Osor

Where the islands Lošinj and Cres meet lies the ancient town Osor. It is located along the channel that was created to connect the northern and southern parts of the Adriatic for navigation and that turned Osor into one of the most important transit ports in ancient times. The entire place is a treasure trove of cultural heritage of this area. Ancient walls, fortifications, Renaissance portals, remains of ancient villas and early Christian churches testify to the rich history of Osor. In the centre of Osor is the ancient town square with a Renaissance town hall and loggia from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as the imposing cathedral and the Bishop's palace. The Osor Archaeological Collection with interesting exhibits from antiquity and the Middle Ages is on display in the premises of the former town hall and loggia. The cathedral preserves the relics of St. Gaudentius, to whom also the beautiful Gothic church from the 14th century is dedicated. A number of legends are associated with Gaudentius, who was the Bishop of Osor. The most famous legend is the one according to which the bishop blessed the island and expelled all venomous snakes from there, which is why there are no venomous snakes on Lošinj and Cres.

During the summer, this museum town turns into a small tourist oasis that offers comfortable accommodation in apartments, holiday homes and villas. It also becomes the island’s main venue for musicians from all over the world, who participate in the traditional festival "Osor Musical Evenings". Apart from swimming and lazing in the sun, lovers of hiking and trekking can enjoy climbing up the hill Osorčica from where there is a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Lošinj archipelago, Istria, the Velebit mountain range and the nearby islands Rab, Pag and Silba. At the top of the hill is the Church of St. Nicholas, but worth visiting are also the two famous caves Vela Jama and the Cave of St. Gaudentius. Refreshments can be found in the mountain lodge. If you enjoy adrenaline sports like free climbing, Osorčica offers some interesting climbing routes. Beautiful hiking and biking trails lead from Osor to the southernmost point of the island of Cres, the green cape Punta Križa. Discover abandoned pastoral dwellings, centuries-old churches and traditional dry stone walls amidst lush vegetation and the scents of aromatic Mediterranean plants. With a little luck, you will also come across some herds of fallow deer. Visit Osor and discover this small gem in the heart of the Adriatic.