Mali Lošinj’s new riva opens after €2.9 million redevelopment

MALI LOŠINJ, 21 July 2026 – More than €10 million is being invested in transport and waterfront infrastructure on Croatia’s Lošinj Island, with work continuing on a major road reconstruction project while the newly renovated Vela Riva waterfront has officially opened in Mali Lošinj.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković visited Mali Lošinj on Monday to inspect progress on the reconstruction of the DC100 state road between Mali Lošinj and Veli Lošinj before attending the opening ceremony for the reconstructed Vela Riva.

The road project, valued at €7.26 million, includes the reconstruction of around two kilometres of the DC100, the construction of a new roundabout, footpaths, a cycle lane and public lighting. The works are aimed at improving road safety and transport connections on the island.

(Photo: Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

Later in the day, officials marked the completion of the reconstruction of Vela Riva, a project worth €2.91 million.

The redevelopment included the renovation of part of the operational waterfront at the Port of Mali Lošinj, reconstruction of the harbour promenade, the construction of a new ticket office, repairs to the quay wall, and improvements to landscaping and public spaces.

Funding for the project came from several sources, with the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure contributing just over €2.02 million, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County providing €212,500, and the Mali Lošinj County Port Authority investing almost €673,000.

(Photo: Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

Speaking at the opening, Butković said the renovated waterfront would serve not only as a working port but also as a public space for residents and visitors.

He also highlighted the scale of investment in Croatia’s port infrastructure over the past decade, noting that more than €500 million has been invested in the reconstruction and modernisation of ports and waterfronts along the country’s coastline through a combination of national and European Union funding.

(Photo: Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Prefect Ivica Lukanović described the project as an important investment for Mali Lošinj and said the county would continue investing in island infrastructure, including education, roads, healthcare, agriculture and maritime facilities.

Mali Lošinj Mayor Ana Kučić thanked the ministry and the county for their support and announced that the next phase of waterfront redevelopment will connect the newly completed Vela Riva with the Riva Lošinjskih Kapetana through upgraded traffic arrangements, new stone paving and improved drainage.

(Photo: Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

Construction on the next phase is scheduled to begin at the end of November.

Mario Franković, Director of the Mali Lošinj County Port Authority, said the renewed waterfront represented more than an infrastructure investment, describing it as an important public space that connects the town’s history, residents and future.