venetian tower. The village is home to the 19th-century parish church of St Peter and Paul. It was built in the settlement after the former monastery church on Sveti Petar became unsafe and inconvenient to reach.

Village character and traditions

Ilovik is known as the island of flowers: nearly every house is adorned with oleanders, palm trees, roses and other flowers. Eucalyptus trees are another characteristic feature of the island. Petrova traditionally includes a mass, a procession, the lighting of a Koleda bonfire and a folk festival. The programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates for the year you have in mind. The island also has a long gastronomic history: a restaurant on Ilovik has been in the same family for more than 120 years.

Culture in the wider destination of Mali Lošinj

In Mali Lošinj, the wider destination, the Museum of Apoxyomenos opened in May 2016 in Kvarner Palace in the town centre; it is dedicated to a single artefact. Fritzi Palace displays the Piperata Collection of Old Masters and the Andro Vid Mihičić Collection of Croatian Masters. The latter comprises around 360 artworks.

Discover more destinations: Unije, Osor, Nerezine, Punta Križa, Ustrine, Sveti Jakov, Mali Losinj, Susak

Return to the wider travel overview: Mali Lošinj.