In a world of fast travel and fleeting tourist adventures, stories of loyalty that last for decades are a true rarity and a testament to the unbreakable bond between a person and a place. Just such a warm, human story is being written by the Bach family from Zagreb, whose love for Mali Lošinj has lasted for a full thirty years, of which an incredible quarter of a century they have been faithful to the same address and the same hostess, Mrs. Nevenka Morović.

This long-standing connection is not just a statistic in tourist books; it is living proof of how hospitality, natural beauty, and the specific atmosphere of an island can create memories that are passed down from generation to generation and friendships that transcend the classic guest-renter relationship.

A Quarter Century of Memories on the Island of Vitality

The story of the Bach family's loyalty began in 2000, when the couple Michael and Sanja first arrived at the apartment of Mrs. Nevenka Morović. Before that, they had already vacationed on the island for five years with the Serdar family, which means their Lošinj saga has lasted a full three decades. "The Bach family has been vacationing with us every year since 2000, so for a full 25 years now. In total, they have cherished a love for Lošinj for 30 years," points out the landlady Nevenka Morović with pride and warmth. She emphasizes that this relationship has transformed over time into something much deeper. "After so many years, our relationship is no longer just touristic – we share a sincere friendship with the Bach family."

Throughout all these years, Mali Lošinj has become a second home for the Bachs. The older son Dominik, who first arrived as a boy, is today a grown man with his own memories woven into the coves and streets of Lošinj. The younger son Antonio had his first encounter with the sea right here, as a baby of only three months. The family often comes twice a year, taking every opportunity to escape to their island oasis. A particularly festive moment happened this very year, when Michael Bach celebrated his 60th birthday on his favorite island, surrounded by his wife Sanja and their sons, thus confirming how much this place means to them.

From a Dusty Road to a Modern Thoroughfare with a View

Michael Bach nostalgically recalls his first arrivals on the island, which looked significantly different back then. "I remember the old road from Cres to Lošinj… Today, I am amazed by the new road with a bike path at the entrance to Mali Lošinj," he points out. His memories paint a picture of the immense progress in infrastructure the island has experienced, making it more accessible without disturbing its natural beauty. He also addresses a common prejudice. "People often mistakenly think that Lošinj is hard to reach because of the ferry, but the journey is not complicated at all – and once you arrive, you never want to go back," concludes Michael, summarizing the feeling of many lovers of this Kvarner pearl.

It is this easy accessibility, combined with the feeling of isolation and peace that the island provides, that makes it a unique destination. The improved road connectivity has made the journey a pleasant part of the experience, not an obstacle, and has brought the charms of Lošinj even closer to all who seek an authentic vacation.

The Magical Attraction of Climate and Nature

When asked what brings them back to Lošinj time and again, the Bach family highlights two key elements without much thought: the climate and nature. Michael's simple yet picturesque statement: "The climate in Lošinj is cool - nobody else has that!" perfectly describes what Austro-Hungarian balneologists recognized back in the late 19th century, declaring Lošinj a climatic health resort. The specific microclimate, ideal air humidity, and the unique aerosol created by the mix of sea air and the scent of the dense pine forest and over 1200 plant species, many of which are medicinal, have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system and overall health.

"When we say we're going to Lošinj, everyone knows about this destination. Everyone comments on how beautiful the sea is and how enchanting the nature is," adds Sanja Bach. The island is known for its fragrant promenades, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear sea, making it an ideal place for relaxation and energy renewal. Their words confirm that Lošinj's reputation as the island of vitality is well-deserved and recognized among travelers.

Tireless Explorers of the Lošinj Archipelago

The Bach family's love for Lošinj is not static; they are active explorers who use every opportunity to discover new corners of the island and its surroundings. They have visited all the inhabited islands of the Lošinj archipelago, from the sandy Susak and flowery Ilovik to the peaceful Srakane and Unije, absorbing the unique culture and atmosphere of each. Their curiosity doesn't stop at beaches and coves. They are great lovers of local gastronomy, enjoying fresh fish, island lamb, and specialties enriched with wild herbs that grow everywhere.

And after thirty years, they still have unfulfilled wishes. One of their next goals is to climb Osoršćica, the mountain that stretches across the northern part of the island and from whose peak, Televrin, offers an unforgettable view of the entire archipelago. Although they have already visited the world-famous Museum of Apoxyomenos, dedicated to the unique bronze statue of an athlete found in the Lošinj seabed, they announce they will gladly visit it again, aware that such a masterpiece always offers a new perspective.

Recognition for an Inspiring Loyalty

Such dedication and sincere love for a destination could not go unnoticed. As a token of gratitude for decades of loyalty, the director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, Dalibor Cvitković, personally visited the Bach family and presented them with appropriate gifts. The package included selected indigenous products with the Lošinj Local Product label, a voucher for dinner at one of the renowned local restaurants under the Taste of Vitality brand, and a special experience – a sunset cruise on a replica of a historic Lošinj lugger, the sailing ship "Nerezinac", which is today an open-air interpretative center of maritime heritage.

"The loyalty of guests like the Bach family is proof of a true attachment to Lošinj. Their story confirms that tourism is not just about the number of arrivals and overnight stays – but about relationships, emotions, and memories that remain. We thank them for everything," emphasized Cvitković. It is stories like these that give soul to tourism and remind us that the heart of every successful destination lies in its people – both those who return and those who welcome them with open arms, turning a vacation into a lifelong friendship. Through the Bach family, Mali Lošinj has gained more than guests; it has gained ambassadors who proudly spread its story further.