While Croatia is famous as a sun holiday destination and for lovely days by the sea, typical sandy beaches of the variety that many imagine when thinking of a sunny vacation are actually rather rare throughout the country. Most beaches in Croatia are beautiful in their own ways but have pebbly shores or strands that are a mixture of sand and stones. For the feeling of powdery white sand between your toes, one of the most reliable destinations in Croatia is the island of Susak. Susak, a charming and peaceful island where traditions live on and a popular day-trip destination by boat for those who have found villas in Primorje-gorski Kotar, boasts several different sandy beaches to choose from. So, if you are planning a vacation in Croatia and you're looking for the perfect sandy beach of your dreams, plan an excursion to Susak.
Located in Kvarner Bay, southeast of the Istrian Peninsula, Susak was referred to as Sansegus or Sansacus in Roman times, a word that comes from the Greek for oregano, which is a herb that grows abundantly in the area. Eventually, the name became Susak in the distinct local dialect. Mentioned in the ancient Greek legends of the Argonauts, Jason, and Medea, there are some remaining artefacts (such as coins, mosaics, buildings, and burial sites) that suggest the island was occupied by the Illyrians, Greek sailors, and Romans. Only occupation from the Middle Ages onwards can be certain, however, with the earliest surviving text referencing the island dating to the 11th century. Throughout the following centuries, the island was variously part of the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy, Socialist Yugoslavia, the Socialist Republic of Croatia, and, finally, the Republic of Croatia. Today, the island is home to only a couple of hundred residents who live in one settlement on the island after experiencing a mass-exodus post-WWII. While fishing, farming, and wine-making were once the core industries of the island, it is now almost entirely dependent on tourism with some wines being produced still, particularly a red wine called pleskunac and a dry rosé called trojiśćina. Hundreds of tourists visit the island per day each summer and even more come for the annual Susak Expo, an international art show that attracts leading contemporary artists. The elaborate and colourful traditional local costumes worn on special occasions, local custom to refer to each other exclusively by nickname and sometimes give nicknames to visitors, and delicious cuisine that blends influences from Italy, Austria, Croatia, and the Mediterranean, all also make Susak a fascinating and appealing place to visit.
Many, however, are most drawn to Susak for her famous beaches. Once you hop on one of the catamarans (taking foot traffic only) running from the port of Mali Lošinj to Susak each day and arrive on the island, you will quickly discover that it is one of a kind in the Adriatic. Those who have travelled all throughout the area will confirm that few other places in the Adriatic boast beaches such as these. There are many beaches to choose from on the island with those facing Lošinj being sandy and with shallow waters while those facing to the open sea are stony with glittering azure waves. The best known and most popular beach is Spiaza, which is located to the north of the island. Spiaza is the archetype of Susak's most beloved beaches with a soft sandy shore and very shallow waters, making it perfect for families. As it is so popular, you'll have amenities such as lounge chair and umbrella rentals but you'll also have to contend with some level of crowds. A less well-known but similarly lovely strand is Bok Beach. Also sandy and with shallow water, this gem is another family-friendly option and is rarely busy. However, it does not boast the services and amenities of Spiaza. Baldarka Beach, further northwest of the aforementioned beaches, is another beautiful option and even quieter still but is one of the pebbly beaches on the island.
So, if you're looking for a uniquely interesting place with some of the best beaches in the Adriatic to visit because you have found a villa in Primorje-gorski Kotar and are spending time in this part of Croatia then be sure to check out the endlessly charming Susak Island!
Many, however, are most drawn to Susak for her famous beaches. Once you hop on one of the catamarans (taking foot traffic only) running from the port of Mali Lošinj to Susak each day and arrive on the island, you will quickly discover that it is one of a kind in the Adriatic. Those who have travelled all throughout the area will confirm that few other places in the Adriatic boast beaches such as these. There are many beaches to choose from on the island with those facing Lošinj being sandy and with shallow waters while those facing to the open sea are stony with glittering azure waves. The best known and most popular beach is Spiaza, which is located to the north of the island. Spiaza is the archetype of Susak's most beloved beaches with a soft sandy shore and very shallow waters, making it perfect for families. As it is so popular, you'll have amenities such as lounge chair and umbrella rentals but you'll also have to contend with some level of crowds. A less well-known but similarly lovely strand is Bok Beach. Also sandy and with shallow water, this gem is another family-friendly option and is rarely busy. However, it does not boast the services and amenities of Spiaza. Baldarka Beach, further northwest of the aforementioned beaches, is another beautiful option and even quieter still but is one of the pebbly beaches on the island.
So, if you're looking for a uniquely interesting place with some of the best beaches in the Adriatic to visit because you have found a villa in Primorje-gorski Kotar and are spending time in this part of Croatia then be sure to check out the endlessly charming Susak Island!
