Island of Cres
Many call this idyllic island a romantic beauty or an ecological crown jewel of the Croatian Littoral.
Cres belongs to two vegetation zones – the sub-Mediterranean and the Mediterranean, and is characterized by a mild and pleasant sub-Mediterranean climate, a large number of days and hours of sun a year, and a warm crystal clear sea and wild, untouched forest.
The picturesque, romantic beaches and an occasional secluded bay are quite a reward for anyone who embarks on a little adventure and takes one of the many rustic paths running through the island.
The last 100 families of griffon vultures in Croatia have found a safe haven right here on the island of Cres, and as many as 93 species of diurnal butterflies fly across the island – more than on any other island on the Adriatic!
The culture of the island natives, thousands of years old, seeps through every corner of the island, and for embarking on a new adventure of learning about the authentic customs of the Cres natives all you need to do is peek behind one of the many beautiful doors of Cres.
Do you really feel the ground under your feet while walking, or the water on your toes when going in the sea?
Let the slow pace of the island and the relaxing steady movement of our flora and fauna inspire you to reconnect with yourself – to return to the true, real values.
Town of Cres
The town of Cres, the biggest town on the island of Cres, is located on the bottom of a well-sheltered bay on the west part of the island.
Ancient structures and the ancient fortress of Crepsa bear witness to a long and rich history of the island. The fortified old town centre, shaped in the form of a rectangle punctuated by 5 towers and several gates, was built during Venetian rule and, apart from several later additions, has for the most part retained its appearance to this day.
For that reason, a walk through the town centre will take you back to the Mediterranean as it once was and in the footsteps of our ancestors – the people that created a culture that still fascinates us.
The best way to experience this picturesque town is to walk along its many narrow alleys and streets, discover the ornaments on the medieval buildings, notice the reflection of the façades on the wooden boats and walk down the town waterfront, bathed in the sun and adorned with cafés and their outdoor terraces.
The residents of the town of Cres also want to show off their tradition and authentic customs through their cuisine and local specialities, which are, due to their Mediterranean influence, based on fish, clams, crab and cephalopods – all freshly caught by Cres fishermen!
The specialities include island lamb, pasta, served with delicious Mediterranean vegetables and fruit, herbs, olives and olive oil.
Lubenice
Located on a cliff-top 378 metres above sea level, Lubenice is a small village that held great geostrategic importance in the Middle Ages.
What can delight you more than charming winding alleys, scattered churches and remnants of a medieval fortifying wall and gates?
Just the spectacular view of the sea from high up.
Valun
As a village situated between two pebble beaches, Valun was built and inhabited by generations of fishermen and labourers of the island of Cres.
This authentic village tells the century-old tale of life by the sea. It is especially interesting to note that, in the church of St. Mark, the Valun Tablet was discovered – one of the oldest Glagolitic monuments, dating back to as early as the 11th century.
Beli
What does a 4000-year-old island settlement look like?
The village of Beli is full of structures that bear witness to its rich history and the earliest traces of culture that defined this area – from the remains of ancient houses and thick dry-stone walls to the parish established in 1018.
The village of Beli is also the haven for the magnificent griffon vultures, and you can also visit the permanent exhibit dedicated to the biodiversity of the Cres and Lošinj islands.
Martinšćica
Ecological heritage of the island of Cres permeates all corners of the village Martinšćica.
Explore the beautiful, wild beaches surrounded by untouched nature scattered across Martinšćica, framed by the hilly background with its remains of ancient structures and remnants of the Romanesque church of St. Christopher.
Join us on an adventure of discovering the island
DESTINATIONS
Town of Cres, Beli, Lubenice, Martinšćica, Valun
ACTIVITIES
Diving, walking tours, bike rides, diving school…