Lošinj tourism and meteotsunami

In early July 2026, Travel + Leisure highlighted Croatia’s Lošinj island as the “Adriatic Maldives,” praising its crystal‑clear waters, boutique hotels and historic towns, and noting improved air links that make short trips from the United States feasible. The piece promoted the island as a safe, tropical‑like beach destination without long‑haul flights.

A few weeks later, on 20 July, a rare meteotsunami surged into Kvarner Bay, flooding promenades, streets and restaurant terraces in the resort town of Mali Lošinj. Witnesses reported knee‑deep water and temporary evacuations, though no major injuries or damage were reported. The event followed similar meteotsunamis that had struck other Croatian Adriatic towns days earlier.

Subsequent reports confirmed that the same sea‑level spike also inundated nearby coastal resorts, including Mali Ston and Stari Grad, briefly covering waterfront rivas and prompting the cancellation of several ferry and catamaran services. Authorities noted that the phenomenon, driven by rapid atmospheric pressure changes linked to thunderstorms, can generate waves over 1.8 metres high and appears to be occurring more frequently in the Adriatic due to the shape of bays and shallow waters. No significant structural damage has been recorded, but the incident highlighted the vulnerability of the burgeoning tourism corridor to sudden weather‑related hazards.