A couple has been living on an uninhabited island for 20 years: “An oasis of happiness”
Life at a slower pace - Mali and Veli Srakane are two small Croatian islands where two and three people live, respectively.
For the past 20 years, Werner and his wife Ana have called the tiny Croatian island of Mali Srakane home—a place untouched by modern conveniences and defined by its raw, natural beauty.
There are no stores. No restaurants. No paved roads... Just the rhythm of the sea, the whisper of the wind, and the occasional toll of church bells.
A healthy alternative
The couple moved to the island two decades ago seeking relief for their son, who suffered from asthma. “The doctor asked, ‘Mountains or the sea?’ Our son loved diving, so the choice was clear,” Werner told Croatian outlet Dalmacija Danas. “Back then, the island was rich—plenty of wine, fresh vegetables. It felt like real life, the old-fashioned kind.”
Mali Srakane is a world away from the hustle of city life. The most urban sound you’ll hear is the ringing of church bells, especially during the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or in emergencies, when they’re used to alert residents on neighboring Veli Srakane.
Three residents on remote island
Just across the water, Veli Srakane is even quieter. Only three people live there: Igor Rukavina, his wife Blanka, and a free-diving fisherman named Dubravko Balenovic. “We have electricity, water, and internet,” Balenovic explains. “There’s no physical connection to the mainland, but with a little goodwill and understanding, you can make it work.”
Igor describes island life as stress-free and deeply grounding. “Going to the city is overwhelming—the noise, the crowds, the honking. We’ve been here for 20 years, and you just settle into a slower rhythm.”
But paradise has its challenges. Droughts are common, and when water is scarce, residents can’t grow water-intensive crops like watermelon. Instead, they rely on hardy vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and beans—plants that can survive with less.
Despite the hardships, the islanders wouldn’t trade their lifestyle for anything. In a world that’s constantly rushing, Mali and Veli Srakane offer something rare: peace, simplicity, and a return to what matters most.
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