Veli Losinj is situated in a small narrow sheltered bay on the southeast side of Lošinj Island at the foot of St. John's hill. Tall houses jut out around the harbour line while luxurious villas with beautiful gardens nestle nearby, creating a picturesque backdrop for this pretty town. It has a population of 1,000 inhabitants and is the second largest town on the island.
It is interesting to note that in the past Veli Losinj (Velo selo – large village) was bigger than Mali Losinj (Malo selo – little village) but throughout history Mali Losinj developed more rapidly and to-day the situation is reversed. The names, however, have remained up to the present time.
Following the narrow streets of Veli Losinj and stepping through the portal, we enter a bye-gone era of sumptuous villas, which belonged to former captains, ship owners and the rich upper class. There are 80 different types of plants scattered around the villa gardens while in Veli Lošinj park facing the present-day sanatorium (the former residence of the Archduke, Karl Stephan) there are 200 species.
Just beside Veli Losinj is a small fishing port Rovenska with its magnificent beach, fishing village ambient, small stone houses, all testifying to the traditions of its inhabitants who dedicated their lives to the sea.
