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January 14, 2025I recently wrote about the must-visit islands of Dalmatia.
About islands rich in history, tradition, and old architecture, islands thriving with wine and olive oil production, cultural events, and breathtaking scenery.
Although it is also located in Dalmatia, and can even be considered more famous than most, there is one island I did not mention.
And why would I, when on this island — there is nothing.
No, you didn’t misread. On this deserted island, there is not a single house, shop, resident, or even a road.
You might be wondering — But what is it that makes this island special?
I will tell you just one word.
Love.
"Island of Love"
Love is all around us, but sometimes you just need to look a little closer.
In Croatia, nature itself has provided proof that love exists by creating the beautiful little island of Galešnjak in the shape of a heart, now known as "Croatia’s Island of Love", located in the heart of the Adriatic.
Thanks to its distinctive shape, Galešnjak has become a true magnet for tourists and couples from all over the world. The romantic atmosphere, the sound of waves, wind, and birds make this island the perfect place to say “I do.”
Does Galešnjak have inhabitants?
The short answer is — no.
But it does have owners!
The island is privately owned, and in 2023, part of Galešnjak was put up for sale. Investors from all over the world showed great interest in purchasing this natural phenomenon for a “modest” price of 10 million euros. Plans included the construction of a chapel for wedding ceremonies, a restaurant, and a cellar with space for continued celebrations.
However, the plans to transform Galešnjak into an elite tourist destination did not progress far. The reason is that the island is classified as agricultural land, where, by law, construction is only allowed for agricultural purposes.
Interesting Facts |
| 8,500 years ago, the island of Galešnjak and the neighboring island of Ričul were connected by a stone bridge, an impressive architectural feat for people of that time. |
| 3,500-year-old olive pits discovered — before this finding, it was believed that olive cultivation in Croatia was introduced by the ancient Greeks. |
| In 1177, Pope Alexander III admired Galešnjak while waiting for the return of his messenger from Zadar. His arrival was marked by smoke and flames from the islands of Pašman, Ugljan, and Vrgada. |
| In 1806, Galešnjak was included in the “Atlas of the Dalmatian Coast” by Napoleon’s cartographer Charles-François Beautemps-Beaupré. |
| Beyoncé chose to celebrate her 39th birthday with her family on Galešnjak! |
Location
The uninhabited island of Galešnjak is located in Northern Dalmatia, between the town of Turanj on the Zadar Riviera on the mainland and the island of Pašman. Covered with low vegetation and a few olive trees, it is known for the many rabbits that have made the island their natural habitat.
This breathtaking natural wonder, spanning just 0.132 square kilometers, was accidentally discovered in 2009 on Google Earth. It was quickly featured on TV channels such as CNN and BBC, bringing worldwide attention to Galešnjak, the most perfectly heart-shaped island in the world. This greatly contributed to promoting the Adriatic as a top destination for a unique and unforgettable summer vacation.
How to get to the island?
Getting to Galešnjak is easiest from Zadar or the island of Pašman, and there are two ways to do it:
The first option is to rent a boat and explore the island at your own pace. The second way to visit the “island of love” is to join one of the boat tours of the surrounding islands that include a stop at Galešnjak.
There is no accommodation on the island unless you choose to camp, for which you need a special permit, as Galešnjak is privately owned.
Galešnjak Island Map
The most famous, but not the only one
Heart-shaped islands (Source_Google Earth)
There are many heart-shaped natural phenomena around the world, including lakes, islands, coral reefs, and vegetation patterns, but Galešnjak is undoubtedly the most famous.
But what if I told you that the “island of love” is not the only one of this shape in the Adriatic Sea?
Yes, there are four more islands with this fascinating shape in Croatia. What’s more, all of them are located close to the original Galešnjak.
Other heart-shaped islands in Croatia:
