Each year at the end of June the tiny island of Ilovik comes alive for a two day folk festival dedicated to its patron saints Peter and Paul. The celebration begins on the evening of 28 June with the lighting of a large bonfire known locally as “koleda” on the Gubin shore and continues on 29 June with a festive Mass, a village procession carrying statues of the apostles, and an open-air party on the main square.
What to Expect
- 28 June sunset bonfire on the beach followed by live accordion music and informal dancing
- 29 June morning Mass in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, then a procession through narrow lanes decked with flowers and flags
- Afternoon sporting games for children, stands selling homemade pastries and island wine, and an evening concert by a local dance band
- Ferries and excursion boats add extra departures on both days so visitors from Lošinj can arrive and return easily
Why Go
- See an authentic island festival unchanged for generations in Croatia’s smallest permanently inhabited community
- Experience the rare “koleda” bonfire ritual that symbolically drives away bad luck for the coming fishing season
- Enjoy Ilovik’s famous gardens and sandy coves during the quieter daytime hours, then join locals for music under the stars
Getting There
Passenger boats run from Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj to Ilovik pier several times a day during summer. The crossing takes about 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the harbor kiosks; plan to catch a mid-morning boat on 29 June if you want to see the procession.
Visitor Tips
- Wear light clothing and stable shoes; the village streets are paved in smooth stone
- Bring cash for food stalls and the evening bar since there is no ATM on the island
- The bonfire area can be breezy after dark – a light jacket is useful
- Accommodation on Ilovik is limited; most guests return to Lošinj on the late boat
A Small Island With a Big Heart
With only a few hundred residents, Ilovik proves that a sense of community can light up even the smallest place. Join the Islanders for their Saints Day and you will leave with warm memories of music, bonfire flames, and the scent of blooming oleander drifting across the harbor.
