Cres is almost as big as Krk but has only a fraction of its residents and visitors. The island is a mosaic of oak woods in the north, bare pastures criss-crossed by dry-stone walls in the south, cliffs and secluded pebble coves. Griffon vultures nest on its cliffs, an enigmatic freshwater lake lies at its centre, and its villages are small, stony and quiet. For nature lovers one of the most rewarding islands in the Adriatic.
nature lovers, hikers, those seeking peace, campers
Special feature
griffon vultures, Lake Vrana, sheep farming and lamb
Places on Cres
Cres town Venetian-style harbour town with loggia, town gate and clock tower; the island's largest settlement
Beli ancient hilltop village in the green north, visitor centre for griffon-vulture protection, pebble beach below
Valun fishing village in a western bay; its church displays the 11th-century Valun Tablet, a bilingual (Glagolitic/Latin) tombstone inscription
Osor tiny museum town at the swing bridge to Lošinj, open-air sculptures, Osor Music Evenings in summer
Lubenice cliff village at about 380 m above one of Croatia's most beautiful coves (see separate page)
Griffon vultures and Lake Vrana
Griffon vultures with a wingspan of up to 2.8 metres live on Cres, nesting on the cliffs above the sea. The visitor centre in Beli explains the birds and the conservation programme – young vultures sometimes fall into the sea and are cared for here. Lake Vrana in the middle of the island is a deep freshwater lake whose bottom lies below sea level; it supplies Cres and Lošinj with drinking water, so swimming is forbidden.
Coves and hiking
Many of the finest coves can only be reached on foot or by boat, for example below Lubenice or on the east coast. Signposted trails lead through the oak forests of Tramuntana in the north and along old shepherds' paths. Cres lamb, grazing on salty, herb-rich pastures, is considered a speciality.
Honest verdict
Cres is not for party-goers and not ideal for families who need entertainment and sandy beaches. Roads are narrow, distances long and shops outside Cres town limited. But if you want nature, silence, starry skies and clear water, you'll love Cres – especially in high summer when other islands are overrun.
Apartment Malo SrećeHoliday apartment · Cres · up to 2 guestsfrom €95 / night
