Nerezine – Culture, Harbour and Osoršćica

Nerezine can be explored through several themes: its churches and harbour offer glimpses into the town’s history, while Osoršćica presents a different perspective, with summit views, caves and climbing routes.

Cultural history and harbour

The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built at its current location in 1534. It houses a permanent exhibition of eleven models depicting traditional island life. Subjects include olive oil production, boat maintenance, sheep’s wool processing, fig products, sheep’s cheese and a wine cellar. The exhibition therefore explores a range of activities, from working on boats to processing food.

The Franciscan church and monastery of St Francis were built between 1505 and 1513. The Renaissance bell tower of the Franciscan complex was built later, between 1590 and 1604. Together with the Church of St Mary Magdalene, which dates back to 1534 at its current location, these buildings represent different periods of construction. Kula Kolana Draže in Nerezine is also protected as cultural heritage. Galerija Uljara Tuorić is located in a former olive mill dating from the 16th century.

The development of the historic harbour was shaped by fishing, maritime transport and trade. At the beginning of the 20th century, the town’s merchant fleet consisted of 37 ships. The harbour’s development can thus be linked to several maritime activities, while the fleet size provides a specific timeframe for its trading history.

Regatta and cultural programme

The traditional sailing boat regatta was held from 1920 to 1942 and again from 1954 to 1966; it has been held once more since 2011. The recurring cultural programme Ljeto u Uljari includes art exhibitions, workshops for children and adults, and music events in 2026. The two offerings have different focuses: traditional sailing boats on the one hand, and exhibitions, workshops and music on the other. Regatta dates and programme details, as well as the cultural programme schedule, may change. Check the specific information before making your plans.

Osoršćica: Views, caves and climbing

From the summit of Osoršćica, views extend across the Lošinj archipelago, Istria, Velebit and Gorski kotar, as far as Triglav and the islands of Rab, Pag and Silba. The distant views depend on the weather. St Gaudentius Cave lies below the summit of Televrina, on the eastern side of Osoršćica. Vela Jama, a large cave on Televrina’s western side, is another notable site: human traces dating back as far as 10,000 years have been found there.

The climbing area on Osoršćica, which stretches between Osor and Nerezine, has 30 routes graded from 4 to 8. The maximum route length is 30 metres; the routes are divided into sectors A, B and C. Routes and conditions may change. Check the condition of the routes before climbing.

Hiking and cycling trails

The Green Trails project, underway in 2026, is working to improve 20 kilometres of hiking trails and 10 kilometres of cycling trails in Nerezine. The project includes connecting to the Osoršćica mountain traverse and linking Nerezine with Osor. As this is an active project, construction progress and access may change. If hiking or cycling trails are part of your plans, take the current project status into account.

Discover more destinations: Mali Lošinj, Unije, Veli Lošinj, Punta Križa, Sveti Jakov, Vele Srakane, Ustrine, Osor.

For the wider travel overview: Mali Lošinj.