Via Apsyrtides
STAGE 11
VELI LOŠINJ - RADOVAN
STAGE 11
V. LOŠINJ - RADOVAN
MODERATE
For centuries, Veli Lošinj was known as Velo Selo (“Great Village”), which is what it was – a large and highly dispersed village. Only with the development of seafaring in the 18th century did it turn into a prosperous town, and one economically stronger than its superior of Osor. The wealth and refined taste of the Veli Lošinj captains are most visible in the Parish Church of St. Anthony the Abbot, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches on the islands of the Adriatic. As the conditions worsened, the Veli Lošinj seafarers left for bigger towns, and their spacious and comfortable houses surrounded by beautiful gardens were left to the ailing members of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. The first to come was the Habsburg Archduke Charles Stephen, whose palace surrounded by the large Pod Javori park still lies at the heart of the famous Veli Lošinj Sanatorium.
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15 km
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220 m
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HIGHEST POINT: 112 m
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LOWEST POINT : 0 m
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DIFFICULTY: 6/10
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DURATION: 4 h
DIFFICULTY
LANDSCAPE
ENDURANCE
EXPERIENCE
ROVENSKA
Up until the construction of a long breakwater in 1856, the Veli Lošinj fishing port was directly exposed to the relentless force of the waves brought on by the strong winds. The breakwater was constructed to protect the shipyard, which was shut down soon after building only three sailing ships. It was defeated by competition from the neighboring Mali Lošinj, and the port of Rovenska returned to its peaceful everyday fishing activities, livening up in autumn with the commotion around the traditional olive mill, which was, up until a few decades ago, used to mill olives brought over from the southern part of Lošinj.
JAVORNA BAY
Up until the 13th century, there were no permanent settlements on Lošinj, then still known as “Osor Island”, just a few shepherds’ dwellings scattered here and there. It was not until the uneasy times following the attacks of the Tatars, as the local pirates started to compromise the interests of Venice itself, that Osor allowed the formation of “Lošinj villages” at the southern part of the island, in order to reinforce the defense of the island’s water area. According to tradition, the first 12 Veli Lošinj families sailed into Javorna Bay in 1280, and settled around the nearby Church of St. Nicholas.
VELA STRAŽA ON ILOVIK
From the top, where the remains of the ancient hillfort can still be seen, countless generations of “guards” watched over the 2.5 km long Ilovik Channel, which today provides the safest anchorage in these waters which are known to be dangerous during sudden storms and strong currents. Its significance in ancient times is attested by the remains of an important villa rustica and an unusually large early Christian church (today the local cemetery) on the neighboring islet of Sv. Petar. Somewhat further south stand the picturesque remains of the Venetian fort dating back to the end of the 16th century, which guarded the channel against pirates.
SHARE THIS TRAIL
• Via Apsyrtides trail system is intended for experienced mountain climbers and recreationists. The trails provide a basic level of walkability, without additional measures of safety and protection. Use these trails at your own risk!
• Rugged landscape and climatic conditions of the island can be challenging. Assess your fitness level well and wear appropriate footwear and clothing!
• Water availability in some villages is limited. Carry enough water with you!
• Your responsibility is to follow the laws and regulations of the Republic of Croatia related to nature protection, accommodation and respect for other people’s property.
• Leave only footprints, take only memories! Dispose of garbage in the villages, in designated areas. Do not collect wild plants and do not disturb animals you come across! Keep the gates closed behind you!
• You are in an area of high wildfire risk. Lighting open fires is strictly forbidden!
• Water: next to Hotel Punta in Veli Lošinj, next to the kindergarten in Veli Lošinj, next to the parish church on Ilovik
• Convenience store: in Veli Lošinj (Working hours), Oaza convenience store, Ilovik 167
• Café: open during the season
• Restaurant: open during the season
• Pharmacy: in Mali Lošinj Muškardin and Kaštel Fram
• Physician: in Mali Lošinj
• ATM: in Mali Lošinj (in the centre, next to the Zagazine convenience store, Maxi convenience store, Cappelli Tourist Agency… In Veli Lošinj next to the Val tourist agency)
SAFETY INFORMATION
Mind the strong Bura wind, especially in winter and pay attention to:
- ticks
- scorpions
- wild animals (wild boar)
- heat
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
- GPS
- water
- waterfilter
- mobile phone
- headlamp
The section starts in the centre of Veli Lošinj and leads towards the St Anthony the Abbot parish church. Head down the promenade towards the Rovenska Bay and continue along the pedestrian path towards the south side of Lošinj and Mrtvaška Bay, where public line transfer or taxi boats are available. You can use the public parking lot.
