Islet of Košljun (Otok Košljun)

Košljun is a small, wooded islet in the Bay of Punat, on the island of Krk, and it is almost entirely occupied by a Franciscan monastery. The islet lies only a short distance from the shore of the town of Punat, and a small boat shuttles visitors across, so the crossing takes just a few minutes. On landing you find yourself in a calm, green place of cypresses, pines and old trees, a world apart from the busy harbour on the other side of the bay. It is among the most atmospheric cultural sites on the northern Adriatic.

The monastery was founded in the fifteenth century, on the site of an earlier Benedictine settlement, and the community of Franciscans has lived there ever since, with interruptions. Over the centuries, the friars built up collections that make the monastery something of a small museum complex. The church of the Annunciation holds works of Renaissance art, including a Venetian polyptych of the sixteenth century, and the cloister and courtyards are shaded and quiet. The monastery has a long tradition of learning, and it holds manuscripts in the Glagolitic script, the old Slavic alphabet used in this part of Croatia, as well as a large library with tens of thousands of volumes, among them rare early printed books such as an atlas of Ptolemy printed in the early sixteenth century.

Visitors can usually see several collections housed in the monastery: archaeological finds from the island and its surroundings, religious art and objects, ethnographic items such as folk costumes and tools, and a natural history display with zoological specimens that range from the ordinary to the curious. The museums are small and old-fashioned, and their charm lies in the way they reflect the interests of generations of friars. Opening times are limited, particularly outside the summer, and part of the monastery is private since the friars live there, so respect signs and keep voices low.

The islet is also a nature reserve. Its woods and paths hold a very large number of plant species, and walking around it takes less than an hour, with views across the water to Punat and the hills of Krk. Birds nest in the trees, and the quiet of the place is its main attraction. Classical and sacred music concerts are occasionally held in the monastery, and the acoustics of the atrium are praised.

In Punat, you can take a walk on the waterfront promenade, visit the marina, and swim at nearby beaches such as Medane. Check the boat timetable before you go, as crossings may be less frequent out of season, and dress modestly. Plan one to two hours on the islet. It suits those interested in history, art and nature, and anyone who likes quiet places.