Garba

Garba is the highest point on the island of Susak, part of Croatia's Kvarner archipelago near Lošinj. Rising to 98 metres above sea level, the hill is crowned by a lighthouse reached via a walking trail from the island's only village. It combines a scenic viewpoint, layers of history, and one of the Adriatic's most unusual landscapes, making it a highlight of any visit to Susak.

What makes Susak different from other Adriatic islands?

Unlike its rocky neighbours, Susak is built almost entirely of fine sand deposited over a limestone base — a geological rarity in the Adriatic. This is why the island has soft, golden beaches and rolling, grass-covered hills rather than the typical stony terrain found elsewhere in the Kvarner islands. Garba, as the island's tallest point, is the clearest illustration of this unusual geology: its slopes are lined with grassy terraces, and in places you can spot the effects of long-term sand erosion.

How do you get to Garba?

The starting point is the village of Susak, the island's only settlement, from where a marked footpath leads up to the lighthouse at the summit. The walk itself is short, but because the ground is sandy and the local microclimate can be warm, comfortable shoes and water are recommended, especially in summer. There are no roads for cars on Susak, so the whole route is covered on foot or by bicycle — part of the island's charm, where the pace of exploring is set by nature rather than traffic.

What will you see at the top?

At the summit of Garba stands a lighthouse, built precisely where a prehistoric hill fort once stood and where, later, an important lookout point was maintained. Traces of that observational role remain visible today, with the remnants of old military posts scattered nearby, used as watch stations through the 20th century. From the viewing area next to the lighthouse, the panorama takes in the whole island of Susak, the surrounding Kvarner waters, and, on clear days, neighbouring islands of the archipelago. It is the best spot to appreciate the shape and scale of an island built almost entirely of sand.

When is the best time to hike up?

The most pleasant conditions are in spring and early summer (May–June) and early autumn (September), when temperatures are milder than at the height of summer and the vegetation on Garba's slopes is green and lush. In July and August, the sun on the shadeless, sandy trail can be intense, so an early morning or late afternoon walk is a good idea — it also happens to be the best light for photos.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Garba? Garba reaches 98 metres above sea level and is the highest point on the island of Susak.

Can you go inside the lighthouse at the top? The lighthouse on Garba is an active navigational structure; access to the interior depends on current availability, but the surrounding grounds and viewpoint are open to visitors.

How long does it take to walk up to Garba from the village? The trail from Susak village to the summit is typically about an hour on foot, depending on pace and stops for the views.

What else is worth seeing on the way to Garba? Along the route you'll pass the remains of former military lookout posts and the grassy sand terraces that are unique to this island.