Visit a Romantic Heart-Shaped Island in Croatia

In 1806, Napoleon’s cartographer included a naturally heart-shaped island in an atlas of Croatia‘s Dalmatian Coast. Ever since Galesnjak Island’s first appearance on a map in the 19th century, the small and rugged valentine-shaped island—which is often referred to as Lover’s Island or the Island of Love—has attracted sweethearts from across the globe.

Galesnjak Island is quite small. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk across the entire island. Aside from three ancient Illyrian burial mounds and the ruins of a Roman structure, the Island of Love is completely uninhabited. Croatian resident Vlado Juresko currently owns Galesnjak Island. Juresko’s only alteration to the island is a row of olive and fig trees that will eventually grow into a romantic grove.

Despite a total lack of amenities and an ecosystem that is primarily composed of rabbits, eagles, and pigeons, Galesnjak Island is a hotspot for romantics and celebrities. Beyoncé celebrated her 39th birthday on the Island of Love, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has docked his yacht near the island on more than one occasion.

Galesnjak Island is home to a tranquil pebble beach where visitors can swim and sunbathe. The sapphire waters of the Adriatic Sea are a magnificent place to soak and relax. Since Galesnjak Island exploded in popularity after the island was highlighted on Google Maps in 2009, tender-hearted lovers have increasingly invited the apple of their eye to Lover’s Island to propose. Popping the question on a heart-shaped island is about as romantic as it gets.

The world’s most celebrated heart-shaped island has naturally hosted a few weddings. In order to plan a wedding on Lover’s Island, you must get permission from Vlado Juresko to host an event and ensure that you can transport enough chairs, tents, and other amenities so that your guests are comfortable. Aside from Galesnjak’s heart shape, the rugged beauty of the island is an excellent backdrop for a memorable wedding.

Lover’s Island is located in the Pašman Channel between the Pašman Islands and the quaint town of Turanj on the mainland of Croatia. Galesnjak Island is also located a short distance from the bustling city of Zadar, which is an excellent place to rent a boat to travel to Lover’s Island as there is no ferry from the mainland. Companies such as Novak Yacht Charter offer sailing boats, catamarans, and motor boats so that you can explore Lover’s Island and the surrounding waters in comfort and style.

In addition to being a secluded spot where lovebirds can celebrate their joyous bond, Galesnjake Island is also a snorkeling hotspot. The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea offer excellent visibility for spotting sea urchins, crabs, and iridescent fish. You may even be lucky enough to spot an ancient artifact such as a coin, bottle, or piece of pottery.

Portions of Galešnjak Island are currently for sale, so there will probably be a great deal of development in the near future. There is no time like the present for you and your sweetheart to enjoy the secluded, wild beauty of Lover’s Island.

Location on Google Maps.