The beginning of September on the island of vitality, Lošinj, brings a spectacular journey through time, reviving the glorious era when the world's seas were dominated by skilled Lošinj captains and sturdy wooden sailing ships. From September 6th to 20th, 2025, the island transforms into a living stage of maritime and shipbuilding tradition through the LOSINAVA festival. This unique event, which intertwines a sporting spirit, cultural heritage, top-quality music, and educational content, is dedicated to the centuries-old, unbreakable bond between Lošinj and the sea. Over two weeks filled with events, visitors of all generations will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in rich history, discover forgotten skills and customs, and experience the heritage that has shaped the identity of this Kvarner pearl in a fun and interactive way.

One must sail: The richness of the regatta program

The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of waves and taut sails. The very opening, scheduled for September 6th, announces the magnificence of the event. Participants of the rowing pasara boat regatta will parade through the Mali Lošinj harbour, accompanied by the energetic Lošinj majorettes and the festive tones of the Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra. Immediately after, the 13th Lošinj Rowing Pasara Regatta begins, a competition that evokes memories of regattas from the late 19th century, in which crews in traditional wooden pasara boats compete, divided into categories up to 4.3 and over 4.3 meters. On the same day, the spirit of competition moves to Veli Lošinj, where the 5th Veloselska Maštela Regatta, an attractive and fun barrel race, will be held. The evening hours in Veli Lošinj are reserved for enjoying local gastro delicacies and a major concert by Tomislav Bralić and Klapa Intrade, which will round off the first, excitement-filled day, and if you wish to extend your stay, Veli Lošinj offers wonderful accommodation.

The regatta program continues with the same intensity. The 8th Night Regatta of Traditional Sailing Boats brings a special magic, which will be held on September 12th under the spotlights in the picturesque harbour of Mali Lošinj, creating a memorable sight. The very next weekend, on September 13th and 14th, the 43rd Lošinj Regatta is scheduled, also known as the regatta of Lošinj's Olympians. This event, which includes a navigation regatta and a "pole" regatta, is named in honour of the Lošinj sailing legends who participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. Among them were Mario Fafangel and Karlo Bašić, as well as the world-renowned Agostino Straulino. Born in Mali Lošinj, Straulino is considered the greatest sailor in Italian Olympic history, a winner of a gold and a silver Olympic medal, and a three-time world champion in the Star class, thus forever inscribing Lošinj on the map of world sailing. The final act of the regatta part of the festival will take place on September 20th in Nerezine, where the 49th Nerezine Regatta of Traditional Sailing Boats will be held. This historic regatta, with a tradition dating back to 1920, will also ceremoniously announce the closing of this year's LOSINAVA.

In addition to sailing, the sports program is enriched by water polo competitions in the beautiful Čikat bay. From September 5th to 7th, the 21st International Water Polo Tournament "Good Dolphin" will be held, and from September 12th to 14th, the 5th International Women's Water Polo Tournament "Pleiades" will follow.

A touch of Venice in Lošinj's harbour

Over four days, from September 11th to 14th, the Mali Lošinj harbour will become the stage for a truly special experience – free rides in an authentic Venetian gondola. Arriving directly from Venice is gondolier Andrea Balbi, who will skilfully ferry visitors on the route Priko – Riva of Lošinj Captains, every morning from 9 am to 12 pm and in the afternoon from 6 pm to 9 pm. This elegant vessel, a symbol of Venice and supreme craftsmanship, is made from as many as eight different types of wood to achieve the perfect balance for a quiet and stable ride. This event, part of the Europa Adriatica Nordest initiative, symbolically connects the two coasts of the northern Adriatic – Venice and Lošinj – through a shared culture, tradition, and the sea that unites them. To make the experience complete, on September 12th and 13th, a presentation of autochthonous products from the Venetian islands of Burano and Murano will be organised, including world-famous lace, glass, various delicacies, and art objects.

The heart of the festival: LOSINAVA POINT and workshops for all

Every day during the festival, the Riva of Lošinj Captains transforms into the dynamic LOSINAVA POINT, a central place for meetings, learning, and fun. Numerous workshops for both children and adults will take place here. Creative individuals can enjoy the Craft&Wine, BeCreative, and Losinava arts & crafts workshops. Particularly interesting are those with a maritime theme, organised by experts from the Blue World Institute, the Ruka u ruci association, the Jugo Sailing Club, and the Our Children Society of Mali Lošinj association. At the same location, local producers will offer their autochthonous products, and visitors will have the opportunity to learn the basics of maritime and fishing skills and take photos in an ambiance reminiscent of the golden age of seafaring, thus creating the most beautiful memory of their stay in Mali Lošinj. For the full experience, find accommodation in the heart of Mali Lošinj and be at the centre of all events.

An emotional look back at the past: From the farewell of sailors to the sunset on a lugger

The festival also offers deeply emotional experiences that evoke the life of Lošinj families. Twice, on September 11th and 18th, visitors will be able to witness the scenic performance "Salute to the Captain," which revives the ancient ritual of bidding farewell to sailors on long voyages. Each Lošinj sailing ship, after departing from the main harbour, would dock in Čikat bay, in front of the votive church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as Annunziata. There, the crew would disembark to pray for the last time with their families before parting. In honour of these women, mothers, and sisters, their fidelity and love, the art sculpture "ADDIO" has been placed at that spot. This touching experience will be further enriched by an evening concert by Magic Guitars in Čikat bay. For those who want to feel a touch of sailing on a historic ship, there is a unique opportunity to experience the sunset at sea. From September 8th to 17th, evening sails ("Sunset Sail") are organised on the lugger "Nerezinac". This is a faithful replica of a Lošinj cargo sailing ship from the late 19th century, which today serves as a sailing interpretation centre of maritime heritage and a kind of "open-air museum," offering an unforgettable view of the sun sinking into the Adriatic Sea.

A fusion of gastronomy and aerial acrobatics

LOSINAVA is not just a festival for the eyes and ears, but also for the palate. Throughout the event, Lošinj restaurants will offer specialties under the common name "Taste of Vitality". The peak of the gastronomic part of the program occurs from September 11th to 14th, when Lošinj for the first time hosts the 13th International Festival "Taste the Mediterranean". This exceptionally relevant festival of Mediterranean food, wine, and lifestyle is coming to Kvarner, which proudly holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The distinctive flavours of the Mediterranean will bring together award-winning chefs from the top restaurants of the Lošinj Hotels & Villas group with chefs from some of the best city restaurants, such as Deveron Gastro Pub and Bocca Vera restaurant. They will be joined by colleagues from France, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain, guaranteeing a culinary spectacle. At the same time, from September 12th to 14th, the sky above Lošinj will be the stage for an AEROMEETING. This air show is held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lošinj airport, also commemorating the World Parachuting Championship held here way back in 1985. All aviation enthusiasts will enjoy an exciting and attractive flying program.

Music, knowledge, and tradition: Education and fun for all

The LOSINAVA program is full of musical and educational content. The peak of entertainment is expected at the Maritime Evening on September 13th, when visitors will be entertained by performances of folklore groups, wind orchestras, and majorettes, along with exhibits and demonstrations of traditional skills. Excursion boats will take care of the gastronomic offer, and in the later evening hours, a concert "Mišomanija" - a Mišo Kovač tribute band will follow, after which the fun continues with a DJ. The music program also includes a concert by the Coro Serenissima choir from Venice and the Vittorio Craglietto choir from Mali Lošinj on the lugger "Nerezinac" (12.9.), a parade of the Sevnica brass band from Slovenia in Nerezine (19.9.), and a grand final concert by A-strana as part of the festival's closing, also in Nerezine (20.9.).

The educational segment offers the opportunity to acquire new knowledge. The Jugo Sailing Club is organising Educational Sailing for Children (6.-20.9.), where the youngest can learn the basics of sailing theory and get acquainted with the parts of a boat. There will also be workshops on sailor's knots and a Small School of Net Weaving with Fabijan Jurčević. Astronomy lovers will get their chance with telescope observation of the sky and celestial bodies, organised by the Leo Brenner Astronomical Society. Exhibitions and lectures are an indispensable part of the program. The Ambroz Haračić High School opens its doors on September 19th for the Exhibition of Maritime Collections, and the Cvrčak Kindergarten is setting up an exhibition on the theme of seafaring (18.9.). In the Museum of Apoxyomenos, Dr. Vedran Vukotić will give a lecture "Sketches of Oral Tradition about Lošinj" (9.9.), while the Fritzi Palace – Lošinj Museum will host the historical exhibition "Across the World's Seas" (5.9. – 2.11.). In Ustrine, Captain Ivo Saganić will give a lecture "The History of Tuneras in Ustrine" (16.9.).