Nerezine today, a settlement with roughly 400 inhabitants, is small but select, offers a near to “urban” infrastructure with shops, cafes, kiosks, a supermarket a post-office and even two hairdressers. The most important economic sector of Nerezine is the local shipyard, specializing in building and maintenance of wooden ships. Peasants and fishermen have moulded the character of Nerezine and the island of Losinj.
The loose structure of the settlement on the slopes, with its small pastures and numerous gardens leaves the impression of a green oasis.

You can easily reach the neighbouring settlement of Osor, about 4 km away, by paths. Osor is the joint connecting the islands of Cres in the north and Losinj in the south. In ancient times it was a roman port and for centuries an important trading centre, later it became a bishops’ see and today hosts musical events during the summer. The cathedral, the ruins of two cloisters, an archaeological as well as a small church museum are points of interest.

The capital of the island is the town of Mali Losinj, 20 km distant, and a lively metropolis. Its importance in the past lay in its shipbuilding and its merchant fleet, later on it became a popular Austrian spa. Today it is the centre of the islands tourism with numerous shops, cafes and kiosks lined along the harbour front.
It is also the departure point for the daily boat service to the surrounding smaller islands – a trip that conveys unique insights into the daily life of an island world.

The capital of the neighbouring island of Cres, easily within reach by car or bus, was an administrative centre for both islands during the centuries of Venetian reign. These not only left their mark on the Italian dialect spoken here, but even more so shaped the maze of winding, narrow streets and squares.

So setting out from Nerezine you can enjoy near but completely different excursions, with destinations documenting the Roman, Venetian and Austrian history of the islands.