The romantic getaway of Galešnjak, Croatia’s heart-shaped island in the Pašman Channel, may soon have its peace shattered if a buyer is found for a large plot recently put up for sale. An area covering 32,000 square metres, around a fifth of the island, has been put on the market, although whoever has the ten million euros required to buy it will not be able to develop any land close to the coast.
First mapped by Napoleon’s cartographers in 1806, Galešnjak first gained global fame two centuries later when its shape was detected and outlined by Google. Since then, it has become a favourite for tourists, who must charter a boat to reach it, or have a local row them across.
Currently, there’s little on the island except for low vegetation and a couple of pebble beaches. Those who wish to stay must put up their own tent – as yet, there are no buildings.
The prospective owner may grow olives or cultivate vineyards, but any construction would be limited to 400 square metres, just enough for a villa or restaurant. Thrown in free of charge are the spectacular sunsets for which this part of northern Dalmatia is renowned.