In Punta Križa, archaeological traces, historic churches and an extensive network of trails come together. The area can therefore be explored from different perspectives: through its cave and finds from early periods, along paths through traditional pastures, or by visiting buildings that reveal different chapters of history.

Cave, trails and viewpoints

Jamina Sredi is in the central part of Punta Križa. Archaeological research there uncovered evidence of Palaeolithic hunters and Neolithic farmers. The finds connect the cave with two widely separated periods in human history and give a visit a special cultural and historical dimension.

The trail network in Punta Križa covers a total of 50 kilometres. Trails lead as far as the southern headland of San Damiano (Sveti Damjan). Vela Straža offers a different view of the area: it has a viewpoint with panoramic views over Punta Križa. These destinations give a stay different points of focus—a longer trail network, a named southern destination and a viewpoint overlooking the area.

Churches and cultural heritage along the way

The path to the Church of Our Lady of the Vine leads through traditional pasture plots where sheep still graze. The original Gothic church was incorporated into a larger church building in the 18th century. A pilgrimage on 2 July traditionally celebrates the Visitation there. The path, pastoral landscape and church building therefore form a shared theme for a visit, while the pilgrimage connects it to the religious feast day.

The churches of Saint Plato and Saint Vitus also reveal different historical contexts. The isolated Church of Saint Plato was built during Byzantine rule, between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Church of Saint Vitus dates from the 12th century and stands on an artificially raised hill above prehistoric burial mounds. The sacred buildings thus bring together different layers of history: from the burial mounds and the Byzantine period to medieval churches.

Sansigot, an indigenous red wine grape variety from Lošinj, is grown and made into wine in Punta Križa. It adds another dimension of the area to its archaeological and church-history themes.

Another highlight nearby

Near Punta Križa, Baldarin naturist camp offers camping as well as tennis, basketball, beach volleyball and mini golf. Swimming spots include the sandy beaches of Bokinić and Lučica, along with small pebble beaches and a long rocky coastline between them. This nearby setting offers a different focus from the churches and archaeological sites in the area itself.

Culture in the wider destination of Mali Lošinj

In the wider destination of Mali Lošinj, museums and collections add to the local themes. The Apoxyomenos Museum is dedicated to a single artefact and opened in May 2016 in the Kvarner Palace in the centre of Mali Lošinj. The Fritzi Palace displays two of Mali Lošinj’s most important art collections: the Piperata Collection of Old Masters and the Croatian Masters Collection of Andro Vid Mihičić. The latter comprises around 360 works of art.

The Osor Archaeological Collection offers another way to explore history. It is housed in a Renaissance building constructed in the first half of the 15th century and protected as a cultural monument in 1964. In the centre of Veli Lošinj stands the freestanding circular tower complex Kula, dating from the 15th century. Its permanent exhibition explores the history of Veli Lošinj, its immediate surroundings and the southern part of Lošinj Island—from prehistory to the present day, with a particular focus on maritime and tourism traditions.

For trip planning, it helps to distinguish between the different highlights: in Punta Križa, the focus is on trails, churches, the cave and local wine culture; the wider destination of Mali Lošinj also offers the museums and collections mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Nerezine, Unije, Ilovik, Susak, Osor, Veli Losinj, Sveti Jakov, Mali Losinj

For the wider travel overview: Mali Lošinj.