Ilovik

The island of Ilovik is located just off the southern point of the larger Losinj in the Kvarner Bay. Covering a total area of just under 6 square kilometres, the island has a permanent population of around 100 people. The island is car-free and very easy to explore on foot; alternatively, you may like to bring a rental bike from Losinj to cover the island’s trails a bit more quickly.

Ilovik is known for its lush vegetation, particularly pine and olive trees, grape vines and oleander plants.

A number of Ilovik’s visitors reach the island with their own boat – perhaps stopping here for a meal. You could also enquire on Losinj about boat tours of Ilovik and the other nearby small islands as a day trip.

Ilovik

Getting to Ilovik

There are several boat lines to Ilovik, and you can reach the island from nearby Losinj, Cres, Unije and Susak, as well as from Pula, Rijeka and Zadar.

Kapetan Luka has a catamaran sailing from Pula (via Unije, Susak and Losinj) to Ilovik that sails twice a week in pre-and high season, and once a week in low season. In the other direction, you can use this catamaran to reach Ilovik from Zadar (via Silba).

Jadrolinija also has a twice-weekly catamaran service from Rijeka to Ilovik that sails via Cres, Unije and Susak, and then sails on to Mali Losinj.

Porat Ilovik also operates several sailings a day from Mrtvaska (right at the southern point of Losinj) to Ilovik. Journey time is just 10 minutes, and you can see the timetable on the Croatian Shipping Agency website.

Jadrolinija catamaran
The Jadrolinija catamaran on its way to Ilovik

What to See and Do on Ilovik

As a pretty restful kind of place, most people come to Ilovik for some R’n’R and to explore the island’s beaches. Do note that none of the beaches have any facilities (changing, toilets, refreshments), so please keep this in mind – and take your litter home with you!

Beaches

The best-known beach here is the small Parzine Beach – a sandy beach, no less, next to pine trees – on the south side of the island. Further westwards is Parknu Beach, which is a gravelly beach with shallow waters and so very suitable for families. Otherwise, set out on a walk along the coast to find your own little beach space.

Church of St Peter and St Paul, Ilovik
Church of St Peter and St Paul

Church of St Peter and St Paul

Built in the 19th century, this is a well maintained little church in Ilovik village.

Sveti Petar Island

The nearby uninhabited island of Sveti Petar (St. Peter) was once the site of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery. Hardly anything remains of the monastery, bar a wall which is now part of the surrounds of the cemetery that is located here. A defensive tower was also built by the Venetians in the 16th century on Sveti Petar, but this is also now in ruins.

Did hill

Climb to the highest point on the island, Did (96m high) for lovely views over the whole of Ilovik, as well as the neighbouring islands and even over to Losinj.

Ilovik harbour

Eating on Ilovik

The smart Restaurant Esempio is a family-run restaurant offering amazingly fresh seafood and fish dishes, as well as meat options.

Konoba Oliva is a friendly place with a great range of fish, meat and pasta dishes, plus options for younger guests too.

Restoran Dalmatinka has outdoor seating in an amazing setting right by the sea. Come here to try their fish and seafood specialities.

Accommodation

There are no hotels on the island, so accommodation is limited to private rooms and apartments.

Apartment Romana offers two apartments sleeping 4, whilst Apartment Sunrise is a two-bedroom apartment sleeping 5, in a prime location right on the seafront. Apartment Blue sleeps 4 and is located by a beach.

For something larger, the three-bedroom House Sara sleeps 7 and has delightful sea views.

For more options, check out Accommodation on Ilovik.

More Info

You can learn more about the island of Ilovik on the Losinj Tourist Office website.

There is no ATM on the island, so be sure to stock up on cash before you visit the island.

There is a small grocery shop located here, as well as a post office.