NATURAL BEAUTIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA, GALEŠNJAK

A heart-shaped island for the life-changing "Yes" The Island of Love, the Island of Lovers, the Heart of the Adriatic... That is what they call the tiny island of Galešnjak in northern Dalmatia. Its heart shape, the most perfect one known, had only been noticed in recent times, in 2008 via Google Maps, and the world media and social networks made it a sensation overnight. Beyoncé celebrated her birthday there, Michael Jordan, Jeff Bezos and who knows what other celebrities visited the islet, and many couples have pledged their eternal love on Galešnjak. Galešnjak is located near the coast, and it can be reached by taking the Adriatic road from Zadar some twenty kilometers to the south. In the Pašman Channel, not far from the coastal towns of Turanj, Sv. Filip i Jakov and Biograd na Moru, Galešnjak basks in the Mediterranean sun and awakens lovers' longing. Science says that it was inhabited in prehistoric times, about 7,000 years ago, but no one lives on it today, nor does it have any artificial structures. Only pebble beaches and crystal clear sea welcome romantics and anyone else who wants to step into this unique place. With an area of only 0.132 square kilometers, elevation of 36 meters above sea level and a coastline only a kilometer and a half long, Galešnjak is a favorite spot for those lucky people struck by Cupid's arrow. Researchers have found traces of ancient graves there, as well as ages-old olive stones and a stone bridge undersea. Very long ago, when the sea levels were lower, Galešnjak was connected with the islet of Ričula, 80 meters away. Back in 1806, a Napoleon's cartographer accurately mapped the heart shape of Galešnjak, but it was viewed always from a human perspective, and it was only in our century that it became famous, thanks to modern technology. Whether arriving by an excursion boat, pedal boat or even swimming, just to relax on the beach or spend a night under the stars, or to seal the biggest decision of your life, Galešnjak will see you off with a blessing for all those who love, for all who live for – the heart. Hrvoje Dečak, mag. nov.