The ancient winds deposited thick layers of fine yellowish sand onto the limestone plate and since time immemorial people planted reeds around their fields. The roots of the reeds, in search for water, penetrate deep into the soil and preserve it from erosion.
The island occurred very early on the nautical charts, first under the Roman name Sansacus or Sansegus, which probably derives from "sampsychon" (Greek - marjoram), which resulted in the Croatian name of Susak. First mention of the island in written sources dates back to the middle of the 9th century, when the Saracen and Venetian armies clashed in the waters near the island.

The island is connected by a regular daily shipping line with Mali Lošinj and by catamaran with Rijeka.