The fragrant trails of Cres: enjoy an active holiday at Kovačine Camp

On the island of Cres, you don’t have to be a ‘hardcore’ hiker to enjoy yourself. All you need are trainers and a bit of good will.

Near the Kovačine Camp, there is an entire network of trails that wind through unspoilt nature, leap over dry-stone walls, briefly lead you down olive groves, only to lift you up again high above a sea of the deepest blue. And just when you think, ‘OK, now we’re heading back’ – another bend appears, looking like it leads to something even better. And of course, you have to go check it out.

Whether you’re more of an ‘easy stroll with a view’ type of person or a ‘let’s conquer these hills’ type of person, here you will find a trail to suit your taste. Cyclists, trekkers, hikers – everyone will find something for themselves.

And the best part? Most of the time, you won’t see a soul. Except perhaps for some sheep giving you the side-eye.

If you’ve never walked through fields of sage and immortelle before, be prepared to want to stop every now and then to breathe deeply, as if you were at a wellness workshop.

It’s not just a walk, it’s a proper aromatherapy session – but natural, and outdoors. And, get this, there’s a real possibility you’ll completely forget to check your phone because you’ll be too busy simply breathing.

And if you do bring your phone (we know you will), then just make sure you have enough storage on it. Here, even ‘ordinary’ trails look like they’re straight off a magazine cover.

If you enjoy faster rides, Cres is streaked with inviting cycling routes – offering everything from easy rides along the coast to more challenging terrain for the more experienced.

Cycling is more than a sport – it’s the perfect way to experience the island from a different perspective, so much so that you will wonder who arranged it all to look so good. The terrain isn’t flat and the routes aren’t always easy, but they’re just challenging enough to make you feel a sense of accomplishment (as well as to feel like you’ve rightfully earned that hearty dinner which, by the way, always tastes better after a bike ride – it’s science).

If you don’t know where to start (and here you are really spoilt for choice), below are three tried-and-tested options for every mood (and note that all of them start from the Kovačine Camp):

1. Cres – Lubenice (for that ‘wow’ effect)

This is the trail that will have you stopping more times than you planned – not because you’re tired, but because you want one more photo. The trail leads to the village of Lubenice, perched high above the sea and overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

• Difficulty: moderate
• Perfect for: hikers and those who love being rewarded with a spectacular view
• Bonus: the feeling of having discovered something special

2. Valun – Cres (a gentle and fragrant walk)

This trail is perfect for days when you want to be active (but without breaking a sweat or too much planning). The trail connects the charming village of Valun with the town of Cres, and winds through olive groves, along the sea and amid the scents of the Mediterranean.

• Difficulty: easy
• Perfect for: walks, light trekking, and even a family day out
• Bonus: you can stop for a swim

3. Cres - Predošćica

The trail to Predošćica takes you to one of those parts of the island where nature takes centre stage.

Along the way, you will find stone and gravel under your feet and open vistas before your eyes, and as you go on there will be fewer signs of civilisation and more of that feeling of being truly ‘out there’, far from any kind of stress.

Ovdje negdje prolazi i 45. paralela, tiha granica između sjevera i juga, pa kako idete dalje, krajolik se mijenja pred očima – od surovijeg kamena prema zelenilu i maslinicima, koji oko Cresa slažu onaj prepoznatljiv, ljudskom rukom oblikovan pejzaž.

All around you are open pastures and ancient traces of life, places where sheep grazed a long time ago, giving the entire trail a quiet, forgotten rhythm where time seems to move more slowly.

And the best part? The view opens up towards the island of Krk, and it is the kind of view that makes you automatically slow down, whether you’re walking or cycling.

• Difficulty: moderate
• Bonus: sprawling view of Krk and complete serenity