Ilovik

The island of Ilovik is located south of Lošinj, separated from it by the Strait of Ilovik.

It has the nickname of the island of flowers because of oleander that can be found all over the island. The island is covered with Mediterranean vegetation, so you can find laurel, rosemary, and tamarisk throughout the town of Ilovik and the entire island.

Lately Ilovik has become a popular tourist destination for daily trips. It attracts tourists with the beautiful church of Sts. Peter and Paul, many wonderful beaches, and the quaint town.

The port of Ilovik is used by sailors because it is a natural harbor and it defends them from all winds, making it a very crowded port in the summer.

The channel between Ilovik and neighbour island Sv. Petar makes a natural safe place for yachts and boats. Due to its location, Ilovik is also a popular rest stop between the northern and southern Adriatic. In only few hours, you can reach Istria, Krk, Rab, Pag or Kornati, and other mid-Dalmatian destinations. The island is rich in Roman findings. When on Ilovik you can visit a Benedictine monastery and local cemetery, located on a neighbouring uninhabited island. People here are proud of their maritime history so it is said that even after death they were condemned on boats. The walls surrounding the current cemetery date from the 11th century.

The first Croatian settlers came to the island by the end of the 18th century from Veli Lošinj. Ilovik has been developing since then and has about 90 inhabitants today who mostly engage in agriculture, sheep farming, fishing and tourism.

On the south-east part of the island lays a largest bay on the island with a sandy beach Paržine where you can relax and enjoy clear Adriatic see. Another beach you can visit is Parknu beach, gravelly beach with shallow waters, where you can see a World War II bunker.

Ilovik is a car-free zone, but very easy to explore on foot or by bike. Known for its luscious vegetation, you can spend hours in peace and quiet and enjoy the smells and the colures of oleander flowers, pine and olive trees. While there you can climb to Did, the highest point on the island (96m), for lovely view over the whole island, as well as the neighbouring islands and even over to Lošinj.

Music continues to be an integral part of life but also has a storytelling function, so don't be surprised to hear natives rise up in song, accompanied by accordions, telling stories from the past.

Don’t miss a chance to visit this Adriatic flower paradise and fill your batteries away from all the hustle and bustle.