Mali Lošinj &#8211; 15 Stops to Recharge Your Vitality &#8211; Part 3

The Croatian island of Lošinj, as the “island of vitality”, is the ideal place for an ideal holiday. As part of the “Taste of Vitality” project, I had the opportunity to visit several local restaurants in Mali Lošinj that were awarded the Taste of Vitality label for some of their dishes.

Please read PART 1 OF THIS ARTICLE and PART 2 first.

The third day of our gastronomic tour:

14. Miomirisni Otočki Vrt – Fragrant Island Garden
We started our last day on the outskirts of the town, surrounded by greenery and various fragrances. The garden, where it smells of all the herbs and spices of the Mediterranean, was founded in 2003 by the Nikolich family.

As I mentioned before, the town of Mali Lošinj was declared a climatic spa back in the 19th century. It is an ideal place for people with respiratory problems.

The botanist Ambroz Haračić determined that around 1,100 species of plants and 230 species of herbs grow on this idyllic island. Although most of these herbs are also found on other Adriatic islands, Sandra Nikolich told us that Lošinj’s species smell the loveliest.

A walk through this colourful and flourishing sanctuary is a balm for the soul. The experience is enhanced by the breathtaking view of Valdarke Bay.

The garden is also a place to slow down and reflect, where you can relax with a cup of coffee or even enjoy dinner (reservations necessary). After all, many of the medicinal herbs that grow on the island are still used today, not only in traditional healing but also in the kitchen.

In the adjacent shop, the dedicated founder of this unique place sells fragrant oils, teas and many other original souvenirs. Essential oils promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.

Visitors can take part not only in a guided tour of the garden, but also in various interesting workshops. We also had the opportunity to taste the island’s herbs in the Seaside Liqueur. It was prepared for us by Adrijan Nikolich, who is also the author of several cookbooks from the region.

Address: Bukovica ul. 16, Miomirisni vrt
15. Ridimutak Beach Bar
This beach bar was the last stop on our gastronomic journey.

Wonderful location right on the beach. Various old kitchen tools were hanging on the trees, and the whole area was decorated unconventionally and imaginatively, with a variety of seating options both in the shade and the sun.

The Taste of Vitality award went to the following dishes:

Burrata with peach, Lošinj honey and mint

Tacos with pulled lamb from the island of Cres

The young team prepared these tasty tacos for us on site

This great gastronomic offer was accompanied by wines from the Sosich winery from Vižidana.

We didn’t even want to leave this place. How sensational it would be to have my office here! After all, I already had a typewriter ready here!

Address: Ridimutak bb, Nerezine, Ridimutak

We would have loved to stay here and look at the calm sea with a glass of excellent wine in our hands and discuss life for a long time… Because tasty food and good drinks bring people together – that’s how our group of journalists from different countries felt. My thanks once again go to the organizers for the opportunity to participate in this unique Taste of Vitality project, which was for me an unforgettable experience of learning about the local cuisine. I believe that even after 140 years, the tradition of tourism in Mali Lošinj and on the whole island is in the right hands.

Practical information:
How to get here:
We travelled to the island of Lošinj from the island of Krk. To get from Krk to Lošinj with a car, the most direct route involves taking the Valbiska (Krk) – Merag (Cres) ferry and then driving through Cres to reach Lošinj. The ferry trip from Valbiska to Merag is approximately 25 minutes long. The line is maintained by the shipping company Jadrolinija. From Merag, you can drive to Lošinj, which is connected to Cres by a bridge.

Sailing schedule: HERE and tariffs: HERE

Where to stay:
During my stay, I stayed at the 4-star Aurora Hotel. The hotel is located in a beautiful pine forest. There is an outdoor pool and an indoor pool with seawater. Near the hotel, you will find Veli Žal beach (also with the afore-mentioned restaurant) in the beautiful Sunčana Bay.

More information: Hotel Aurora

More information about Mali Lošinj: Visit Lošinj

If you are going to Croatia, but to a different place, and you like good restaurants offering good food, be inspired by the book “100 Leading Croatian Restaurants”, published every year by Gastronaut.hr: book