In the Middle of Nowhere - Island Unije
We were looking for a destination that, after a year of busy family, work, and school life, would offer us peace, secluded beaches, beautiful views, and above all, a return to nature. It needed to be close to Slovenia, where we live. Our journey led us to Unije Island.
Unije Island is where untouched nature and civilization meet. The islanders (about 30 permanent residents) preserve this Adriatic gem as a car-free haven, with no shopping centers and no mass tourism. Yet, you’ll find a small grocery store for essentials, a bakery, a restaurant, and a beach bar.
How to get there
We set off by car from Maribor towards the Croatian border, then continued to Rijeka, where the port is located and where the catamaran to Unije Island departs.
During the main summer season, the drive took us about 3.5 hours. We parked in a lot around a 10-minute walk from the port. Right by the pier, there is a café where we enjoyed a cold iced tea while eagerly waiting to board.
The seats on the catamaran are very comfortable, with plenty of legroom, and children can easily walk up and down to help the journey pass more quickly. The ride lasted 3 hours, and soon we arrived on our beautiful island.
Tip 1: Buy catamaran tickets online in advance (at least 2 weeks before), as they sell out very quickly.
Tip 2: It is very important to arrive at the port on time, because only one catamaran goes to the island each day.
If you are traveling by plane, the easiest option is to land in Zagreb and continue by train (approx. 5 hours) or bus (approx. 2 hours). That way, you also avoid worrying about where to park your car.
Accommodation
We stayed with friends in a four-bedroom house about a 10-minute walk from the main beach. Although this house is not available for rent, a few apartments and rooms are available on Booking.com. Booking early usually means you'll find something available. Few accommodation options mean fewer tourists, which enhances Unije’s unique beauty.
Highlights of our trip
The walk to the lighthouse
For me, this was the most beautiful part of the island.
The path to the lighthouse passes grazing fields where cattle and sheep roam freely. After about half an hour of walking along side paths, a stunning view of the lighthouse opens up before you.
You cannot enter the lighthouse itself, but from the surrounding walls, you can admire the breathtaking scenery. The best time to go is just before sunset, so you can witness the magical moment when the sun meets the sea. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins - sometimes an entire pod.
The trail is suitable for families with children, as the terrain is flat and easy to walk. Around the lighthouse, there are many places to explore. Small pools carved by the sea create a natural aquarium where children can watch crabs, fish, and shrimp for hours. The coast is full of sharp rocks, so proper footwear is essential - sneakers are the best option. If you want to swim, water shoes are a must, along with extra caution. I would not recommend swimming there for very young children.
For me, this is the only place where I have ever truly felt complete peace, balance, and harmony. A place where my soul could rest and be nourished. A place where I can forget all my worries, simply admire the power of the sea, and listen to the crashing waves. Just me and nature.
This is a place I will definitely return to.
The cliffs
The walk from the center of Unije (the island’s only inhabited village) to the so-called “Cliffs” begins on a paved path leading to Maračol Bay. This bay is always home to many sailboats because of its ideal location.
The path then turns into a narrow trail, first through shrubs and then through a pine forest. It climbs very gradually, making it suitable for children. We needed about an hour to reach the top, with plenty of stops to explore along the way. We simply could not resist tasting delicious blackberries and searching for sheep and rams. In the end, all the effort was rewarded. From the top of the 40-meter cliffs, a spectacular view opens up.
Be cautious near the cliff edges, as they are unfenced, and the terrain in some areas is unstable or crumbling. It is important to keep a safe distance from the edge, watch your footing, and closely supervise children at all times when exploring this area.
At the top, there are also several military bunkers from World War II. They were strategically positioned with a clear view of the sea routes. The bunkers are empty now - or rather, goats have made them their home. They are especially fascinating for children, as exploring them feels like a real adventure.
You can return the same way or choose another route that crosses the hill and descends back to the village from the other side. We chose the second option and stopped for a swim in a small bay with a beautiful beach and crystal-clear water.
The cemetery
This might sound unexpected, but visiting the cemetery gave me a unique experience.
At first, I didn’t even know there was a cemetery on Unije until my brother mentioned it. As luck would have it, the conversation started at 11 p.m. My curiosity and love of exploring simply would not let me rest. Around midnight, we set off to find it. The path there is lit by street lamps. The cemetery is enclosed, with large iron gates leading inside. What amazed me most was how many truly old tombs there were. The oldest one dates back to 1840. The cemetery is beautifully maintained, although some monuments inscribed in Italian may not have been cared for in many years.
My eyes stopped on one tomb. The year of death: 1851. I could not read the name. The tomb was damaged - the marble broken, with a hole at the top large enough to shine a light inside. Did we look? Of course we did. Because how often do you get the chance to see something like that? First, we cleared away the cobwebs, and after a few moments of looking, there it was. A skull. Yes, a skull and the skeleton of someone who died long ago in 1851. At that moment, I stood silently before the tomb and gave that person a few moments of respect.
For me, it was an incredible and unforgettable experience.
It may not be your first stop when visiting Unije - but it was definitely an experience worth writing about.
Paradise beach
On the other side of the island lies the so-called Paradise Beach. Why it has that name, I don’t know - but it is certainly intriguing. The path to the beach is unmarked, so a little resourcefulness is required. First, the route follows a gravel road, then a narrow trail through pine trees and meadows.
We met no one along the way, and the beach itself was completely empty. The whole walk took us about an hour with small children. It’s best to go early in the morning before the heat rises, as the trail is exposed to the sun and can become very hot and humid. We spent the entire day there - exploring the shore, snorkeling, and searching for rays. According to locals, they are often found there. We didn’t see any ourselves, but we did observe many kinds of fish, little crabs, and even a few shells.
This beach is perfect for anyone seeking peace and solitude.
Attractions for children
There are no amusement parks, aquariums, shopping centers, or typical tourist attractions on Unije. If you come to Unije, you already know that children will need to entertain themselves differently. How? With everything nature has to offer.
Right next to the main beach, there is a football field with large goals. A little further along the path to the village, you can find two swings. And the main beach itself is a paradise for children: pebbles, shallow water, and endless opportunities for exploring.
Unije Island is truly worth visiting - for families with children, singles, and older travelers alike. Everyone can find their own little piece of peace and truly enjoy the beauty this island has to offer. So, if you’re wondering whether to go or not - yes, go. Experience it. Enjoy it.
Travel details
Time of travel: August 2025
Number of days: 7
Travel costs for 4 people:
• Fuel and tolls: €84.00
• Parking at the port: €22.00
• Catamaran: €62.00
• Accommodation: €300.00
• Food and drinks: €350.00
Total: €818.00