Page 195 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

Owing to the exceptional characteristics of
its Mediterranean climate, Lošinj was pro-
claimed a climatic health resort by a decree of
the Ministry of Health of the Austrian-Hungar-
ian Monarchy in 1892. It soon became a popu-
lar holiday destination of the aristocracy, who
built numerous villas and summer residences
on the island, which, thanks to its positive ef-
fect on respiratory diseases, allergies, and the
immune system became known as the "Island of
Vitality". Scientific studies have confirmed the
special composition of the air, which depends
on several factors: the interaction of the on-
shore Jugo winds and the offshore Bora winds,
the evaporation of the seawater, which is very
salty and mineral-rich, the oxygen given off by
the many pine forests and their scents.
The color green dominates Lošinj all year
round as cypresses stand next to palm trees
and dense pine forests. In 1886, Professor Am-
broz Haračić started the forestation of the is-
land karst, which took six years, with half a
million Aleppo pine seedlings of which 300,000
survived. The dense tree canopy stretching
down to the sea provides shade and forest
walks, accommodates walking paths, and ex-
udes a refreshing, ethereal scent. More than
800 indigenous plants grow on the island, some
200 of them fragrant: from climbers to thorns,
shrubs, and trees.
The Fragrant Garden above Mali Lošinj is an
eco-paradise with fig trees, herbs, donkeys,
sheep, with views of the turquoise green of the
sea that stretches around the coast. “My gar-
den invites visitors to breathe in the profuse Fig tree in the Fragrant Garden
spicy fullness of the island's landscapes”, says
medicinal herb specialist Sandra Nicolich, while Opposite: The beaches are busy in summer
serving a homemade myrtle liqueur whose main
ingredient she harvests during the winter All Photos copyright: Wibke Carter
months. The small on-site store sells products
from mandarin fruit jam to lavender soap and
massage oils. The garden, much like the rest of
Lošinj, exudes tranquility and calmness. It’s a
perfect place to recharge, relax and enjoy life
on the Island of Vitality.
www.visitLošinj.hr

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 195