One cold but dry day we took the local (free) ferry to one of the islands’ called Red Island.  It is made up of two small islands San Andreiji (Saint Andrew’s) and St. Maskin, linked by a concreted rock walkway.   

Approaching the island from the ferry.

In the 6th century, Benedictines built a monastery on the island, leaving in the 13th century and in the 15th century it was taken over by Franciscans who renovated the church and the monastery.  

Now a restaurant…
  • Part of the restaurant
  • The gallery hall
  • External balconies overlooking the bay.
  • Looking towards Rovinj. Nesting seagull bottom left.
  • The hotel’s bay and walkway to the smaller island.

In 1809, the island was conquered by France, and in 1892 a cement and lime factory was built on the island using the church tower as a chimney.  It is now home to a large 4 start hotel and spa, the church buildings form part of a restaurant and banquet area, and the tower has exterior stairs up to a viewing platform, giving 360* views of the islands.

It is so small, we took under an hour to walk around it’s shoreline, admiring nesting seagulls, the bays, bathing areas and the church buildings.