
During the latter part of the XVIII. century, Veli and Mali Lošinj embarked on their great naval adventure. Thanks to the enterprise and courage of men such as the Vidulich brothers, Doctor Capponi, Professor haračić, and ship owners Martinolich and Cosulich, many important buildings werw erected during the period, including the shipyard, the Nautical Academy, and the Astronomical Meteorological Observatory.
Skippers, the stature of Pedrina, Budinich, and Leva, defied the rough seas and oceans with their clippers, enhancing trade between the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and the countries of the New World, thus bringing the island fame and fortune.
Towards the end of the XIX. century, when clippers gave way to the more technologically advanced steamboats, Lošinj discovered tourism. Thanks to its mild climate and diverse plant life, the island quickly became an important health resort, frequented by even the Austro-Hungarian Court. In 1866, the local tourist society was formed, and in 1887 Lošinj's first hotel - 'Vindobona' was built. Beginning with the Bay of Čikat, the coast was planted with the Aleppo pinetrees.
Shortly thereafter, the first luxurious villas like theAdelma and the Carole were completed, not tomention the Institute for Healing of Respiratory Diseases. At the start of World War I there were tens of hotels, boarding houses, and countless villas in use. The established hospitality tradition and the experiences gained in that period stand in good stead today, and together with the construction of modern and functional facilities, Lošinj is able to offer its guests superior quality throughout the year.