Island of Susak

According to one story Susak/Sansego was named after oregano (greek: sansegus), one of the many healthful herbs which grows on the island. The name of the island in Italian (Isola di Sansego) suggests that this story is probably true.

Susak/Sansego is a small island formed from several millions cube meters of sand deposits spilled on 3.75 square kilometers stone "base". Island is situated west of Losinj island. Communications are made via Mali Losinj (40 minutes by boat) and via Rijeka (2 h and 45 min by catamaran). The northern part of the island has a higher elevation then the southern part, with Garba at 98 meters. Almost the whole island is covered with terraced vineyards, reed and meadows. You can walk around the island in just 4 hours.

The only settlement is the village Susak/Sansego, on the east coast. It has been said that Susak is lying on the water. The fact is that wine grape grows successfully on the island, and despite the lack of rain it is constantly fresh and green. The surrounding sea offers good fishing grounds. Its very interesting for visitors to climb the "hundred steps way" to Gornje Selo to visit a parish church in which is "Veli Bog", an impressive Roman-Byzantine cross of "Christ the winner" from the second half of 12th century, and the cemetery (one of tourist attractions). In the village are two main sandy beaches: Dragoca and Bok/Bouk. Around the island are many beautiful small sandy and rocky inlets which you can reach by foot.

During 1936 the island was inhabitant by nearly 2000 people, but today Susak has 684 houses and only 212 inhabitants. Many of them immigrated in America after the Second World War, and today they are coming back on holidays or after retirement. A folk-costume is certainly the trademark by which Susak can be recognized. The lively-coloured folk-costume is particularly interesting since the skirt length is above the knee, possible prototypes of today's mini-skirt.

Learn more about the island of Susak: www.otok-susak.org