Susak – Sand, Cuisine and Tradition

Susak combines a distinctive landscape with its own foods and recurring traditions. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the finer details: the sand and limestone landscape shapes the character of the place, while beach activities and certain dishes may be seasonal. A traditional event at the end of July may also influence your choice of travel dates.

Sand Landscape and Beach by the Harbour

Fine yellowish sand, deposited by ancient winds, covers a limestone base on Susak. Reed plantings help protect the soil from erosion. Together, the layer of sand, the rocky base and soil protection are part of the destination’s geological character. Anyone interested in landscape and natural history will find a concrete reason here to appreciate Susak not only for its coastline but also for its distinctive soil formation.

Next to the harbour is a sandy beach with shallow water and a sandy shore. Activities available there include pedal boat rentals, picigin, volleyball and water football. This combination of beach and activities describes what is on offer locally; facilities and availability may change seasonally. If you have a particular activity in mind, check its availability before your visit.

Food and Local Produce

Specialities associated with Susak include island lamb, brudet, Susak-style squid, squid risotto, seasonal asparagus soup, bean salad, and salted sardines with rocket. Local produce also includes wine, grapes, figs, tomatoes, potatoes and beans. The selection thus ranges from fish and meat dishes to vegetables and products such as wine and fruit. Some dishes and products are seasonal, so do not assume that every speciality mentioned is available year-round.

Tradition on the Last Sunday in July

An all-day programme of sports and entertainment takes place on Susak on the last Sunday in July. It is followed by a procession in which church crosses are carried to the shore to bless the sea. The sports programme and procession give the day different emphases: the custom brings community activities together with a religious ceremony by the water. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, confirm it again before travelling.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Mali Lošinj

In the wider destination of Mali Lošinj, the Apoxyomenos Museum is devoted to a single artefact. It opened in May 2016 in Kvarner Palace in the centre of Mali Lošinj. Fritzi Palace displays two of Mali Lošinj’s most significant art collections: the Piperata Collection of Old Masters and the Andro Vid Mihičić Collection of Croatian Masters. The latter comprises around 360 works of art. The two collections offer different perspectives on the destination’s art history, while the Apoxyomenos Museum focuses on a single artefact.

The Osor Archaeological Collection is housed in a Renaissance building dating from the first half of the 15th century. The building was protected as a cultural monument in 1964. In Veli Lošinj stands Kula, a free-standing round tower built in the 15th century. Its permanent exhibition explores the history of Veli Lošinj, the immediate surroundings and the southern part of the island of Lošinj—from prehistoric times to the present day. It places particular emphasis on maritime and tourism traditions.

A guided tour of the town of Mali Lošinj also explores history in the urban landscape: “Lošinj kroz stoljeća” includes a walk through the kalice (narrow streets) of Mali Lošinj. If this tour is important to your plans, check the schedule in advance, as dates may change.

Discover more destinations: Ćunski, Sveti Jakov, Ustrine, Vele Srakane, Punta Križa, Nerezine, Veli Lošinj, Belej.

Back to the wider travel overview: Mali Lošinj.