Ilovik

Ilovik, a small island situated south of Lošinj, in the Kvarner Bay, is known for its picturesque landscapes, remote bays and relaxed pace of life.

On Ferryhopper, you will find useful information about your vacation in Ilovik: beaches, sights and ferries to / from the beautiful island. Take a look at the available ferry routes to Ilovik and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper hassle-free!

A picturesque street in Ilovik town adorned with flowers

Vacation in Ilovik

Ilovik is the southernmost inhabited island in the Lošinj archipelago. Due to its location on the border of the northern and central Adriatic, this Mediterranean gem is a great choice for boaters and travelers looking for a peaceful island retreat.

With lush Mediterranean vegetation and dreamy secluded swimming coves, Ilovik is the ideal relaxing paradise in Croatia. In fact, Ilovik is known as the “Flower Island” and this will become clear to you as soon as you step foot on it. Most if not all of the island’s charming walkways are beautifully adorned with oleander, bougainvillea, palm, and eucalyptus trees.

How to get to Ilovik

The only way to reach Ilovik is by ferry. There are frequent connections from the Croatian towns of Zadar, Pula and Rijeka. You can also travel to Ilovik from several neighboring islands, such as Lošinj, Unije, Susak, and Silba.

Read more about available ferries to Ilovik  below.

What to do in Ilovik

Around 30 minutes from Mali Lošinj by ferry, Ilovik is a popular day-trip destination during the summer. The island is packed with character and has plenty to do, however, so you could easily stay here overnight.

The eponymous small village of Ilovik, the only town on the island, is distinguished by its Venetian architecture and charming narrow streets with vibrant colors. Locals are particularly proud of their beautiful vegetation, the most notable of which are the century-old eucalyptus trees. The giant trees are located near the village’s harbor and are said to be around 150 years old. It’s definitely worth visiting them to also enjoy their fantastic smell.

In addition, Ilovik is hilly and a great place to go hiking or just walk around. Climb to the highest point on the island, Did (about 90 m high) for beautiful views over the whole of Ilovik, as well as the surrounding islands. PS most of the hiking trails lead to coves, so always have a bathing suit with you.

Beaches in Ilovik

With its crystal-clear waters, inviting coves and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, Ilovik offers a perfect oasis for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Here you can find 2 of the most popular beaches in Ilovik:

1. Paržine: this is the largest and most notable cove on the island with a sandy beach with turquoise waters. It is about 30 minutes away on foot from the town of Ilovik. The beach also offers spectacular views to the nearby islets, but keep in mind that it gets quite busy in the high-season.
2. Parknu: about 2 km from Ilovik village, this is a beach with white pebbles, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. It is a must-visit destination for families and anyone seeking a serene and picturesque beach experience.

Useful info: you can, of course, also swim along the numerous coves around the town itself.

The stunning turquoise-colored Paržine beach with lush Mediterranean vegetation

Sightseeing in Ilovik

There are many traces from the past in Ilovik, but you have to walk around to find them. Both Ilovik and Sveti Petar are, in fact, rich in Roman artifacts. Here, visitors will come across the remains of walls, buildings, numismatic coins, a burial sarcophagus as well as an underwater archaeological site. Some of the most interesting things to see in Ilovik are: 

• The church of St. Peter and Paul, built in the 19th century, it is a well preserved little church in Ilovik village
• The chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes
• The remains of St. Andrew's Church
• The remains of an ancient shipwreck in the Paržine bay, dating to the 2nd century BCE, it is said to be the oldest and best preserved shipwreck in the Adriatic
• Sv. Petar Island, an uninhabited island close to Ilovik home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and a defensive tower

The remains of the castle of Ilovik with palm trees in Sv. Petar

Nightlife in Ilovik

Ilovik is a small island with a laid-back nightlife. However, you can still find a few bars. In addition, music on the island is an important aspect of life, so you might get the chance to hear accordionists play "O Sanpjero", Ilovik’s traditional song, at certain places in the evening, such as in front of the church.

Useful info: if you find yourself in Ilovik towards the end of June, watch out for the festival dedicated to the patron saints of the island, St. Peter and St. Paul. Specifically, on the 28th and 29th of June, the people of Ilovik celebrate the Holy Mass, march in procession, light the 'koleda' bonfire, and organize a popular folk celebration called 'Petrova'.

Food in Ilovik

During your stay in Ilovik, you will have the opportunity to taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine. In the island’s excellent restaurants, you will have, among other things, freshly caught seafood, including lobster, crab, calamari, and fish, as well as local dairy, vegetables, fruit, and olive oil of excellent quality.

Useful information about Ilovik

With basic amenities, including several restaurants, a well-stocked store, a post office, and a currency exchange office, Ilovik is the perfect place for a digital detox vacation. 

But while the island has everything you might need for a pleasant stay, you might have to visit the neighboring Lošinj for additional amenities, such as medical assistance. 
In addition, keep in mind that there are no hotels or campsites on the island, so accommodation is limited to private rooms and apartments.

We recommend staying here for 1-2 nights to fully enjoy the peace of the early morning and late evening hours.

The waterfront of Ilovik with the church of St. Peter and Paul standing out

Important phone numbers for your stay in Ilovik

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Ilovik:

• Lošinj Port Authority: +38551232020
• Ilovik post office: +38572303304
• Ilovik taxi boat: +385995162349 / +385976266217
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Ilovik

Cars are not permitted on this small, quaint island. Don’t worry, however, because Ilovik is the perfect pedestrian oasis. Covering a total area of just under 6 km2, you can literally walk the entire island. 

Alternatively, you can bring your bike with you or rent one from Lošinj to cover the island’s trails a bit more quickly. There’s also the option of getting around by taxi boat.

Ports in Ilovik

Ilovik’s small port is located opposite Sv. Petar, in the Strait of Ilovik. This convenient location offers a natural barrier from most winds and has long been a favorite rest stop for sailors between the northern and southern parts of the Adriatic.

Except leisure yachts and sailboats, the port of Ilovik also serves ferries which usually dock at the eastern head of the mole. Close to the port of Ilovik, visitors can find several restaurants, cafés and apartments.

Ilovik’s picturesque protected harbor seen at night

Island hopping from Ilovik

Being part of the Cres - Lošinj archipelago, there are frequent ferry routes from the port of Ilovik and ferry tickets are affordable due to the short crossings.

Catching the ferry to the island of Lošinj is one of the most popular trips and it is surely worth it! You can also travel directly by ferry from Ilovik to Silba, Cres, Unije, and Susak.

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can find all ferry routes from Ilovik, to plan your island-hopping trip in the Croatian Islands. Get inspired, plan your itinerary and sail across the archipelago!

Ilovik ferry: schedules and tickets

You can catch a ferry from mainland Croatia to Ilovik at the following 3 ports: Zadar, Pula and Rijeka. 

Here are more details about ferry routes to Ilovik:

• Zadar - Ilovik ferry: ferries from Zadar to Ilovik depart 2-3 times a week throughout the year. The trip duration is 1.5 hours. 
• Pula - Ilovik ferry: the Pula - Ilovik ferry route is 3 hours long and active all year round. There are 2 weekly crossings and tickets range from around €10.5 to €13.5.
• Rijeka - Ilovik ferry: this route is normally served year round with 2-3 weekly crossings. The ferry duration is around 3.5-4 hours, with tickets costing around €10.

Useful info: the ferry companies serving the above routes are Kapetan Luka - Krilo and Jadrolinija.

Watching the sun go down on Ilovik island

Book ferry tickets to Ilovik online

Want to find out for yourself why Ilovik proudly bears the nicknames “The Island of Flowers and “The Island of Vitality”? Then book cheap ferry tickets to Ilovik online on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. 

Find all the information you need about ferries to Ilovik, compare companies, trip duration and ticket prices, and organize your holidays in Croatia with ease.

Useful info: if you’re planning a trip to Croatia, don’t stop here! Have a look at our blog about the top islands to visit in Croatia.