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Susak

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Susak (Croatia)
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Practical info — Susak

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Keep in mind that Susak is a car-free island; leave your vehicle in Mali Lošinj.
  • Wear sturdy shoes or good sandals for hiking on the dusty loess paths.
  • Carry enough cash with you, as there are very limited ATMs on the island.
  • Listen for the unique local dialect (Sansegus), which is very different from standard Croatian.
  • Visit in late summer when the wild oregano is in bloom and fills the air with its scent.

🍽 Food

🍽
Sansigot Wine

Try this indigenous red grape variety that pairs perfectly with local fish.

🍽
Octopus Salad

Enjoy fresh-caught octopus in the small konobas in the upper village.

🍽
Susak Oregano

Look for dishes seasoned with the island's famous wild oregano.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Dried Oregano

Buy hand-picked wild oregano as an authentic souvenir from the island.

🛍
Cosulich Winery

Visit this local producer for the best wine on the island.

🧘
Gornje Selo (Upper Village)

Stroll through the quiet alleys far away from the harbor bustle.

🧘
Bok Bay

A sandy shallow water area, well-suited for a quiet swim in the morning.

Highlights of 2026

2

Susak is a geological anomaly in the Adriatic, as it consists almost entirely of fine yellow loess sand resting on a limestone base. These sediment layers, reaching up to 100 meters in thickness, have shaped the island's unique landscape of deep-cut walking paths and lush reed fields. Due to its historical isolation, Susak has preserved cultural traits found nowhere else in Croatia. The locals speak a cryptic archaic dialect, and the traditional female folk costume is famous for its animated neon colors and unusually short skirts, worn with multiple petticoats. In the mid-20th century, the island experienced a massive wave of migration, primarily to the United States, leading to a situation where more Susak natives live in Hoboken, New Jersey, than on the island itself. With no paved roads or cars, Susak has an atmosphere of profound tranquility and a glimpse into a world where time seems to have slowed down significantly.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C9911141822252521181410
Rain mm8995766878544558109103130106

Geography

Population
151
Coordinates
44.50920, 14.30830

Facts

  • The loess sediment layers reach a thickness of over 100 meters in some areas.
  • In the mid-1950s, the island's population was recorded at over 1,600 residents.
  • An estimated 2,500 to 4,000 people of Susak descent currently live in Hoboken, NJ.
  • The local dialect preserves archaic Croatian roots mixed with significant Italian loanwords.
  • The Sansigot grape is an indigenous variety that thrives only in the island's sandy soil.
  • There are no cars on the island; all heavy transport is done via wheelbarrows or tractors.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Susak (9)

Susak Lighthouse

Located at the island's highest point, this historic lighthouse provides guidance for sailors and panoramic views.

Gornje Selo (Upper Village)

The older part of the settlement on the hill, characterized by labyrinthine alleys and traditional stone houses.

Donje Selo (Lower Village)

The lively village by the harbor, where most tourist facilities and harbor activities are located.

Svjetionik Otok Susak📍 landmark

A lighthouse built in 1881 on the highest point of the sandy island of Susak.

Vela Straža🛡️ fortress

The highest point of Susak Island features a lookout post and remnants of an old military observation tower.

Garba🌿 nature

A prominent peak on the sandy island of Susak, offering views over the Adriatic archipelago.

Spjaža🎡 recreation

The main sandy beach of Susak Island, known for its shallow waters and unique fine sand.

Bok🎡 recreation

A famous sandy beach on the unique island of Susak, known for its shallow waters and therapeutic sand.

Uvala Tijesni🎡 recreation

A shallow sandy bay on Susak island, known for its clear and calm water.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Susak island?
Susak is almost entirely composed of sand on a limestone base, which is unique in the Adriatic.
Are there cars on Susak?
No, there are no cars on the island. People get around on foot.
How to reach Susak island?
By catamaran from Rijeka or Mali Lošinj. There are also local boat connections.
Are there sandy beaches?
Yes, Bok bay is a well-known shallow sandy beach, well-suited for children.
What language do the inhabitants speak?
The locals speak a special dialect that is hard to understand even for other Croatians.
Susak: where is it located?
Susak is located in Croatia.
Susak: what is there to see?
Highlights include Susak Lighthouse, Gornje Selo (Upper Village), Donje Selo (Lower Village).
Susak: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Susak: why is it worth visiting?
Susak is a geological anomaly in the Adriatic, as it consists almost entirely of fine yellow loess sand resting on a limestone base.
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