You can plan a visit to Unije around two practical questions: How would you like to get around the island, and which destinations would you like to shape your days? There are no cars on the island; visitors explore it on foot or by bike. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can take your arrival and planned destinations into account together.
Getting There and Getting Around
Boats connect Unije with Mali Lošinj; catamarans run from Rijeka, Pula and Zadar. A small airport connects the island with Lošinj. Schedules and transport connections may change seasonally or operationally; check them before your trip.
Trails to Coves and Cliffs
Unije has around 30 kilometers of trails over gravel, dirt and rocky terrain. They are suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Trails lead from the village to Unijsko polje, Maračuol Bay, the viewpoint at Cape Hartina, the lighthouse at Cape Vnetak, Cape Arbit, Goligna Bay and Vele Stijene. Goligna has two pebble beaches, with views from there of Osoršćica, Ustrine, Žeća and Martinšćica. The high cliffs of Vele Stijene are on the western side of Unije; it takes about an hour to walk from the settlement to the cliffs. Maračuol was once the site of a fish factory and is now an anchorage for boaters and sailors. For longer walks, check access conditions locally.
Village Beach and Water Activities
The village beach is a few minutes’ walk from the settlement. Swimming, diving, fishing, snorkeling and sailing are possible in the island’s coves. Local sea and access conditions may vary.
The comparison between the village beach and Vele Stijene gives a particularly clear sense of walking times: the beach is a few minutes’ walk from the settlement, while the cliffs are about an hour away on foot. This puts a short walk close to the village and a longer walk side by side as different time choices.
Church and Local Cuisine
The village church of St. Andrew is considered a landmark of the island and is also its parish church. It was originally built in the 15th century. It adds a historical note to the village, alongside the trails and coastal destinations. The Apoksiomena Museum in Mali Lošinj is dedicated to a single artifact and opened in May 2016 in the Kvarner Palace in the city center.
Local taverns prepare squid in various ways. In November, Unije hosts Unijska lignjada, a squid-fishing competition. If you’d like to include this event in your travel plans, check the exact dates for your chosen year.
Discover more destinations: Mali Lošinj, Punta Križa, Ilovik, Vele Srakane, Ćunski, Susak, Nerezine, Osor.
For the main travel overview: Mali Lošinj.
