The Krško boat departs from the centre of Mali Lošinj for a trip to the island of Susak, a geographical phenomenon and a protected monumental heritage site. Susak is a sandy island an hour's boat ride from Mali Lošinj.

 

The first inhabitants of the island were the Illyrians and then the Romans. The Roman writer Pliny mentions Susak as a sandy island not far from present-day Pula.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the island came under the rule of the Ostrogoths and from the 6th to the 10th century under the rule of Byzantium.

The Croats settled on Susak in the 8th century and the island became part of the Kingdom of Croatia in the 10th century.

The island was often attacked by pirates and stragglers, so a fort was built in the 12th century, whose crumbling foundations can still be seen near the church.

The inhabitants were engaged in fishing and viticulture. At one time, 97% of Susak was made up of vineyards.

The island has two settlements, Gornje Selo and Donje Selo, connected by steps. A beautiful sandy beach is located near the harbour.

 

After swimming and visiting the village, one heads towards the island of Srakane, not far from Susak. Vela Srakane is 2.5 km long and has an area of 1.2 km2. On the hill of Vela Straža, 60 metres above sea level, there was a prehistoric castle. The old castle is a remnant of the semicircular walls of the former defence fort against sea brigands. In the corner of the Skrivanić house is a tombstone from Roman times. Since the coast is very rocky, it is suitable for diving with many reefs and fish. Today, it is hard to imagine how almost two hundred people survived here in that era without electricity, water and naval engines, safe harbours and naval connections.

 

After swimming and diving, we return to Mali Lošinj.